Monday, April 09, 2007

And life continues on....

It was NOT cancer. It WAS a diabetic dermopathy. Like I suspected. Isn't it amazing what you can learn from the internet? There are some pretty accurate photos that tell me exactly what is going on with his body. So sad that he doesn't car enough to study, research and learn. I guess I want to know what to expect next.

He has his major 6 month lab tests coming up on the 20th. He will get a new a1c, and we'll learn how all the other levels are doing. It will be interesting to see where we are. He acknowledged today the he has "restless leg syndrome"....I sort of had to chuckle. I'm not sure if that's what he has...but I haven't slept in the same bed with him in a month because every time I try...he jumps and bounces so much that I'm awake all night long. I asked him if he would consider talking to his doctor about sleep apne. He didn't answer me yes or no....but at least the thought is out there. I know he quits breathing several times every night. But again....he has to want to help himself. But I think it doesn't hurt to put the thoughts out there.

My design work is keeping me quite busy, spending late nights in my studio and traveling a bit. A particularily busy week this week. He says that he "misses me", but I continue to explain that I need to build a life, that my life doesn't stop because he doesn't want to go on. So today, he actually got up and walked on the treadmill for 5 minutes. And said he was going to try to walk some every day and ride the stationary bicycle. I felt like doing a victory dance!

He has had about 3 weeks of severe back pain....seems to need more and more naps. Is it the pain wearing him out? Or is something else going on? He is now working from home almost full time, will set alarms for meetings and sleep between phone calls. So far it seems to be working.

And he did say that he is thinking about trying to work for 3 more years, and then filing for disability. At least he has a goal....being able to work for 3 more years. I think that is good!

He also agreed to try to do one more trip through Europe. Mostly on the trains. I know it really is a struggle for him to move that much, but he would like to see the south of France, and I want to go back to Germany. So hopefully we can do that this fall....again, something to look forward to.

In general, all is quiet and I just wanted to check in and report that it wasn't cancer.

1 comment:

Komadori said...

I just found your blog. I was trying to find out more about diabetes and sugar lows. But when I read your blog, and then some of the oldest entries in it from last year, I felt an overwhelming sense of compassion for your predicament. Diabetes may be His Disease, but it is affecting you both. I hope small steps in the right direction will lead to leaps of improvement, in time.

Myself, I am a 32 single girl, on the upper end of the 200s in lbs, and I was just diagnosed with borderline diabetes. I really think something chemically happens to put someone with the disease into a forgetful, careless and denying funk. I'm struggling with it, even now. But I am taking my own small steps, dietary first... And I've gone from 150 to 132 on my sugar count.

I do have a sweet tooth, so to deal with it, I have Popsicle brand fat free fudge pops. They're only 8g carbs. And if you eat too many, you'll find yourself going too much (so it's a good warning/punishment!) LOL.

I also like crackers, so I've turned to crispbread. I'm allowing myself guacamole every few days, since avacado is good for your blood pressure (which is another issue I deal with, yay...).

It is SO easy to munch your way through food, in zombie mode in front of the TV anyway! I hope you can find a way to get your DH out of the house and having some fun. Physical activity doesn't need to be hurtful on the feet or strenuous. :) I bet there are diebetic Physical Therapists out there. If not, there needs to be!

Anyway, I was really moved by your life story here. I want you to know, even as you and your husband struggle with Diabetes, and it looks bleak in how he's handling it --- You touch lives in this blog. And mine has been touched. I'm going to do my best to get my "7.something" down below 5 and get my sugars between 70 and 110!

I think if enough of your silent readers speak up, maybe we can help lift you up, too, and help you lift your DH up.

I will keep you both in my prayers.