Health Update

[rad14701]

Well, I figured I'd better update everyone on my health status considering how many of you voiced concerns, which were greatly appreciated...

I managed to in to see a doctor who would actually take cash payments... Odd how few will do that these days... Was sent for blood work, which ain't cheap, and found that my thyroid is doing fine, but discovered that I am diabetic... So now I'm on two medications, Glipizide and Metformin (Glucophage), which I can get at Wal-Mart for about $4.00 per prescription... The blood sugar levels are coming down, slowly, and I'm feeling a lot better... I've even started putting some of the lost 40 pounds back on, but not as quickly as I'd like... I never had any extra weight to spare... My diet has never been what I would consider bad, at least not until I had to eat everything in sight in an effort to not wither away to nothing, which pretty much happened anyway... I was eating for three and going broke trying to keep food in the house... No more of that... I can eat normal portions and not have to eat snacks between meals or take food and drink to customer sites just to make it through a job...

The one side effect of the Glipizide is swollen lenses in my eyes, which is supposedly temporary... With the lenses swollen my eyesight is actually better than it has been for many years... The problem with that is that my glasses no longer correct my vision properly so everything looks blurred... And because this is supposedly temporary, usually only lasting 1 - 3 months, I'm not about to run out and pay $500 that I don't have for a new pair of glasses... And they don't make a pair of cheater reading glasses that are strong enough to suit my needs either... So, most of the time I am in front of a computer, which is day and night, I sit without glasses and have my nose just inches from the display screen... When watching television I can compensate with my progressive glasses lenses...

I have to go for more blood work and then go back to the doctor later this month for a follow up... As long as I can eliminate the need for insulin injections I'll be happy...

I'd like to thank everyone, again, for your concerns and kind words... I know I have been corresponding with several members via PM's but wanted to update the general membership with my progress...

[Kentucky shinner]

I am really glad to hear that your doing better rad. I have seen on several of your post that you have had problems with your eyesight but I was just afraid to ask. Dumb on my part. I know how health issues can totally change your life and lifestyle. My wife was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis about 3 years ago and it has changed everything with us. I am really glad to hear your finding out what is wrong and your seeing improvement. I always enjoy reading your post and answers here. You are very knowledgeable and more than willing to share that knowledge.
That is a gift that not everyone has.
Get well soon man,
Kentucky Shinner

[ammo man]

Hey rad, I am so happy for you. You have been, and I know you will continue to be so much help to all of us.

On a personal note, my last blood work back I believe in January showed that I am border line diabetic. Even border line can make you feel really bad so I can understand why you felt bad before. Hopefully, with the medication your health will continue to get better.

Bert

[WalkingWolf]

Appreciate the update Rad. Always good to find out "what's up" when you know something is going on. No fun to be told you have something that you'll have to contend with for the rest of your life. Fortunately, there has been much progress in the treatment options for diabetes and research continues on many fronts. Your apparent personality/behavior profile should benefit you significantly in rounding the learning curve and establishing an acceptable lifestyle pattern consistent with your requirements.

I second the kudos bestowed for all your expertise and guidance here on the forum. After all this time you still reach out to a newb with questions that have been asked 1000 times and will continue to guide them along. There is a great deal to be said for that. I've been involved here for far less time and there are days when I read some of the post and think to myself -- not again.

Keep up the good fight -- we're all there with ya.

WalkingWolf

[Rabies]

glad to hear you doing better

Rabies

[Usge]

Rad....besides feeling a lot better, sounds like you'll have things under control and manageable in no time!! Good for you!!!!
Even though there's plenty manage going forward...I'm sure it's a huge load off your shoulders to have this diagnosed and treatment underway.

Good on ya....

[GreyGambler]

Rad glad your doing better and want to thank you for your insight in this forum.

[Titus-a-fishus]

Hey Rad
Glad to hear your on the mend

You scared the sh#t out of me with the whole weight loss bit

Keep searching and you will find what is needed
It's those that just give up that lose in the long run

Cheers
TAF

[MuleKicker]

Great news. Glad things are working out, And yer not gettin phuked on the prescription side of the deal. Hope things continue to improve for ya. I had sugery a while back and they had me on some shit that did the same thing to my eyes. glasses didnt work, but i could see like a hawk far away without them. I only had to deal with that for a few days. Its deffinately a bitch though. Hang in there

[HookLine]

Good news. Hope things keep improving for you.

[Mr.Spooky]

thats great! now that you have pinpointed the reason of concern, you can go on the offence and get a grip on it!
but,,,,,,,,AINT A BITCH HOW CASH $$$$$$$MONEY$$$$$$$$$$ AINT WORTH SHIT NO MORE sorry, just had to vent.
glat to hear things are better!
Spooky

[Mud Mechanik]

+1 RAD, glad to hear that. MM

[radio11]

Hey Rad,now ya know!just try and eat good,i had the same shit when i hit 50.and high blood pressure to boot.only thing-doctor wanted me to cut my drinking back to 7 drinks a week/ya. take care!!

[DCT]

Rad you will be fine, hang in there buddy, all our prays are with u