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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by MidnightBlue on May 10, 2006, at 14:25:33
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah?, posted by Dinah on May 10, 2006, at 8:48:33
Dinah,
I know just what you mean, only I thought there were only THREE seasons! Less hot, more hot, and you know what! I didn't think there was any spring or fall! And there sure isn't any winter!
I think your hubby should send you to a spa up in the mountains somewhere where it is cool! Let them cook gourmet healthy food and engage you in an exercise program where you can get a nice massage or facial as a reward! Tell him you simply must go to that sort of place for medicinal purposes! LOL
Well I have good news of sorts! I'm back down to 220.5. Must have been a bad scale day. Whew! And my blood pressure is so low we are going to try cutting the pills in half.
But true confessions, here is my secret vice. When I get all jittery or stressed or tired or whatever and can't cope I drink a full sugar cream soda. I don't pass out in a sugar coma, but I'm sure I'm sending my system into shock. So I'm sort of doing what you do only on a lesser scale. I've also been known to sit down and eat most of a loaf of french bread!
Don't forget I can't exercise either. I walk with a cane. Hang in there! Things, WILL get better!
Hugs,
MidnightBlue> I told my husband's he's going to have to send me to one of those places where no food is available and they know what they're doing. Where they'll treat me like an army recruit. Hopefully someplace cool that knows about how to treat diabetic reactions.
>
> Because I don't really eat all that much 99.9% of the time. Sometimes I binge in order to more or less pass out from high sugar. Very very rarely though. Maybe once every month or two. I've given up sugarfilled drinks entirely.
>
> I see no way to lose weight from food reduction without becoming a terrible horrible person to be around.
>
> Which leaves exercise. I have no time or energy to do that either, and of course it would have to be indoors becouse our fifth season, h*ll, seems to have started early this year. It's not due till July.
>
> I've lost all hope. And with my foot problems starting, I've really lost all hope.
>
> I don't want to be my mother.
Posted by Dinah on May 10, 2006, at 14:31:59
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on May 10, 2006, at 14:25:33
I looove cream soda. I haven't had it in years though.
I've got the place already picked out and bookmarked. Now to convince my husband that I should get the time to go. Maybe the fact that it's tax deductible?
http://www.hhhealth.com/about/history.asp
ah well. I can dream I guess.
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 10, 2006, at 14:34:48
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » MidnightBlue, posted by Dinah on May 10, 2006, at 14:31:59
Dinah,
Hilton Head is sooooooo beautiful! I haven't been there in years though. Well, it isn't the mountains, and it wouldn't be that cool, but what the heck I think you should GO!
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 22, 2006, at 10:33:04
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » MidnightBlue, posted by Dinah on May 10, 2006, at 14:31:59
Okay, I'm 220.5. Bought a bunch of pretty clothes this weekend so MUST maintain or even lose a bit more. Need to start counting those calories again! LOL
Take care Dinah and eat healthy. That is all you need to do right now!
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 29, 2006, at 18:48:03
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on May 22, 2006, at 10:33:04
Today I'm 221, but after that blackberry pie with ice cream..........it was SO worth it!
MB
Posted by Dinah on May 29, 2006, at 18:55:13
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah?, posted by MidnightBlue on May 29, 2006, at 18:48:03
Sounds worth it. :)
I'm afraid to check. I've been eating to stay productive again, despite knowing that it doesn't work long term.
Ah well. My clothes fit...
Posted by MidnightBlue on June 19, 2006, at 10:44:59
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » MidnightBlue, posted by Dinah on May 29, 2006, at 18:55:13
Dinah,
I am SO not doing well on this. Up even more today! Drinking way too much cream soda, too many treats, not counting calories. I was 224.5
I'm physically hurting and tired and I'm trying to make myself feel better with food. Hubby is also having a lot of overtime so dinner time is messed up.
Any excuse to blame someone else, huh!
Baby steps. Need to take baby steps. Will try to drink more water and less cream soda. Gotta start somewhere!
MidnightBlue
Posted by Dinah on June 19, 2006, at 23:59:08
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on June 19, 2006, at 10:44:59
Be gentle with yourself.
Eating to deal with distress actually does help, so it's a hard behavior to control. Especially since eating is something we all have to do, so we can't stay away from food.
Overall you have done wonderfully. Concentrate on that, and on the big picture, and be kind to yourself when you miss the mark you've set for yourself.
Posted by Dinah on June 22, 2006, at 21:50:00
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on June 19, 2006, at 10:44:59
I'm going to weigh in tomorrow and I'm afraid.
My camisoles have been riding up lately, and my belly's exposed like Homer Simpson's. I can't imagine what the scale will say.
Posted by MidnightBlue on June 22, 2006, at 21:56:47
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » MidnightBlue, posted by Dinah on June 22, 2006, at 21:50:00
OH DINAH!
I understand! I'm up to 225 and can't stop eating. Actually getting depressed again, not sleeping well even with Ambien, having those darn hot flashes and I'm HURTING!
Need to go to doctor and really don't even want to MOVE. Just want to stuff my face........ Trip to gyn just got me meds I don't want to take and can't afford.
> I'm going to weigh in tomorrow and I'm afraid.
>
> My camisoles have been riding up lately, and my belly's exposed like Homer Simpson's. I can't imagine what the scale will say.Whatever the scale says I'm sure it won't be civil! Mine never is! I hope you are doing okay with your diabetes.
HUGS,
MidnightBlue
Posted by Dinah on June 23, 2006, at 9:44:15
In reply to Re: checking in-- Dinah? » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on June 22, 2006, at 21:56:47
206 1/2
I knew it was probably up because of the camisoles, but that seems unrealistic. It's true I've been eating too much salty food, but most of those except chips are low calorie. I'll take it again over the weekend or Monday. I was feeling sick last night - possibly from dehydration, and maybe there's some reason it was high.
If it's still that high later, I'll probably have to make a doctor's appointment. Since it all seems to be in my belly, and coupled with the sick feeling that I've had for a while, it might be a symptom of something.
What sort of meds did they prescribe? For the hot flashes?
Do you have a psychiatrist who prescribes your meds for depression? Or is it a GP. Hormone changes are rough. You might need a tweak on your medications.
As far as diabetes, I'm just sort of assuming it's ok. I ought to test that assumption now and then.
Posted by MidnightBlue on June 23, 2006, at 11:21:29
In reply to Oh man » MidnightBlue, posted by Dinah on June 23, 2006, at 9:44:15
Hey,
That is still less than me! Lay off the pickles and drink more water. Some of that really might be bloat.
> 206 1/2
>
> I knew it was probably up because of the camisoles, but that seems unrealistic. It's true I've been eating too much salty food, but most of those except chips are low calorie. I'll take it again over the weekend or Monday. I was feeling sick last night - possibly from dehydration, and maybe there's some reason it was high.
>
> What sort of meds did they prescribe? For the hot flashes?Well, the first rx he wrote was for Activella. Which I quickly reminded him I could NOT take because I have bad GERD, am prone to migraine headaches, and get VERY depressed on progesterone. I also reminded him I am VERY sensitive to estrogen.
So he wrote a script for Vivelle Dot .1 which is WAY too strong! A couple of years ago I was on .5 Esclim patch. With progesterone for 10 days every three months. He pulled me off that two years ago when the latest research came out. Now he thinks I need estrogen! Well, duh!
Oh yeah, and I asked for a vaginal estrogen cream and he prescribed Vagifem which is WAY more expensive! So I won't be filling that. Which means I really have nothing now.
> Do you have a psychiatrist who prescribes your meds for depression? Or is it a GP. Hormone changes are rough. You might need a tweak on your medications.
No pdoc right now. Several years ago I went to one in this city but really didn't like him. My internist has been prescribing. I was doing VERY well on two grams of fish oil and Ambien to help me sleep until recently.
There is a very real possibility I have a thyroid problem even though the test was okay several months ago. I have several nodules they are watching.
> As far as diabetes, I'm just sort of assuming it's ok. I ought to test that assumption now and then.Stay on top of that Dinah! My blood sugar seems to be slowly creeping up. I think my fasting level was 108 last time. It used to be 99!
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by Dinah on June 23, 2006, at 19:14:50
In reply to Re: Oh man » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on June 23, 2006, at 11:21:29
> Hey,
>
> That is still less than me! Lay off the pickles and drink more water. Some of that really might be bloat.Most likely. I'll try, but it won't be easy in this heat. :) You know it's hot when the water in your cold tap is way hotter than in the hot tap.
> Well, the first rx he wrote was for Activella. Which I quickly reminded him I could NOT take because I have bad GERD, am prone to migraine headaches, and get VERY depressed on progesterone. I also reminded him I am VERY sensitive to estrogen.
We have a lot of the same issues. It makes finding medications hard.
>
> So he wrote a script for Vivelle Dot .1 which is WAY too strong! A couple of years ago I was on .5 Esclim patch. With progesterone for 10 days every three months. He pulled me off that two years ago when the latest research came out. Now he thinks I need estrogen! Well, duh!:-)
> Oh yeah, and I asked for a vaginal estrogen cream and he prescribed Vagifem which is WAY more expensive! So I won't be filling that. Which means I really have nothing now.Are you happy with him otherwise? It doesn't sound as if he's very responsive to your needs, medication wise.
>
> > Do you have a psychiatrist who prescribes your meds for depression? Or is it a GP. Hormone changes are rough. You might need a tweak on your medications.
>
> No pdoc right now. Several years ago I went to one in this city but really didn't like him. My internist has been prescribing. I was doing VERY well on two grams of fish oil and Ambien to help me sleep until recently.
>
> There is a very real possibility I have a thyroid problem even though the test was okay several months ago. I have several nodules they are watching.Definitely a good reason to go see the doctor then. If it's thyroid they can do something about it.
> > As far as diabetes, I'm just sort of assuming it's ok. I ought to test that assumption now and then.
>
> Stay on top of that Dinah! My blood sugar seems to be slowly creeping up. I think my fasting level was 108 last time. It used to be 99!
>
> Hugs,
>
> MidnightBlueI really should. I have vague ideas when I'm under or over by how I feel, and I've not had that sort of feeling lately.
I kind of suspect the culprit for my feeling rotten is the relatively recent addition of lofibra for triglycerides. But admittedly my pdoc isn't too happy about my being on the dose of Risperdal I'm on with lousy liver test results.
Sometimes I feel like chucking the whole enormous pile of medications and try life without.
Except the Ranitidine. Since I started taking it, it's apparently destroyed what little muscle tone I have left to protect against GERD. I can't even skip a night without horrible consequences. Do you take anything for your GERD?
Posted by MidnightBlue on June 23, 2006, at 22:33:57
In reply to Re: Oh man, posted by Dinah on June 23, 2006, at 19:14:50
> Most likely. I'll try, but it won't be easy in this heat. :) You know it's hot when the water in your cold tap is way hotter than in the hot tap.
I only drink ice cold bottled water! I try for at least two 20 oz a day, plus iced tea, coffee, etc.
Called and got my doc to call in the lower dose of Vivelle Dot and the cream. I'll have to see how it goes.
> Are you happy with him otherwise? It doesn't sound as if he's very responsive to your needs, medication wise.Most of the time I'm happy with him. He's supposed to be a TOP DOC. I think he was having a bad day. He usually isn't this bad.
>
I have several thyroid nodules they are watching. I probably need a fine needle biopsy, but my internist doesn't think I need that yet! I think they will do another ultrasound soon.
> Definitely a good reason to go see the doctor then. If it's thyroid they can do something about it.
My triglycerides went down when I started eating better. I refuse to take cholesterol lowering meds. It is a bit high but not awful. I'm already on a low dose of blood pressure med.
> I kind of suspect the culprit for my feeling rotten is the relatively recent addition of lofibra for triglycerides. But admittedly my pdoc isn't too happy about my being on the dose of Risperdal I'm on with lousy liver test results.
> Sometimes I feel like chucking the whole enormous pile of medications and try life without.Well I pretty much had to do that when we lost insurance. That is how I ended up with no pdoc and on fish oil. I weaned myself off Depakote, Wellbutrin,and estrogen, I rationed out a limited number of Ambien. Went into debt buying Bextra (before it was pulled from the market) and praised God that Prilosec was over the counter. That is what I use for GERD and it is absolutely the BEST. I've been on it for over 10 years.
> Except the Ranitidine. Since I started taking it, it's apparently destroyed what little muscle tone I have left to protect against GERD. I can't even skip a night without horrible consequences. Do you take anything for your GERD?
>
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by MidnightBlue on June 26, 2006, at 10:15:48
In reply to Re: Oh man, posted by Dinah on June 23, 2006, at 19:14:50
Okay Dinah,
We really need to do this! I'm 224 today. Down just a bit. My goal this week is to NOT gain weight, eat lots of fruit and drink lots of water and drink less soda.
I started a very low estrogen patch. Gotta see if that will make me retain fluid or make me hungry. :-(
Can you pick one healthy thing you want to try to do this week?
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by Dinah on June 26, 2006, at 10:22:41
In reply to Monday check in again! » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on June 26, 2006, at 10:15:48
That's a good goal!
My goal is to stay away from excess salts, and to drink lots, and not too much diet coke.
I think it's already working. I haven't weighed myself but I avoided all salt and made sure I was drinking yesterday and I was constantly running to the bathroom (including in the middle of therapy). I don't feel quite so bloated today.
Good luck to you!
Posted by Dinah on July 6, 2006, at 9:26:12
In reply to Re: Monday check in again! » MidnightBlue, posted by Dinah on June 26, 2006, at 10:22:41
It seems like everything I've read or seen lately has to do with complications from diabetes. Kidney failure, retinopathy, etc.
And not only do I have a mild infection in one big toe from what must have been an ingrown toenail, but my middle two toes are numbish.
Soooo....
Time to bite the bullet. My weight right now is 206 1/2. I'm due to start my period any day, and I've got water retention problems month round, probably due to my salt intake. So water weight probably accounts for a few pounds.
My doctors have told me that if I get to 175-180, my diabetes and triglycerides should be good enough to be without meds. Of course that was a while ago and possibly no longer true.
I'm also in such bad physical shape that there are times when day to day walking leaves me out of breath.
So... I have to start a modest exercise program that I can do without shoes, because I hesitate to think what will happen to my feet in shoes, exercising. I've got an exercise bike. Maybe I'll start slowly with that. I don't think there's a big enough space in the house to do yoga...
And... I must cut out complex carbohydrates, which are probably my downfall. I've asked my husband and son to eat up everything I like in the house. And I'll stock the house with White Wheat bread and brown rice and things like that.
I'll not worry about pickles and such right now, since at least they're low in calories.
And I hope Dr. Bob will consider this an exception to the three post rule if I post every day about how I did that day. I hope everyone will pile shame on me if I do badly, as an added deterrant. :)
I'm scared. I frankly use food for mood regulation. Particularly energy and calmness. I get horrendously irritable on a low carbohydrate diet, and I find it hard to work as I get very restless. I think of a life ahead like this, and I'm not very sanguine about its worth.
But I have to live at least another nine years, and they need to be good years, out of the hospital. I owe that to my son.
I'm sorry to sound so dramatic. But life with low carbohydrates has been very very bad to me in the past. So bad that my husband has begged me to go back and eat the way I usually do.
Sigh.
Posted by MidnightBlue on July 7, 2006, at 0:20:03
In reply to Time to get serious, posted by Dinah on July 6, 2006, at 9:26:12
Dinah,
Just a short post to keep you from three in a row! I've got to go to the store and buy more good for you food!
MB
Posted by Dinah on July 7, 2006, at 13:44:01
In reply to Re: Time to get serious » Dinah, posted by MidnightBlue on July 7, 2006, at 0:20:03
So far so good. I'm working with limited supplies, because I had two deadlines in a row and just haven't had time to get to the store.
I can't forego carbs altogether, so I'm sticking with the ones that Sugarbusters say are ok. In fact, I'm using Sugarbusters as my diet template. My doctor recommended it, so it must be ok.
Energy and mood still seem to be ok.
I'm not going to weigh myself every day, because that would just be too depressing.
And I haven't started exercising. Maybe this weekend since I finished the most urgent deadlines.
I haven't started drinking enough either. I need to get to the store and find something I don't really hate drinking. I lived on Evian during my pregnancy because it was the only water that didn't make me feel really really sick.
Posted by sleepygirl on July 7, 2006, at 21:49:18
In reply to Re: Time to get serious, posted by Dinah on July 7, 2006, at 13:44:01
OK Now, I'm starting now too....
enough is enough...
sleepygirl gets serious!!!...really something's got to change
it's nice to find this thread :-)
thanks and best of luck to you,
sg
Posted by Phillipa on July 7, 2006, at 22:28:07
In reply to wow..I hadn't noticed this thread before... » Dinah, posted by sleepygirl on July 7, 2006, at 21:49:18
Darn all of you!!!! Now I have to stop eating vanilla , vanilla with chocolate, and chocolate truffles on the computer. I've gained l0lbs since November. Everytime I say I will buy no more I think of an excuse and do it anyway. And since I started riding my bike for around 2 hours almost everyday I justify it that way. Now I have to stop. The whole world knows about my secret. Love Phillipa
Posted by Deneb on July 8, 2006, at 16:49:03
In reply to wow..I hadn't noticed this thread before... » Dinah, posted by sleepygirl on July 7, 2006, at 21:49:18
Can I join in? As of right now, I want to lose 17 pounds. It's really difficult for me to lose more than 5 pounds. I'm going to start counting calories again. I'm going to avoid sugar and I'm going to report my weight every Sun. to keep me on track.
Deneb*
Posted by Dinah on July 9, 2006, at 9:55:10
In reply to Re: Time to get serious, posted by Dinah on July 7, 2006, at 13:44:01
The more the merrier!
I really understand the seriousness of this. My infection has cleared up, but one toe on each foot is definitely numb, so peripheral neuropathy is starting to set in. I think I'll fail the pin test this time.
Day three is usually where I quit. It was encouraging to see that I'm down to 204, although I realize it was probably water weight loss. But depression and anxiety are skyrocketing, and I'm having day three doubts that a low carb life is really worth living.
Still, I was reasonably good. Dinner included brown rice chinese food, and I'm not sure if the brown rice was really really brown rice, so I might have slipped. And I cheated a little earlier in the day when I got really shaky. I've been working around the house and more active than I usually am.
I guess the next stage is spitting nails, but I haven't gotten there yet, perhaps because of yesterday's minor cheating.
I found my old sugarbusters books, so I guess I'll look for some recipes.
Posted by Phillipa on July 9, 2006, at 11:59:18
In reply to Re: Time to get serious, posted by Dinah on July 9, 2006, at 9:55:10
Dinah you're not the only one who cheated. I ate at least l0 truffles last night. I put a deposit on a new puppy and the thought of taking care of another dog and I don't do a good job of taking care of myself scares me so I ate them comfort food I guess. Love Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on July 9, 2006, at 14:47:30
In reply to Re: Time to get serious » Dinah, posted by Phillipa on July 9, 2006, at 11:59:18
One dog isn't much less trouble than two, but puppies can be a handful I admit.
Eating when I need comfort is a habit for me, too. Maybe we should think of other ways to comfort ourselves when we're overwhelmed or distressed ahead of time, so that we don't reach for food (pasta or bread for me).
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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