Question:

Q – I’ve read all the responses to you, and I know it’s exactly what you don’t want to hear… but you do have to seek medical attention. The one thing no one has asked you is:  What are you doing to get insurance? You say you won’t be dx’d until you have it… so what is your plan for getting some? What steps have you taken? Where have you sought help? What programs have you looked into? You can and must be proactive on this matter.  You have to fight for yourself and your health the way you would for someone you loved.  You have to make calls and research on the net to find out all your insurance options.   And you have to do it now. So.  What will you do? And what can we do to help? Jennifer

Response:

> You don’t get it > he HAS to see a doctor > There are NO excuses

I didn’t think I was making excuses … but that could be a matter of opinion or point of view. as is the line just above, however coercive it appears to me. > I am not about to give any advice to anyone who won’t seek medical > advice.

"won’t seek medical advice" ??? Would you please not make false conclusions on my behalf? Do you ever get even the slightest bit uncomfortable when you encroach on other people’s autonomy? > Unlike you Brits, LOTS of us in the US do not have insurance – it is > expensive to see a doctor, and we may have trouble paying for it.

Thank you for understanding. > BUT, he has to.  cutting out the crap he is scarfing down would help pay > for it.

"crap he is scarfing down" ??? Read it again … not IS but WAS, I quote: "stopped now" … Disregarding the negatively connoted semantically loaded: "scarfing  down" and "crap"  - Logic won’t support your statement. My existing supplies were purchased long before I had a clue about having diabetes. Stores don’t take back opened bottles, so there is no way to "help pay for it." by cutting out the crap. Thanks again for the understanding Quirque whoever takes umbrage when none was intended … is a fool. whoever takes umbrage when it was intended … is a STUPID fool. (just my opinion)

Response:

> I guess what would irritate most americans if they knew about it was > that you almost had an "NHS" style system very similar to what we > have here but it fell foul of the political system at the time, i > think it was bush senior who poopooed the idea.

Actually, universal health care was one of the coverages that was to be enacted by the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935 during the first term of FDR. There is very little new under the sun. Regards, James the Elder PS: Folks, try to be more attentive to TRIMMING posts you reply to!

Response:

Snipped just for ya I guess if you stick around long enough everything new is just something old given new clothes, a kick around the spin factory and marketed as the latest and greatest way of doing  things ….. I still think that anyone in any country is entitiled to basic medical care provided for by the state.

Response:

here is a link to the american diabetes associations web site. http://www.diabetes.org/homepage.jsp

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD and > MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost > nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was like > being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m spin > dizzy and comfrused. > I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will > probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed > until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the > past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough > to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A > DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … > (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and even > though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to dictate > to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me that I > SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT respond > … If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without even > informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle > persuasion, when I perceive it is done with caring/affection/concern/love > AND it meshes with MY conscience. > BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a > ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. please > … ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief that > one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … > CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes > ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! > (2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held possession. > I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue from > some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to even > try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) makes > available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope you’re > up to it. > I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on topic’ > … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone except > for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a > medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items should > be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? > My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 > cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said "I > think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had to > explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal is > supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my head in > and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. > I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first > question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it had > to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get the > blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high of > 375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. > yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before > dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before > slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ > sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little of > that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 > carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about > 2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s > indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I got > the wake up call in time. > passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a day > (no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of water > a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly continually > thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. > Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal (that’s > my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition and > slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a > antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you all > give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has > caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine > contraindicated?) > have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every day > for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality check ), > go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have been > having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, but > not an excessive amount of anything) … > BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was 19 > and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) hypoglycemia > after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat every 3 > hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a alarm > wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost interest > as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … > have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months ago > … cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of > ultra lights for about 25 yrs. > minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … using > Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being > athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according to > the directions. > no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild > astigmatism almost vertical axis (from reading in the dark as a kid, I’m > told ???), > Last full physical about 3 yrs ago was told all well except what I was doing > to myself : A. lose weight (285 at that time), B. stop smoking, C. exercise. > Now (started a week ago) 15 minutes a day on a stair stepper (make sure Bg > is less that 300) reasonable starting workout, sweat at 5 min. winded at 15. > will work it up to 30 min 6 days/week. and  now at lowest toughness level of > 3 will wind up at toughest level and max min in about 6 months. > Only been testing daily and often since Bayer sent me a new meter which > arrived on the 17th. Sis had an old Bayer lancet machine and meter but the > meter didn’t work right and Bayer was nice enough to send me a new newer one > and instructions (sis didn’t have them) and a case and a box of disks and a > bag of lancets and calibrating solution. the latter three have not arrived > yet. So I am using disks (test strips) that are a year expired, but checking > against sis’s other type of meter with current strips seems to indicate that > I’m getting reasonably accurate readings. it will be nice to calibrate the > meter and run a current disk thru it. How I’m going to afford disks when I > run out I don’t know … but I will find a way !!! Yes, the 3 day rethink > exited with among other things RESOLVE.  And I acknowledge that I neeeed > help: at least information and ideas and options, and hopefully > acquaintances and friends. > Gotta plan on the exercise. Trying not to stress  (BP would indicate I’m > reasonably OK) I think that I am in glucose toxicity. I think that I need to > get my #s down to ?normal? or near, to get out of toxicity, so that the > numbers will mean something more real, so that I quit passing Gl. so that I > can get to a place where I can build a more permanent plan. Please correct > me if I’m wrong. Thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments welcome. Oh, > BTW, I’ve got thick skin literally and figuratively … sticks barely hurt > and I hope you can’t push any of my ‘emote’ buttons. > thanks in advance, > quique

Response:

I guess that’s the real issue, without knowing a little more about his circumstance and general location there isn’t much any of us can do except utter the usual phrases, and going to the doctors is always going to be foremost amongst them. I guess what would irritate most americans if they knew about it was that you almost had an "NHS" style system very similar to what we have here but it fell foul of the political system at the time, i think it was bush senior who poopooed the idea. Whilst i think our system has flaws, and i do agree that there should be private and public health care, i would not like to live in a place where the only treatment available was one i had to pay up front for. Patrick

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There are a few important things. > I feel that it is important NOT to let someone think that they can treat > themselves without medical help. > ANY encouragement in that regard is dangerous. > With some medical advice (and someone who can write prescriptions) > treatment becomes the diabetics responsibility, and most of us here will > be overjoyed to try to help. > No amount of advice here is going to spot a macular bleed which can > steal his sight. > Advice here MAY spot kidney failure, but can’t do a whole lot about it. > With the exception of the few Endo’s one the group, none of us can > prescribe medicine (and they would not without seeing the person) > There are LOTS of good things we CAN do, including advice on how to save > money, and to minimize medical expense,  but a member of your team MUST > be a doctor if you want to live very long, and with any quality of life. > The situation in the US for us uninsured is very rough – we get charged > over twice as much as insurance companies pay for the same care.  Except > in true emergencies, we have to pay cash in advance before anyone will > see us, and it can be hard to find a doctor who will see you at all. > I sympathize with anyone who is TRYING to avoid going to a doctor.  It > may take 3-4 months to get an appointment, if you are not already a > patient, and you don’t have insurance.  THEN, it will cost at LEAST $150 > for a first visit, and you will have to argue with the doctor not to run > THOUSANDS of dollars in tests, and lots of revisits.  THEN you will get > a scrip for about $300+ per month in meds, and they will probably try to > get you to see a dietitian, Endo, Cardiologist, and Opthomologist.  No > wonder the poor guy doesn’t want to see a doctor. > BUT, with work and help, he CAN do better.  He will have to learn to say > the the hospitals "I am sorry, I am a self employed self pay, and I > can’t afford to pay much"  HARD to do, and many hospitals will NOT be > interested, but some may be very helpful. > I walked into a hospital once, for a necessary operation, and, after > admitting told me the cost, and asked for a check, I just went into > shock, and babbled something like "There seems to be a mistake, I don’t >   need that operation, sorry to take up your time"  The admitting clerk > wouldn’t let me leave, and called the surgeon.  She then said " I have a > special fund for uninsured diabetics, they will pay for it". > RARE, but it does happen, and you have to learn to swallow a little > pride and let them know. > He also has to learn to tell his doctor "How much does that drug cost – > is there a cheaper one" and "I can’t afford that, what other options do > I have" > If he is willing to say where he is.  Possibly some of us know about > some programs he can use. > I don’t have insurance either Ted, even though i am british. We have an > health system of sorts. I don’t think he was in any doubt as to whether he > should or should not see a doctor, he asked for advice and information first > and foremost which seems to be what he’s got. > As it happens, i think you’re right, and i guess that our friend knows we’re > all right as well in that he has to see a doctor.  That responsibility lies > with him, but in the meantime any help and advice we can offer is surely > worthwhile:) >>You don’t get it >>he HAS to see a doctor >>There are NO excuses >>I am not about to give any advice to anyone who won’t seek medical >>advice.  It is the same as malpractice. >>Unlike you brits, LOTS of us in the US do not have insurance – it is >>expensive to see a doctor, and we may have trouble paying for it. >>BUT, he has to.  cutting out the crap he is scarfing down would help pay >>for it. >>>Yeah but you must agree that he asked for help, he knows he needs to see > a >>>doctor, that wasn’t the issue that he asked for help with. I can > understand >>>that, and we know nothing of his background nor where he comes from > ……. >>>so that being the case, offering as much help as possible would seem to > be >>>the way forward >>>>It doesn’t matter >>>>If you wait till SOMEDAY >>>>then you die >>>>Almost NO ONE at his age can get or afford non-group insurance., and >>>>group insurance is not underwritten >>>>Why should he expect to get insurance tomorrow, and not today. >>>>>I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he >>>needs >>>>>insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get >>>>>diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not >>>at >>>>>the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he >>>gets >>>>>to see a doctor as soon as he can. >>>>>>cc’d by email >>>>>>sigh >>>>>>You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want > to >>>>>>get the most out of it >>>>>>1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. >>>>>>a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics >>>>>>to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and >>>labs >>>>>>b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. >>>>>>SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening > programs. >>>>>>c) look for both on the internet >>>>>>2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" >>>>>>and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are > usually >>>>>>bad for diabetics. >>>>>>3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me >>>>>>privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are > NOT >>>>>>the only uninsured person in the US. >>>>>>4) Good thing stopping smoking >>>>>>5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one >>>>>>day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options > which >>>>>>might get you free, or reduced cost care. >>>>>>People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a >>>>>>newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, > because >>>>>>they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want > to >>>>>>get rich off of us) >>>>>>People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view > and >>>>>>possibly useful answers. >>>>>>We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, > the >>>>>>Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers > like >>>>>>herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass. But, > we >>>>>>hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you >>>>>>>I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and > ASD >>>>>and >>>>>>>MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost >>>>>>>nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was >>>>>like >>>>>>>being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! > I’m >>>>>spin >>>>>>>dizzy and comfrused. >>>>>>>I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I > will >>>>>>>probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about >>>>>myself as >>>>>>>I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be >>>diagnosed >>>>>>>until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from >>>>>the >>>>>>>past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is >>>>>enough >>>>>>>to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO > A >>>>>>>DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … >>>>>>>(1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and >>>>>even >>>>>>>though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to >>>>>dictate >>>>>>>to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me >>>>>that I >>>>>>>SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I

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Response:

Ground rules??? you might want to rethink your attitude if you expect help from everyone here who has something to offer you.  Not everyone is going to handle you with kid gloves.  I certainly won’t.  I believe in "tough love" just like Dr. Phil.  If you don’t want help, don’t ask.  If you do, state your questions and sit back and wait for some answers. Threatening to silently plonk is rather juvenile.  Do you think we are all sitting at our pc’s quaking in fear?  If you want to plonk, be man enough to let the person know, so that they won’t waste time with you. dave

snip the ground rules…

Response:

There are a few important things. I feel that it is important NOT to let someone think that they can treat themselves without medical help. ANY encouragement in that regard is dangerous. With some medical advice (and someone who can write prescriptions) treatment becomes the diabetics responsibility, and most of us here will be overjoyed to try to help. No amount of advice here is going to spot a macular bleed which can steal his sight. Advice here MAY spot kidney failure, but can’t do a whole lot about it. With the exception of the few Endo’s one the group, none of us can prescribe medicine (and they would not without seeing the person) There are LOTS of good things we CAN do, including advice on how to save money, and to minimize medical expense,  but a member of your team MUST be a doctor if you want to live very long, and with any quality of life. The situation in the US for us uninsured is very rough – we get charged over twice as much as insurance companies pay for the same care.  Except in true emergencies, we have to pay cash in advance before anyone will see us, and it can be hard to find a doctor who will see you at all. I sympathize with anyone who is TRYING to avoid going to a doctor.  It may take 3-4 months to get an appointment, if you are not already a patient, and you don’t have insurance.  THEN, it will cost at LEAST $150 for a first visit, and you will have to argue with the doctor not to run THOUSANDS of dollars in tests, and lots of revisits.  THEN you will get a scrip for about $300+ per month in meds, and they will probably try to get you to see a dietitian, Endo, Cardiologist, and Opthomologist.  No wonder the poor guy doesn’t want to see a doctor. BUT, with work and help, he CAN do better.  He will have to learn to say the the hospitals "I am sorry, I am a self employed self pay, and I can’t afford to pay much"  HARD to do, and many hospitals will NOT be interested, but some may be very helpful. I walked into a hospital once, for a necessary operation, and, after admitting told me the cost, and asked for a check, I just went into shock, and babbled something like "There seems to be a mistake, I don’t   need that operation, sorry to take up your time"  The admitting clerk wouldn’t let me leave, and called the surgeon.  She then said " I have a special fund for uninsured diabetics, they will pay for it". RARE, but it does happen, and you have to learn to swallow a little pride and let them know. He also has to learn to tell his doctor "How much does that drug cost – is there a cheaper one" and "I can’t afford that, what other options do I have" If he is willing to say where he is.  Possibly some of us know about some programs he can use. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I don’t have insurance either Ted, even though i am british. We have an > health system of sorts. I don’t think he was in any doubt as to whether he > should or should not see a doctor, he asked for advice and information first > and foremost which seems to be what he’s got. > As it happens, i think you’re right, and i guess that our friend knows we’re > all right as well in that he has to see a doctor.  That responsibility lies > with him, but in the meantime any help and advice we can offer is surely > worthwhile:) >You don’t get it >he HAS to see a doctor >There are NO excuses >I am not about to give any advice to anyone who won’t seek medical >advice.  It is the same as malpractice. >Unlike you brits, LOTS of us in the US do not have insurance – it is >expensive to see a doctor, and we may have trouble paying for it. >BUT, he has to.  cutting out the crap he is scarfing down would help pay >for it. >>Yeah but you must agree that he asked for help, he knows he needs to see > a >>doctor, that wasn’t the issue that he asked for help with. I can > understand >>that, and we know nothing of his background nor where he comes from > ……. >>so that being the case, offering as much help as possible would seem to > be >>the way forward >>>It doesn’t matter >>>If you wait till SOMEDAY >>>then you die >>>Almost NO ONE at his age can get or afford non-group insurance., and >>>group insurance is not underwritten >>>Why should he expect to get insurance tomorrow, and not today. >>>>I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he >>needs >>>>insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get >>>>diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not >>at >>>>the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he >>gets >>>>to see a doctor as soon as he can. >>>>>cc’d by email >>>>>sigh >>>>>You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want > to >>>>>get the most out of it >>>>>1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. >>>>>a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics >>>>>to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and >>labs >>>>>b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. >>>>>SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening > programs. >>>>>c) look for both on the internet >>>>>2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" >>>>>and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are > usually >>>>>bad for diabetics. >>>>>3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me >>>>>privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are > NOT >>>>>the only uninsured person in the US. >>>>>4) Good thing stopping smoking >>>>>5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one >>>>>day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options > which >>>>>might get you free, or reduced cost care. >>>>>People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a >>>>>newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, > because >>>>>they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want > to >>>>>get rich off of us) >>>>>People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view > and >>>>>possibly useful answers. >>>>>We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, > the >>>>>Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers > like >>>>>herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, > we >>>>>hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you >>>>>>I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and > ASD >>>>and >>>>>>MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost >>>>>>nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was >>>>like >>>>>>being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! > I’m >>>>spin >>>>>>dizzy and comfrused. >>>>>>I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I > will >>>>>>probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about >>>>myself as >>>>>>I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be >>diagnosed >>>>>>until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from >>>>the >>>>>>past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is >>>>enough >>>>>>to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO > A >>>>>>DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … >>>>>>(1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and >>>>even >>>>>>though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to >>>>dictate >>>>>>to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me >>>>that I >>>>>>SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT >>>>respond >>>>>>… If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you > without >>>>even >>>>>>informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and >>gentle >>>>>>persuasion, when I perceive it is done with >>>>caring/affection/concern/love >>>>>>AND it meshes with MY conscience. >>>>>>BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote > (I’m >>a >>>>>>ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. >>>>please >>>>>>… ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief >>>>that >>>>>>one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … >>>>>>CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief >>includes >>>>>>ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! >>>>>>(2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held >>>>possession. >>>>>>I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue >>>>from >>>>>>some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to >>>>even >>>>>>try to hide or confuse

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Response:

Since you have a meter, start out with Jennifer’s advice to newbies. She’ll be along with it soon, or you can find it at Ratty’s Site www.flyingrat.net. Try to get those numbers down while you’re waiting for your insurance, though at your age, most health insurers will want a physical since you are not buying into group insurance. I hope you succeed in obtaining it. Good luck. — Cheri – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will >probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as >I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed >until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the >past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough >to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A >DOC… etc;.) Before you even start …

Response:

quiqhi, what do you want to hear,  That yes you are definitely a diabetic,  with tose numbers there is no doubvt, do you want us to say cotinue as you are going,  I dont want your death or severe illness at the least to be on my head.  You know it cost me to bury someone than to go to the doctor,  What are your options,  I am sure there are plenty of clinics you can go to,  It is no shame to being poor,  Have you applied for medicaid .  You really need to reevaluate your priorities. The cost of the food you are eating must be high otherwise you probably would not weigh    260. Diabetes is a life changing experience, one that I find is for the better,  I have never been healthier,  My lipids are great, my bgs are low and I feel great,  Before diagnosis, I was 40 pounds heavier, couldnt breathe , felt sick all the time, This is your life and you can do what you wish,  You absolutely sound depressed and could  benefit with professional help to see why you are on a path of destruction I am sure you wont like this response, but I have to tell it like it is to live with myself. I hope you do start the fight to get this disease under control,  You needs meds of some kind, I am sure you know te complications. Loretta — In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism.

Response:

> I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD and > MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost > nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was like > being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m spin > dizzy and comfrused.

Hi there quirque, First of all, let me say welcome to the group.  I’ll try to answer your questions, and give you as much support as I can. I’m sure there are many others here who will try to do the same. I guess I’m not surprised that you are feeling dizzy and confused, after reading all that info and trying to take it all in, as well as coming to terms with the shock and alarm of discovering you have high blood glucose (bg) readings. May I suggest you visit our web page and read Jennifer’s advice to newbies?  It will give you a good idea of how to start working out a suitable diet to meet your own metabolism and personal tastes in foods. The URL is; http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org There are other good ideas and info about diabetes to be found there.   Additionally, check out your local library for recent books on the subject, and various sites on the internet – just use a brouser like Google and search under "diabetes". > I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will > probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed > until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the > past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough > to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A > DOC… etc;.) Before you even start …

Cross-posting is not usually encouraged, but this seems like a good time for an exception, since your post is of the nature of an introduction. I personally don’t mind.  You may notice that I am only replying from this group, however, to avoid confusion. I’m very sorry you are in the situation of having to delay seeing a doctor, for financial reasons. Because you may find it very difficult to manage your diabetes and any other related health conditions without their help. Still, I DO hope that some of the suggestions you get from us may at least get you started, and assist you to some extent. > (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me),

More than compassion (which IS important), my goal is to have RESPECT for you, and your right to be who you are, and hold your own beliefs, even if we should disagree about some things.  I sincerely hope you will grant us the same. > and even > though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to dictate > to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me that I > SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT respond > … If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without even > informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle > persuasion, when I perceive it is done with

caring/affection/concern/love > AND it meshes with MY conscience.

Of course. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a > ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. please > … ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief that > one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … > CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes > ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! > (2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held possession. > I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue from > some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to even > try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) makes > available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope you’re > up to it.

I can only speak for myself (see above comments re respect). However this is an open forum, and anyone can post to it. Advertising (spam) is not allowed under newsgroup protocol, and any offenders can be reported to their relevant ISP’s.  But it still happens.  So does other offensive behavior and unpleasant posts. You are free to do whatever works for you about it.  I usually either "killfile" the offending poster or mark arguments or things I am not interested in etc as "read", and just skip over them. > I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on topic’ > … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone except > for my cat) …

I think you’ll find that many of us are in the same boat – scared, vulnerable, confused and alone.  Here’s hoping we can lessen the degree of any of those conditions to some extent.  It won’t be overnight, but as you learn more about your illness (diabetes), and start to gain knowledge and confidence about managing it, those feelings should lessen.  As for being alone, it’s not quite the same as being lonely.  Internet friendships can be very rewarding, and kind of safe for retiring types of  personalities. So I’d recommend you take your time, take what helps and leave the rest. NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a > medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items should > be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD?

Originally, the distinctions were pretty clearly set out, but over time, they’ve tended to drift.  So you may find that these days, the lines are blurred.  MHD was originally limited to posts of a scientific/medical nature. > My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 > cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said "I > think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had to > explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal is > supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my head in > and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days.

Your sister sounds like a very smart, very caring person.  She drew your attention to a serious health condition, and got you to think about it, without offending your sense of self determination. Have you thanked her?  I’d lay odds she’s been worried about you for some time. > I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first > question),

Some races do seem to be more genetically susceptible to T2 diabetes, but all races are known to suffer from it.  Additionally, some races seem also to have a tendency to develop diabetic complications of a particular type more often, but again, that’s no safeguard that someone of a different culture won’t get that particular complication.  Because high bg levels and the metabolic syndrome can lead to anyone developing complications, or have higher than normal risk of heart disease and strokes. One of the major goals of this group is to encourage and help people attain as close to non-diabetic numbers as they can manage, for that very reason.  You’ll also see a lot of posts about how to attempt to reduce the risk for other things that seem to accompany diabetes, (the metabolic syndrome). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it had > to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get the > blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high of > 375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. > yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before > dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before > slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ > sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little of > that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 > carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about > 2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s > indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I got > the wake up call in time. > passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a day > (no pattern to the up/down).

My conclusion from that information is that you are in serious trouble.  Your bg levels are dangerously high, and spilling sugar in your urine is a bad sign.  I’m not trying to frighten you, but instead am indicating that I am very worried about you.  Without medical help, it’s going to be difficult to bring those levels down. BUT NOT impossible.  One of my concerns is that without medical help, it is almost impossible to determine if your condition is that of a late developing T1, or a T2.   They can be very difficult to distinguish, even when medical tests ARE carried out, until or unless a T1 situation becomes critically (and dangerously) obvious. If at any time, you find your ketones suddenly increase, don’t delay, but get to the ER as soon as you can.  Your life may depend on it. In the meantime, I guess we’ll just have to go with the assumption that you are a T2 diabetic.   Many doctors do the same. > I have always drank at least a gallon of water > a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly continually > thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no

liquid. In my humble opinion (IMHO), drinking lots of water sounds like a good idea.  It is helping you to flush out some of that excess glucose, and keep the ketones down.  It may also be helping your kidneys.  I think you’ll find that most experts recommend staying well hydrated is always a good idea. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal

… read more »

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD and > MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost > nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was like > being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m spin > dizzy and comfrused. > I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will > probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed > until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the > past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough > to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A > DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … > (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and even > though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to dictate > to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me that I > SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT respond > … If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without even > informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle > persuasion, when I perceive it is done with caring/affection/concern/love > AND it meshes with MY conscience. > BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a > ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. please > … ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief that > one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … > CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes > ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! > (2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held possession. > I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue from > some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to even > try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) makes > available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope you’re > up to it. > I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on topic’ > … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone except > for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a > medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items should > be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? > My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 > cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said "I > think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had to > explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal is > supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my head in > and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. > I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first > question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it had > to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get the > blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high of > 375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. > yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before > dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before > slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ > sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little of > that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 > carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about > 2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s > indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I got > the wake up call in time. > passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a day > (no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of water > a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly continually > thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. > Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal (that’s > my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition and > slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a > antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you all > give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has > caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine > contraindicated?) > have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every day > for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality check ), > go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have been > having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, but > not an excessive amount of anything) … > BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was 19 > and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) hypoglycemia > after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat every 3 > hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a alarm > wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost interest > as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … > have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months ago > … cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of > ultra lights for about 25 yrs. > minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … using > Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being > athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according to > the directions. > no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild > astigmatism almost vertical axis (from reading in the dark as a kid, I’m > told ???), > Last full physical about 3 yrs ago was told all well except what I was doing > to myself : A. lose weight (285 at that time), B. stop smoking, C. exercise. > Now (started a week ago) 15 minutes a day on a stair stepper (make sure Bg > is less that 300) reasonable starting workout, sweat at 5 min. winded at 15. > will work it up to 30 min 6 days/week. and  now at lowest toughness level of > 3 will wind up at toughest level and max min in about 6 months. > Only been testing daily and often since Bayer sent me a new meter which > arrived on the 17th. Sis had an old Bayer lancet machine and meter but the > meter didn’t work right and Bayer was nice enough to send me a new newer one > and instructions (sis didn’t have them) and a case and a box of disks and a > bag of lancets and calibrating solution. the latter three have not arrived > yet. So I am using disks (test strips) that are a year expired, but checking > against sis’s other type of meter with current strips seems to indicate that > I’m getting reasonably accurate readings. it will be nice to calibrate the > meter and run a current disk thru it. How I’m going to afford disks when I > run out I don’t know … but I will find a way !!! Yes, the 3 day rethink > exited with among other things RESOLVE.  And I acknowledge that I neeeed > help: at least information and ideas and options, and hopefully > acquaintances and friends. > Gotta plan on the exercise. Trying not to stress  (BP would indicate I’m > reasonably OK) I think that I am in glucose toxicity. I think that I need to > get my #s down to ?normal? or near, to get out of toxicity, so that the > numbers will mean something more real, so that I quit passing Gl. so that I > can get to a place where I can build a more permanent plan. Please correct > me if I’m wrong. Thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments welcome. Oh, > BTW, I’ve got thick skin literally and figuratively … sticks barely hurt > and I hope you can’t push any of my ‘emote’ buttons. > thanks in advance, > quique

I’ll actually try to contribute something instead of only asking questions for a change… I’m in a similar position of not being able to afford the disease and not having any insurance, and of having neglected my health for much of the past six years that I’ve been type 1 diabetic.  I’m glad that you came to the group making a statement and asking questions when you did because, regardless of how good or bad you feel, running with numbers like that is doing tremendous damage to your body and one day it’s a fair bet that it’s going to crash on you.  It’s a tough thing to control, and I’m still working at getting my own health under control, but it is doable, if only difficult. That being said, there’s LOTS of help out there.  In advice, from this group.  Financially and medically, check around your local area to see if there is a charity hospital or some sort of state or federal aid. There are long waits and some decidedly shady characters around you, but there’s also medical advice and prescriptions at cost, if you qualify. Just know that after that first time, they’re going to want to see you pretty frequently until things are under control.  This is something that I’m struggling with myself because of my distrust of the medical community and unease with going to medical institutions, but my fiancee (a *nurse*–yeah, I know, odd ain’t it?) and my common sense have convinced me that in the end it would be better to keep all the appointments.  Good news is that as time goes by, they’ll want to see you less and less frequently. Having been someone who recently rubbed some people in this group the wrong way with a natural alternative vs. artificial sweetener … read more »

Response:

I don’t have insurance either Ted, even though i am british. We have an health system of sorts. I don’t think he was in any doubt as to whether he should or should not see a doctor, he asked for advice and information first and foremost which seems to be what he’s got. As it happens, i think you’re right, and i guess that our friend knows we’re all right as well in that he has to see a doctor.  That responsibility lies with him, but in the meantime any help and advice we can offer is surely worthwhile:)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You don’t get it > he HAS to see a doctor > There are NO excuses > I am not about to give any advice to anyone who won’t seek medical > advice.  It is the same as malpractice. > Unlike you brits, LOTS of us in the US do not have insurance – it is > expensive to see a doctor, and we may have trouble paying for it. > BUT, he has to.  cutting out the crap he is scarfing down would help pay > for it. > Yeah but you must agree that he asked for help, he knows he needs to see a > doctor, that wasn’t the issue that he asked for help with. I can understand > that, and we know nothing of his background nor where he comes from …… > so that being the case, offering as much help as possible would seem to be > the way forward >>It doesn’t matter >>If you wait till SOMEDAY >>then you die >>Almost NO ONE at his age can get or afford non-group insurance., and >>group insurance is not underwritten >>Why should he expect to get insurance tomorrow, and not today. >>>I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he > needs >>>insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get >>>diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not > at >>>the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he > gets >>>to see a doctor as soon as he can. >>>>cc’d by email >>>>sigh >>>>You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want to >>>> get the most out of it >>>>1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. >>>>a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics >>>>to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and > labs >>>>b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. >>>>SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening programs. >>>>c) look for both on the internet >>>>2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" >>>>and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are usually >>>>bad for diabetics. >>>>3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me >>>>privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are NOT >>>>the only uninsured person in the US. >>>>4) Good thing stopping smoking >>>>5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one >>>>day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options which >>>>might get you free, or reduced cost care. >>>>People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a >>>>newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, because >>>>they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want to >>>>get rich off of us) >>>>People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view and >>>>possibly useful answers. >>>>We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, the >>>>Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers like >>>>herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, we >>>>hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you >>>>>I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD >>>and >>>>>MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost >>>>>nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was >>>like >>>>>being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m >>>spin >>>>>dizzy and comfrused. >>>>>I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will >>>>>probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about >>>myself as >>>>>I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be > diagnosed >>>>>until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from >>>the >>>>>past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is >>>enough >>>>>to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A >>>>>DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … >>>>>(1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and >>>even >>>>>though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to >>>dictate >>>>>to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me >>>that I >>>>>SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT >>>respond >>>>>… If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without >>>even >>>>>informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and > gentle >>>>>persuasion, when I perceive it is done with >>>caring/affection/concern/love >>>>>AND it meshes with MY conscience. >>>>>BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m > a >>>>>ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. >>>please >>>>>… ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief >>>that >>>>>one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … >>>>>CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief > includes >>>>>ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! >>>>>(2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held >>>possession. >>>>>I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue >>>from >>>>>some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to >>>even >>>>>try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) >>>makes >>>>>available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope >>>you’re >>>>>up to it. >>>>>I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on >>>topic’ >>>>>… but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone >>>except >>>>>for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a >>>>>medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items >>>should >>>>>be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? >>>>>My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 >>>>>cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said >>>"I >>>>>think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had >>>to >>>>>explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what > normal >>>is >>>>>supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my >>>head in >>>>>and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. >>>>>I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first >>>>>question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once > (it >>>had >>>>>to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get >>>the >>>>>blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high >>>of >>>>>375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. >>>>>yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before >>>>>dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before >>>>>slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ >>>>>sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a > little >>>of >>>>>that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 >>>>>carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = > about >>>>>2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s >>>>>indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I >>>got >>>>>the wake up call in time. >>>>>passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a >>>day >>>>>(no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of >>>water >>>>>a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly >>>continually >>>>>thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no > liquid. >>>>>Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal >>>(that’s >>>>>my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition >>>and

… read more »

Response:

> > What does your doctor say? What Rxs did s/he give? > I guess the following wasn’t explicit enough … > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed > until I can find some insurance. > Therefore, I clarify: (1) I don’t have a doctor. (2) I haven’t been > diagnosed. (3) I have not been Rx’ed.

I encourage you to check with your local teaching hospital and see what kind of programs they have. I was poor and uninsured when I had cancer, so I know these programs are out there. (I’m assuming that you’re a single man with no dependents, and not eligible for most state/federal programs. Might check into state/federal help anyway!) I don’t want to scare the crap out of you, but your numbers are too high to continue without some sort of medical intervention. No, you’re not going to drop dead tomorrow, and you’re not guaranteeing yourself future misery, but it is best to get treatment as soon as possible. It sounds as though you are working hard on your own, but it sounds as though you need some medical help. In the meantime, you might consider cutting out bread, sugared soda, beer, crackers, etc – any food with a high carbohydrate content until you get medical attention. Please do ask any teaching hospital in your area what kind of programs they have. > And your BP should be a little lower; it is recommended that diabetics > have lower BP than "normals." > Thank you for the suggestion.. How low should it be, ideally? What would be > a good way to get it there?

i’m sorry, I don’t remember the exact numbers, except that mine is below it (I’ve always had low BP). — "Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner." – Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather

Response:

> (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and > even though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT > to dictate to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please > don’t tell me that I SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or > ‘that’ … I will NOT respond

If you don’t wish to benefit from the accumulated knowledge of the groups, why bother asking for assistance here? As someone who shares a great deal in common with you (I’m also a writer, similar age, race, etc., etc.) my first reaction is that, rather than being a "private" person, you come across as simply being hard-headed. So, the first thing I’ll say to you that will rub you the wrong way is, GET THEE TO A DOCTOR! Can’t afford it? Check out one of the innumerable studies being conducted by the major pharmacos, e.g. http://www.diabetes-study.com/About.asp, http://www.slu.edu/readstory/newslink/3131, http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm > If you try too hard … I will tell > NewsRover to block you without even informing you. I DO respond to > logical argument and reasoning and gentle persuasion, when I perceive > it is done with caring/affection/concern/love AND it meshes with MY > conscience.

I suggest you quickly develop a thicker skin, this is USENET, not your very own support group. > I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on > topic’ … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and > alone except for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that > questions of a medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and > supportive/social items should be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be > posted to MHD?

MHD appears to be more for technical issues than AHD, and is visited by many Type Is with insulin, syringe, pump questions. > My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about > 3 cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later > said "I think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part > was she had to explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL > means and what normal is supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into > denial, but I did pull my head in and re-evaluate REALITY and > incidentally myself image for several days.

A reading of 475 AT ANY TIME is sufficient to diagnose that you’re a diabetic! You need to seek professional help. Don’t give us a bunch of excuses why you can’t or won’t see a physician, you NEED to be evaluated in order to determine if you require some medications to assist your gaining control of your BG levels. > have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals > every day for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( > reality check ), go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any > effect they may have been having (one was ginseng, and a little of > EVERYTHING conceivable else, but not an excessive amount of anything)

A total waste of time and money at thid point. All you’re doing is changing the flowers in the vases on the Titanic! > have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 > months ago … cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a > pack a day of ultra lights for about 25 yrs.

Good for you! Wish I could quit. > minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet > … using Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility > of it being athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 > weeks according to the directions.

But, it could be something worse than athlete’s foot, in which case waiting two weeks is sheer folly. > And I > acknowledge that I neeeed help: at least information and ideas and > options, and hopefully acquaintances and friends.

Some of us believe in "tough love", you won’t always get responses wrapped in a ribbon and tied in a bow. Find a teaching hospital, sit yourself in the waiting room and SEE A DOCTOR! Regards, James the Elder

Response:

You don’t get it he HAS to see a doctor There are NO excuses I am not about to give any advice to anyone who won’t seek medical advice.  It is the same as malpractice. Unlike you brits, LOTS of us in the US do not have insurance – it is expensive to see a doctor, and we may have trouble paying for it. BUT, he has to.  cutting out the crap he is scarfing down would help pay for it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Yeah but you must agree that he asked for help, he knows he needs to see a > doctor, that wasn’t the issue that he asked for help with. I can understand > that, and we know nothing of his background nor where he comes from …… > so that being the case, offering as much help as possible would seem to be > the way forward >It doesn’t matter >If you wait till SOMEDAY >then you die >Almost NO ONE at his age can get or afford non-group insurance., and >group insurance is not underwritten >Why should he expect to get insurance tomorrow, and not today. >>I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he > needs >>insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get >>diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not > at >>the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he > gets >>to see a doctor as soon as he can. >>>cc’d by email >>>sigh >>>You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want to >>> get the most out of it >>>1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. >>>a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics >>>to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and > labs >>>b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. >>>SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening programs. >>>c) look for both on the internet >>>2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" >>>and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are usually >>>bad for diabetics. >>>3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me >>>privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are NOT >>>the only uninsured person in the US. >>>4) Good thing stopping smoking >>>5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one >>>day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options which >>>might get you free, or reduced cost care. >>>People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a >>>newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, because >>>they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want to >>>get rich off of us) >>>People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view and >>>possibly useful answers. >>>We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, the >>>Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers like >>>herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, we >>>hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you >>>>I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD >>and >>>>MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost >>>>nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was >>like >>>>being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m >>spin >>>>dizzy and comfrused. >>>>I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will >>>>probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about >>myself as >>>>I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be > diagnosed >>>>until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from >>the >>>>past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is >>enough >>>>to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A >>>>DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … >>>>(1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and >>even >>>>though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to >>dictate >>>>to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me >>that I >>>>SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT >>respond >>>>… If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without >>even >>>>informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and > gentle >>>>persuasion, when I perceive it is done with >>caring/affection/concern/love >>>>AND it meshes with MY conscience. >>>>BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m > a >>>>ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. >>please >>>>… ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief >>that >>>>one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … >>>>CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief > includes >>>>ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! >>>>(2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held >>possession. >>>>I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue >>from >>>>some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to >>even >>>>try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) >>makes >>>>available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope >>you’re >>>>up to it. >>>>I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on >>topic’ >>>>… but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone >>except >>>>for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a >>>>medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items >>should >>>>be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? >>>>My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 >>>>cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said >>"I >>>>think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had >>to >>>>explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what > normal >>is >>>>supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my >>head in >>>>and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. >>>>I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first >>>>question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once > (it >>had >>>>to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get >>the >>>>blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high >>of >>>>375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. >>>>yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before >>>>dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before >>>>slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ >>>>sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a > little >>of >>>>that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 >>>>carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = > about >>>>2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s >>>>indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I >>got >>>>the wake up call in time. >>>>passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a >>day >>>>(no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of >>water >>>>a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly >>continually >>>>thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no > liquid. >>>>Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal >>(that’s >>>>my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition >>and >>>>slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a >>>>antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you >>all >>>>give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has >>>>caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine >>>>contraindicated?) >>>>have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals > every >>day >>>>for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality >>check ), >>>>go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have >>been >>>>having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, >>but >>>>not an excessive amount of anything) … >>>>BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was >>19 >>>>and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) >>hypoglycemia >>>>after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat >>every 3 >>>>hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a >>alarm >>>>wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost >>interest

… read more »

Response:

Yeah but you must agree that he asked for help, he knows he needs to see a doctor, that wasn’t the issue that he asked for help with. I can understand that, and we know nothing of his background nor where he comes from …… so that being the case, offering as much help as possible would seem to be the way forward

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It doesn’t matter > If you wait till SOMEDAY > then you die > Almost NO ONE at his age can get or afford non-group insurance., and > group insurance is not underwritten > Why should he expect to get insurance tomorrow, and not today. > I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he needs > insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get > diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not at > the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he gets > to see a doctor as soon as he can. >>cc’d by email >>sigh >>You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want to >>  get the most out of it >>1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. >>a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics >>to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and labs >>b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. >>SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening programs. >>c) look for both on the internet >>2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" >>and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are usually >>bad for diabetics. >>3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me >>privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are NOT >>the only uninsured person in the US. >>4) Good thing stopping smoking >>5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one >>day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options which >>might get you free, or reduced cost care. >>People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a >>newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, because >>they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want to >>get rich off of us) >>People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view and >>possibly useful answers. >>We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, the >>Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers like >>herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, we >>hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you >>>I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD > and >>>MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost >>>nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was > like >>>being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m > spin >>>dizzy and comfrused. >>>I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will >>>probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about > myself as >>>I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed >>>until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from > the >>>past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is > enough >>>to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A >>>DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … >>>(1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and > even >>>though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to > dictate >>>to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me > that I >>>SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT > respond >>>… If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without > even >>>informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle >>>persuasion, when I perceive it is done with > caring/affection/concern/love >>>AND it meshes with MY conscience. >>>BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a >>>ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. > please >>>… ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief > that >>>one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … >>>CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes >>>ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! >>>(2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held > possession. >>>I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue > from >>>some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to > even >>>try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) > makes >>>available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope > you’re >>>up to it. >>>I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on > topic’ >>>… but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone > except >>>for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a >>>medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items > should >>>be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? >>>My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 >>>cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said > "I >>>think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had > to >>>explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal > is >>>supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my > head in >>>and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. >>>I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first >>>question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it > had >>>to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get > the >>>blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high > of >>>375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. >>>yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before >>>dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before >>>slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ >>>sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little > of >>>that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 >>>carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about >>>2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s >>>indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I > got >>>the wake up call in time. >>>passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a > day >>>(no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of > water >>>a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly > continually >>>thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. >>>Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal > (that’s >>>my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition > and >>>slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a >>>antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you > all >>>give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has >>>caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine >>>contraindicated?) >>>have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every > day >>>for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality > check ), >>>go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have > been >>>having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, > but >>>not an excessive amount of anything) … >>>BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was > 19 >>>and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) > hypoglycemia >>>after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat > every 3 >>>hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a > alarm >>>wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost > interest >>>as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … >>>have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months > ago >>>… cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of >>>ultra lights for about 25 yrs. >>>minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … > using >>>Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being >>>athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according > to >>>the directions. >>>no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild >>>astigmatism

… read more »

Response:

It doesn’t matter If you wait till SOMEDAY then you die Almost NO ONE at his age can get or afford non-group insurance., and group insurance is not underwritten Why should he expect to get insurance tomorrow, and not today. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he needs > insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get > diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not at > the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he gets > to see a doctor as soon as he can. >cc’d by email >sigh >You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want to >  get the most out of it >1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. >a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics >to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and labs >b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. >SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening programs. >c) look for both on the internet >2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" >and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are usually >bad for diabetics. >3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me >privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are NOT >the only uninsured person in the US. >4) Good thing stopping smoking >5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one >day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options which >might get you free, or reduced cost care. >People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a >newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, because >they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want to >get rich off of us) >People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view and >possibly useful answers. >We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, the >Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers like >herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, we >hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you >>I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD > and >>MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost >>nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was > like >>being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m > spin >>dizzy and comfrused. >>I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will >>probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about > myself as >>I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed >>until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from > the >>past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is > enough >>to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A >>DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … >>(1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and > even >>though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to > dictate >>to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me > that I >>SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT > respond >>… If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without > even >>informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle >>persuasion, when I perceive it is done with > caring/affection/concern/love >>AND it meshes with MY conscience. >>BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a >>ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. > please >>… ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief > that >>one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … >>CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes >>ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! >>(2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held > possession. >>I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue > from >>some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to > even >>try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) > makes >>available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope > you’re >>up to it. >>I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on > topic’ >>… but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone > except >>for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a >>medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items > should >>be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? >>My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 >>cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said > "I >>think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had > to >>explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal > is >>supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my > head in >>and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. >>I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first >>question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it > had >>to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get > the >>blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high > of >>375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. >>yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before >>dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before >>slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ >>sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little > of >>that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 >>carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about >>2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s >>indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I > got >>the wake up call in time. >>passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a > day >>(no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of > water >>a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly > continually >>thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. >>Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal > (that’s >>my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition > and >>slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a >>antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you > all >>give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has >>caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine >>contraindicated?) >>have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every > day >>for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality > check ), >>go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have > been >>having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, > but >>not an excessive amount of anything) … >>BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was > 19 >>and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) > hypoglycemia >>after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat > every 3 >>hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a > alarm >>wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost > interest >>as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … >>have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months > ago >>… cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of >>ultra lights for about 25 yrs. >>minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … > using >>Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being >>athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according > to >>the directions. >>no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild >>astigmatism almost vertical axis (from reading in the dark as a kid, I’m >>told ???), >>Last full physical about 3 yrs ago was told all well except what I was > doing >>to myself : A. lose weight (285 at that time), B. stop smoking, C. > exercise. >>Now (started a week ago) 15 minutes a day on a stair stepper (make sure > Bg >>is less that 300) reasonable starting workout, sweat at 5 min. winded at > 15. >>will work it up to 30 min 6 days/week. and  now at lowest toughness > level of >>3 will wind up at toughest level and max min in about 6 months. >>Only been testing daily and often since Bayer sent me a new meter which >>arrived on the 17th. Sis had an old Bayer lancet machine and meter but > the >>meter didn’t work right and Bayer was nice enough to send me a new newer > one >>and instructions (sis didn’t have them) and a case and a box of disks > and a >>bag of

… read more »

Response:

I get the impression that the reason he’s not done that is because he needs insurance to pay for the treatment, if you go to the doctor and get diagnosed before you get insurance then you won’t get insurance, or not at the same price! However that doesn’t make it any less important that he gets to see a doctor as soon as he can.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> cc’d by email > sigh > You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want to >   get the most out of it > 1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice. > a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics > to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and labs > b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. > SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening programs. > c) look for both on the internet > 2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" > and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are usually > bad for diabetics. > 3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me > privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are NOT > the only uninsured person in the US. > 4) Good thing stopping smoking > 5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one > day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options which > might get you free, or reduced cost care. > People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a > newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, because > they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want to > get rich off of us) > People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view and > possibly useful answers. > We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, the > Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers like > herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, we > hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you > I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD and > MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost > nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was like > being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m spin > dizzy and comfrused. > I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will > probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed > until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the > past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough > to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A > DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … > (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and even > though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to dictate > to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me that I > SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT respond > … If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without even > informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle > persuasion, when I perceive it is done with

caring/affection/concern/love – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> AND it meshes with MY conscience. > BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a > ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. please > … ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief that > one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … > CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes > ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! > (2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held possession. > I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue from > some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to even > try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) makes > available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope you’re > up to it. > I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on topic’ > … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone except > for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a > medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items should > be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? > My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 > cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said "I > think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had to > explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal is > supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my head in > and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. > I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first > question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it had > to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get the > blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high of > 375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. > yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before > dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before > slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ > sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little of > that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 > carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about > 2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s > indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I got > the wake up call in time. > passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a day > (no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of water > a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly continually > thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. > Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal (that’s > my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition and > slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a > antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you all > give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has > caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine > contraindicated?) > have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every day > for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality check ), > go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have been > having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, but > not an excessive amount of anything) … > BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was 19 > and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) hypoglycemia > after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat every 3 > hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a alarm > wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost interest > as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … > have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months ago > … cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of > ultra lights for about 25 yrs. > minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … using > Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being > athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according to > the directions. > no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild > astigmatism almost vertical axis (from reading in the dark as a kid, I’m > told ???), > Last full physical about 3 yrs ago was told all well except what I was doing > to myself : A. lose weight (285 at that time), B. stop smoking, C. exercise. > Now (started a week ago) 15 minutes a day on a stair stepper (make sure Bg > is less that 300) reasonable starting workout, sweat at 5 min. winded at 15. > will work it up to 30 min 6 days/week. and  now at lowest toughness level of > 3 will wind up at toughest level and max min in about 6 months. > Only been testing daily and often since Bayer sent me a new meter which > arrived on the 17th. Sis had an old Bayer lancet machine and meter but the > meter didn’t work right and Bayer was nice enough to send me a new newer one > and instructions (sis didn’t have them) and a case and a box of disks and a > bag of lancets and calibrating solution. the latter three have not arrived > yet. So I am using disks (test strips) that are a year expired, but checking > against sis’s other type of meter with current strips seems to indicate that > I’m getting reasonably accurate readings. it will be nice to calibrate the > meter and run a current disk thru it. How I’m going to afford disks when I > run out I don’t know … but I will find a way !!! Yes, the 3 day rethink > exited with among other things RESOLVE.  And I acknowledge that I neeeed > help: at least information and ideas and options, and hopefully > acquaintances

… read more »

Response:

> Thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments welcome.

What does your doctor say? What Rxs did s/he give? And your BP should be a little lower; it is recommended that diabetics have lower BP than "normals." — "Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner." – Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather

Response:

> What does your doctor say? What Rxs did s/he give?

I guess the following wasn’t explicit enough … I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed until I can find some insurance. Therefore, I clarify: (1) I don’t have a doctor. (2) I haven’t been diagnosed. (3) I have not been Rx’ed. > And your BP should be a little lower; it is recommended that diabetics > have lower BP than "normals."

Thank you for the suggestion.. How low should it be, ideally? What would be a good way to get it there? I’m hoping that as I increase my exercise slowly and stick to it, that BP will go down, but I have no idea how much that might help. ?? Losing weight, after I get my glucose #s into better shape might help BP as well. tnx quirque — whoever takes umbrage when none was intended … is a fool. whoever takes umbrage when it was intended … is a STUPID fool.

Response:

> If you think you are diabetic type 2, then have a look on the net for > metabolic syndrome aka syndrome x.  It is a combination of problems > most type 2 diabetics start out with – higher BP, high cholesterol, > higher BG etc.

I will. BWT is there some way I can test for/monitor my own cholesterol? >The common treatment for BP in diabetics is an ACE > inhibitor as it offers some degree of protection to the kidneys.

I suppose ACE is a prescription item… Are over the counter diuretics (Doan’s or Dewitts) OK for diabetics if BP only needs to come down a little? >The best protection for kidneys is of course lowering the bg’s > dramatically to near normal, kidneys tend to go belly up rather easily > in an out of control diabetic.  Here is an interesting article on BP > in diabetics: > http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3015383

Thanks, good article, also signed up for ‘heart of diabetes’. > Do you qualify for Medicare by the way?

No. Thanks again, Quirque — whoever takes umbrage when none was intended … is a fool. whoever takes umbrage when it was intended … is a STUPID fool.

Response:

cc’d by email sigh You are on a newsgroup – you better get a little less shy if you want to   get the most out of it 1) You HAVE to go to a doctor – no choice.         a) check your local papers for ads for programs looking for diabetics to study – they will provide, at a minimum,  free medical visits and labs         b) Check your local health department and the local hospitals. SOMETIMES there are free, or very low cost diabetic screening programs.         c) look for both on the internet 2) Stop wasting your money and endangering yourself with phony "herbs" and "supplements" You can NOT afford those scams, and, they are usually bad for diabetics. 3) After you get a prescription, either post on the NG, or email me privately.  I know LOTS of ways to get cheap or free meds. – you are NOT the only uninsured person in the US. 4) Good thing stopping smoking 5) You HAVE to have regular eye exams, from an opthomologist – or, one day SOON you will wake up blind.  Again  there are lots of options which might get you free, or reduced cost care. People who get flamed on the groups are people who come on to a newsgroup of long time diabetics and TELL us what WE should do, because they (newbie, troll, scammers, or spammers) know EVERYTHING. (or want to get rich off of us) People who try and learn will usually get a number of points of view and possibly useful answers. We can be a bit rough – and you may run into trolls like the Chung, the Watchtroll, or one of Momma Betty’s Aspartame trolls, and spammers like herb pushers, BioDeath, Manatech, or their ilk – but they pass.  But, we hope you stay, and that we can be of help to you – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD and > MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost > nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was like > being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m spin > dizzy and comfrused. > I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will > probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed > until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the > past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough > to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A > DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … > (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and even > though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to dictate > to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me that I > SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT respond > … If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without even > informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle > persuasion, when I perceive it is done with caring/affection/concern/love > AND it meshes with MY conscience. > BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a > ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. please > … ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief that > one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … > CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes > ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! > (2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held possession. > I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue from > some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to even > try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) makes > available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope you’re > up to it. > I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on topic’ > … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone except > for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a > medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items should > be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? > My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 > cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said "I > think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had to > explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal is > supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my head in > and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. > I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first > question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it had > to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get the > blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high of > 375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. > yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before > dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before > slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ > sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little of > that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 > carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about > 2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s > indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I got > the wake up call in time. > passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a day > (no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of water > a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly continually > thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. > Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal (that’s > my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition and > slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a > antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you all > give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has > caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine > contraindicated?) > have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every day > for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality check ), > go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have been > having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, but > not an excessive amount of anything) … > BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was 19 > and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) hypoglycemia > after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat every 3 > hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a alarm > wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost interest > as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … > have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months ago > … cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of > ultra lights for about 25 yrs. > minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … using > Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being > athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according to > the directions. > no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild > astigmatism almost vertical axis (from reading in the dark as a kid, I’m > told ???), > Last full physical about 3 yrs ago was told all well except what I was doing > to myself : A. lose weight (285 at that time), B. stop smoking, C. exercise. > Now (started a week ago) 15 minutes a day on a stair stepper (make sure Bg > is less that 300) reasonable starting workout, sweat at 5 min. winded at 15. > will work it up to 30 min 6 days/week. and  now at lowest toughness level of > 3 will wind up at toughest level and max min in about 6 months. > Only been testing daily and often since Bayer sent me a new meter which > arrived on the 17th. Sis had an old Bayer lancet machine and meter but the > meter didn’t work right and Bayer was nice enough to send me a new newer one > and instructions (sis didn’t have them) and a case and a box of disks and a > bag of lancets and calibrating solution. the latter three have not arrived > yet. So I am using disks (test strips) that are a year expired, but checking > against sis’s other type of meter with current strips seems to indicate that > I’m getting reasonably accurate readings. it will be nice to calibrate the > meter and run a current disk thru it. How I’m going to afford disks when I > run out I don’t know … but I will find a way !!! Yes, the 3 day rethink > exited with among other things RESOLVE.  And I acknowledge that I neeeed > help: at least information and ideas and options, and hopefully > acquaintances and friends. > Gotta plan on the exercise. Trying not to stress  (BP would indicate I’m > reasonably OK) I think that I am in glucose toxicity. I think that I need to > get my #s down to ?normal? or near, to get out of toxicity, so that the > numbers will mean something more real, so that I quit passing Gl. so that I > can get to a place where I can build a more permanent plan. Please correct > me if I’m wrong. Thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments welcome. Oh, > BTW, I’ve got thick skin literally and figuratively … sticks barely hurt > and I hope you can’t push any of my ‘emote’ buttons. > thanks in advance, > quique

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What does your doctor say? What Rxs did s/he give? > I guess the following wasn’t explicit enough … > I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be > diagnosed until I can find some insurance. > Therefore, I clarify: (1) I don’t have a doctor. (2) I haven’t been > diagnosed. (3) I have not been Rx’ed. > And your BP should be a little lower; it is recommended that > diabetics have lower BP than "normals." > Thank you for the suggestion.. How low should it be, ideally? What > would be a good way to get it there? > I’m hoping that as I increase my exercise slowly and stick to it, > that BP will go down, but I have no idea how much that might help. ?? > Losing weight, after I get my glucose #s into better shape might help > BP as well.

If you think you are diabetic type 2, then have a look on the net for metabolic syndrome aka syndrome x.  It is a combination of problems most type 2 diabetics start out with – higher bp, high cholesterol, higher bg’s etc.  The common treatment for bp in diabetics is an ACE inhibitor as it offers some degree of protection to the kidneys.  The best protection for kidneys is of course lowering the bg’s dramatically to near normal, kidneys tend to go belly up rather easily in an out of control diabetic.  Here is an interesting article on BP in diabetics: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3015383 Do you qualify for medicare by the way?

Response:

I waded thru all the postings that my server had stored for AHD and ASD and MHD … close to 2000 … mostly from ASD … took me 4 days, almost nonstop, sticks about every 2 hrs, eating something as often  ,,, was like being inside a cross between a cloths dryer and a kaleidoscope !!! I’m spin dizzy and comfrused. I hope it is OK to post this to all three (this one time) … As I will probably lurk in all of them. I don’t plan on revealing much about myself as I am very poor, have not been diagnosed, and do not want to be diagnosed until I can find some insurance. (and if I have learned anything from the past 4 days about SOME of the people in here … what I just said is enough to start a Dresden style fire storm along the lines of YOU MUST GO TO A DOC… etc;.) Before you even start … (1) Do try to have some compassion for a unique individual, (me), and even though I may be totally misguided … YOU do NOT have the RIGHT to dictate to me … so unless you believe in coercion … please don’t tell me that I SHOULD or MUST or OUGHT etc. to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ … I will NOT respond … If you try too hard … I will tell NewsRover to block you without even informing you. I DO respond to logical argument and reasoning and gentle persuasion, when I perceive it is done with caring/affection/concern/love AND it meshes with MY conscience. BTW: (a quick aside) Lord Acton coined a Diction, which I rewrote (I’m a ghost and technical writer, freelance, and need more work, so …. please … ) … anyhow the revised version goes like this: The FALSE belief that one person can or does have POWER over another person or persons … CORRUPTS the person holding said belief … And, if said belief includes ABSOLUTE POWER, its holder IS CORRUPTED ABSOLUTELY !!! (2) Do respect my privacy, as if it were you own most heart held possession. I have no idea what you all can find out about me, (but I have a clue from some of your anti-spammers’ recent posts) … I haven’t the skill to even try to hide or confuse what my OS (win98) or news reader (NewsRover) makes available to you. So I just have to trust you from the get-go, I hope you’re up to it. I know that almost all of the above is ‘ground rules’ instead of ‘on topic’ … but I HAD to say it (I am scared, vulnerable, confused and alone except for my cat) … NOW: do I understand correctly that questions of a medical/tech nature should be made to AHD and supportive/social items should be posted to ASD ??? Then what’s to be posted to MHD? My sister is type 2, 10 days ago, she fed me lavishly, I downed about 3 cokes, ice cream sandwiches for desert… the about an hour later said "I think you are diabetic, here, let me test you." Worst part was she had to explain a lot of things, especially what 475 mg/dL means and what normal is supposed to be. Honestly, I didn’t go into denial, but I did pull my head in and re-evaluate REALITY and incidentally myself image for several days. I am male, 54′, 260 lbs, Caucasian (is race a factor? – there: my first question), after that first stick I’ve had a low reading of 145 once (it had to be false … I’ve since learned that squeezing the finger tip to get the blood out puts out more plasma and gives false low reading) and a high of 375. in the last 18 hrs: 269, 281, 294, 364, 335, 294, 248, 231, & 240. yesterday a high of 338 2 hrs after breakfast, and a low of 221 before dinner, the rest all over in between (ave 260) … the 3 days before slightly higher but getting generally lower, with some spikes. about 8+ sticks a day. eat a little of this … see what happens … eat a little of that … see what happens … try to keep each 2 hr meal under about 15 carbs, no raw sugars/starches, up to about 200 calories (x12/day = about 2400+/-) reading a lot of labels and looking a lot of things up. my #s indicate to me that I’m in serious trouble and I hope and pray that I got the wake up call in time. passing no ketones, but passing 100-1000 mg/dL glucose about 6 times a day (no pattern to the up/down). I have always drank at least a gallon of water a day, do a pass a lot of water. I don’t seem to be particularly continually thirsty … tested that … lots of saliva after 6 hours with no liquid. Switched to weak Lipton green tea with 1oz lemon juice per 1/2 gal (that’s my drinking jug size), no sweetener/no sugar, (conscience or intuition and slim facts moved me to this switch to green tea as a antioxidant/diuretic/purgative??? I’ll try it for a while, unless you all give me reason otherwise)… does anybody know if Lipton green tea has caffeine? how much? (would check with Lipton if was day) (is caffeine contraindicated?) have been taking wide and detailed vitamins, minerals, and herbals every day for almost ever (several months at a time, skip a month ( reality check ), go at it again … ) stopped now to eliminate any effect they may have been having (one was ginseng, and a little of EVERYTHING conceivable else, but not an excessive amount of anything) … BP mid 130s over mid 80s almost al the time, been that way since I was 19 and in college … at that time was diagnosed (unofficially) hypoglycemia after a 4 hr glucose tolerance test. not severe, friend doc said eat every 3 hours until I started registering hunger on a regular basis. bought a alarm wrist watch and ate every 3 hrs for couple of years. gradually lost interest as all seemed normal. night sweats mild and seldom … have mild sleeping apnea … better since I quit smoking about 3 months ago … cold turkey … had been smoking slightly less than a pack a day of ultra lights for about 25 yrs. minor itching in between toes and bottom of toes and balls of feet … using Micatin and Scholl foot powder to eliminate the possibility of it being athelete’s foot ( I hope it is ). will know in another 2 weeks according to the directions. no change in vision in years, far sighted slightly, not quite mild astigmatism almost vertical axis (from reading in the dark as a kid, I’m told ???), Last full physical about 3 yrs ago was told all well except what I was doing to myself : A. lose weight (285 at that time), B. stop smoking, C. exercise. Now (started a week ago) 15 minutes a day on a stair stepper (make sure Bg is less that 300) reasonable starting workout, sweat at 5 min. winded at 15. will work it up to 30 min 6 days/week. and  now at lowest toughness level of 3 will wind up at toughest level and max min in about 6 months. Only been testing daily and often since Bayer sent me a new meter which arrived on the 17th. Sis had an old Bayer lancet machine and meter but the meter didn’t work right and Bayer was nice enough to send me a new newer one and instructions (sis didn’t have them) and a case and a box of disks and a bag of lancets and calibrating solution. the latter three have not arrived yet. So I am using disks (test strips) that are a year expired, but checking against sis’s other type of meter with current strips seems to indicate that I’m getting reasonably accurate readings. it will be nice to calibrate the meter and run a current disk thru it. How I’m going to afford disks when I run out I don’t know … but I will find a way !!! Yes, the 3 day rethink exited with among other things RESOLVE.  And I acknowledge that I neeeed help: at least information and ideas and options, and hopefully acquaintances and friends. Gotta plan on the exercise. Trying not to stress  (BP would indicate I’m reasonably OK) I think that I am in glucose toxicity. I think that I need to get my #s down to ?normal? or near, to get out of toxicity, so that the numbers will mean something more real, so that I quit passing Gl. so that I can get to a place where I can build a more permanent plan. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments welcome. Oh, BTW, I’ve got thick skin literally and figuratively … sticks barely hurt and I hope you can’t push any of my ‘emote’ buttons. thanks in advance, quique

Response: