Ah, the holidays. They always bring calamity into my life, but this year they're outdoing themselves.
Okay, I won't blame Santa for this gift. Having diabetes means plenty of calamity, especially as the disease progresses. I'm having more trouble controlling my blood sugar lately, even while eating the same diet as before and faithfully taking my meds and exercising. That's a sign. My doctor had me take a carotid ultrasound test, and the results showed that my neck arteries are twice as blocked as they were last year (which may explain why my hair is falling out lately. You need a decent blood supply to keep hair follicles alive.) Despite my strict diet my cholesterol has been super high lately, but unfortunately I can't tolerate any of the meds that might lower it.
What does this mean? Well, if I can't control my blood sugar I'll have to start taking insulin by needle, which will be more dangerous and may have consequences. And if we can't figure out how to lower my cholesterol, eventually my arteries will become completely clogged, which means I likely die by stroke or a heart attack some time in the near future.
Yes, it's depressing, especially as I've stepped up my exercise and adhere strictly to my diet, but it's also not unexpected. I've always known my life expectancy has been shortened by diabetes; according to the latest calculations we lose on average 6 years, so that means I might live to be 71 if I'm lucky -- only I've never been lucky. :) I'm probably at stage three of atherosclerosis, so I'd shave off another five years of my life. 66 is probably a more realistic life expectancy for me.
I'll be 66 in 2027.
I will keep fighting, of course. I will go on the needle if I have to to control my blood sugar. I'll exercise more, eat more carefully and try to lose more weight. I'll stay optimistic, too. But with all that, I think it's time to start seriously considering how I want to live from now until 2027.
Comments
As you know, I'm after Greg about his diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. He's got it under control, but it's a constant struggle for balance.
Don't be afraid of the insulin. I remember being in school with a little boy. We were eight. Every day he took his insulin shot. I thought he was the coolest kid ever. I know now, he was also the toughest.
As we age, we have to modify our lives with drugs. If we didn't, most of us would've been dead by 45. Much as I hate depending on drugs, it also makes life livable.
My mindset has shifted of late. I do the things that make me happy instead of what needs to be done. I figure I've worked all my life (since I was 12). It's time for payback.
Think about it. If next week was your last week on earth, what would you most like to do?
My dad had carotid blockages and they put stents in. It made a remarkable difference for him and his Medicare/BCBSM supplement paid for it all. His was very bad.
My hair was falling out by the handful for awhile. I asked the doc about all those high priced hair loss supplements I see ads for on TV. He told me they're all a scam. Just take Biotin. So, for $20 a bottle every four months for 10,000mcg, I take one little capsule and my hair is like it was when I was a teenager again. Lovely stuff, I'm happy and so is the doc.
BTW, the Medicare part D supplement that we use bring both drugs to a manageable price. It all depends which tier you subscribe to.
I use a cheaper tier since I need only basic meds like antibiotics or anti itch lotions. Greg's on the most expensive tier since he's on so many medications that are costlier.