The Big D

I only wish I was talking about Dallas.

In the afternoon of March 2nd 2010 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

In 2008, because of my high blood pressure and extra weight, my doctor ordered a blood glucose test.  The results came back that my levels were high; borderline. She told me to watch it.  I heard “You’re fine.”

Last year at my physical she ordered a follow up test. I took the sheet of paper, walked out of the clinic and never came back for the test.

On February 19th 2010, at my yearly physical I once again had blood taken.  This year I found out normal levels of blood glucose are 70-99.  I was at 274.

My doctor said, “This is not OK.” and put me on medication immediately.

At first I was terrified, overwhelmed and cried about this often.  Now I’m just determined.  I have never been this determined.  Then again it’s never been my life on the line.

I now take medication twice a day and prick my finger for blood tests 2 – 3 times a day.  In less than two weeks my blood sugar is already down over 120 points.  This fact pleasantly surprised my doctor.  And me.

I’m “lucky” that I’m not on insulin.  And as determined as I am, I never will be.

One day I joke about my Jelly Bean tears or my Marshmallow Fluff blood. The next day I’m feeling like there is this huge mountain I need to climb and I haven’t even yet learned to walk.

I have a goal.  A year from now I will be down 70+ pounds and off medication.  If I can’t be off medication I will have a plan that in the near future I will be.

I haven’t had a single ounce of candy, white bread or white pasta since I heard of my fate. I have passed on birthday cake, french fries and even threw away a plate full of brownies.

I know this isn’t a death sentence and in fact this may be the best thing that has happened to me.

Today I’m doing great and feel in control.  Tomorrow, I hope it’s the same.

I only wish I was talking about Dallas.

18 Responses to The Big D
  1. suzi
    March 16, 2010 | 9:18 am

    I wish you well. You’ve already made a difference by sharing your story on Twitter, at least with me. I am right where you were. Cutting out the sugar is something I need to do too. :) I know you will rock those 70 lbs gone! I am cheering for you and hope to be right there too!

  2. Elizabeth (claritychaos)
    March 16, 2010 | 9:21 am

    Cheering you on from over here, lady. Big hugs.

  3. tysdaddy
    March 16, 2010 | 9:32 am

    More important than your daily blood sugar checks is your A1c. How’s that one looking? Get that one down to around 6-7% and you’ll be well on your way to being in control long-term.

    This from a diabetic who has not been in control for long stretches of time over the years. I have so much to live for, and yet I often neglect my own health.

    Keep at it, my friend. We can support each other . . .

  4. Lee of MWOB
    March 16, 2010 | 9:48 am

    Hey my friend. Right on for taking control of your health in such a determined way. I hear clarity and commitment in your words and I have NO doubt you will reach your 1-year goal! And yep you’re gonna have my support however you need it.

    Screw French Fries and white pasta!!! :-)

  5. Tara
    March 16, 2010 | 9:55 am

    You are doing awesome Becky!!! I am positive you will reach and exceed your goals!

  6. Lisa Rae @ smacksy
    March 16, 2010 | 10:15 am

    Go Becky, go Becky, go Becky.

    (Bless the internets that you do not have to witness the dance I’m doing that goes with that little song.)

  7. amanda
    March 16, 2010 | 2:09 pm

    you can do it friend! proud of you for sharing and proud of you for being so determined!

  8. Melissa Travis
    March 16, 2010 | 3:58 pm

    That’s right sistah. One day at a time. *hugs* One event at a time… you get what you are handed and then you do what you need to do.

    I’m proud of you.

    Kick the closet door down and come on out!
    xx

  9. becky
    March 17, 2010 | 10:31 am

    I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my son. The doctor told me on a Friday afternoon just before the office closed and only gave me a phone number to call. No information, no help. Just a phone number. I left a message and no one got back to me. I had to stew all weekend, not really understanding my diagnosis & FREAKING out after I googled it. So I really get why it’s been hard for you to come to terms with it & blog about it.

    It is so awesome that you are determined to beat this. As others said, GO BECKY.

  10. Laura Tropman
    March 17, 2010 | 10:43 am

    Hi Becky,
    I do follow your blog, and like to blog myself. It has been so fun reading about you finding your fiance and your engagement. I can relate to your struggle and pain with your diagnosis. I have had Graves disease for 7 years and spent the last year of my life very ill and unable to work. I blog about it a http://ltjourney.blogspot.com/

    I know you can reach your goals and I believe we can all heal! I don’t believe our diagnosis are death sentences, but show up to teach us something about ourselves and help us to grow. You absolutely can get off medication, but I know that healing takes a lot of time and an enormous amount of patience.

    Thank-you for sharing and never give up that determination!
    Laura

  11. becky
    March 17, 2010 | 10:48 am

    Thanks for all the encouragement everyone. I’ll be reading all these comments on days when I’m not as strong.

    This was a hard post to hit “publish” on and now I’m so glad I did. Thanks again!

  12. Sheila
    March 17, 2010 | 12:22 pm

    Becky, you are wonderful and brave and strong and I know you can do it!! Lots of love and best wishes!

  13. Leo Lee
    March 17, 2010 | 1:29 pm

    Well, my dear, if there is one thing I know from knowing you for over 30 years, it’s that you are a very strong and determined lady! And there is no shortage of motivation with a wedding, a reunion, a boy turning 10…! Exciting year!

    I know you’ll meet those goals and you know I’ll be on your side. Love you.

  14. Shannon
    March 17, 2010 | 8:42 pm

    Oh Becky. I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. You are one strong woman, and I’m impressed with the commitment you’ve made. I’m behind you, Lady. You can do it!

    Also, thank you for sharing all this here–that took a lot of courage. I really admire how open you are about sharing what’s happening in your life. Be well.♥

  15. Anns Rants
    March 17, 2010 | 9:30 pm

    I am so proud of you ALREADY. I hear determination, but I also sense a calmness. You sound confident. I know you can do it, and you already ARE.

    (My cat The Fur Bastard and I are doing the wave in your honor right now, just so you know)

  16. Erin
    March 18, 2010 | 7:07 pm

    I am really proud of you. I’ll be honest.. I don’t know if I could do it, even if it were best for my health. You are truly a stronger woman than I!

  17. [...] | The Tales Of Princess Mikkimoto on The Cloudsbecky on Flowers From Friends Smell The BestErin on The Big DTammy on Flowers From Friends Smell The BestAnns Rants on The Big D By: Twitter Buttons BE [...]

  18. [...] The Big D [...]

Leave a Reply

Wanting to leave an <em>phasis on your comment?

Trackback URL http://www.talesofmikkimoto.com/life/the-big-d/trackback/