diabetes Has struck Again!

It is true, since becoming a Domestic Goddess a few years ago I have discovered a fondness for writing and sharing my life stories with the world.  On April 30th, 2014 my own life path took a bit of a drastic curve as I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes.  To say I was stunned and overwhelmed is a major understatement.  I was feeling both of these things plus a whole lot more.  Words like seriously (!!), unreal, unbelievable, and dumbfounded all came to mind.

diabetic-testing-meter_GyHdoLO_This is one of those stories that I have hemmed and hawed about telling because it’s very personal, and concerns my own health, not one of my family members.  However, it is important to me to share this with all of you just in case you have had or are having a similar experience.  I am 54 years old and last year I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes (ugh).  If you have been a follower of my family stories you know that my youngest son is a Type I diabetic.  He has been diabetic since he was 6 and he just turned 24.  Diabetes is not a new issue or challenge for me, except now I also have Diabetes of the Type II variety (ugh).  The story of how that diagnosis came about is a rather interesting one and it’s the main reason I feel compelled to share this discovery with all of you.

In the summer of 2013 I had gotten what I thought was a cut or scrape on my right ankle. It was taking some time to heal, and then it started to get a little itchy.  It took me awhile to decide to go to the doctor to get this checked out.  What I thought was a simple scrape had turned into a circular sore that was simply not healing 100%.  I had been applying Neosporin to this ugly little spot (about the circumference of a small coffee cup), and the first reaction from the doctor was , “Well you must be allergic to the Neosporin”,  because of the way it had spread.  At that point it was determined that my boo-boo was of the fungal variety (aka ringworm), and that I needed to apply some anti-fungal cream.  So I did, and shortly after that visit I saw a dermatologist who also confirmed ringworm, via a biopsy. (ugh-not fun)   The spot on my ankle continued to heal so slowly, the itching subsided, and I just “let it go” for a few months.  Now we’re into November of 2013, my Mom went to a dermatologist for an annual visit, and she really liked the doctor.  She encouraged me to make an appointment to see him since my ankle had still not healed 100%.  Of course being the fathead that I am I put off doing anything about it until after the holidays and then some.  

Now roll around to 2014, and in February of 2014 I finally go to the dermatologist my Mom had seen.  He was great.  As soon as he saw my ankle he said to me, “That looks like a skin tag.” I reply, “A what?”.  A skin tag in my case was a discoloration of the skin where I had the open sore.  It was still quite red, and had some occasional itchiness.  The dermatologist ordered the necessary blood tests and a second biopsy on the boo-boo site, and it was confirmed that I did indeed have Type II diabetes.  (ugh!)  I got a referral to a wonderful endocrinologist, and was thankful to know I would be on the road to finally feeling better.    

At this point knowing that there was something physically “off” for me gave me a sense of relief.  I know that may sound strange, but it’s because there was a definitive issue I was dealing with, and I would have continued to fight an uphill battle if I had waited any longer to get my boo-boo checked out.  This explained some things for me too.  I had been having trouble dropping those extra “holiday pounds” in January of 2014.  I was so, so tired all of the time.  I blamed the stress and tiredness on the loss of my Dad.  Now I know it was diabetes rearing it’s ugly head, and in my case it is genetically manifested.  At some point in time diabetes was going to be in my life for a very long time.  After my diagnosis the urge to run home and tell my other kids to get tested for any indicators of diabetes was overwhelming.  

Pre-diagnosis

Pre-diagnosis

Feeling Great-40 pounds lighter!!

Feeling Great-40 pounds lighter!!

I don’t really remember when I started to actually feel better and more energetic again, but it didn’t take long.  All in all so far I’ve dropped about 40 pounds from diet, exercise and getting my metabolism in order. I feel so much better.  No sluggishness, not dealing with weight gain, and feeling so much better.  Did I say that already?

Discovering my diabetes and finding my way towards a healthier lifestyle was an incredibly easy path once I knew what was going on.  I wanted to feel better.  And I will admit to you all that I was not really paying attention to me, and how I was truly feeling.  I was feeling pretty crappy.  No energy, could not lose a pound to save my life, and oh so moody which was totally not my character.  My life lesson here is do not wait to go the doctor if you’re not feeling right, or if you have a boo-boo that’s taking forever to heal. Listen to your mother (love you Mom!) and take good care of yourself.

This post linked to the BlogShareLearn linky party.

11 comments

  1. Pamela Shank says:

    What a story. I have been an RN for 43 years so, sadly, I have seen others go thru the same thing. We just never think this will happen to us or our family. You look great and I think your story will make others realize the importance of early detection and treatment. Good information.

    • This was one of the tougher stories for me to share, and I really felt the need to because there’s probably someone out there going through the same things. So glad you stopped in for a visit today.

  2. Amy Berthold says:

    DMII has struck my Handsome Chauffer as well. The diagnosis was a shock, but just as your story at least we had an answer to why he had been feeling so yucky and tired. That was about 7 years ago. He is happier and has taken control as best he can. He too has dropped weight and has much more energy. So glad you are feeling better!

  3. Amy Berthold says:

    My Handsome Chauffeur was diagnosed with DMII about 7 years ago too. It was quite a shock, but in hindsight we can see how his life had been affected. He too was tired and had weight issues which he attributed to stress from work. We have made some life changes that have not been as tough as we originally thought. We are enjoying life some much more as he is feeling better. So happy you are feeling better too!

    • I’m so glad you stopped in for a visit Amy. There’s nothing tougher than dealing with an unexpected medical diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your story, and I’m so glad to hear your Handsome Chauffeur is feeling better too! Cheers to the two of you on your travels.

  4. Sorry to hear your news but glad you are doing well. I think we can all relate to putting off making an appointment to see the doc! It’s worked well for me most of my life as niggles always just go away in the end but maybe once we get into later life, that philosophy isnt so helpful. Hope you stay well and keep the diabetes under control.

  5. Grandma Kc says:

    You go girl! Sadly my mother is also a diabetic, has been for at least 30+ years but unlike you she will not take care of her health. She won’t exercise of change her diet. It is so frustrating for my sister and I to watch but we have given up trying to saying anything. She won’t listen. Good job with losing 40 pounds! Continued success to you!

  6. Elena Peters says:

    Oh my gosh you got me worried now too and I am going to make sure I book that physical on Monday. I don’t have a sore or feel poorly but my son also has had diabetes type 1 since 10. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that as mothers we sometimes ignore ourselves. Thank goodness your mother stepped in! Thank you for joining #BlogShareLearn.

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