My diagnosis was given to me by the receptionist of the
family medical centre I’ve been going to for umpteen years. She called to make
an appointment to address my diabetes management. Apparently the temporary
doctor replacing my regular doctor had written “DM” on my chart, which stands
for “Diabetes Management.”
I was surprised and asked the receptionist to talk to the
doctor and receive clarification. I admit to you, dear reader that I was in the
middle of my Zoom fitness workout when I took the call and it took me all my
will power to resume the workout. I was upset. Upset not only because of
hearing about the diagnosis that way, but also because of my backstory. TLDR: in
2009, out of the blue I developed full body sepsis and a toxic mega colon and
wasn’t expected to survive. I had exploratory surgery, they removed the colon
and I’m here! Yay! You can read a detailed log of what happened along with the
experience on my Firebird and Phoenix blog (note links list on right hand side).
Here’s the
first entry from January, 2010 when I was beginning my recovery.
I had an ileostomy appliance for 14 months and then bowel
resection surgery in 2011, resulting in a shorter small intestine than you have
(most likely), and severe scarring. The scarring means that I have been to the
ER 5 times for bowel obstructions and admitted twice, having to have a Naso Gastric
tube inserted to remove the blockage. Last time was March, 2021 and last non-ER
visit bowel obstruction was March 19, 2022. Fortunately I didn’t need the
hospital.
These obstructions do have to do with the food I eat getting
trapped in some scarred spot in my small bowel, but can happen at any time, so
it’s tricky. I have a very nervous relationship with food. So yes, when I heard
the diagnosis, I imagined someone trying to shove bulger and kale down my
throat while I got increasingly horrid stomach cramps and vomited it all up. I
know, I have a very active imagination.
A few tears and some time with my darling husband settled
me back down. I went to the doctor and she gave me incontrovertible proof that I
had diabetes. She said it was on my chart since 2014. No one has ever said to
me that I have diabetes. One of the doctors who has treated me from time to
time at the clinic told me it was something to keep an eye on. The latest blood
test from earlier in March, 2022 revealed a high A1C number of 9.5 and this means, you guessed it, diabetes. I haven't even been told which kind it is yet, type 1 or type 2 and what those differences are.
I guess I’m going to learn about all of this stuff, but I
should probably give you a disclaimer that I am not a doctor (nor do I play one
on tv. ha!). I’m a writer and whimsy loving individual with a macabre sense of
humour. You’ll see. This test takes readings from 3 months somehow,
rather than just focusing on the current blood sugar number. So I’m sweet, I’m
a sweety pie. I can’t eat no sweet pie.
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