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Sugar Free Pie in the Sky

a cheesecake on a kitchen counter with a slice cut out

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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