Skip to main content

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. 


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lace Up To End Diabetes - fundraiser for September, 2022

 I'm taking part in Diabetes Canada's Lace Up fundraising campaign to raise money to end diabetes and increase awareness and education about it. You can help by donating money here . This September, Diabetes Canada is inviting people across Canada to move together and Lace Up to End Diabetes. Challenge yourself or rally a team to Lace Up Your Way and raise funds that will help bring us one step closer to a cure. Diabetes or prediabetes affects in 1 in 3 people across Canada, and some will experience serious or even life-threatening complications. Insulin is not a cure. It’s the starting line, not the finish line for diabetes. Even with help from insulin, diabetes can still reduce a lifespan by 5-15 years. “Diabetes is successful at outrunning us all and with a new diagnosis every 3 minutes in Canada – it’s not slowing down,” says Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “We’re committed to improving the quality of life for those living with diabetes and through Lace U...
Post a Comment
Read more

overwhelmed and fucking up

i am full of anxiety   I’m not sure when I saw the doctor to get the diabetes diagnosis, but last week the dietican called to set up an appointment. as I’ve said she was very caring, but booked up until the end of the month. I will participate in a group workshop of some sort mid-April. I’ve been trying to figure stuff out on my own, including diet, but also exercise. I thought I would also be talking to a nurse from the same clinic, but haven’t heard from any yet. I know medical staff are extremely busy and overwhelmed as well. I like to sort things out for myself and help as much as I can.   Yesterday and today I had a breakdown. Charles has been helping me through it thank goodness, but it’s been difficult. I want to do everything right. I don’t want to fuck up. I researched and tried to figure out how to balance my lack of a colon issues with good food for diabetics and came up with a few ideas, but not really a lot.   I tried eating an apple with almond butter....
Post a Comment
Read more

9 lifestyle factors

  photo by Charles Earl I thought about what it might be useful to know in order to figure out how to work out my diet and various other routines that might have to change due to the diabetes diagnosis.   RELATIONSHIP/SEX   I have been with Charles, my husband since 2001. We have no childern. We are polyamorous and in an open marriage. I have a high libido and will often spend weekday mornings in bed for self-pleasure. I rarely have penetrative sex (I don’t orgasm during vaginal intercourse). My husband and I give each other orgasms once or twice a week typically and are always intimate and affectionate. We can talk to each other about anything. We are best friends, confidantes and lovers. I haven’t had much in person sexual involvement with others during the pandemic, I had a one-time encounter and a three time encounter in fall 2021, when we had a lull between waves.   I engage sexually with others via apps or sites online.   HEALTH   I am 5...
Post a Comment
Read more