Developing a chia mindset

 

photo by Charles Earl

When I experienced my health crisis, I received emergency and immediate treatment. This is what I’m used to. I have been overwhelmed and frustrated since my diabetes diagnosis because I’ve expected emergency and immediate treatment. I finally realized that diabetes is a long-term condition. Well, duh. I know, I know. I should have probably understood this from the news of the diagnosis, but I didn’t. As a result I’ve been struggling, trying to solve things right away and expecting medical professionals to have the same attitude and response. I’m at the stage where diet and exercise will help. Will it alleviate the condition? I’m not sure. For now, the main thing is to learn, to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

I also realized that I have to take charge of this. I can’t expect anyone else to figure things out for me and provide me with all the answers. Firstly because the answers aren’t easy or obvious, and secondly, because it’s not an emergency. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t vital that I make these changes, but I have to give myself time.

Charles and I had a huge conversation on the weekend that began with upheaval as we realized we are both terrified of my having bowel obstructions. Terrified. Every time I have to go to the hospital for a bowel obstruction, I run the risk of needing surgery. Every time I have surgery for a bowel obstruction, I risk having my small intestine shortened even more. I run the risk of more scarring. I run the risk of death. So yes, this is very loaded and emotional and worrisome.

We talked about the food that has been ok for me to eat. Yes, I can eat some raw vegetables, as long as it is not a big amount and I don’t eat them alone. Same with fruit. We love the meal kit service. It gives us a lot of variety and makes sure we have a balanced meal, according to what I need to do for blood sugar management. But with a proviso: we have to choose based on carbs and other attributes of the meal that are better for me. I can eat fewer potatoes. We can replace the can of corn with a salad. The quality of meat from our current meal kit service, Hello Fresh, has been exceptional. I can’t go back to the crappy meat of Massine’s, our local grocery store.

I have been doing more physical activity. Walking almost daily, doing my fitness classes three times a week. I still sleep a lot in the day. I still often eat a bed time snack. But I am listening to what I learned at the recent Zoom group talk: make small changes that you can sustain. If you can’t do a 15 minute walk a day, do 10 or 5. Small, incremental changes.

I happened upon this great site called diaTribe, making sense of diabetes and Andy Brown’s great book, Bright Spots and Landmines, which is a positive and constructive guide to living with diabetes, taking charge of one’s own health, both physical and mental.

I go through moments of anxiety and depression, but I am trying. I read a lot and try to come up with ideas for breakfast and lunch. Charles made an exquisite omelet for breakfast on the weekend, the day after making one that was not as good. We watched videos on how to make a good omelet, and it worked.

I’m thinking of getting a little low maintenance indoor house plant, something to take care of. A plant companion. The pandemic has been a lonely time and this latest issue is adding to that feeling of despair and loneliness, but I’m getting myself together. It’s not easy and I definitely need help, but I’ll get there. Slowly. 

If you're as old as I am, you may remember the chia pet. I was suprised to learn that chia seeds are a great source of nutrition and were primary crops for the Aztecs. Chia pudding is a new and delicious breakfast option and especially good for keeping blood sugar levels from spiking.

 I love exploring and discovering new things. When it comes to diabetes, this has to be my mindset.