Many of you know this, but September 30, 2004 I had to be admitted for emergency surgery while on vacation in Wyoming. The septicemia and trauma of the whole infection around my Glutious Maximus and prostate sent me over the edge into full insulin dependence, which I started on November 10 of last year. (2004) I had been a medicated diabetic for almost 14 years, but not in strict control.
Last year at this time I had just completed fighting off the September infection, and was really feeling healthy for the first time in a long while. I progressed into using insulin at mealtimes on April 15th of 2005. My Blood sugar levels were finally under control. However, laster that week, my vison clouded and by May I had lost over 50% vision in my right eye. After several trips to the eye doctor, and much worry, in November 2005, he said it was all better and my vision had recovered 100%.
The day before Christmas, I developed another big infection and have been fighting that again. Anti-biotic resistant Staph is no fun. It swelled my leg up and made life miserable. However, a super antibiotic and liberal fussing with it has conquered the situation again. This was in my thigh, and started as a spider bite. I am relieved that I do not have to undergo surgery this time!
I have made great strides (pun intended) in my health this year. John's post about his bicycle-riding and saving gasoline spurred me to think while on my daily 5 1/4 mile walk.... Yes, I walk over 5 miles per day! Reviewing...
Last November 17th, I visited my Endocrinologist. My blood pressure was 120/72. We both were shocked. It has NEVER been that low, ever! I was diagnosed at age 17 with very high blood pressure and medically discharged from the ARMY at Ft. Knox. I have always had high blood pressure.
I attribute this to my walking. When I started walking on November 8th, 2004, I could barely walk up the street, without huffing and puffing with that small climb! I started walking to pick up my daught Becca at her bus stop exactly one mile away. My walk there and back took me 50 minutes back then. I was 276 pounds.
Now, I walk every day, about five miles. I received a GPS trainer for Christmas in 2004, so I know to the foot how far I walked, elevation changes, pace, and calories burned. Here are some interesting specs for the year 2005...
Miles walked: 1,179.66 miles
Time spent walking: 327 hours
Average pace: 3.6 mph (My average pace today was 3.8 mph - A significant improvement over where I began!)
Total ascent (and equal descent): 87,079 feet
Here's the kicker: 198,640 calories burned.
That is equal to approximately 84 pounds of weight loss! Since I only lost 45 pounds, I am eating better and my blood sugar is waaaaaayyyyy better now as this exercise improves those levels, and the tri-glycerides and bad Cholesterol! I am far better off this year than I was last year, where I was on a collision course to lose my sight, my health and even my life!
In all, I did complete my year end 2004/2005 resolution! For the first time ever! WooooHooooooooo!
Here's to an even better 2005!
Fantastic, Mark!! Thank you for sharing your story. I need it bad. I am only starting back onto the walking program. I know it helps, but is difficult to do for me. I'm a weeny--can't stand the cold, windy, wet weather. But I will get going somehow. I know as the pounds come off, everything else will get in line!!
Good Job!
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