New and concerned

Ayomi73 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 02:26 PM

Hi everybody, I just registered today, and I've been learning about T1 because of my husband's got it, he's had it for the last 4 years, and he's 45. I'm kinda concerned since he's been having bad leg cramps more than ever, and been in pain all day for what I think is gastroparesis (never saw him thru this before). The doc hasn't given any pain killers really effective, and I'm desperate, trying to keep calm though.
If anyone has advice, I'll appreciate it. Thanks

daddyo · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 02:39 PM

I've gotten leg cramps from taking too much insulin at one time, Anything over 10 units and I will spit the dose battween two shots.

duck · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 03:17 PM

What kind of meds is he on, how much does he take and when does he take them? What have his blood sugars been like? When was his last A1c and what was it?

Ayomi73 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 03:58 PM

He's on Humalog, uses pens every meal between 10-13 units each, Lantus like 25 units every night, and blood pressure pills. Last blood sugar measure this morning was 235. We left town for more than 24 hours, and he forgot to bring the insulin, so he only ate salmon and 2 low-carb drinks 2 days ago. Yesterday ate normal, but wasn't feeling good already. I must say he usually drinks a lot of beer, and not very willing to quit... which I feel helpless with.

gettingby · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paloma Raymond

He's on Humalog, uses pens every meal between 10-13 units each, Lantus like 25 units every night, and blood pressure pills. Last blood sugar measure this morning was 235. We left town for more than 24 hours, and he forgot to bring the insulin, so he only ate salmon and 2 low-carb drinks 2 days ago. Yesterday ate normal, but wasn't feeling good already. I must say he usually drinks a lot of beer, and not very willing to quit... which I feel helpless with.

First of all, WELCOME to the family!

I know that you will find alot of answers and support here. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Secondly, has your husband had his potassium levels checked by his doctor?? It could just be that he needs more potassium.
Thirdly, don't feel alone in the drinking thing. My uncle is a type 2 who has had to go on shots. He has been drinking (and by drinking, I mean HARD drinking) since before I was born (I will b 34 next month)

. I have tried so hard to get him to see that the drinking is only making his diabetes worse but to no avail. Until someone is willing to stop, there's not much you can do there. Just hang in there and know that you now have some new friends that you can turn to for support.

HAPPY POSTING !!!!!!!!!

HeatherP · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 06:32 PM

Welcome Paloma. I'm sorry to hear your husband is having such a difficult time lately. Cin gave you some good advice there, on the drinking and the potassium. Keep an eye on his blood sugars - obviously if they keep going up you should contact his doctor. If the doctor his is seeing is not doing what you feel is enough you may want to consider finding another one. Some docs are more aggressive about Diabetes and it's complications than others, and some doctors just plain care more than others.

This is a great place to find info and support, so I hope you'll visit with us often and maybe even your husband will join in!

Nice to meet you,
HeatherP

Ayomi73 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 06:33 PM

Well, no, he hasn't checked his potassium, and actually been havin trouble with the visits to docs, since he has no medicare, neither insurance, and this's been a hassle for his health conditions. Anyway, I appreciate your sharing this issue 'bout alcohol and your family, I understand it's something he and only he can decide when to stop, and yes, I'm hanging in there, I love him and my family, we're doing fine and I'm glad I can b part of this group to share all this, and learn more, quite an experience uh?
-By the way, I looove the picture of your profile, this is my favorite car of all times!

Ayomi73 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 06:39 PM

I already like you, for the cat's picture and your signature, I agree totally with you, and well, you see what I told "gettingby" and yes, I'll try to find another doc since the one he was seeing is very reluctant to give some medications, and help with the pain issues. Anyway, I appreciate your help guys, it feels good to be heard in hard times. I'll try to persuade to join in the forums.

Cinnabon · #9 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 06:39 PM

Hey there and welcome. I'm a T1 too. We can all lend you as much info as you need we just need a lil more info, like DUCK said.

"What kind of meds is he on, how much does he take and when does he take them? What have his blood sugars been like? When was his last A1c and what was it?"

W/B

Mars

gettingby · #10 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paloma Raymond

Well, no, he hasn't checked his potassium, and actually been havin trouble with the visits to docs, since he has no medicare, neither insurance, and this's been a hassle for his health conditions. Anyway, I appreciate your sharing this issue 'bout alcohol and your family, I understand it's something he and only he can decide when to stop, and yes, I'm hanging in there, I love him and my family, we're doing fine and I'm glad I can b part of this group to share all this, and learn more, quite an experience uh?
-By the way, I looove the picture of your profile, this is my favorite car of all times!

Thanks for the compliment on the pic. I found it by doing a google search for Mustang Avatars. I, too, think this is one of the greatest cars ever made (if not the greatest).
We do have a very "interesting" and diverse group here. Sometimes we disagree, but in the end, we are ALWAYS THERE for each other no matter the past disagreements. I LOVE MY ONLINE FAMILY !!!!!!!!!!!!

Ayomi73 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 06:53 PM

Well, thank you all for your comments, right now my duties as a mother call me, and must let you go, may be back later, also gotta be checking on my husband's, now that he was able to take a nap, let's see how things go for the evening. Wish us luck and wellness

I'll be in touch...

Dewey · #12 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 07:15 PM

Hi Paloma,

Just wanted to welcome you to the family, and here's hoping that everything looks up for you. I know it sure can be tough some days, but hang in there. I hope you find lots of helpful info. here and many new friends, too!

Sincerely,
Dewey

am1977 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-27-2005, 09:00 PM

Hi and Welcome

Your hubbie is very lucky to have a wife as caring and concerned as you

. Diabetes is no easy thing to deal with, but it can be managed and it's possible to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

I do experience leg cramps, Charlie horse, from time to time. They really are awful, I know

. Potassium does seem to be a culprit, but also if he does a lot of working out, I think cramps are also more likely to occur. I don't know if there is any real danger, but getting it checked out is a good idea. Another idea...how bout adding a banana to your husband's meal plan? They are high in potassium and good for you too.

Hope this helps a bit and please do pop in anytime

See you around!

Andrea