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MusicalFan
02-04-2008, 01:50 AM
Not very good at this sort of thing but here goes...

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in March 2007. I am on Lantus and NovoRapid as well as Metformin. I am very glad my doctors put me on insulin immediately as I believe it gives me more flexibility and a better chance to take control of my diabetes. My HbA1c on diagnosis was 14%, my latest (beginning of January) was 5.4%.

The diabetes diagnoses came when I was admitted to hospital with the foot infection. I ended up having to have some toes amputated and some major reconstruction work on the foot. That was followed by various complications including contracting further infections which resulted in the skin graft on the foot failing. I was in the hospital for 4 months, about 3 months of that waiting for the post-surgery infections to clear enough for it to be worth trying a second graft. At one point some of the doctors wanted to amputate the foot but the surgeons refused to give up. Something, for which, I am very grateful I’m also grateful to the wonderful nurses who wouldn’t let *me* give up on myself.

The hospital stay and continuing rehab seem like an eternity at times but I am getting there slowly. I started back at work (part-time for now) last week which has messed with my blood sugars a bit but I don’t mind as it is such a huge step forward in my rehab. I’m sure things will settle down again as I adjust to my new routines. My doctors all understand that the changes involved will take a while to adjust too. I think I am very lucky to have such a supportive and understanding medical team.

Anyway, that’s a bit of background on me. I look forward to getting to know people on the forum.

Jill-O
02-04-2008, 02:10 AM
It sounds like you've been through a lot but are doing a lot better now. That's a very good A1C!

Welcome here from Virginia, USA http://www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/bye.gif

There are lots of good people with great advice here!

alicat61
02-04-2008, 03:01 AM
Hi Musical Fan,
You certainly have had a tough time > You have done well with your Hb1c readings. I'm glad the surgeons didn't give up on you and that the nurses were supportive. Good to hear positive things about our health system.(the negative things always get told)
I have also only just found this site and am finding it interesting.
By for now Alicat61:)

2high
02-04-2008, 03:16 AM
Hi there!!

Welcome to DF!! where in Melb are u?

mho357
02-04-2008, 04:29 AM
Hello MusicalFan and welcome to the forum.

Mark

ant hill
02-04-2008, 04:37 AM
Hello MusicalFan! I am also in Melbourne too whell south of Melbourne. You have been though the mill with your diabetes and now that you're here you will learn a lot and gain control and some fun too and good food too.
Welcome to DF. :D

Evermont
02-04-2008, 05:50 AM
Not very good at this sort of thing but here goes...

I'm not sure what you mean really, this is as well done as any intro post I've seen! Glad you found us here - welcome to DF!

morrisma
02-04-2008, 05:51 AM
Welcome to the club MusicalFan. Sounds like you paid slightly higher dues than many (but not all) of us did to get in.
Seems like you are on the right road though and you have some near neighbors on the forums. Very cool.
Mike

princesslinda
02-04-2008, 06:03 AM
Welcome Musicalfan...sounds like you've been through a great deal in the short time since diagnosis. Glad you found the forum. Lots of great people to learn from and share with.

GREAT JOB on your A1C!

xMenace
02-04-2008, 06:35 AM
Welcome MF!

I assume you are on the nutty side. All Melbourners I know are ;)

kgm0612
02-04-2008, 06:50 AM
HI & Welcome to this great forum. Nice people and tons of valuable information to be found here!

Karen

blue eyes
02-04-2008, 06:20 PM
http://bestsmileys.com/hello/7.gif
http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif

UpNorth
02-04-2008, 06:28 PM
Welcome to the forums :)

matingara
02-04-2008, 07:03 PM
Welcome MF.

seems to be quite a few Melbourne residents in this forum!

glad you found us!

-- Joel.

ant hill
02-04-2008, 10:10 PM
seems to be quite a few Melbourne residents in this forum!


Perhaps we should meet whith a drink or two. :D

buddy7
02-05-2008, 12:23 PM
Hey MF From Melbourne !!!

Seems to me, here's a guy that's been through the mill, and recovered to tell us all, this remarkable storey, and what's more remarkable, you've gone back to work, well I'm so pleased for you, 5.4 good numbers, hope you continue to get better MF, all the best, and good health, welcome to the DF!!!

B/7 ESSEX UK.

MusicalFan
02-05-2008, 03:54 PM
Hi all.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

There does seem to be a few of us from Melbourne on here. I agree, Ant hill, it might be good to meet up sometime for a drink or two. BTW, for those who asked, I am in Moonee Ponds.

Alicat61, you're right, the negative aspects of our health system do seem to get more "air time" than the positive one. My experiences have been with our public system, across two of our biggest hospitals, and overall, I really can't knock the care I was given as an inpatient and am continuing to receive as an outpatient.

ant hill
02-05-2008, 06:03 PM
I am surprised that Kit isn't here yet (2high+) to greet you as she has a thread about meeting in Melbourne. But I believe that Kit's is now a busy lady. :)