Hello

[Denina]

Hi. I am new to this site. I found out that I have diabetes. My blood work indicated that it was 149. I am a heart patient, having six arteries bypassed three years ago when I was 38. Diabetes runs in my family as well as heart disease. I am having a hard time comprehending this. I have been overweight all my life and lately do not have the ambition or willpower to loose weight or exercise. I have been taking medication for depression that, at times, does not seem to be working. The depression started after my surgery. This news is not helping matters any. I am sure there are quite a few people out there that are in the same situation.

[Jan B]

Denina,

Depression and poor health can be a vicious cycle. When depressed, we make poor health decisions & when we aren't healthy, it's hard to get out of the depression. I know that feeling that you have some control over your life can make a positive difference. Many type 2's don't know they have diabetes until after they have other health problems, so yes; there are others here who can understand your situation. You came to the right place!

If you can, get outside yourself and think of what you would tell your best friend if he/she was in your shoes. Then, try to be your own best friend! You can have friends here for sure. After finding DF and getting to understand that other diabetics deal with all these things I deal with, my health is better -- much better.

Many people who learn they have diabetes actually start doing better for themselves and can credit diabetes with actually saving their lives. Maybe this can be true for you. Exercise honestly does improve the mood and self esteem.

WELCOME!

[patricia52]

Welcome. You will make many friends here and learn a lot about D. Gradually it will all make sense and you will be able to control your blood sugars. As you get those levels under control you will find that you feel better. Don't give up if it seems like a lot to learn. Just make little changes and you will begin to see results and start feeling better.
Don't be afraid to ask all the questions you need to ask. I was diagnoised about 8 months ago, but the wise people on this forum have taught me so much. I know they will help you too.

[David_S]

Hey Leechburg is not far from me. Yes it is overwhelming at first. Speak to your nutritionist and endocronolgist.. and read posts here. You will learn in time how to best control your blood sugars. The first few months of learning were hard but it does become somewhat routine.

[notme]

Denina, depression is VERY common after bypass surgery. They have not been able to figure out why this happens, but you are not alone. Please talk to your doctor. My mother had bypass surgery last year and it has taken her an entire year to overcome the depression. Talk to your doctor and see what he or she recommends to help.

Facing Up to Depression After a Bypass - New York Times (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9C06E5D9113AF934A15752C1A9679C8B63)

[princesslinda]

Welcome Denina! Glad you found the forums. Sounds like you've been through a lot lately....then to get a diagnosis of diabetes...that's a LOT to deal with.

Just take it day at a time...obviously you're a strong lady to withstand all you've went through. We're all here to help in anyway we can. I'd look into some diabetes education classes that will teach you the best diet for your heart and your diabetes. Check with your doctor about the best exercises for you to do...if its walking, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, maybe start walking with your spouse or neighbor. Nothing like being outside in the sunshine to help chase some of the blues away.

You feel overwhelmed now, and that's to be expected. But in a little while, diabetes will be just another part of your life...you'll learn what to eat and how to deal with it...and you will do fine.

Please post often and let us know how you're doing.

[kgm0612]

Hi Denina (beautiful name) and Welcome to the forum!

Karen

[Denina]

Hello Karen,
Actually Denina is my username. My real name is Dina. My aunt Lois always got my sister Denise & I confused and combined Denise and Dina and came up with Denina.

[Denina]

Thank you everyone for you responses. My cardiologist does not want to see me for another three weeks, so I guess it's not as bad as I thought. However, I need to loose weight and that's been a struggle for me since I can remember. I am glad I found this site. I need all the support I can get. My dad died of heart failure caused by diabetes. Both legs were amputated, leading to other extremities. He was only 53. Right now, I am extremely scared and confused. Loosing weigh was never an easy thing for me and this is going to be hard.