Complications-who has them?

[KrisinNM]

Just wondering what complications everyone else has.
I take thyroid meds, have retinopathy (lasar surgery scheduled for next Mon), two years ago got a virus that led to DKA that caused a mild heart attack, and think I have neuropathy in my arms and hands but my endo won't believe it because there is nothing wrong with my feet. :(

I am surprised that complications isn't a regular topic here.

Anyone else?

[karlf]

I have bilateral chrondramaliac patella which means that I am unable to do exercise, ( I am in constant pain) which means weight loss is a big problem

[Littlebit63_99]

Kris,

I have/had them all.

1. The worst.....severe gastroperisis and gastric enteropothy (spelling???)
2. Laser surery in both eyes due to retinopothy
3. Trunkal (spelling) neuropothy in back that has caused pain since 1989.
NO ONE can touch the right side of my back.
4. Neuropothy in feet and lower legs and now hands also.
5. Thyroid meds
6. Severe lows without symtoms
7. And this, I get dizzy when I stand up and I always thought it was a side effect from a med. But, while testing at the U of M for transplant, they told me it was another form of nerve damage......don't have the name for that one tho.

Is that all?????????????God, I hope so!!!!! :eek: I'm a mess huh? If there are more out there that I can get.......please don't anyone tell me what they are........I don't want anymore!!! lol :)

I think the main reason I have these is cuz I gave birth to two beautiful daughters......when I was told not to have any. Wouldn't change a thing!!!!! :D

[mg_2204]

... pressure in my eyes which was resolved by laser surgery almost 7 years ago. Since then, no more problems. At one point, and when I had a really hard time keeping BG under control, I had tingling in my fingers. Perhaps neuropathy at a very early stage? It went away, and nothing since. Can high cholesterol be a considered a complication of diabetes? In any case, that I have. Funny because it was fine for years and suddenly went up, along with triglycerides. So far so good. I consider myself very lucky.

[KrisinNM]

Liz, OUCH!
Here's a hug :)

[Littlebit63_99]

Kris,
Thanx, I took it all in stride, till the lows......that was THE LAST STRAW. Now I wait and get my transplant. All will be fine..........they aren't sure nerve damage heals much, but, WATCH ME, it will. I am going to use mind over matter and heal some of this garbage!!! And, get active again!!!!!

[carrie_hikomi]

There are pancreas Transplants? Only been a Diabetic for 4 years, must b e missing out on a lot!

Though, for the few years I have been a Diabetic, I've almost went blind from when I discovered I had it, back in the summer of like.. 1999/2000 can't remember which. but it was my Grade 8 year.

Ive just been recently switched to Novarapid, as my sugars have always had an A1c of like. 12 which is horrid. But thats me, irrisponcible! lol! i'm always in the hospital for like sugar levels of 62.

The only other complication I've suffered, is severe pain in the back of my legs when my sugars are shifting, and Iw alk up hills or run up stairs. Doctor doesn't know why it happens, but its like my calf seizes up, and like a charlie horse is in it, it cramps and hurts, and it makes it extremely hard to move my toes. I was just wondering, does anyone else get that problem?

Sincerely,
Kendra-Dawn;)

[lgvincent]

I have neuropathy in the fingers and toes and it has moved into the legs, too. I have a hard time eating. I get intense pressure if I eat to fast. A doctor told me the diabetes may have done damage to the nerves around the stomach, causing that problem. I also am spilling some protein in the urine, and I get intense insulin reactions.

Kendra, I get a lot of muscle cramps and spasms all over the body.

[carrie_hikomi]

Is there anything you can do about them? I know better control is probably one option.
After you get these muscle spasm thingies, does it like. After its gone away, feel almost like there is a bruise there and hurt to touch?

[Littlebit63_99]

Kendra, Igvincent, and Carrie, there are meds for the pain. For me, they work very well.......however there can be side effects and some people can't/won't take them cuz of that. Look under "other medications" on the front page of the forum. A separate post was actually made about Gabapentin. Works well for me. Without it......I would have trouble walking. I get VERY sharp pains in my calves and feet.

[HeatherP]

Hi! I'm T1 for 13 years. A1c's are usually in the 6's (once a year I seem to come up in the 7% range).

I have borderline hypo-thyroid, possible celiac. I get an occasional pins and needles sensation in the bottoms of my feet. At this point I'm not aware of anything else.

[lgvincent]

Kendra, sometimes it will hurt but usually it doesn't. Most of the time they are pretty mild. They are annoying but usually nothing more. I'm not sure what to do to get rid of them or get them to occur less frequently.

[BeadieJay]

At one point, and when I had a really hard time keeping BG under control, I had tingling in my fingers. Perhaps neuropathy at a very early stage? It went away, and nothing since.

When I was going through my rebelling stage, and not being careful about what I ate, I got a lot of tingling in my feet. I knew what it was - but I still found it hard to get back on track. Now, I occasionally get tingling in my fingers - and it bothers me. My numbers are good, my A1c is going in the right direction, but I guess sometimes I still eat things that I shouldn't.

Is it possible that the tingling in my fingers is a result of my BG going high, even though, if I test 2 hours after a meal, the bsl is good?

I don't think I could bear to lose the use of my hands - I do so many crafts, that would be impossible if my mobility was lost even a little bit. I'm scaring myself now - which is probably a good thing :rolleyes:

[bac4uw]

Kris, thanks for posting this topic!! I always wonder about how other people fare and its nice (and sometimes not - though necessary) to hear other people's experiences in this department. I've only been T1 for almost 6 years and became so in my early 20s... I'm can fortunately say that I don't have any problems yet.

Unless of course you count the annual seasonal affective disorder that has hit me since I moved to Seattle three years ago. (three months of eight-hour-long, rainy, sunless days tends to affect one's mood!) :)

[bac4uw]

Doctor doesn't know why it happens, but its like my calf seizes up, and like a charlie horse is in it, it cramps and hurts, and it makes it extremely hard to move my toes. I was just wondering, does anyone else get that problem?

Sincerely,
Kendra-Dawn;)

Before I was diagnosed (really high BG's), my calves and legs would do exactly what you describe. Nothing like waking up in the middle of the night feeling like your entire calf shrunk up to the size of a baseball!

Bryan

[Belinda]

I have had retinopathy and neuropathy complications but no more....I won't allow it :thumbsup:

[KickStart101]

HI Kris, I have had Type 1 for 43 yrs. this month. I had laser on my
left eye about 20 yrs. ago and have been wearing glasses for reading
about 5 yrs. now. The middle toe on my left foot has had a slight
numbness for about 3 yrs. It comes and goes. The numbness has
disappeared again since May. I also have NLD on my left ankle about the
size of a tennis ball. It started out as a little red spot the size of a dime.
That's all I know of at this point.
***Carlie*** :)

[BeadieJay]

Carlie, excuse my ignorance, but what is NLD?

[archimeech]

Of course, I can't spell worth a **** so I apologize if any are incorrect:

1 Hypo-unawareness
2 Gastroparesis
3 Hypo-thyoroidism
4 Gastro-esophogeal-reflux-disease GERD
5 chrondramaliac patella in left knee
6 mild hip displacia due to weakening cartilidge
7 neuropathy in hands and feet
8 high cholesterol
9 high blood pressure
10 arterial scleorosis
11 Graves Disease
12 I too have the un-named dizziness
13 partial ED (the men know what I'm talking about)
14 thin dry cracking skin
15 microanurisms in both eyes, but not bad enough for the doctors to do anything yet
16 beginning signs of retinopathy
17 brittle control, wich makes taking care of my T1 very difficult

I have been T1 for 20 years this Xmas

[carrie_hikomi]

Its good to know I'm not crazy then! My parents kept telling me I was just using the excuise to get out of moving my butt in the morning before school! They'd feel really sore,and I could barely wiggle my toes, then they'd be gone again, but in the morning.. It'd hurt to walk real bad. >< It still does it sometimes, at school.. very annoying. Thank you to all the replies. ^^;

[mark-TN]

The unnamed dizziness is called Orthostatic Hypotension(in early stages), Syncope in advanced stages. It is caused by a form of sympathetic neuropathy that allows blood to pool in the legs and causes diminished circulation to the brain. Upon standing in a person with out this condition blood pressure is automatically increased to prevent pooling of blood in the legs and diminished circulation to the brain. (I believe this is a function of the Vagus Nerve, which when damaged is also responsible for digestive problems and ED in men)

Orthostatic Hypotension: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031215/2393.html
Syncope: http://www.medicinenet.com/fainting/article.htm

Mark

[Eri's mom]

So far, Eri's vision has really been a concern...as well as her tolerance for lows..although she was shakey yesterday at 71(or was it the day b/f?)

I was dx'd w/ gastroparisis...I do not have diabetes, but I do get hypo's(what would that mean, just that I am hypoglycemic???)...
GP is horrid.

My stepsons mom is also hypoglycemic...and has graves disease, and told him on Turkey day that she has thyroid cancer.

I hope and pray Eri never has to go through much...especially the GP.....

It just amazing how much this disease effects ppl.

[debaroo]

Hey there ive been type 1 for 23 years in jan and my complications is that im leagally blind and yes thats from the diabetes....it all started with hemorages behind the eyes and ive had tons of lazoring which means my side vision is not good or i have nearly none...so again please get your eyes tested if you get in time you can prevent what im going through....a bit of high blood pressure but seems to be ok now and a tad bit of high colestoral...hopfully no more complications :thumbsup:

[mike9876]

I have neuropathy in my feet and suspect my legs. My feet are not numb but feeling is down by at least 50% and terrible burning and pain. Some days I can't bare to put my left foot on the floor. I get depressed a lot more now I am diabetic, I have arthritis and read on the web somewhere that the chemical changes caused by diabetes causes cartlidge in the joints to break down more quickly. I always feel sick in the mornings, blurred vision, get dizzy speels for no reason. I don't talk to my doc about any of the problems now it seems to go in one ear and out of the other. I just get him to refer me to a specialist. Seeing a chiropodist about the neuropathy on monday. the biggest joke my doc told me I can walk ok, I found that very funny as struggle with the pain.

I am really sick of diabetes and the lack of understanding we get from the medical profession on how we feel and how it affects us. They don't understand how hard it is work, that we will be feeling ill sometime each week and unable to get out of bed x amount of days in a week.

Mike

[am1977]

As of right now...complication free. But I've only been a type 1 for 2.5 years, don't really know if they set in that early. ISorry to hear you all have to deal with these health issues, but it sounds like everyone is doing well regardless. I think it takes a lot of strength to have to manage and live with some of these things and I give you all a lot of credit. :thumbsup: I hope that if I ever have to deal with any future complications, I can be as strong as you all.

[HeatherP]

Wish I knew of something to say to all of you that are having difficulties.

But since I don't, a **BIG HUG** for all.

[MarkMunday]

I have been T1 for 27 years. And I have always thought that, apart from a micro aneurism that was picked up in the last eye exam, I am complication free. But some of the symptoms described above look alarmingly familiar! Like dizzy spells, cramping calf muscles and burning sensations in the feet.

But having said that, the symptoms have been very mild. The prospect of retinopathy that came out of the eye exam a year ago really freaked me out. Since then, I have reduced the HbA1c from 8.3 to 6.2. And I am working on getting it down to 5.5. Complications are, apparently, reversible. And the switch to Lantus and a reduced carb diet are making improved control a lot easier. So, hopefully, the next eye exam will be all clear and the other little problems won't get any worse.

Cheers,

Mark

[KickStart101]

Carlie, excuse my ignorance, but what is NLD?

I'm sorry Sue. I've had NLD so long that I'm used to the short
form. It's easier to say than to spell. Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum.
I think it was mentioned on this forum before. I hope I don't gross anyone
out! Simply: It looks like someone had cleanly cut all the layers of the
skin on my ankle just to where you can see the veins. Then they applied
several layers of clear yellow wax on it. Then painted an even circle of
reddish paint around it. That's my version.
It is an inflammatory disease of the skin which occurs primarily in patients
with diabetes. Not contagious. I believe the Doc's said most Diabetics do not get this. It does not seem to matter what type of control of blood sugars
the patient has and they do not know what causes it. That's what I was told
years ago, haven't asked since. I'm used to it. If I wear a dress, I just put
some light powder on it, my nylons and I'm good to go.(Oops :D and the dress of course). I do keep it protected( as well as my feet always) since if it gets hurt you can get ulcers on it. I
hope I answered your question :thumbsup: .
It also does not hurt or itch............***Carlie*** ;)

[BeadieJay]

thanks for the explanation Carlie - I've never heard of anything like that - what a shame that you had to be one of the few diabetics to get it. At least it doesn't hurt, but what a bummer :(

[Littlebit63_99]

Carlie,

I have one of those on my right calf!!! I always thought it was an ulcer from the diabetes.............no one ever corrected me. Your discription was awsome! Sorry you have one too. :( But yoo're right it doesn't hurt. :thumbsup: Some people think I got burned on a motorcycle!!!!! And nylons do cover it up!!!!!!

[archimeech]

Carlie,

I have one of those on my right calf!!! I always thought it was an ulcer from the diabetes.............no one ever corrected me. Your discription was awsome! Sorry you have one too. :( But yoo're right it doesn't hurt. :thumbsup: Some people think I got burned on a motorcycle!!!!! And nylons do cover it up!!!!!!


I hope the best for all of you with the NLD, tell me Liz, will my natural colored nylons cover it as much as the darker ones. I'm more of a spring, than a fall or winter. ;)

[KickStart101]

Thanks Sue, but it's nothing. It sounds like Liz has NLD also. I've never met anyone else with it. Of course, I didn't go asking them either.
I am more concerned about the people on this thread with bad and/or numerous complications. They certainly have more than their share. I wish I could at least turn back the years for them. Ho Hum. Well, a (((BIG HUG))) to ya's from me also.
***Carlie*** :)

[Littlebit63_99]

archimeech..........from your pic, you look more like a "summer" lol

I Love the ((hugs)) on this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup:

[KickStart101]

" I have one of those on my right calf!!!" from Liz

WOW LIZ! I'm amazed. We must be Twins. :D That's a Super explanation of your NLD. Well, we drive the motorcycle but it never touches the out-
side of my ankle. Shucks. :p
Well, my BG has been outta whack lots of times through the many yrs.
but I have never had a boil or ulcer on my body because of it(I'm knocking on wood here). Except the 1 time on my NLD. My Boss had given my 2 1/2 yr.
old son(long time ago), one of those big ride-on trucks. And one day with a smile on his face, he raced his truck right at my ankle. WHAT PAIN! I cried.
The look on that poor baby's face. He cried. He didn't mean to hit me of course. Anyways, a few days later, I noticed 3 ulcers on my NLD. I went
to the Doc, he gave me some cream and the ulcers were gone in a little over a week. LIZ do you have an ulcer on it now? If so ask your Doc for some, I
think it was, Sulfa cream. Then put, I think it was gauze or plastic wrap around your NLD where the ulcer is. He should know. Sorry, this is so long. A (((BIG HUG))) to you also of course. I hope I understood you right. Do you think you hurt the NLD somehow?? That is hy I am suggesting the cream.

***Carlie*** ;)

[Littlebit63_99]

Carlie,

No, no ulcer on it.........I just thought it was an ulcer.....never had it diagnosed as NLD. But, there is no doubt after your discription.......it is NLD..........same thing. When I applied for the transplant......they told me it would not be a problem (immunosuppressed) cuz it was closed. It has been there since I was 13 years old. Ugly thing really......but, I still wear shorts in the summer. It's just part of me, I guess. It is on the inside of my right calf, so it really does look like the mufler of a motorcycle got me. It's about an inch and 1/2 round. I'm surprised the University didn't correct me and tell me then that it was NLD......I see my endo next week. I think I am going to give him a hard time. lol BTW.......even the U said my endo is a genious, so giving him ---- is fun!!!!!! We get along great, so I can pull that stuff.

I think I'm going to go add ((hugs)) to my signature.

[KickStart101]

Oh I'm glad you don't have an ulcer Liz.. Ya give your Doc heck. I do the same to mine whenever possible. Thanks 'Bye.
***Carlie*** :)

[KrisinNM]

Wow everyone! Glad I started this thread, a couple things I have I didn't consider to be complications of diabetes, more a hazard of getting old :( Like severe arthrithis and GERD.
I hope others here are finding this helpful and will talk to their docs.
BTW the mild tingling in hands or feet is sometimes an indicator that your bg is heading for the basement or already there.