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Mark C
12-31-2005, 05:28 PM
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! :itsme:

Here's to an even better 2005!

duck
12-31-2005, 05:59 PM
Mark...

You go, Dawg! Nice work, thank you for the inspirational story. :top:

Cinnabon
01-01-2006, 01:50 PM
Hands down to you Mike,

Thats Awesome... May you have another great year, if not, BETTER!!!!

am1977
01-01-2006, 01:57 PM
That's SO awesome. I must say....I am very impressed and I'm glad you shared this with us. Duck's right, you are an inspiration and you should be very proud of yourself :proud:

Sounds like you are doing better than ever...keep it up :top:

spiketvl
01-01-2006, 02:40 PM
Thanks for sharing that story. I have been walking an hour a day and not loosing any weight. This helps remind me it will happen. My metabolism will kick in - its just in shock right now from being made to get of the lounge:creep:

koblenz
01-02-2006, 08:23 AM
Nice work Mark.

Hang on.... printing and posting this on the fridge for the WOD and I to see every day!

Georgia
01-02-2006, 08:35 AM
That's brilliant - well done you.

nantomsuethom
01-02-2006, 07:22 PM
Great job Mark!!:thumbsup:

sydneya
01-02-2006, 08:56 PM
:cheers: 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!!
It was good to see the outcome of your walking and efforts.

KickStart101
01-03-2006, 02:09 AM
Sorry about the bouts you had with the infections. That sounds dreadful. Thank Goodness you recovered. Incredible work you've done. You did your-
self Proud. Cool gizmo you have. All the Best to You in the New Year.
:king: :top:

Mark C
01-06-2006, 06:58 PM
Apparently, this Staph infection is really making the rounds among the Georgia high school sports teams and hospitals. It's a nasty bug.

Anyway... Funny story... I told my Dad this similar story yesterday. I told him how much I weighed now, as I broke through the 225 pound barrier for the first time in a hundred years. Wow, that's 45 pounds I said.

He said, "You Dumb ___, that's 55 pounds!" and laughed. Then he said that's wonderful. I could tell he had a big grin on over the phone.

Yup, I did my math wrong... It's 55 pounds!! :shakehand

Mark C
01-27-2006, 03:57 PM
Update!

I have lost more since I posted and now am below that 225 pound barrier. I actually can see the blood vessels under my skin now, and I have never been lean enough to do that before.

My Endo did a little dance yesterday as my numbers are getting better and better. Last A1c was 6.6! Yay Me!!

Walking is so simple, yet such an effective way to not only spur on weight loss if that is what you need to do. (Do not increase your caloric intake though!) It also has definite benefits as far as Triglycerides and your A1c.

Just go do it, if you are able.

Harold
01-27-2006, 04:09 PM
:congrats: Good Job!
Yes, exercise or even a moderate increase in activity has a huge effect, and the one with the quickest results ahead of diet and meds.

mrwall
01-27-2006, 07:59 PM
Way to go Mark!!! it has definately paid off!!

mike

gettingby
01-27-2006, 08:16 PM
Excellent Mark. I've been wondering what was up with you lately. Keep updating.:congrats: :hello:

Mark C
01-28-2006, 08:02 AM
But he did not like my blood pressure of 130/80..... This was an afternoon appointment, and I needed a Jolt of Joe to keep my eyes propped open in the morning... It affected my blood pressure just a bit! :dontknow:

Maddogg
01-28-2006, 10:27 AM
Update!

I have lost more since I posted and now am below that 225 pound barrier. I actually can see the blood vessels under my skin now, and I have never been lean enough to do that before.

My Endo did a little dance yesterday as my numbers are getting better and better. Last A1c was 6.6! Yay Me!!

Walking is so simple, yet such an effective way to not only spur on weight loss if that is what you need to do. (Do not increase your caloric intake though!) It also has definite benefits as far as Triglycerides and your A1c.

Just go do it, if you are able.


Way to go man! your story is inspirational! you should be very proud of yourself...!
And i wouldn't worry about that blood pressure too much, the doctor must have been jealous or something... :rolleyes:

Mark C
01-28-2006, 11:46 AM
Way to go man! your story is inspirational! you should be very proud of yourself...!
And i wouldn't worry about that blood pressure too much, the doctor must have been jealous or something... :rolleyes:

Heck... I'm not an inspiration, just a walkin' fool! :D However, I do feel better than I have felt in years.