[Petruchio]

I know I don't post often, but I read most every post each day. I just don't say much unless I got something important to add to the discussion. The problem is for a few months now my health has been whacked. Yeah, I think that is an accurate description, whacked.

Actually, my diagnosis of Type 2 two years ago was just another medical issue to add to the list.

Heart disease - including a Heart Attack and Quad Bypass
COPD - Reduced lung function means blood O2 levels drop to %85 saturation daily.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is what forced me into retirement at the ripe old age of 48. I still feel my limited mobility was a major factor in my getting . . .
Type 2 Diabetes

To add to the mix, my Primary Dr. who I have seen for over 50 years retired last fall. I did find a new Dr. at my local Hospital who has interests in both Heart disease and Diabetes. It turns out this Dr. is friends with my Cardiologist. Also a good thing.

Over the winter I developed another issue. My toes and feet started turning deep blue. In January I went to the Primary Dr. to treat this and to discuss my BS numbers. I was finding it hard to keep a fasting number below 120. This led to a slew of tests and exams over the next 2 months with both the Primary and the Cardiologist.

In short, I passed. Pulses were strong in both feet. Nuclear imaging and stress test were good. They felt that the foot problem was a side effect from taking a maximum dose of Metoprolol to surpress the tachycardia and blood pressure. This month that was switched to Bystolic. I will admit my feet look better. Not really pink, (more of a red) but not dark blue.

However, now my BS readings are nuts! Fasting 160. 3 hours after 30 grams of carbs gives me a 290. Other times the exact same meal gives me a 2 hour reading of 110. Currently I am taking 1000mg of Metformin twice a day in additional to all the other stuff. The Primary Dr. is thinking of adding 15mg of Actos. I am leary of that because of the edema problems associated with Actos. I already take a diuretic in the mix of heart pills. I am not sure if we should look into a different pill or try Byetta.

My goal is to stay between 80 and 120.
The Dr's goal is to stay between 100 and 140/150.

Currently between 110 and 290! This sucks! The frustrating part is how unpredictable the numbers are. I eat the exact same meal for breakfast every day. Boring - YES! But it should give numbers within %15 range. I should not be still climbing after 3 hours. Aaaarrrrgh!

Sorry for the long rambling post. Sometimes you just gotta let it out . . .

[xMenace]

Ask him about adding insulin, probably Lantus or Levemir.

[Penny]

Originally Posted by xMenace

Ask him about adding insulin, probably Lantus or Levemir.

I agree with this. I put it off for many years and often wonder if I might have avoided some of the health issues I have, if I had been taking insulin.

[Jan B]

I feel for you Petruchio & I thank you for responding to me about the RA. Type 1 and 2 are so different, yet very similar in that insulin can be a blessing for both types. If you are against insulin, the only other thing I'd guess that would help is lots more exercise (??) or restrict your carbs by quite a lot.

I hope you get some balance back with your numbers. Actos might be good, but then I understand the hesitancy because of potential side effects. Balance is so hard sometimes. Good luck!

[Petruchio]

I am not sure that insulin is the answer just now. My last C-Peptide was 9.4, based on that I am making lots of insulin...just not using it very well.

[Scrabblechick]

Maybe Byetta or Januvia would be a good solution for you. I really hope you and your doc can get this straightened out and get you on the road to feeling better.

Even though you don't post often, let us know how you're getting along.

[jacobsam622]

Actos works great but takes about 4 weeks before you see any real improvement it also has some seroius risk factors.

From druglist

WARNING: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Thiazolidinediones, including ACTOS, cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients (see WARNINGS). After initiation of ACTOS, and after dose increases, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of heart failure (including excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema). If these signs and symptoms develop, the heart failure should be managed according to the current standards of care. Furthermore, discontinuation or dose reduction of ACTOS must be considered.
ACTOS is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure. Initiation of ACTOS in patients with established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS).

[Petruchio]

!#$%@$#%@#$%

Quick update to my frustration. I met with my Primary Dr. on 4/16. I explained my concerns with erratic BS levels. He upped my Metformin from 750ERam/1000pm to 1000 2X a day. He wanted me to track my numbers and call him in 1 week. I repeated these instructions 3X while writing them down. NO chance for error.

I did expanded testing for the week Here are the averages:

Fasting:142
2 hrs PP Breakfast:156
Before Dinner:100
2 hrs PP Dinner:158
Bedtime:128

I still thing the #'s are too high. the 2 hr PP should be below 140. Fasting should be around 100.

1 week later I called and he was in with Patients, so I faxed the BS readings for the week along with my list of things to talk over. I called back 2 more times that day . . . still busy. I said "Well, I faxed the info, he can call me between Patients."

*Crickets*

The next week during a discussion with my Cardiologist, he recommended an Endo that he thought was good. I have set an appointment to see this Endo on June 6th.

Today (May 2) my Primary Dr. finally called back. I (not so) politely let him know that due to his 8 day delay in getting back to me, my Diabetic care will be in the hands of the Endo, not him.

[sigh]

[adiantum]

There's some really slack doctors out there. 8 days is disgraceful.
I hope your endo gives better care.
Good luck Petruchio