I need holistic advice/thoughts please

[des1954]

I have recently (within the last year) developed neuropathy in my feet due to diabetes and it is most painful. I have a Dr. appointment later this month and am afraid he'll throw a prescription at me for Lyrica. It's probably a good drug, but I am taking so many other drugs for HBP, diabetes & cholestrol, that I don't want the expense of another prescription.

This leads me to a question. I've been reading on the internet & other sources about Acetyl-L-Carnitine and not only is it beneficial in the treatment of memory loss, but it has been discovered to relieve the pain from neuropathy and possibly reverse the nerve damage. Are any of you holistic minded people out there familiar with this? Do you recommend using this supplement? The recommended dosage from two different clinical trials was 3000mg per day - or 1000mg, three times a day.
In both studies, 98% of the people who took this supplement and dosage, vs. the placebo group, had significant relief from neuropathy pain.

This supplement is cheap enough - CVS Pharmacy sells it for like $8.50 for a month's supply - but if it doesn't work, why bother?

What do you think? Thanks in advance.

[LORNADUCK]

Deb, my best girlfriend is a Pharmacist and I will check with her and see if she knows anything. I will try her tonight or tomorrow night.
I didn't realize that you had diabetes, so does Richie. That's what is making it so hard for him to have this kidney operation. He has kidney damage and if he isn't careful after they remove 1/2 of one of them, he will have to be on dialysis. He is scheduled for July 23rd. We are going to be at the fort for July 4th weekend and that might be the last camping trip for a while.
I will let u know as soon as I find out anything about the drug.

[ntsammy5]

Beer is as holistic as it gets.


especially home brew

[kc5grw]

Beer is as holistic as it gets.


especially home brew

That sure didn't take long. :drinking1:drinking1:drinking1

[4mickey2]

i believe that is what my father was diagnosed with. i don't know much about it nor do i know what he did for treatment. i do know nothing has helped with his issue(s).

unfortunately, we4mickey is on vacation this week. but, i am sure when she gets on the boards she will chime in and try to help you out..

:rolleyes:

[stacktester]

They say if people with diabetes would exercise more and eat better they could get off the meds. Unfortunately it seems once you got it losing weight is a huge challenge. My uncle is 54 and has type 2. He used to love to fish and be outdoors. He has a lot of extra weight and it just drags him down.

[des1954]

Deb, my best girlfriend is a Pharmacist and I will check with her and see if she knows anything. I will try her tonight or tomorrow night.
I didn't realize that you had diabetes, so does Richie. That's what is making it so hard for him to have this kidney operation. He has kidney damage and if he isn't careful after they remove 1/2 of one of them, he will have to be on dialysis. He is scheduled for July 23rd. We are going to be at the fort for July 4th weekend and that might be the last camping trip for a while.
I will let u know as soon as I find out anything about the drug.

Thanks, Lorna. I'm getting blood work this week in preparation for my Dr's appointment. I'm anxious to see if my A1C has changed much in 6 months. I check my blood a few times each week and it goes anywhere from 80-85 to 250-280. It's all over the place, and it doesn't seem to matter what I have or have not eaten.

Beer is as holistic as it gets.


especially home brew

I knew I spelled holistic incorrectly! You better watch it, too. Remember, mom went straight to the needle when they discovered her diabetes. I'll bet any money that dad was diabetic, too - only he had so many other things wrong with him, they overlooked the type II diabetes. They overlooked a lot of things back in the 70's. Medicine has come a long way in the last 30 years.

They say if people with diabetes would exercise more and eat better they could get off the meds. Unfortunately it seems once you got it losing weight is a huge challenge. My uncle is 54 and has type 2. He used to love to fish and be outdoors. He has a lot of extra weight and it just drags him down.

Yeah....I know all about the exercise, and as you know, I obviously don't. There is no excuse at all. I just don't take the time to do it, and I don't eat healthy at all. Logically, my life style is just about the same as playing russian roulette. I know better, but it's difficult to change. As it's said: old habits are hard to break.

A good friend finally gave me "the talk" about how it's just as easy to make wise dietary choices as it is to grab a burger & fries. She's right, you know!!

[wdw4us2]

Check your PM's via Jen's instructions. :)

[AuburnJen92]

tanks lady

[g8trmom1]

Hey Deb,
I didn't know you were diabetic. My dad who is 83, has been Type II for many many years. He was always good about taking his meds and checking his blood every morning. He is always going to the Dr. getting things checked out. A few months ago, he went to the Dr. complaining of slight chest pain. He had a cath done, and the docs came out in the middle of it and shocked the hell out of us. He had 3 blocked arteries. Two were completely down, and one was 90%. They stented the one...bypass was not an option because of his age and health issues. How he didn't have a heart attack is beyond me...an Angel has been watching over him. Afterwards we find out that his kidneys are functioning at 25%....it's been a rough time for him. He has been put on a strict diet...no more red meat, only 32 oz of water a day...his spirit has been broken and he isn't the same guy anymore. I can tell he's scared big time. We always thought he was so healthy given his age...yea he had diabetes and high blood pressure, but we thought everything was in control...well I guess it wasn't. We are in the process of getting all his lab tests for the past 6 years from his primary, cause it's bull that he never noticed any of this. Had he known, he could have gone on a special diet to prevent further damage to his kidneys.
This has turned into the biggest wake up call for us. We are starting to eat better and are going to change things around here.
Sorry to rant, but I know exactly how you feel right now. It's hard, I know....

[des1954]

Hey Deb,
I didn't know you were diabetic. My dad who is 83, has been Type II for many many years. He was always good about taking his meds and checking his blood every morning. He is always going to the Dr. getting things checked out. A few months ago, he went to the Dr. complaining of slight chest pain. He had a cath done, and the docs came out in the middle of it and shocked the hell out of us. He had 3 blocked arteries. Two were completely down, and one was 90%. They stented the one...bypass was not an option because of his age and health issues. How he didn't have a heart attack is beyond me...an Angel has been watching over him. Afterwards we find out that his kidneys are functioning at 25%....it's been a rough time for him. He has been put on a strict diet...no more red meat, only 32 oz of water a day...his spirit has been broken and he isn't the same guy anymore. I can tell he's scared big time. We always thought he was so healthy given his age...yea he had diabetes and high blood pressure, but we thought everything was in control...well I guess it wasn't. We are in the process of getting all his lab tests for the past 6 years from his primary, cause it's bull that he never noticed any of this. Had he known, he could have gone on a special diet to prevent further damage to his kidneys.
This has turned into the biggest wake up call for us. We are starting to eat better and are going to change things around here.
Sorry to rant, but I know exactly how you feel right now. It's hard, I know....

Christa-

I'm sorry to hear about your father. That's a lot of bad news at one time. The heart blockage is no surprise given your dad's age. The kidney dysfunction - from what I've read - is probably due at large to the diabetes.

Fortunately for me, my Dr carefully goes over my bloodwork in detail every time I have it done. Last year, he was totally perplexed at my liver function results and started quizzing me about any OTC drugs I was taking. Well, given all the job problems with Rick, I couldn't sleep & was taking Tylenol PM every night to help shut my mind down so I could get, and stay asleep. My Dr went thru the roof & told me to quit taking it immediately as it was affecting my liver. He then prescribed temazepan-a gentle, non-adictive sleep aid. 3 months later my blood work on my liver looked fine.

Things can happen quickly in the body that you're not aware of until you hit crisis level. Or you ignore the signs because you don't want to come off as a hypochondriac. My Dr must have big bold letters on my file reminding him to "Ask Questions", because I usually tell him that I've been okay. He even told me when anything troubles me (health wise) to come in even if I have no appointment & he'll work me in. I put him to the test in December when I felt really crappy from what I perceived to be a cold or upper respiratory infection. True to his word, he got me right in ahead of other patients, and it turned out I had pneumonia in both lungs. In days gone by, I would have sucked it up and kept on going. I've learned not to do that anymore.

I am going to speak with him about the supplement. I'm going to go ahead and try it just to see if it helps. If he tells me to stop, I'll stop.

I'll be keeping your dad in my prayers. Just remember, he was the Lord's child long before he was your dad! God has been looking out for him for a long, long time! Both my parents suffered long illnesses before they succumbed to death. It amazed me when I finally turned the corner & started praying for God to take them home because their quality of life had deteriorated so badly, it was hard to watch them live. If you let Him, God will prepare your heart for the time to let them go. In the meantime, enjoy each and ev ry day with them - no matter how frustrating that can be at times. We can talk more about that when I see you guys again. Believe it or not, I can be serious! ;)

[ftwildernessguy]

"Supplements" are unregulated drugs and can be dangerous. They are labelled as supplements to bypass FDA regulations. Calling them "natural" also makes people feel better, but doesn't change the possibility of doing serious harm taking them. Poison ivy is natural, too. Consult your physician before taking anything over the counter.

Americans are under a couple of misconceptions - one is that if we do all the right things we will live forever. The other is that there is a pill to take care of anything that might happen to us. Sooner or later, something is going to jump up and bite you in the butt.

No treatment is as good as prevention.

[liv luvs disney]

"Supplements" are unregulated drugs and can be dangerous. They are labelled as supplements to bypass FDA regulations. Calling them "natural" also makes people feel better, but doesn't change the possibility of doing serious harm taking them. Poison ivy is natural, too. Consult your physician before taking anything over the counter.

Americans are under a couple of misconceptions - one is that if we do all the right things we will live forever. The other is that there is a pill to take care of anything that might happen to us. Sooner or later, something is going to jump up and bite you in the butt.

No treatment is as good as prevention.

Well said and I completely agree with you Jim!

Debbie, as you have already stated, communication with your Dr. is huge! It sounds like you have a good Dr. looking out for you. Also, remember, baby steps. If we have a life time of "bad habits", they are not going to be corrected over night. Don't beat yourself up. Concentrate on 1-2 things that will improve your health, like limiting red meat to one or two times a month and walking daily. Once that is a "habit", start adding vegetables and fruits to your diet. You get the picture.

I have heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, you name it in my family. My biological father died of a heart attack at age 56 and his father died of cancer at 56. My Mom has a list of ailments a mile long. I eat as healthy as I can afford and walk no less than 30 minutes every single day. There is still no garuantee that I will not have to deal with any of these diseases or illnesses, but I do "try" to live healthier than my parents. It's hard. Whichever of your friends said it is just as easy to make wise dietary choices as to grab a burger and fries must not like burger and fries. I LOVE unhealthy food, but I have to make a concerted effort to choose healthy. And frankly, I don't every time. :headache: But, I do most of the time.

Hang in there girl! :hug: You have plenty of encouragement right here alone on the boards. Maybe we should all hold eachother accountable to a healthier lifestyle.

[auntie]

Deb...I'm familiar with neuropathy. My dad suffers with this. Not only is he paralyzed on one side of his body due to a stroke..but insult to injury... he feels only pain in that side of the body. It's really tough to deal with.
I know what you mean about it being difficult to change old habits. You get to be 50..and it's HARD to change a lifetime's worth of habits...and the damage they've done over the years.
:hug: Don't be so hard on yourself..you're doing the right thing now and getting the care you need.

[djblu883]

I just got diagnosed yesterday! And I eat healthier than most everyone I know! Raw foods, nothing fried,don't keep snack foods in the house...I graze on bluberries and hummus with multigrain crackers and walk all day...but not enough to get my heartrate up..still I am overweight!!( also have thyroid disease) All my co workers were in shock because they always laugh at my healthy eating habits as compared to theirs!!...good news is Its not out of control and with a bit a tweaking I can easily be fine...as far as holistic approaches are concerned for neuropathy I've not seen any that have worked for my patients...we have found good results using anodyne therapy(infared light therapy) and some insurances will pay for a machine to be used at home...your physicain can find out if your insurance will pay for it...otherwise the cost is outrageous. What I have found that works atleast for me is to be sure to drink water like they suggest..stay away from ALL caffine and salted foods and spend money on good shoes! I've found Merrill (sp) brand shoes work best for me and I'm on my feet all day! Good Luck! I hope you find the answers you need! I know how painful nueropathy is for my patients and suspect that may be why I have my own foot problems. <>< Janet

[2goofycampers]

Deb my SIL has had neurapathy terribly for years but recently she e-mailed a new something she was doing that made it soooo much better. I just e-mailed her for the info and as soon as she sends it I will forward it to you. :hug:

My Mom was also diabetic with ALL the problems that go along with it and so was Frank's Grandma. This makes me fearful for our son to have it on both sides of his parents gene pool. :scared1:

I guess next time I get married I'll have to have him fill out a health questionaire before we have children. :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2::laughing:

[Just Beachy]

Deb, unfortunately, I have no advice for you. My own health is not the greatest, so I am in no position to advise you. :guilty: The only thing I can offer is lots and lots of :hug: . Love ya, girl! Hang in there!

[2goofycampers]

Deb, I forwarded the e-mail to you. Anyone else looking for some help in this area, this is some of what SIL said.

Oh my, do I ever feel for that lady ~~ Wow ~~ I too used to be in tears by the time I got off work and my feet hurt so bad even "I" couldn't touch them ! ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Unfortunately there is not much she can do for it while she is on them ~~ BUT ~~ as soon as she can after getting home, smearing them with that "Anti-biotic Ointment "Plus" will bring her great relief within a few minutes ~~ she can get it at Walmart ~ the cheaper Equate brand is just as good as the Neosporin ~~ be SURE to get the anti-biotic ointment with the "Plus" ~~ it says it in pink letters right on the box and on the tube ~~if her feet are as bad as mine were, she probly won't hardly be able to withstand the pain to even smear the stuff on ~~ but after a few minutes, it will deaden the pain to the point where she'll be able to do a good rub in and it would allow me to sleep for at least a little while ~~ and then when I woke up with the pain, I would do it again ~ and that is how I would get thru the night ~~ It is such a Blessed relief ! ! ! ~~
HOWEVER ~ THIS is something else she can do and it will take a bit longer, but she should quit eating ANYTHING that is processed ~~ such as Spam, bologna, vienna sausages, cheese (processed) ~~ ANYTHING with all those chemicals, and preservatives ~~ and Yes, believe it or not ~ THAT greatly limits what you can eat ~~ I got to the point that all I was eating was fresh ground hamburger and fresh chicken (NOT Tysons) that I boiled or baked ~~ NOT FRIED ~ ANYTHING FRIED is also very detrimental ~~ I could also eat veggies of course, you can always eat veggies ~~ BUT NOT FRUIT ~~ fruit is FULL of sugar and even tho it is natural, it will still play havoc with your glucose ~~ HOWEVER, in this arena especially, I've discovered, everybody is different ~ some people can eat some fruit ~ and others can eat different fruit ~ and others can eat NO fruit ~ like me ~~ I LOVE bananas, but boy do they send my glucose skyhigh ! You just have to monitor your glucose levels or fly by the seat of your pants (or the pain in your feet) on a lot of foods ~~ for sure, your feet will be a dead giveaway ~~ at least that is the way it is with me ~~ if I have an unusual amount of pain at night in my feet, I start reviewing the day to figure out what I have eaten to cause that extra pain so that I hopefully won't do it again ~~~~
YEPP, it pretty well wipes out your food choices ~ but it is worth it to get rid of that awful, awful pain ~~ Oh I still have it, but to a MUCH, MUCH lesser degree ~~ but it is DEFINITELY 85 % controlled by what I eat ~~ that diabetes has to be constantly monitored ~ constantly ~~ if you are to have any peace ~~ it creates all kinds of illness that you have no idea where it is coming from ~~ until you get your diet back under control ~~ it only takes one day of me messing up, for me to get sick ~~ and if I eat sugar ! Oh Wow ~~ such as a sweet desert ~ a piece of pie or cake or ice cream ~~ Uh-uh ~~will make me sick within hours ! ~~ My system seems to be very sensitive to sugar ~~ but I see other diabetics scarfing down the cake and junk and never blink an eye, never be effected other than their glucose goes up ~~ but it doesn't physically hurt them with pain like I suffer ~~

[des1954]

"Supplements" are unregulated drugs and can be dangerous. They are labelled as supplements to bypass FDA regulations. Calling them "natural" also makes people feel better, but doesn't change the possibility of doing serious harm taking them. Poison ivy is natural, too. Consult your physician before taking anything over the counter.

Americans are under a couple of misconceptions - one is that if we do all the right things we will live forever. The other is that there is a pill to take care of anything that might happen to us. Sooner or later, something is going to jump up and bite you in the butt.

No treatment is as good as prevention.

Oh, I know I am not going to live forever ~ nor do I wish to. That's a discussion for another time.

As far as FDA approval, IMHO, the FDA has done more to stiffle medical care in this country than any other country in the world. It has to do with pharmeceutical companies, politicians, and $$$$.

The supplement I have been researching has been used successfully in Germany & France for over 30 years in treating diabetes, with excellent results. Two universities that conducted clinical studies (one in Canada & one in the U.S.) were both studying treatments for Alzheimers. The discovery of treating diabetes with ALC/ALA was an "accidental" discovery. These universities then went on to conduct clinical trials using these supplements on diabetics - with great results.

I am going to go ahead and try it, but will discuss it with my Dr. on the 24th. Thankfully, my Dr is open-minded to consider alternative supplements. He will also explain why he thinks a supplement is good or bad.

You are very correct when you say "No treatment is as good as prevention." However, there was no lifeguard on duty at the gene pool the day I was conceived. :eek:

To ALL of you.....thank you for your words of wisdom, advice & concern!! You're the best!!

[ntsammy5]

Beer is a good supplement or suppository - whatever

[ftwildernessguy]

As far as FDA approval, IMHO, the FDA has done more to stiffle medical care in this country than any other country in the world. It has to do with pharmeceutical companies, politicians, and $$$$.

The supplement I have been researching has been used successfully in Germany & France for over 30 years in treating diabetes, with excellent results. Two universities that conducted clinical studies (one in Canada & one in the U.S.) were both studying treatments for Alzheimers. The discovery of treating diabetes with ALC/ALA was an "accidental" discovery. These universities then went on to conduct clinical trials using these supplements on diabetics - with great results.

I am going to go ahead and try it, but will discuss it with my Dr. on the 24th. Thankfully, my Dr is open-minded to consider alternative supplements. He will also explain why he thinks a supplement is good or bad.

Deb:

There is no doubt the FDA has dragged its feet approving many drugs to the frustration of a lot of physicians and patients, BUT - remember Thalidomide? Used in Europe and Canada to treat morning sickness. Pregnant women in the US were screaming for its approval, but the FDA refused citing lack of evidence of safety in humans. Many women convinced their physicians to get the drug for them illegally, and the result - horrendous birth defects. I am not saying this supplement doesn't do what it claims, but my problem is with companies who produce a product and call it a supplement to bypass the regulations required by the FDA for approval for therapeutic use in the US. Imagine if Thalidomide were introduced today as a dietary supplement?

[PolynesianPixie]

Debbie, I am so sorry you are going through all of this! I can't even imagine standing as much as you do with all that pain!

I am a big proponent of holistic medicine. Although, like Jim said, you have to be careful with bottles of pills claiming to be "natural". I only take things I recognize and typically I try to find these "cures" in the food I eat. For example, cinnamon (3 grams a day) is supposed to help fight against diabetes. Any food that is slowly absorbed by the body is a good choice. Exercise where you get your heart rate elevated is another. Why don't you try a pod cast called "couch potato to 5k"...I've been thinking of trying this myself. I'd be glad to be your virtual walking partner!

When shopping for food, try to do most of it in the outer walls of the grocery store and less in the aisles. The aisles contain more pre=packaged meals with preservatives, salt, msg and fillers that you really don't want in your body. If you have a local farmers market or co op, you will be helping your community as well as your health.

When you only have time for fast food, try Subway instead of McDonalds. Park farther away from the store and wear a pedometer. Small changes can add up to big results!

Also, if you want a sleep aid, try Melatonin. You can buy it bottled in health food stores but it is the same hormone produced by the brain when you fall asleep. It kicks in quickly and you won't feel groggy in the morning. While you are at the health food store, pick up some liquid Stevia. It is a natural sweetener, does not raise blood sugar and comes in some wonderful flavors! Try it in coffee, tea, yogurt, even water! It's good stuff!

Take care of yourself and let us know what the doc says!
xoxo

[disney4dan]

Deb, I wish you the best of luck and am sorry about the pain. I have seen a few people who get a chronic pain and have watched how much of a toll it can take on the spirit. Not pretty.

On a lighter note, just ask my wife Nancy, she's been dealing with this chronic pain in the neck for 20 years now. I'm thinking she agrees with the beer therapy at this point. :rotfl2:

[LORNADUCK]

Deb, I spoke to my friend and she didn't know much about the non prescription supplement. She did say to watch out, because if the are not FDA aaproved (and she isn't against supplements) they don't have to have in them what they say they do. I don't know if I am making sense, so If I am to you that's good. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
Lorna

[des1954]

Deb:

There is no doubt the FDA has dragged its feet approving many drugs to the frustration of a lot of physicians and patients, BUT - remember Thalidomide? Used in Europe and Canada to treat morning sickness. Pregnant women in the US were screaming for its approval, but the FDA refused citing lack of evidence of safety in humans. Many women convinced their physicians to get the drug for them illegally, and the result - horrendous birth defects. I am not saying this supplement doesn't do what it claims, but my problem is with companies who produce a product and call it a supplement to bypass the regulations required by the FDA for approval for therapeutic use in the US. Imagine if Thalidomide were introduced today as a dietary supplement?

Yeah...I worked with a woman who was a "Thalidomide Baby". She had hands, but no arms. It was simply amazing to see how she overcame this birth defect and had a relatively normal life. Actually, I believe thalidomide was approved for use in this country for a short period of time in the 50's. The FDA has also rushed through too many drugs that didn't have appropriate testing done. I'm thinking....phen-phen, pondomine, vioxx, and I'm sure there are others. Byetta may be next on the list. When I was first confirmed as diabetic, my Dr put me on byetta. I had no problems the first month, which was a 5mg dosage. The second month the dosage is raised to 10mg, which made me sick. Now I'm hearing that this drug is "under investigation".

I'm not big on vitamins or supplements, because you just can't rely on how or where they are manufactured. A lot of them come from China - and frankly, that scares the crap out of me. So, if I do use a supplement, I stick with a brand called "Solgel", which is manufactured in the US, is highly rated by holistic experts, and is a reliable brand. Unfortunately, it's also the highest priced!! I did get the ALC/ALA at Walgreen's, because I can't find a health food store locally that sells the Solgel brand. I did check the label for the manufacturer/distributor, and "China" was nowhere on the label. I hope that's the truth.

Ami- I tried cinnamon for about 6 months, with no effect on my blood sugar. Harrumph!!!

I was very surprised to read Denise's post from her SIL about processed foods having an impact on diabetes. Good grief!!! What can you buy anymore that isn't processed? (And still keep money in your pocket). I don't believe that anything is truly "organic" - as somewhere along the line the cow, chicken, pig, vegetables, and fruit have to have water. You are even warned not to eat "fatty fish" like salmon, tuna, & swordfish more than twice a week due to mercury poisoning. Our planet's water is so "un-pure" that no one anywhere can have totally chemical free food. Heck, there's even pollution in the ice caps!!!

I really appreciate everyone's concern and help. As I said before, you guys are the BEST!!! (Well, except Al, who is warped enough to think beer should be used as a colon cleanse!)

[loriandmatt]

deb - wanted to offer my advise and encouragement here. i too because of family health issues recently decided to do as jim advised and prevent now to possibly avoid what was headed my way. when you know (as i do) that you have a bad train headed your way, it is a wise person who decides to not keep rushing towards that train (and the way i used to eat/live i wasn't even walking towards that train, i was going full out with my big butt resting on a FW golf cart as i was snacking on the trails end family bucket of chicken.)

about 1 year ago i slowly started to change the way i eat, how much i eat, when i eat it and eventually my activity level. (as we all know, exercise is a rough bugger when you get winded folding laundry) i lowerd my cholesterol, blood pressure and have lost 25lb and kept off for 6 months. now that i can walk up a flight of steps and not want to take a nap after, i hope to incorporate a bit more exercise to drop a few more.

i can pm you if/when you want to ease yourself into that, but honestly the "shop the outside of the store" advise from PolyPixie is a GREAT way to get started. (not the only things you buy, but over time it becomes the majority in your cart as opposed to the minority.)

heck - i even learned how to make sugar free margaritas! damn tasty! (i had to mention booze in my post. this is after all the camping boards, that's kind of what we do here right!?!?)

best wishes and good luck to you

[ftwildernessguy]

Deb:

Thalidomide was NEVER approved by the FDA for use in the US for treatment of morning sickness. Those who used it in the US obtained the drug illegally. It has, since, been approved for other uses, and is actually being considered for use in AIDS patients, however it is expressly forbidden to prescribe to pregnant women.

Jim

[auntie]

You are very correct when you say "No treatment is as good as prevention." However, there was no lifeguard on duty at the gene pool the day I was conceived. :eek:

I here ya there Deb.
You want to talk gene pools.....


My father has high blood pressure that lead to his stroke at age 57. (cerebral hemmorage.) Both his siblings had strokes and died of complications associated with them. His mom did live until she was 83 (but was crazy as a loon..another story) His Dad died in his 40's a recovering alcoholic but damage was done, and he died of problems with his heart.

My mom has heart disease, is diabetic and has rhumatoid arthristis. She had her first heart attack at 57.(she also smokes like a chiminey) She has high cholestoral. Her dad died in his mid sixties of a heart attack. Her brother had bypass in his sixties. Her sister is diabetic.

Both my brothers take cholestoral medication, and one takes blood pressure medication. Neither is overweight. My sister's blood pressure tends to be high..but she ignores it. She thinks she's only 41 and doesn't worry about it. Big mistake. (I give a few years, and she'll start thinking differently)
I started taking cholestoral medication a year and a half ago (should have probably been started on it sooner). I had cholestoral of 280.The cardiologist said I could start living on sprouts for the rest of my life and it would only reduce my cholestoral by 15%...which still wouldn't be good.
Medication was a must. Thank goodness I don't smoke or drink. Okay..I do have red wine occasionally. I do have to loose weight. Which really stinks since I spent most of my life thin as a rail. WTH? I think when you hit fifty you automatically get a gift of fifty pounds! ..Okay, maybe not, but at least an extra 35!
Go figure, Bob and I live in the same house and eat the same food. His cholestoral is that of a freakin' Eskimo. 135. Sometimes I hate him. :sad2:

[Tigger0624]

Deb- I am totally useless when it comes to info on anything really, but just wanted to offer my support, thoughts and :hug:! Once I am able to walk again, I definitly should start getting back on the "good habit" train and off of the golf cart! Hope you find something to help with the pain!

[djblu883]

Debbie, I am so sorry you are going through all of this! I can't even imagine standing as much as you do with all that pain!

I am a big proponent of holistic medicine. Although, like Jim said, you have to be careful with bottles of pills claiming to be "natural". I only take things I recognize and typically I try to find these "cures" in the food I eat. For example, cinnamon (3 grams a day) is supposed to help fight against diabetes. Any food that is slowly absorbed by the body is a good choice. Exercise where you get your heart rate elevated is another. Why don't you try a pod cast called "couch potato to 5k"...I've been thinking of trying this myself. I'd be glad to be your virtual walking partner!

When shopping for food, try to do most of it in the outer walls of the grocery store and less in the aisles. The aisles contain more pre=packaged meals with preservatives, salt, msg and fillers that you really don't want in your body. If you have a local farmers market or co op, you will be helping your community as well as your health.

When you only have time for fast food, try Subway instead of McDonalds. Park farther away from the store and wear a pedometer. Small changes can add up to big results!

Also, if you want a sleep aid, try Melatonin. You can buy it bottled in health food stores but it is the same hormone produced by the brain when you fall asleep. It kicks in quickly and you won't feel groggy in the morning. While you are at the health food store, pick up some liquid Stevia. It is a natural sweetener, does not raise blood sugar and comes in some wonderful flavors! Try it in coffee, tea, yogurt, even water! It's good stuff!

Take care of yourself and let us know what the doc says!
xoxo

I couldn't agree with you more! Fresh foods work best....diabetes was not near as prevelent (sp) when we had no pre packeaged foos...I certainly do best with them! I graze on bluberries for fruits and strawberries..they don't seem to mess with my glycemic levels like other fruits do! I 've used stevia for year now and hate it when I run out...they even have a vanilla flavored one now!I even cook with it...did PF Changs Spicey Chicken last night...no rice and it was wonderful...(a bit of salt and sugar in the jarred sauces but not like the recipe calls for in addition to)

[PolynesianPixie]

heck - i even learned how to make sugar free margaritas! damn tasty! (i had to mention booze in my post. this is after all the camping boards, that's kind of what we do here right!?!?)

best wishes and good luck to you

Can you share the recipe???? :cool1:

I 've used stevia for year now and hate it when I run out...they even have a vanilla flavored one now!I even cook with it...did PF Changs Spicey Chicken last night...no rice and it was wonderful...(a bit of salt and sugar in the jarred sauces but not like the recipe calls for in addition to)


I have "English Toffee" and "Valencia Orange" flavored Stevia in my fridge right now! :thumbsup2

[auntie]

Soooooo:confused3 How'd it go Deb?...Any news?

Hope you're feeling better.:hug:

[des1954]

Soooooo:confused3 How'd it go Deb?...Any news?

Hope you're feeling better.:hug:

My Dr's office called and changed my appointment from 6/24 to 7/15. Sooooo, I have to wait.

I decided to take Jim's advice & not use the supplement until I spoke to my Dr. about it. I'm not a "pill-popper" (not even vitamins), and after thinking about what Jim said, he's probably right. A couple of weeks aren't going to make that much difference, and ibuprophen works well enough for the time being.

Thanks for asking!

[djblu883]

Where did you find those other flavored stevias?????