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Posted 11/29/2009 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there - I know that there is no such thing as a "normal" pattern for diabetes. However, since I have been diagnosed it seems that I am having one medical problem after another. First of all I had a multi nodular (large) growth around my thyroid and had to have it removed. Then I caught a very nasty form of pneumonia that is particularly dangerous for diabetic and ended up on life support with breathing tubes and heart monitors for five days (total stay in hospital 18 days) - Please all of you - make sure you get your pneumonia shot - it is well worth it, and now I have just been diagnosed with a meningoima (benign- i hope brain tumour).

My question is this - I spent many many many years without ever going to the doctor. Now I seem to almost live at his office - Is this all part of diabetes or is it just a coincidence? Is this all part of a compromised autoimmune system do you think? Has this happened to anyone else?
Posted 11/29/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
You mentioned trouble with your thyroid. I've found out that my thyroid troubles are tied into a lot of my problems. Your immune system is tied into your thyroid, so your into quite a ride.
Thyriod affect diabetes and cholesterol, diabetes affects thyriod and cholesterol, cholesterol affects diabetes and so on. Like my 5 doctors say, "it's all connected".

Just write your name on a chair in the doctor's waiting room and stake your spot, you'll be there more often now. :))

Joy
Posted 11/29/2009 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi joules, welcome back.  I'm so sorry about your pneumonia crisis!  And I pray the meningoima is benign.  I believe I've read there are conncections between the thryroid problems and diabetes because of 'autoimmune' system connections.   And diabetes affects so many other organs anyway, so it's not surprising that we'll find other problems after awhile, especially as we get older.  Hang in there.  How's the blood sugar been?  Have you quit smoking??
Posted 11/29/2009 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Oh how nice that you remembered me - I owe this site a lot because you guys referred me to a quit smoking support group. As a consequence it has been two years and ten months since I last had a cigarette - thank you - thank you. The doctors insisted that I have my thyroid removed (this was nearly two years ago (take synthyroid) and yes I am now being told that my cholesterol is high - so am on lipitor for that. Still taking two metformin in morning and two at night. My sugars are slowly rising though - and I have to start taking firm control once again to get them down. I have not been feeling so great this past year and have been far too indulgent of myself - Time to give myself a huge shaking up and remind myself that my health is up to ME. I am the only one who can really control the diabetes............. I havent been walking as much as I used to. I know it is not really a reason but an excuse (there is a huge difference) However, I lost my dear older brother at the beginning of last December very unexpectedly - so times have been a tad gloomy. However, I know that he wouldnt want me to be in the doldrums so I really have to pick myself up.............
Posted 11/29/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I have only admiration for anyone who can quit smoking.  Everyone smoked in my family except me, TG.  My parents could never quit and it ultimately killed them either directly or indirectly.  My brother and sister both stopped cold and have never gone back, so I know how strong you must be to do that.  As far as keeping to the healthy lifestyle of controlling diabetes, it's a rollercoaster for me sometimes, and the holiday season doesn't help, the weather and the food!   Adding the loss of your brother last year must have been hard for you, so it really is understandable if you didn't stay on the straight and narrow path.  But as you say, you're the only one who can control your health, as far as what you eat and what activities you do for the diabetes.  I think I'm also given to seasonal moodiness.  I think it's called SAD?  When it's cold and rainy ........  who feels like taking the higher road?  Anyway.....  I hope you're feeling better now.  What is the next step for the meningoima?  I had not heard of that before.
Posted 11/30/2009 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
I am being referred to a neurosurgeon at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Not sure exactly what is going to happen - I know Ihave to have an MRI - then I think it is either surgery to remove (which from what I have read on computer is normally successful though painful) or monitoring to see if it changes. I just hope no more meds - I just hate meds...... So fed up with all this stuff happening especially after being so healthy for so long....... I am lucky though - I have a very supportive husband who is also my best friend and is holding my hand every step of the way.........
Posted 12/1/2009 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Joules,
Take care and know that we are thinking of you. Sorry about all the health stuff... I personally believe that it's more related to aging than the diabetes. The older we get the more that can go wrong. Not fun but what can you do?
Posted 12/5/2009 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Joules. Welcome back though sorry under such circumstances :-(

The thyroid and diabetes link is a common one, unfortunately. I've been on synthroid for almost 25 years. Diabetes came 20 years after for me but the thyroid thing affects a number of my extended family, too. Researching "endocrinology and metabolism" might provide you some more specific glands and organs that are "auto-immune challenged" as I like to call them.
Thinking of you and hoping you can live life the best you can with your best friend beside you. We're here for ya, too :-)

Kris
Posted 12/6/2009 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
My condolences on your late brother. And congratulations on getting out of the hospital, especialy after being on life support. And congratulatins on quitting smoking. You hang in there hon
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