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Posted 3/31/2012 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Just had to vent a little to people who might understand. I think I posted about my uncle before, he has spherocytosis and severe diabetes. His heart and breathing stopped (his dog, who we may be going to pick up soon) alerted his partner who called an ambulance. He was in a coma for a short time and is now awake. He can talk now, and is starting to get some long-term memory back. But I just talked to him on the phone and it was pretty hard. He sounded very confused and was almost rude (I didn't get my feelings hurt, it's just hard to hear him this way, he's frustrated and very sick). I asked if he missed his dog and he said he'd never heard of him. I know he remembers him sometimes.

Just had to rant. He's such a good guy and he is getting better, but although hearing and knowing about it is rough, talking was worse, especially when I had no idea what to say. It also seemed like one of his more confused times, which didn't help.

I don't know. Any well-wishes and good thoughts sent his way would be great. He's on dialysis three times a week (kidney failure) and it looks like he will be for the rest of his life. 

My UC never seemed like a huge deal to me, and now even less so, although I'm being more conscious of my health (diabetes runs rampant in my family, for one. I remember seeing my mamaw's foot before she got it amputed and that's something you can't unsee. Later they took her leg, too). But But being around my parents, who are both disabled, and my general family history has gotten me a lot more motivated.

Everyone take care of yourselves!

Maybe we should start a little exercise club for those of us who aren't fit, lol.

Posted 4/1/2012 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
I am sorry to hear about your uncle. :(
Posted 4/1/2012 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
It's sad to hear what you're going through. Familial health issues should be taken seriously for self or for future family planning.

You must take your UC seriously at any time.

Will you be taking your uncle's dog and keeping him?

It will always be a heartbreak for you when you talk to your uncle and he's in a serious state mentally. Just being in the moment, I guess, is the best for you.

Is he in the hospital?

Look after yourself, this will be a hard go since you already have experience with family and diabetes complications.

sending you a hug...hang tough.

qxx
Posted 4/1/2012 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear about your uncle. How old is he?

You are so right, being fit is important but especially with diabetes or the risk of it. I have to give big kudos to my sister-in-law (husband's sister). She was so unhealthy. Never exercised, never cooked, ate take-out 7 days a week. Then she finally went to the doctor for a checkup and was told she has high blood pressure and is borderline diabetic. For some people they just shrug and carry on. For her it was a big wake up call. She went to nutrition classes, totally revamped her diet, and exercises daily. She has lost weight (not that she was obese, but a bit overweight), looks great, and most important, feels great. Let her be your inspiration if you need it! It's hard to get started but once you have developed good habits it's a lot easier.
Posted 4/2/2012 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, E.P.-- sorry to hear about your uncle. You will have to steel yourself to his memory problems. Hopefully, that will improve with time. Witnessing a loved one's suffering is one of the hardest things we find ourselves facing at one or another point in life. We are here for you when you need to vent! BTW, did you find out what went wrong with your car? / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 4/5/2012 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry it took so long to respond, guys. Yes, he is in the hospital. he's been there for over a month now. Sometimes his memory is better than others, I think I got him at a bad time. But it was still pretty tough. I think his memory is getting better. It might also be easier for him if the person is in the room with him. That way all his senses are going, you know? Probably more stimulating that way.
I'm horribly bad with ages... I think he's in his 40's. My parents are still talking about the dog. So many people have told my uncle's partner, "If there's anything we can do to help, tell us." But this poor dog needs a temporary or even permanent home and no one has lifted a finger. We want to take him but are giving it a little time since it's a six hour drive.
Serenity, good to hear about your aunt. My aunt is overweight and got the same diagnosis, but isn't doing anything about it and is on insulin now. I'm surprised my dad isn't. His is even worse than hers, too, I think. She's kind of a hypochondriac. It's been hard being healthy as the only food we have in the house is rice X(
Thanks Old Hat. Yes I did. It was deceptively simple: the mechanic didn't tighten down the lugnuts. They all broke off and chewed up the wheel. So I had to get a new one. And some other parts too.
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