Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group discussion

This morning, I have gotten some bad news. A close friend of mine has passed away. Last Tuesday, I have received a call that she had a stroke and when I have finally had a chance to talk to her this past Saturday, she told me that she had a light stroke and heart attack. Her blood pressure was high and her blood sugar was high. I was told that her blood sugar was 400. That reading can kill someone that's a diabetic. It can throw them in a coma. But thank goodness she wasn't thrown into a coma.

I had a chance to talk to her husband today and he told me that he had just helped her to the restroom to help her get changed for therapy and then she went lie down and when he came out of the restroom, he heard her take her last breath. He told me that she wasn't in any pain. He asked her, when he was helping her to the restroom and she told him no.

My friend didn't know that she was a diabetic or even had high blood pressure. For our women's retreat, she told me that her arm was hurting. She had been in an car accident last year and her arm would bother her off and on.

Ladies, please get to know your insides and out. Get check for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholestrol, thyroids, etc.

I know some people can't afford to go to the hospital, but if you get into a paid hospital. A charity hospital, do so.

We all have to leave this earth one day, but while we are still breathing, we need to know what's going on in our bodies.

Be healthy. Exercise is a body's friend. Eat right.

I love being healthy. I have no choice of being healthy. I'm healed, but at the mean time, I'm working with the condition that I have. I'm not going to say what it is.

If you are on medication. Take your medicine and the way the doctor told you to. If it says to take it twice a day. Do that. Get your prescription refill. Go to your doctor's appoint and don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. I know some doctors be in the rush to see you and then they are out of the door. As someone in the medical field, I know that a doctor has to take time with his or her patient. Your life is in their hand. You have to make them realize that.

Remember, if you feel a pain, it's because something is wrong.

You can ignore this post if you want.

I'm posting this in love.

I'm sorry for your loss Arch

(((hugs))) My heart is with you. My brother just had a car accident and was in ICU for about a week. He's going to be okay but his accident was caused by a diabetic attack and he had a stroke also. He is having problems speaking and walking now.

@ Noelle. Thanks

@ Pamela. Tell your brother to take it easy.

Sorry for your loss Arch, my thoughts and prayers are to you and her family.

Pamela I'm happy that your brother is doing well, he's in my prayers as well. It's going to take some time, but he'll be ok.

Thanks Benita.

Thanks bunches, Benita. It makes you realize how fragile life is.

Sorry for your loss, Arch.

Yes, it's true that we need to look after ourselves. My husband was diagnosed as diabetic on a random work-sponsored health check and thank goodness we've been able to get to it before it went haywire.

Another issue I'm passionate about is breast cancer. I've been struck by it, twice. Once 5 years ago, the second time just a few months ago.
I cannot stress how important it is to be a breast self-exam. I found the lump (second time around) when it was still pea-sized and got it taken care of just in time before it became malignant and spread.

So ladies, please look after your health!

Thanks Zee. And yes, we women needs to check our breasts on a regular basis.

We need to know our bodies.

Arch, that is really sad news. My mom has diabetes and I worry about her. She does pretty well keeping up with it. I agree with you that it's important to be healthy and get regular checkups, to nip things in the bud early on.

Pamela, I'm glad your brother is doing better.

Thanks Danielle.

Just because diabetes is there, it doesn't mean that the diabetic has to be there. I'm happy that your mother is staying on top of her diabetes.

Arch, you are in my prayers, as are you, Zee. Thank you so much for posting this thread. I am a newly diagnosed diabetic myself and am still trying to get my act together and just DEAL with it. Ladies of a certain age, I ask you to think seriously about any symptoms you may have, as Arch and others mentioned. All of mine were easily explained by OTHER things: as I turned 52 my reading vision declined (as I was told to expect it to around 50), my toes were tingly and numb (as I had recently and stupidly purchased some shoes with high heels, and todays heels will DEFINITELY cause that!), I began losing weight faster (but heck, I'd been dieting for awhile and had just lost 40lbs! Who would suspect?), etc. All my symptoms were readily explained so I was shocked to find I had toxic levels of blood sugars. I also didn't know that women of around 50 are at a higher risk of developing diabetes even when at correct weight and health. So as Arch said, go ahead and get those annual exams and blood tests because early diagnosis is key to handling so many conditions! Blessings to all of you, my friends!

Thanks Cindi.

I advise anyone that has diabetes to invest in diabetic shoes and socks and see a diabetic foot doctor. Don't let your toe nails grow too long.

Also, your doctor my not tell you this, but take baby aspirin 81mg a day. It's good for the heart.

I'm in the medical field. I have cared for diabetics. Right now, I also am responsible for making sure our nurses get glucometer machines and test strips.

I know that some patients with diabetes can't afford to buy test strips and even the glucometer machine can be expensive. But thank God for Walmart and their brand. You can buy the Walmart Glucometer machine. Relion for $9.00. Test strips: 20ct $9.00, 50 ct $19.98 and 100 ct. 39.98 ct. Lancets a little over $4.00 for 100ct.

You can ask your doctor how often he or she wants you taking your blood sugar. It's good to check it when you get up. You can check it 1-2 hours after breakfast. Before lunch and then 1-2 hours after lunch. Before dinner and then 1-2 hours after dinner.

It's good to take your blood sugar before you exercise and an hour after you exercise. Exercise can bring your blood sugar down. You don't want your sugar to get too low.

Below 70 is low.

Invest in ketone strips. Walmart again. If your blood sugar gets too high, your glucose machine can let you konw that you have ketones showing up in your blood. So, you need to check for ketones in your urine.

Going to the bathroom a lot and dropping weight quick can be a sign of ketones.

I know some people think that carbohydrates are the enemy, but it's not. A woman that has diabetes should eat 45 grams of carbohydrates with each meal. And 15 grams for each snack.

A diabetic should eat low GI foods. Under 55. You can look online for a list of low GI foods.

If you drink coffee, instead of sugar, use splenda or another sugar free sweetner.

The market has food for diabetics. Check the pharmacy. Plus, check the grocery isles for sugar free food too. Sugar free doesn't mean nasty.

You can eat other foods too. Watch the sugar amount and carbohydrates.

Okay, let me shut up. If you have any questions, send me a private message. I'll try my best to answer your questions.

Thanks, Arch. This is good info for everyone. Merry Christmas!

You are welcome Cindi. I don't celebrate christmas. Have a nice day.