The happy dance

First off... your missing inch AND recent diabetes related good news are both really, really big developments. No need to downplay them, dear... I say well done, you! Even if you won't, I'm jumping up and down on your behalf!

Thanks Jennifer for this comment.  I'm not, really I'm not - I have been doing that 'happy dance' all weekend.

See...

***Doing the happy dance****Doing the happy dance***Doing the happy dance***

This entry is dedicated to anyone whose weight has triggered a serious health problem.  Mine, diabetes is a progressive disease, but these changing results are testament to the fact that you should never write yourself off.  It should never be too late. 

My own weight gain is probably only half as bad as for some, but I guess because underneath I'm quite petite, my body was overwhelmed and the health problems had begun to stack up.

(i) PCOS, (ii) several really bad episodes of cholecystitis and a couple of hospitalizations (leading to cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)). I was fair and fat but certainly not 40. I was 26 at the time. (iii) diabetes, (iv) hypertension, (v) finally totally deranged liver function tests.

As I said before all that was left was the stroke or heart attack. Apart from that, it wasn't the greatest or most dignified experience being an in-patient with a ward of confused OAPs.

I have to say not only was it the threat of insulin, but those LFTs that were the straw that broke the camels back; the fact that my liver was turning into fois gras, yuck, was pretty scary and particularly shocking when you're virtually teetotal.  This is when a sense of urgency *suddenly* hit me.

But as the doctor said to me on Friday a fatty liver, although is a problem associated overweight diabetics IS *completely* reversible with weight loss.  So deranged LFTs, well I can now cross those off too. 

It's great to know that there is a route to get better, better still don't even go there in the first place. I'm on that road now and wherever you are with your weight I am sure if you're on that road you can get better too.  Maybe a little too addictively I'm really enjoying the re-modeling and body-sculpting process, and there's no way, at my age, I'm prepared to accept compromised health any more. 

I really do look forward to seeing other tales of improved health and wellness.

***Doing the happy dance****Doing the happy dance***Doing the happy dance***

Comments

[justoofat]

*smile*

Good for you, Jenny!

Like you, I was finally motivated to change my life as a result of health problems. For me, it was high blood pressure and the increased risk of heart attack and stroke that come with it. My husband and I had moved and my new job required a physical just to check that I didn't have any communicable diseases (like TB). Anyway, I can remember the nurse literally freaking out when she checked my blood pressure. She checked it several times before going to get the doctor who then checked it several times as well. Eventually, the doctor looked at me and said, "if you don't do something about this, you're going to die. And soon." Then he prescribed a high powered blood pressure medication. I'd never been on any kind of medication long term and I'm telling you, I *hate* taking that pill every day. The idea of what it's doing to my liver, or the risk of other side effects that no one has discovered yet, scare me to death.

Anyway, it was then that I decided that I *was* smart and strong enough to change my life. That I didn't, at only 36 years old, *have* to be shackled to medication for the rest of my life. That I was worth taking care of.

And you are too!

Gosh, I'm proud of us! :)

j

PS: Sorry for hijacking your blog for my rant!

[DoingTheCaveman]

*returns smile*

You're very welcome to hijack my blog - I'm honoured!

I did pick up in something you wrote previously that you had experienced a fright. You would be a huge loss to this world and, although horrible, I'm glad the doctor was blunt. My reaction to my doctor was anger, didn't he realise how I tried but I'm thankful now. I'm a '71' babe too and it's far to young to have these sorts of problems.

The liver is probably the most forgiving organ, as you lose your weight hopefully coming off medication will be an option in due course for you too. Perhaps you could try to add in healing foods that would help the fight. I can't think of what it is for blood pressure off the top of my head but, for example, a good dose of cinnamon is good for blood sugar - I've been using that quite a bit, tastes nice too. J

[DoingTheCaveman]

J ~ If you didn't hear about this a couple of weeks ago apparently it's beetroot juice. Check out this article

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7228420.stm

... if you could develop a taste for it, that is :)