Hi all. I am new to the website and wanted to introduce myself and a history of my medical problems.

Most of my problems have been with my back. I have had back problems for the past 17 years and have had 5 spinal surgerys.

My problem with diabetes started in November of 2003. I was hospitalized the day before Thanksgiving not knowing what was wrong with me. At that point in time I did not know that I had Type II diabetes. Well after going to the Emergency Room, I was finally admitted. They found several problems.

a. I had blood clots in my left leg which had to be surgically removed. I almost lost my leg, but I had a great surgeon who saved the leg.

b. They discovered that I had pancreatitis, kidney failure, which required dialysis at the time

c. And finally they discovered that I had diabetes. My blood sugar leve was almost 1600 mg. They were surprised that I was still walking around and not in a coma with the blood sugar level that high.

Well to make a long story short, I was hospitalized and in rehab for approximately 6 weeks before going home.

As to medication, I was placed on a number of medications. I take Novolog 3 times a day and humalog at bedtime. I also take Avandia, Cozaar, Plavix and the list goes on.

Since that time, I have peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, which is the leg that surgery was done on. Not sure if the neuropathy is due to the diabetes or spinal problems. I have metal rods in my lower back and metal rods in the neck area. So who knows where the neuropathy is stemming from. Maybe a combination of both problems.

Not sure what else to tell you all. Hope to hear from you all. Thanks for listening.

Allan :D

Hi Allan,

That 1600 mg/dL glucose was amazing! When mine was in the 300's, I could barely keep my eyes open if I was sitting down (at a seminar, reading, etc.).

Did you notice that kind of overwhelming fatigue? Did you notice any of the thirst/urination symptoms that usually come with hyperglycemia, or was it that your kidneys weren't functioning well enough to try to excrete out the glucose? Was a urinalysis done?

What about the pancreatitis--any mention of it being related to diabetes?

Finally, how are your glucose levels now?

Thanks for the response. Looking back prior to my going into the hospital, I was extremely fatigued. That was the main symptom that at least I recognized on my own. After the diagnosis, my sister did mention that every time I was over, she did notice that I was drinking a lot of fluids. At times yes there was frequent urination. So it seems to make sense now.

As to the pancreatitis, as far as I know it was related to the diabetes. My blood sugar now has greatly improved. Once in a while I know I eat something that throws the numbers off. But for the most part they are OK. I average maybe a little high about 125 a month blood sugar.

There are times when I do have hypoglycemia. I break out into cold sweats and feel hungry and know something is not right. The lowest my blood sugar has been was 43 mg.

Looks like I am pretty lucky that I survived the whole ordeal. Thanks for listening.

Allan :D

Hi Allan,

I wanted to welcome you to this great board. I'm 34 and have had T1 since I was 12. I've been using a pump for the past six months and LOVE it! I never realized that a Type 2's BG could go up that high. I've heard it with T1 and mine was over 1000 when I was diagnosed, but didn't know that could happen with T2. Scary, huh? I hope you like it here and stick around.

Sharon :)

Thanks Sharon for the input. I knew what diabetes was before I was diagnosed, but I never knew about blood glucose levels and what was considered normal. I learned a lot real quick once I was diagnosed. I know a few people that are on the pump. I take novolog injections with each meal and lantus in the evenings. Anyway, will post again soon.

Allan

Hi Allen: Sorry to hear of all the pains and anguish you have
been in for some time now. What happened to your back in the first place to require 5 surgeries? What did the Doc's say that caused the blood clots in your left leg? Wow, 1600 eh and not in a coma?? Must be Mighty
Man!! Good for you!! I was in a diabetic coma for 3 days when I was 19.
The Doc's told my parents that I wasn't going to make it. But obviously,
God had other plans for me. I(or my parents) were never told what my bsl's
were. I don't even know if they had those back then. Oh they probably did.
We just didn't know about them.
Allen my Hubby was in an accident which messed up the discs and surrounding tissue and muscles in his back. Couldn't move without severe pain. He did Physio Therapy, Massage Therapy, Aqua Therapy for a good
year and 1/2. He was alot better backwise but his left arm and leg were still
quite numb. The Therapist stuck a 3" needle in Hubby's arm and then leg and
he was alarmed that my Hubby felt nothing. Next stop was the Accupuncturist for about 6 weeks. After all that, he has 90% feeling back
which makes him way happy.
You may have had damage from undiagnosed Diabetes for years however
which is worrisome, but if you get your sugars under control and lose weight if need be then some damage can be undone. Hey if you weren't in a coma at 1600, then you can do what needs to be done. Good Luck Lad!
Joannie :angel:

Thanks Joannie for the input. As to my back problems, it started in 1988. Initially they thought I had kidney stones and went for a test to confim the same. Turned out it was not kidney stones. They found that I was born with only one kidney. I was 35 at the time and never had a clue, nor did my parents. Funny thing, years later my sister was also found to have one kidney, she is 3 years older then me. None of us knew. So they then discovered that I had bulging discs. All were degenerative in nature. Not due to any accident. Just occurred over time. Once the back problems started, it was non stop.
The diabetes came as a surprise. And the more I learned the more I was surprised that I survived. The blood clots were probably due to cholesterol problems which were out of control. My cholesterol readings were over 400 and that was after being on medication. Looks like it's under control now.
In the midst of the back problems, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1994. I treated for it for over 2 years just to find that I was misdiagnosed.
LIfe is a miracle at times. It's a mircle that I am here to talk about it. Anyway, thanks for listening. Later all.

Allan