The "I'm not doing so well" thread

[Russell]

This is me (front) and a friend, up Snowdon in December 2023 in ‘interesting’ winter conditions.

My friend has been type1 his whole life and as he got older, he lost hope of ever doing something like this again but I wasn’t having that!

You are very early in your journey as a diabetic and understandably angry, but don’t lose hope. We understand the condition better now than ever before and with modern medicine and diet controls I’m sure you’ll be up in the hills again just like my friend. Hell, let me know and I’ll strap on my boots and join you!

 

[The History Man]

The boss had undiagnosed (missed) type 2. 4 years ago She went into a coma requiring the full hospitalisation/ambulance bit. Appreciate not type one but keep reading. She has genetic Nonketytotic Hyperglycaemia which can be life limiting. Insulin injections and unable to work or do much for a couple of years without exhaustion. Slowly back to a few hours activity a week. Now walks dogs, works at a physical job part time, daft as a brush. No more insulin just the odd finger prick and regular proper monitoring. Her life is pretty normal as long as we remember her limitations which aren’t obvious until she overdoes it.


It was a very long road and depressing at the start as it’s such a huge cliff to fall from and eventually climb back up. I’m sure knowing you and your background you will make the climb. Looks pretty unscalable from the bottom but you will reach up to a new normal.

Wishing you well chum

Thm

 

[half cog]

My only problem is old age but it does not go on forever

 

[The History Man]

Perspective is also a great thing. You are still here and amongst those who love you. Two legs and four.

In the last few months I have had the loss of two y11 boys that I’ve taught for years. Both in tragic and unexpected circumstances. The second of whom was allowed to pass last week, his family giving three other teenagers a chance of a healthy future through organ donation.

I sit here with the luxury of contemplating all this. Moving forward with increasing age and ailments. But still…….

Perspective.

Just a thought. Not a judgement or criticism.

Love to you all. Keep on keeping on. X

 

[The History Man]

I think that was as much for me as anybody else.

Thanks for listening. X

 

[moonlite]

I think that was as much for me as anybody else.

Thanks for listening. X

Best place for it mate. "This too shall pass."

 

[mk one]

Diabetes can **** off.

This time last year I competed in the Snowdon 24 (as many ascents as possible in 24hr). Two days ago, I couldn't climb a small Welsh hill. I cannot take on enough carbs (sugar) to prevent hypoglycemia (blood sugar drops>feel wobbly>start to feel drunk>fall over>coma>death) which I obviously don't want to happen in the middle of nowhere. Riding a bike is done & gone for now. Hill walking = gone. Climbing = gone.

I think I'd need to be eating 80g+ of carbs an hour every hour to stand a chance, which is ridiculous.

A friend and former member in the climbing team I used to coach was diagnosed with diabetes which changed her life considerably at the beginning. However she has in the last few years or so learnt how to control it and has since gone on to become a qualified Mountain Leader, Guide and Climbing Instructor, now more qualified than me, and has recently completed the Cape Wrath Trail to raise money and awareness for diabetes. Really inspirational and keen to help others to manage their lives and dreams.

Maybe not much help to you at present, but as others have said above there is always hope.

Below is a brief report of her trip, with a more detailed account on her IG page, looking at which she is currently climbing in the Alps.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ailsa-graham-1691501216292
https://www.instagram.com/ailsagrahamcoaching/

 

[half cog]

Best comment on old age was by an eighty year old hill farmer over in shap. One day he said to me.Dus ter know best thing about been owd lad.No says I.Thas gitten thear was his reply.I cant do some of things I used to do but then again people who climb mountains dont expect to spend the rest of their lifes on the summit.So Chuck the misery fest and go ride your bike.And yes I have had some pretty drastic knocks in life but as said im still here

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

This week has been shite. Had covid a few weeks ago and got a nasty cold straight after. Work has been ridiculously stressful trying to play catchup, plus I got a new boss last week (They've taken over my department) who don't have the first clue what they're doing.

On friday about 16.00 I woke up in an ambulance. the Paramedics said I'd been seen having a seizure (someone found me in the local high street). Cue a night in hospital. Minimal recollection of events.

So now I cant drive for at least 6 months, which means I can't get to work (35 miles away in the middle of no-where) and driving generally is a huge part of my life. I now have no idea what the next few weeks/month hold for me, or my job - I've been told an appointment to see the 'First Seizure' consultant may be 6+ weeks.

No driving, cycling, climbing, swimming nothing that will leave me, or others, at any risk. My wife has been amazing, but I feel so bad putting her through all this - she deserves better at this point.

There's no point to this post other than to get it out of my head. I'm sat here contemplating my future and that of everything I do.

 

[greencat]

This week has been shite. Had covid a few weeks ago and got a nasty cold straight after. Work has been ridiculously stressful trying to play catchup, plus I got a new boss last week (They've taken over my department) who don't have the first clue what they're doing.

On friday about 16.00 I woke up in an ambulance. the Paramedics said I'd been seen having a seizure (someone found me in the local high street). Cue a night in hospital. Minimal recollection of events.

So now I cant drive for at least 6 months, which means I can't get to work (35 miles away in the middle of no-where) and driving generally is a huge part of my life. I now have no idea what the next few weeks/month hold for me, or my job - I've been told an appointment to see the 'First Seizure' consultant may be 6+ weeks.

No driving, cycling, climbing, swimming nothing that will leave me, or others, at any risk. My wife has been amazing, but I feel so bad putting her through all this - she deserves better at this point.

There's no point to this post other than to get it out of my head. I'm sat here contemplating my future and that of everything I do.

Many sympathies. One of my friends once encouraged me to treat difficult situations as like an adventure. There will be lows, but perhaps also unexpected highs too.

Workwise, they should book you an appointment with occupational health at some point. Between that and a fit note you will be well covered. No HR team or boss worth their salt wants this to turn into a legal dispute and a payout.

But really now is the time to put work completely aside and focus on healing.