Then more recently a wound he had on his foot was looking ugly and finally with enough of nagging my dad came to his senses and off we went to the hospital. Turns out his foot wound already had an infection in the bone and he would need surgery and care to save his foot. This wouldn't be his first foot surgery. Not even 2 yrs before he had a partial amputation of his feet, on one a pinky toe and on the other just a partial side. The situation this time was spooky since both the leg wound and foot wound were on his left side and that's a lot for a body to handle. So this week was mostly spent in the hospital. He had a good surgery and now he is home where he is healing, resting and off his feet.
Well it doesn't end there though... this week has been a tough one mentally for me. It makes me sad and hurt inside and worries me in ways I cant even write. While all the worries of my father were happening I would take breaks and look at the tv in the waiting room and the images in front of my eyes only brought more tears. When the tv should have been a distraction it only brought more worry and fear. Our country was in mourning and my heart couldn't stand it anymore. Inside me there was too much pain...
I cant get the thought out of my mind... What if I get diabetes? (The doctor told me having one parent with diabetes ups your risk to 40%) The fear of my life taking that path has been like a dark shadow on me this week. Is this my future? How could I put my child through what Im going through right now with my dad? Its all too much. Its a struggle. Its even been the reason of a nightmare this week that woke me up screaming at the top of my lungs.
So I know I should be sharing pictures of my week but guess what? I have no pictures of my sadness, of the hospital of my dad or my fears. I only have my words to share and I hope thats enough for now.
Sorry to be a dark cloud but all this is stirring in me and for fear of exploding one day from holding it all in I share it here. I need suggestions/advice/tips/recipes/links anything you can think of to help me and my family with our journey with my dads diabetes. Thank you guys in advance
Alvina, Diabetes is a scary thing and I have just finished a 21-day sugar detox. That means, no fruit, no alcohol, no sugar, no sugar substitute, no carbs (no rice, no pasta, no bread). Basically, you eat lean proteins and vegetables. I feel amazing and have started reading the book "The Blood Sugar Solution" which purports to eat just as I have been eating for the last 21 days--all the time. I am going to continue eating this way since diabetes can be reversed and or controlled with food. I am neither diabetic, borderline diabetic or carb sensitive, but feel that my sugar cravings can be eliminated by eliminating carbs and sugar. If you need more info or want to talk, I am here. Good luck to you and your dad! Heather Hunter
ReplyDeleteAlvina, I am so sorry that you are going through this. It is always hard when the fear creeps in and takes over the light spots in our lives. But just know that the more info you find, the more you can change the situation! Look for the light, and God is there, waiting to comfort you.
ReplyDeleteSorry I dont have any more specific info for you, but know that ya'll are in my prayers and I know that you are strong. And its ok to feel the way you do. Here for you!!
Hugs Alvina, sounds so scary. I wish I had advice my father in law is battling Diabetes as well and it scares me for my husbands future. Sending prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteAlvina, So sorry that you're having to deal with these issues. I totally agree with Heather. I recently talked with a man who had diabetes. When I asked if he was on insulin, his reply was "Not yet." It doesn't have to be that way. The trickiest part is to know what to eat and what to avoid. And sugar? There are so many names for sugar, that's why avoiding processed foods is so critical. I'm here to support you if you need it.
ReplyDeleteAlvina, I'm so sorry that you're dealing with all of this. I hope for the best for you and your dad.
ReplyDeleteAlvina my heart goes out to you. Diabetes is a very hard disease. My maternal grandmother has diabetes and my paternal grandfather also has it. I am at risk for it as well, all you can do is watch your weight, eat healthy and exercise. Cut out the bad sugars and keep an eye on how eating certain things (like sugary drinks or sweet things) affect you on a day to day basis. I would def read the book Heather mentioned above.
ReplyDeleteBeing Mexican, the men and women in my family are very stubborn and it's hard once they reach a certain age to tell them- Hey don't eat that- it's not good for you. Oh my father in law also has it.. he's the biggest pita about it. Love him but seriously- I'm afraid for him sometimes. I mean they don't even follow doctors orders :/ All we can do is be there for them and scold them as only their children can.. very cautiously.. LOL I hope that you find some comfort in these comments. Thanks for sharing something so personal. Wish your father and you all the best! Big hug to you!
Alvina, I hope that you are feeling better tonight. I know how scary Diabetes is. It runs in my family and I have had Gestational Diabetes while pregnant. The initial shock is the worse, yes depression takes over and you feel as if you can't go on. But, trust me you can! The best thing you can do is receive medical advice with both my pregnancies I saw a nutritionist. It was covered by my insurance. With a good, restricted diet and daily exercise my 2 beautiful babies and I made it through my Gestational Diabetes. These days because of them I continue to watch my weight, what we eat and our daily activity level! It's worth it, it's easy once you get started and what I have found is if you are a good example for your friends and family they will follow you, maybe your Dad feels as if he is alone and if you can actively jump into this journey with him he will be more motivated to help himself in the future! Not sure if this helped but know that yes the more you know about it all the better you will be able to deal with it! Hugs!!!!
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