It's raining it's pouring part 2 - When the Dr. calls you at home

I mentioned just over a week ago in a blog post of mine here at The Serendipity Cafe that I have been having a few frustrating issues with my health of late and that my Dr. had ordered some tests. So I had the tests and was told to phone for results. However immediately on their return my Dr. phoned me at home (Monday afternoon just gone) wanting to have a lil chat about them. "There are a few things we need to talk about" she said. A few???!!! What the!!! :/

She mentioned from my blood test that whilst my actual cholesterol levels were quite low my triglyceride levels were extremely high. She told me that I was very low on Vitamin D and that my thyroid was slightly higher than the high end acceptable range. She stated that she was not happy with my urine test (2nd one in recent weeks) and queried if it was in fact midstream and fasting? Yep and yep. She told me she would arrange another urine test for me then we would meet up for a chat. Sure says I. I suggest I pick up the forms the following day, have the tests Wednesday and make an appoint to see her Friday. She is attending an interstate wedding Fri-Mon she tells me and won't be available Friday. I offer up Tuesday and she says no she really would like to see me earlier than that. Her calm, relaxed manner did not raise any alarm bells at that time - she is young and on the ball. Heartpoet who was in the same room as I when she called offered to go collect the pathology request and specimen jar on the spot so that I could take the test the following morning. Great she says then suggests we make an appointment for yesterday (Thursday) early evening 4.45pm - her last appointment of the day. I know that appointments are 15 minutes long (unless mentioned otherwise) so don't stress about it all too much.

I know that raised triglyceride levels run in my Mum's side of the family. It is genetic. Lifestyle/dietery adjustments make diddly squat of a difference. I remember Mum's Dr. at first questioning Mum's diet (despite her healthy eating protestations) so gave her a strict diet to follow - her levels went up even higher again lol. It was only then that the penny dropped! Whilst physically I take after Dad's side of the family - tall and slim - I resign myself that I obviously take after Mum's side in this instance. I know there is medication to control this issue. I do not wish to die young like my Mum's Mother (age 60, stroke closely followed by heart attacks). I will go on medication (if suggested) no problemo. As for the Vitamin D being so low - whilst I do take care not to burn my alabaster skin I am not OTT about it and take daily long walks. Although of late I have been cooped up inside a lot more due to unrelenting monsoon conditions - that have gone on for many months now. Walks have been in-between rain showers on days of overcast skies. Queensland (where I live) is known as 'The Sunshine State' a bit of a joke of late! I know I can take vitamins to correct this issue and that the sun will eventually shine. As for the thyroid she mentioned it being only slightly higher than the acceptable high end range. I am not going to google it and worry myself silly I decide. Surely that is something we can get on top of and pull back?

So Thursday rolls around and Heartpoet inquires would I like him to come into the appointment with me as he is keen to hear what the Dr. has to say. I have no issue with that. So with the Dr. running on time we are ushered into her consulting room at 4.45pm yesterday evening. We leave at 6.15pm!! So we lightly touch on the above mentioned (with no real surprises ) then she quickly draws the conversation around to my urine test. She mentions the crazy high sugar levels in all 3 recent tests. She mentions Type 2 Diabetes. She mentions that I am tall, slender (I have put on a lil unexplained weight of late - that I was not unhappy with - but now know it to be a symptom of type 2 diabetes (since a sml child I have always been on the slender side and have had to be careful not to loose weight - fast metabolism), fit (walk at a brisk pace for 45 mins - 1 hr - twice daily) and that she knows I eat a well balanced - low fat/lean meat/organic fruit and veg (where possible) healthy diet. She also knows that I really look after myself - don't drink/smoke etc. She says we are here today Kim to get our heads around your diagnosis today of irreversible Type 2 Diabetes. She tells me that it is genetic in my case and that my healthy approach to my diet and lifestyle has in all likelihood warded off the disease until now. With a different diet/lifestyle approach she is almost certain I would have presented with Type 2 Diabetes in my 20's or 30's. Big sploshy tears started rolling down my cheeks and I was transported back to my multiple miscarriages and migraine diagnosis. Looking after myself whilst still a positive = no guarantees.

The Dr. sighs and says with genuine warmth in her tone "Ohhhh Kim I know this news is most unexpected and a shock" and hands me some tissues. My shoulders slump a little and Heartpoet puts his arm protectively around me. I know in my heart of hearts he is worried by this news. He loathes it if I am ever unwell. Hates the thought of anything happening to me. He has always quietened his fears of ever losing me with his being 11 years older than myself. He has told me a number of times that the law of averages means that he will go first, therefore he does not have to worry about it ;). I have challenged him on his notion however it makes him miserable to even entertain the idea. The Dr. starts talking a plan of action. She knocks the idea of my doing a much looked forward to course (with the aim of future pt work) on the head. She mentions a 3 month med cert. I am weighed, my height is measured and my blood pressure is taken. I am to see her weekly for the immediate future. She mentions we will commence treatment of the Type 2 Diabetes first - oral medication at a lower dose to commence with to see how well I tolerate it. If oral meds fail to control the disease then insulin (injected) will be required. I will also commence treatment for Vitamin D deficiency. My thyroid will be rechecked in 3 months time. She is hoping my levels will go down with controlled sugar levels. There is often a connection with the two I am told. I am to join the NDSS , purchase a glucose monitor and read through the raft of paperwork she has given me on the subject of Type 2 Diabetes. Next weeks appointment she will up the oral meds for diabetes and introduce triglyceride medication. She will also make out a referral to a Diabetes Coach (who helps you control your diabetes not the other way round).The practice nurse will show me the ropes re my glucose monitor.

I filled the script on the way home last night and commenced taking the medication. I told Brenton of my diagnosis. Today I feel numb. Whilst I know I have it I don't think my diagnosis has fully kicked in. So much to digest! Un-diagnosed and untreated Type 2 Diabetes can lead to - stroke, cardiovascular problems, kidney failure and blindness - to name just a few. I have been feeling unwell since Christmas. I look forward to feeling my bubbly, happy, relaxed and healthy self again. I look forward to being Heartpoet's soul mate, Brenton's mumma, a mother in law and grand- mumma (in the future) and a friend to all for many years to come.