The World of Grandpa Don

People Who Care

I have just had an experience in which someone had to give me a BIG nudge and when I responded I found a whole bunch of people there to help me do something that I didn't know I could do. 

It started at the office of my eye doctor, Dr. Mann. He found that the sight in my left eye was much poorer than a year ago and asked about my blood sugar levels. When I told him, he told me I had better do something about it or go blind. We agreed that I would not change my glasses at this time, but I would consult with my doctor, get my diabetes under control, and then come back to be retested. 

I have been feeling good. (Except for the arthritis) As a result I had not been too concerned about my high sugar levels. I had been resisting the advice of Dr Schiappa. Now, Dr Mann had given me cause to worry. How can a blind man do web sites, watch his grandchildren perform and not be a burden to his kids?

The following day happened to include a scheduled visit to Dr. Schiappa. I told him of the visit to the eye doctor and my new concerns. He prescribed a new diabetes medication, added to the two I was already taking and gave me a prescription to see the dietician at Palos Hospital. On previous occasions I had declined to go there. The new medication is taken with every meal and has some unpleasant effects on the digestive tract. I am adjusting to it and hopefully these side effects will go away in time.

When I called to make the appointment with the dietician, I found that I was also going to have a 3 hour group session called "Introduction to Diabetes". I went there with the attitude, I am 71 years old and they are going to tell me how to eat! Well, I adjusted my attitude and went to one of the most informative 3 hours of my life. There were a series of five presenters on the various aspects of the disease and it's control. They did not lecture or cajole but presented the facts in a very caring manner. We left with a packet of very useful information.

Immediately after, I had my individual session with the dietician.  I knew going in, that much of my problems were caused by "the good life" I was leading. She placed no blame or guilt on me but explored my eating habits and exercise (or lack thereof) and laid out a plan to bend my lifestyle to a healthier mode. I left with a 1600 calorie plan and an appointment to learn to use a glucose test meter.

I had been using Anne's old glucose meter but had problems doing it more than once a week. The technician introduced me to a new meter that required a much smaller blood sample and was very easy to use. She also led me through the sampling process and continued my education. I left with new meter and everything I need to monitor my sugar levels twice a day. 

For over a week, I have been following my diet and monitoring my blood sugar. I am keeping a record of the food I eat and amount of carbohydrates in each meal and snack. I am keeping a record of my blood sugar levels. I never expected that I would be doing this. I even read nutrition labels on food packages when I shop! Oh, the best thing is that I downloaded a program from the glucose meter supplier and ordered an interface cable so I can connect the meter to my computer and graph my test results. 

In this short period of time, I have lost some pounds and my glucose level has come down a bit. I am seeing results already! Oh, and I dusted off my treadmill and have started to walk again. Slowly, yes, but I will increase the speed as I go. 

I am motivated! Thanks to Dr. Mann for the kick in the ass to get me started. Thanks to Dr. Schiappa for knowing what to do and responding in a caring way when he saw I was serious. Thanks to ALL the people at Palos Hospital's Nutrition Department. Sure, they were all doing their job but it is the way they did it that made the difference. They did it for me! They cared about me! I FELT IT!

And, ... Thanks to the Holy Spirit for making me receptive to the people who were helping me. One of the most difficult things for us to do is to accept help when offered. (Real men don't need help ... bull*#~'!) 

Grandpa Don