Diabetes and mental health issues

After my blood sugar spiked to over 1400 and a dear friend came running to check on me, I realized it would be a good discussion to share with family, friends and other folks curious about this disease.

It becomes more complicated when you have mental illnesses that have similar symptoms.  Quickly and accurately diagnosing the real problem can be the difference between life and death.

I am not a medical professional, so what I am documenting here is my own views on how I handle my health issues.

First, for me, having low blood sugar is the most dangerous diabetic event since it can quickly lead to death.

Low blood sugar occurs if I don't eat on a regular basis or take too much insulin.  Many things affect how well my body uses insulin to process carbohydrates/sugars.  Being more active such as going for a walk can drastically reduce the insulin needed and cause me to crash ( where my blood sugar drops below 100 or so).  Stress can affect it as well, causing my body to not use the insulin or take much longer than normal to do so.  Using different sites to inject the insulin can sometimes affect it's absorbtion. So I usually dose low and then test again in a few hours and do an additional shot if my blood sugar is still high.

Since having weight loss surgery, I am eating one-third to one-half what I used to eat and my Insulin has also dropped. Some meals, I require NO insulin!!!!!!!!!

The symptoms of low blood sugar (a crash) vary as to when (what level my blood sugar is at) they occur and how severe they are. Also, if I am sitting, they are not as obvious. Standing requires more energy, so sweating and shaking occur more strongly and more quickly.

There have been times when I crash as my blood sugar dips below 100 to around 85. I have also been unaffected by a blood sugar as low as 45!

I also sweat more than average and sweating is a good indicator that I am crashing.  Sweating is compounded by anxiety and being hot natured.  These issues make me irritable (which also causes me to sweat), so determining why I am sweating is very confusing and dangerous.

At this point in a crash, I can also become argumentative which is also part of my nature, so this makes helping me even more challenging.

The best thing is to ask me to test my blood sugar.  If I do, it should be above 100 for me. If lower, give something with sugar in it. If I don't want to test, then just offer me some sugar (coke, juice, candy).

I can also become confused and forgetful, which are also issues I deal with from other mental problems. I can have sugar within reach and not remember that I do. Try to stay calm.

My family has dealt with this for a long time and I need to say, their shift into emergency mode and helping me recover is truly heart warming!

Although a sugar high is problematic, it is not as dangerous for me.

I become tired, even passing out.  Leaving my blood sugar high stresses my pancreas which can lead to pancreatitis and the need to be hospitalized. This too has occurred a few times but I am managing these highs much better. Since I live alone, I have to keep my blood sugar closer to normal since I am the only one taking care of me.

Depression, mania, anxiety, ADHD, mild narcolepsy, high blood pressure (to name a few) have many of the same symptoms.  Loss of memory, loss of focus, shaking, stuttering, sweating, feeling heavy, excessive tiredness, argumentativeness, and anger are some of the more common issues that are also signs of a diabetic issue.

So that gives you some understanding of my struggle with diabetes and mental health issues.
Feel free to add your own personal observations and post questions on the subject of diabetes and mental health.

Thanks for your interest and your care!

Namaste.

Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Knees and Toes...

Or the more modern version:  "Lips, Chests, Crotch and Butts.  Crotch and Butts..."

Whether it's duck lips, v-necks stretching below the navel, pajamas without underwear, and pants below your butts to Burkas; Times are a changing!!!

Having struggled with my weight since my early teens, I know the struggle of fat-shaming and wearing baggy clothes.  It's one of those politically correct issues yet to be conquered.  

I am in the middle from modesty to being politically correct.  I don't think you need or want to see my ass or tell my religion by my skin-tight clothes.  If sexuality didn't lead to unprotected sex and unplanned pregnancies, I'd be less concerned about how "in-your-face" it is.

Boys and girls are affected by this as well as being considerate of others.  From presentation in clothing to attitudes towards other people's bodies, we are often very self-centered.

I can say this because I know how often I speak what's on my mind before considering the implications of how I say something.  It's an ADHD thing..."Say it or forget it!".  It's also my culture though my parents TRIED to teach me to "Think before you speak" and my co-workers suggested I "Pick My Battles".

But someone needs to say what is on our collective minds sometimes.  Perhaps trying to slow down, give a bit of thought to something, and then expressing yourself quietly, in confidence is the wisest way.  SOMETIMES IT NEEDS TO BE SHOUTED FROM THE TREE TOPS!  I get those two confused...a lot.  I still appreciate those friends that do better at discerning which is which and try to speak up for those that remain silent to avoid ALL conflict.

Namaste!!!

Eniac

In the beginning was Eniac and it was good!

ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer

A computer was defined as a device with input, CPU, and output.

What once filled a room is now held in your hand.  It is as simple as a hand-held calculator.

INPUT:  The keys (numbers, math signs, equal, and clear to name a few).

OUTPUT:  The LCD screen that displays the answer or Error Message.

CPU:  All those vacuum tubes have now become transistors on a circuit board.

From 1 + 8007 = 8008

     to 

9 / 0 = Err, 

We no longer worry about a moth shorting out our computer calculator, instead, we worry if there is enough Sun to power its solar batteries.

All in my lifetime.  Alexa, are you listening?  What do you think Watson thinks of all of this?

Namaste.

The Gift of Gab or How a Manic stage is no longer appreciated...

It is considered impolite if you have the gift of gab and talking incessantly.

Zyprexa is the way they medicate some bipolar's to keep them from thinking, talking, and acting as quickly as their mind is able, which offends people who can not understand mental illnesses like Bipolar or an even more complex version, Schizoaffective Disorder.

It is offensive to interrupt people and ADHD folks have Ritalin for that.

If you have anger or anxiety, Clonazepam or Xanax help with that.

If you are in Pain Management though, you are not allowed to have Flexeril for muscle spasms/pain along with Norco in the above mixture.

It's really my business how my doctors care for me, not the Government but they are constantly sticking their noses in Citizens of USA (whom they work FOR) business.  So the studies I reviewed are simply SUGGESTED GUIDELINES but Pain Management is about covering the Doctor's asses, not MANAGING YOUR PAIN.  In fact, that's the same for most of us.  Me first, then you, the patient.

The studies I read are often based on the conservative side since we can't do human trials YET to see what a 6'1 and 1/2 inch, 300 pound MALE can handle versus a 5' 8", 150 pound FEMALE.

So they err on the Short, Medium weight, female side and include drug-addicts and drug-managed folks who tell the truth or lie from mostly Hospital ER's and Doctor's observations to set guidelines for what can be prescribed pretty much the same for everyone (at least, some of my doctors do).

If I had all proficient, medically capable doctors in my group (General doctor, Pain doctor, Psychiatrist, and Therapist), I would be okay and managed properly but I don't so I'm screwed.

Suffer through the chronic pain baby.  The government is not going to let you have such a dangerous mixture even though you are male, taller than average, and twice the weight of the average male or even more of an average female.  And my life is mine to live as I see fit.

sUfFeR!!!!!!!!!!

suffer!!!!!!!!!!

Suffer!!!!!!!!!!!

SUFFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And go fuck yourself...

Thankfully I have many good friends to take care of me along with good doctors.  Bless you all and especially Aisling (sp?) and Brenda (wink).  Love you all!!!

Namaste.

Feminine and Masculine Spectrum

     I originally came upon this subject while reading about global tariffs and how far we have to go before we realize we are all "ONE Tribe" and hopefully base it upon Love, Compassion, and Charity instead of Greed and the other Seven deadly sins (Seven deadly sins).

     This lead me to a term I had heard but not bothered to read about before, the "Desert Fathers" (Desert Fathers).  I am quite obsessed with Spirituality though my psychiatrists say both obsession and Spirituality indicate multiple mental illnesses (obsession is known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), OCD in Spirituality is a symptom of Bipolar disorder).  If you combine that with the belief that you speak to and/or hear messages from your Creator, this is known as Schizoaffective disorder.  I guess most of us are crazy!

     I know I digressed there but since I have been writing about those issues, I take any chance that pops up to discuss mental illnesses.

     So the "Desert Fathers" lead me to one known as the "Father of All Monks" known also as "Anthony the Great" (Saint Anthon).  I was particularly fascinated by the fact that he went to live in a desert as I had.  I lived in Saudi Arabia as a young child though I did not suffer as Anthony did.  During his sojourn in the Egyptian desert, he was tempted by demons (Temptation of Saint Anthony in visual arts) as depicted in the following image:

     All of this caused me to begin reflecting upon history and our struggle for equality.  I began thinking about how much historical evidence implies that the feminine was more revered than it is now and how we still struggle to see everyone on the spectrum as equal.

     A good example was a link I followed while viewing these beautiful images.  The above wall painting is in the Ancient Church of Saint Mary (Santa Maria Antiqua).  I came across a link that was titled "Queen of Heaven" but it sent me to "Maesta" (Majesty) and neither page elaborated on the subject "Queen of Heaven" (Mary, mother of Jesus).

     Some might say this is an oversight and it is possible.  Whether it was intentional or not, it still shows that the feminine aspect of the Creator is not held within most people's thoughts as the masculine.  If it was, it would have and should have been corrected.  Look for the term "Uriel" (Forgotten Arch-Angels) and its meanings as another example and a chance to do a bit of research and reflection on your own.  At one time, why were they unnamed and just Angels in a "Spectrum" just like my subject!

     I know many don't see the importance of recognizing each person's struggle to be respected.  For those that are not cisgender (Birth Gender), the struggle to be recognized properly means a lot to that person.  Just as many hold to the old terms and become angry and frustrated with dealing with this issue, so do those attempting to be seen as they really are.


     Being on the LGBT+ spectrum AND the mental illness spectrum, I struggle with the changes, views, and emotions shared on both subjects.  I often express this with my own therapist and have found the best way to handle things is to laugh them off instead of holding onto all the negative feelings.  After all, I am only hurting us in the process.

     By "us" I mean the explainer and the explainee as well as the mental illness term "schizophrenia".  Since we are both, I have the right to just laugh and let the rest of you wonder what I mean by "we".  The English language is complex and if the term "it" didn't have a lesser importance than "she" or "he", it would be a better term for the rest of the spectrum.  Hopefully, in our struggle for truer and better equality, together we will all find a way to move forward.

Namaste.

Time is Fluid

     I don't try to understand too much of the Universe at any given moment.  In fact, that fourth dimension of time, that "moment", frustrate me quite a bit.  I automatically dislike science fiction that bases its story on manipulating events through time.  Which is a big deal if you like such stories as Star Trek or even Harry Potter.  I realize it's just my own limited grasp on the subject but when my Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) kicks in, such issues can wreck a person's enjoyment of an otherwise interesting story.

     I realize authors are simply trying to grasp a very complex subject and make their story interesting but to me, it punches so many holes in it that I either have to turn the OCD off (no easy feat, even with Fluvoxamine) or I have to make leaps of ignorance to enjoy the story and stay in its universe.

     Today I awoke crying about my little cat, Sheena Easton Adams.  I was watching this Dr. Suess movie (I call my dreams movies) and she was scared and alone and unhappy and barely let me catch her because she had gone feral (like she would in real life) and I couldn't fix her.

     For some reason, it mad me think of my own struggle with madness and wondered when my last time would be up.  I thought of the man and woman that seemed to be my mom and my sister and her husband while I was in the loony bin and I wondered if anyone else saw how easily we seem to slide from one realm of sanity to another of madness in the blink of an eye.

     And most importantly, why this new SchizoAffective Disorder (SAD) seemed to frighted even the best of friends.  Why could they not realize that for me, each Universe is as real as the one before it.  Each moment is a different you and a different me and though it's all ONE, I wonder when I'll give up and never return to that Universe of sanity again.

     I miss Sheena (both one and two).  I hope they are happier and safer (where ever they may be) than in my nightmares...

Are YOU a doormat?

     Do you let people and companies step all over you, abuse you, or ignore your rights as a decent human?

     I have often done this and have reached my limit and am beginning to push back.  If this seems like I am an asshole, I really don't care anymore.  You shall no longer wipe your feet on me so that you smell like roses and I feel like shit!

     This is just a heads up for the hospitals and doctors and staff as well as car dealers, and any other low-life including but not limited to, so-called friends as well as family that have taken advantage of my laid back nature as if it is a sign of weakness, ignorance, or carelessness.  I'm COMING for you.  You have been warned.  If I am ignored, you shall be too!

     The rainbow dragon has awakened...