Diabetes,  Health,  Heart,  Lessons Learned,  Life,  Photos

Two Months Before, Three Years After

10/29/2011 /

This photo was taken on October 23, 2008, about two months before I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure.

This photo was taken on October 28, 2011, a full three years later, and just two months short of the third anniversary of my diagnosis.

At the time I took that first picture, I was damn near dead and didn’t even know it.  Three years later, I’m full of life and living that life to the fullest.

What a difference three years has made!  I’m blessed and quite thankful to have had them.

Living with a Confusing Pancreas and a Broken Heart at age 36 #Diabetes #LADA #CongestiveHeartFailure. #MakeDiabetesVisible Creator, #ALittleHeartCanDoBigThings Creator, Advocate, Blogger, Nature Photographer.

9 Comments

  • Mike

    10/29/2011 at 11:45 pm

    Dooood.

    I mean NO DISRESPECT here…but in the first picture you don’t just look unhealthy, you look unhappy. In the second picture you aren’t even smiling, but you somehow look happier!

    Way to go, man!

    • Mike

      10/30/2011 at 12:07 am

      Hey Mike,

      No offense taken, man. You’re absolutely right. I was both unhealthy and unhappy at the time the first picture was taken. I felt so bad for a long time and had no clue why, and was completely miserable. Two months after that picture was taken, I found out why. And began the journey I’ve been on for the last 3 years.

      Today, nearly 3 years after diagnosis, I am much healthier than I was back then. I’m stronger, physically and mentally, have a passion for life and reason to live, and I’m much happier as a result.

      Thanks for commenting!

  • PrincessLadyBug

    10/30/2011 at 12:47 am

    I’m with Mike. The difference in the pictures is startling. I know the lighting is different, but in the second picture you can tell that you have a healthier colouring. It’s a great pic. You’re not smiling, but it’s almost as if the camera went off just seconds before you did smile. I like it. 🙂

  • Rachel

    10/30/2011 at 10:15 am

    I agree – such a difference in demeanor – I know I probably have the same kind of photographic proof. May you continue to regain health!

  • robbin67

    10/30/2011 at 10:27 am

    WOW!!!!!!!! You may not be smiling in either picture..but you have a GLOW OF DETERMINATION. In the second one…..

  • Jeff

    10/30/2011 at 8:49 pm

    Wow, Mike! The one thing that strikes me about the difference between the 2 photos is that the 2nd one does show as a smile to me… In the sense that I can see the determination, energy, & the smile that’s there behind your eyes! :^)

  • kerri

    10/30/2011 at 9:51 pm

    I’m with everybody above! In the second picture you look so much healthier and the determination is SO evident — and from your blog and your tweets . . . I know you’re one determined rockstar :].

    And just in case nobody’s told you lately, you’re amazing, Mike! :] Keep up the great work, my friend.