Archive for the ‘Popular’ Category
1
Jun
Written by Mike on June 1st, 2010
During the year and a half since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I’ve often said that I see that diagnosis as a blessing in disguise. If it weren’t for my going to the doctor for diabetes related problems, the congestive heart failure wouldn’t have been found, and I probably wouldn’t be writing this post. The fact that I am here is a blessing in and of itself, but there have been so many more.
My diagnosis lead me to the diabetic online community, and the awesome people, blogs, and other websites that make up the community. And it lead to the creation of this blog, which has allowed me to share my story with people from all over the country, and even around the world. This blog, and my interactions with others in the community, have lead to another opportunity, too.
Some of you may have seen my tweet last night that I had just submitted my first post for Blogabetes, and some inquired as to what that was all about. Well, a while back, I was contacted by dLife and was extended an invitation to join their team of bloggers. I accepted, of course. And now that the paperwork and setup is out of the way, I’m at the starting point of this new opportunity, and as excited as can be.
Now, don’t worry, My Diabetic Heart isn’t going anywhere; I’m going to be blogging in both places. I’m thankful to have been blessed with another opportunity, and to know that I’m definitely in someones good graces.
22
Feb
Written by Mike on February 22nd, 2010
Over the course of the last month, I’ve been faced with having to give up another one of my vices, Soft Drinks.
Like an old friend, soft drinks have always been a part of my life. I didn’t drink them all the time, but they were always around. Even after I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I switched to diet soft drinks so I could at least have one every once in a while. Well, not any more.
A few weeks ago, I began to notice that the soft drinks that I liked, diet pepsi and coke zero, just didn’t taste good anymore. I thought maybe the asthma inhaler I used earlier in the day was causing the nasty taste. So, I gave it a few days, and tried the soft drinks again, and I had the same problem. They just tasted horrible.
So, rather than try to figure out whether it was the inhaler or one of the 4 other new medications that my doctor had started me on that was causing my soft drinks to taste funny, I said goodbye to them
And if sparing myself the nasty taste wasn’t a good enough reason to give up the soft drinks, there’s always the money saved and the few extra pounds lost. 
Now I just need some healthy alternatives. Any suggestions? Comment Please.
22
Jan
Written by Mike on January 22nd, 2010
I went for my stress test follow-up appointment this morning, and received some great news from the cardiologist.
The stress test results indicate that the strength of my heart has increased 7% over the last year. It’s now 42%, as opposed to 35% at the time of diagnosis with CHF. 50% is considered normal, so I’ve only got 8 points to go to reach that goal. The cardiologist says that if I continue at this pace on the treatment plan I’m on, with the medications, diet, and exercise, I should be able to reach that goal, and beyond, over the next year or two.
The test results also indicated that the 30% blockage in the Left Anterior Descending Artery of my heart appears to be gone. The cholesterol medications and clot busters appear to have done their jobs.
So yeah, I’m really excited to know that things really are improving, despite how bad I feel at times. I still have a long way to go in this battle, but now that I see these results, I have even more motivation to keep me going.
Keep Fighting, and Rock On!
22
May
Written by Mike on May 22nd, 2009
My good friend Jesi (Cherokee Angel) created this photo illustration using one of my photos, and dubbed it “Scream Dream”. It is an awesome picture, and after looking at it a while and reflecting on all that I’ve been going through lately, I believe it should be titled “An Uncertain Crossing”. It has inspired the writing that follows.
An Uncertain Crossing
Life is, in essence, a journey; a long walk on a path
that winds the mountains high and valleys low.
Along the path, you may encounter some rough spots;
there may be rain, fallen rocks, and rivers to cross.
As each situation arises, you must find a way to get by,
and continue on your journey.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness like Diabetes,
Congestive Heart Failure, or others is like suddenly finding
yourself face to face with the biggest, widest river you have
even seen, and having no idea how you are going to get
across it to continue your journey.
Faced with such a daunting challenge, you see very few
options from which to choose. You can either stand still,
and watch as the river overflows its banks and sweeps you away,
or you can try to find a way to cross the river and continue on your way.
You quickly realize the river is too wide, and the currents are too strong
for you to swim across. There are also no boats, or any other means of
quickly crossing to the safety of the other side.
So, you now venture from the familiar path and into the wilderness in
search of a way across the river. And when you’ve just about given up
hope of finding a way, you come upon an old, rickety bridge, that looks
like it can barely hold itself up, let alone the weight of you.
As you stare at the bridge you take note of the many cracked and warped
wooden planks which make up the walk way. Some are even missing,
giving clear view of the raging river below. Fear and doubt consume your
thoughts; Will the bridge hold you? Will you make it? What will happen
if you don’t try to cross?
Suddenly, you realize that while you’ve been searching for a way across,
and allowing fear and doubt to take over your mind, the river has spilled
out of its banks, and the currents are now raging toward you.
Adrenaline fills your veins, and you know what you have to do. There’s no
turning back now. And after a quick prayer, and a last look behind, you
take a running jump onto the bridge, and you keep running. All in a
desperate attempt to make it to ….
Whether you will make it safely to the other side is known only
to God. All you can do is place your trust and faith in Him as you
face An Uncertain Crossing.
