4
Jan
Written by Mike on January 4th, 2012
So, yesterday’s visit with with my primary care doctor was quite revealing. Given the fact that she called me directly and said we needed to discuss a letter she received from my cardiologist, I knew it would be an interesting visit going in.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the results from a recent round of testing performed by the cardiologist indicated that the strength of my heart has deteriorated again, and my ejection fraction is back down to 35%. I knew that going into the appointment yesterday. And I knew that the cardiologist had ordered a more intensive test to confirm that result. What I didn’t know was what he was planning to do if the results were confirmed.
His plan, should the test I’m having next week confirm the ejection fraction is indeed less than 36%, is to arrange for a defibrillator type device that would, hopefully, protect me from sudden cardiac death. In the event that I should go into cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, the device would shock my heart and restore a normal rhythm. Which in turn should give me a fighting chance to get to the hospital.
Now, that could mean a couple of different things. Worst case: I have to undergo surgery to implant a defibrillator. An operation that, while routine, is fraught with the potential for disaster. Best case: I have to be fitted with a wearable external defibrillator, involving no surgery, etc. If I must have something like that, I’d much prefer the non-invasive option.
At this point, either option is on the table. And what happens next will be determined after the test next Friday. And while I truly hope the results are better, and that the results of the last test were just wrong, the pain in my chest is telling me otherwise.
My primary doctor and I both agreed that obtaining a second opinion from an independent cardiologist was a good idea, so between now and next Friday, I’ll be meeting with a new doctor to have them review my case. Again, I’m trying to be optimistic that fresh thinking on this will result in something good, but as I said, I’m struggling with that.
Until then, it’s a wait and see what happens game. And I’m not good with these games. I can’t begin to describe what all of this is doing to me mentally.
But there was one bit of good news that came of that office visit. My A1C was 7.0, down from 7.4 in September. And given everything that I’m dealing with right now, that’s a damn respectable number.
And at a time when things are quite dark and miserable, it’s nice to see that something I’m doing is still working.
1
Jan
Written by Mike on January 1st, 2012
Well, today is January 1, 2012. Happy New Year to everyone reading this right now.
Much like millions of other people in the world, this is a time when I think about resolutions for the New Year. Things that I want to work toward by the time the year ends. Some years, my list is long, and others, not so much. And some years I accomplish them, and some years I don’t. This year, I have only one resolution. And it’s one that I’m guaranteed to be able keep each and every day of 2012.
This year, I have resolved to Give ‘Em Hell. To give diabetes and congestive heart failure just as much hell as they give me.
I’ll be giving them the finger
each and every day.
Sticking it to both of them,
to survive another day.
My tactics will soon be changing,
because I’ve lost a little ground.
But I’ll keep doing what I must to
turn this back around.
The battle will be difficult,
and I’m sure I’ll shout and swear.
Consider this your warning,
don’t say you weren’t aware.
It is my fondest wish that
the battle will go well.
Just call me Harry cause
I’m gonna Give ‘Em Hell!
So there you have it. My resolution for the new year. Short, bittersweet, and to the point. And since this post has taken the shape of a wine glass, here’s to a healthy and Happy New Year to everyone! Cheers!
30
Dec
Written by Mike on December 30th, 2011
This year, WEGO Health is hosting their first annual Health Activist Awards. And, among the boatload of nominations they’ve received across the ten voting categories were two nominations for yours truly. Super cool stuff! The details for each nomination are below.
The first nomination
Award: Best in Show (http://info.wegohealth.com/best-in-show-2011)
Link: twitter.com/mydiabeticheart
Platform: Twitter
Reason: Mike brings a fresh perspective to living with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure — as a young person dealing with both conditions, he has the ability to reach a different audience and make the topics relatable and modifying how people perceive T2 diabetes and CHF. He’s a prominent voice in the diabetes community on Twitter, but his story continues through his blog and offline.
The second nomination
Award: Best Kept Secret Award (http://info.wegohealth.com/secret-2011)
Reason: Mike is always advocating for Type 2 diabetes which is very much underrepresented in the Diabetes Online Community. He’s even been on the cover of USA Today advocating for the cause and dispelling diabetes myths. Mike was also diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure a few days after his T2 diagnosis. He’s truly a fighter for his own health and the health and support of countless others. He has made amazing strides in his own health and is a vital part of the D-OC. There’s not one person who can read his story and talk to him without feeling inspired.
I am both honored and thrilled to be included in the nominations received. Thank you so much to the kind folks who nominated me, and best of luck to all of the nominees.
29
Dec
Written by Mike on December 29th, 2011
Today is the 3rd anniversary of my diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure. Wow, only three years? It feels like so much longer. Alas, just three years. Three years of knowing, caring, surviving, and sharing.
Three years of knowing that I have a two invisible chronic illnesses for which there are no cures. Three years of knowing that I’m not alone in my fight. That there are millions of others fighting the same things. Three years of getting to know some of the most amazing people around. Lots of love to everyone in the Diabetes Online Community.
Three years of caring more about my well being. Three years of doing everything I possibly could to beat the odds against me. Three years of caring for those around me, both online and offline. Three years of being me.
Three years of surviving the many challenges before me. Three years of enduring the daily routines required to stay alive. Three years of painful medical procedures and tests to monitor changes both good and bad.
Three years of sharing my story with the world. Sharing both my victories and my defeats, showing what it’s really like to live with these conditions. Sharing the message that it is possible to live well with both. And that there is no shame in being diagnosed with them.
You’ve surely noticed the repetition in this post by now, and you may very well be ready to leave it. And, honestly, I really can’t blame you. I’d love to leave it all behind too. But I can’t. That’s life with diabetes and congestive heart failure.
Here’s to many more years of knowing, caring, surviving, and sharing.
All the best!
23
Dec
Written by Mike on December 23rd, 2011
Wishing peace, love, joy, and good health to everyone in the
Diabetes Online Community, this Christmas and always.
Lots of Love, DOC!
Mike Durbin
