I would be interested to hear from anyone who has experienced or is experiencing similar health issues like myself and suggestions/advice would be most welcome!
I have type one diabetes controlled by insulin pump therapy. I was diagnosed with this when I was 15 despite no-one in my family having had any history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Throughout my late teens and twenties I have experienced a range of illnesses such as constant urinary tract infections, IBS and two years ago Adrenal Insufficiency. Consultants/Doctors often blamed my illness on the lack of apparent control of my diabetes despite my protests that something else was wrong. When my adrenal glands were not producing the right amount of cortisol I started hydrocortisone steroids which appeared to make no difference to the fatigue I was experiencing. I began to get the side effects of steroids - moon face and fluid retention. I gradually reduced my dose and finally came off them altogether.
For the past year and a half I entered a relatively good phase with my physical health although I experienced a series of migranes which resulted in hospital admissions and the doctor prescribing me medication to try and help. I was working full time in a demanding field of work - Substance Misuse. Controlling my diabetes was still a problem despite the reported benefits of insulin pump therapy and close monitoring of blood glucose levels.
In december 2009 I began to experience severe fatigue and was struggling to meet the demands of my job. My muscles started to ache and my skin became red, blotchy and at times tingly and sensitive. I revisted my consultant fearing there was a problem again with my adrenal glands. Indeed there was and I began taking hydrocortisone again. Unfortunately, my symptoms did not disappear and have progressed since then.
I am unable to get out of bed some days with painful muscle aches particularly in my neck, shoulders and legs. Small everyday tasks have become exhausting. I am being investigated for M.E/CFS and Lupus. I am currently unable to work and this having a huge impact on my life in general.
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written by Maff, April 01, 2010
Thanks for posting your experiences on the site. I know it can sometimes be hard for people to share (although often it is therapeutic as well).
I would like to give you a more detailed reply but I am busy writing my degree dissertation at the moment so my time for the site is limited. I wanted to say that I'm glad you are now being investigated for lupus in particular as I would hazard a guess that an underlying inflammatory/autoimmune condition (e.g. lupus) is at the heart of your health concerns. Since there is no history of diabetes mellitus in your family I would be looking for such an underlying inflammatory state as an explanation for your development of insulin-dependent diabetes. As you likely know, the condition is usually caused by destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas by the body's own immune system (autoimmunity). Your adrenal glands could have been damaged by the same mechanism leading to adrenal insufficiency.
It amazes me that your doctors have looked at each condition in isolation. They never seem to look for the big picture! Lupus would also explain skin conditions which are common in this disease.
For your adrenal problems you might wish to try licorice to boost cortisol levels in the body. It contains a compound that blocks the enzyme that converts cortisol to inactive cortisone. This may allow you to reduce steroid medication use and side-effects. You may also wish to try DHEA supplementation - another important adrenal hormone which is not traditionally replaced in adrenal insufficiency treatment. At least something to discuss with your doctor(s).
Please let us know how you're getting on and your tests results re: lupus.
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written by Jesslm, April 26, 2010
Please don't apologise as I more than aware how much time you must spend on achieving your goals and how draining it can be. I did my diploma 2 years ago in therapeutic counselling, worked two jobs and volunteered for two places so understand how balancing everything can be tricky!...but well worth it in the end.
Thankyou for your support and in particular the licorice suggestion! I love the stuff too so an added bonus. Just have to watch the blood sugars I guess. My lupus results came back all clear and I am now waiting for the diagnosis of M.E. /Chronic Fatigue. I understand you know all about this. I have made some adjustments to diet already and its making a little difference. Cutting out caffiene and wheat based products and eating more bio yogurt and fruit!
Good luck with the studying!!
Jess
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written by Tiffany, April 29, 2010
Hi Jess,
You might be interested in this documentary that just came out,it's called "Simply Raw" it's about how 6 people with diabetes went to this clinic in AZ, and after 30 days on raw food diet they didn't have anymore.Raw food diet can help people with auto immune disease as well, my mom has Fibromyalgia and I have MCS and both of our health has improved greatly because of it.
Raw For 30 Days
www.rawfor30days.com
Hopefully this can help give you some info on your journey to good health and wellness!
~Tiffany
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he wrote a book called "The Cure for Diabetes". I attended one of his lectures recently where he spoke along with David Wolfe(raw food expert)another person who I have gained a lot of my knowledge from.I am attending another one of David's lectures the weekend of Mothers day on Longevity and am so excited to hear all the knew stuff he has discovered.
There are videos you can watch on you tube with both Dr. Cousens and David Wolfe separately.Hope this can least help point you in the right direction. Be well, wishing you good health, healing and wellness!