I don't know what to do.

[Phoenix]

Hi -
I think I'm in trouble. I'm scared.

I've been calling my doctor since Monday and still haven't had a response.

My blood sugars are, for no reason, going up almost 100 points overnight (when I'm not eating anything after about 8PM.) I know - I need to bring this to the diabetic forum and I will; but this is only part of the problem.

I read/ or was told here, and it was mentioned in the book that I may need to take some potassium supplements in the beginning if I get leg cramps at night (which is happening). I mentioned this to my visiting nurse and she said "DONT do that; there;s a very delicate balance in the ratio between potassium and sodium and THEY CONTROL THE HEART! She also gave me the "tent" test and said I wasn't dehydrated (so then why the cramps?)

Then I asked my internist (other doc mentioned above is endocrinologist) whether I could try getting off my diuretic and she said yes " but watch your blood pressure carefully and go right back on it if there is any raise in the BP. She hadn't even remembered that I had talked with her about the high protein regimen I was going to go on; and to which she said "Fine" while walking out the door! She was surprised that I was doing this!!!

If I didn't know what supurb doctors these were I would change doctors; but I don't want to lose them because they have been so good dealing with and detecting other issues; but I'm definitely feeling unsupported medically in this attempt to heal myself and getting more than scared by what little input I'm getting from any medical source. I feel as though I'm flying solo and with no knowledge of how to fly while being warned that if I fall I'll die.

I can't afford a diet clinic or specialist. They don't take medicare and I don't have any money. I'm really distraught because I see this plan as absolutely necessary to do unless I want to feel sick and in pain for the rest of my life and then die much younger than necessary! I'm in terrible shape medically. You'd think my doctors would be delighted that I was trying so hard to remedy the situation to whatever degree I could and want to support that effort.

Then there are the mood changes. This morning I woke up and could have bitten anyone's head off within a 100 yard radius of me. I'm also depressed. I don't feel well; and am fighting the temptation to just chuck the whole thing out the window. If no one else cares why should I kind of mentality.

Things are happening in my body and I don't understand them amd I'm really frightened. Trying not to be; but not much success.

Can anybody else relate to any of this?

Phoenix

[maxlharris]

This is definitely something to ask in the diabetic forum. I dunno if potassium supps have an effect on the diabetes or an interaction. That said, if you were eating bananas and potatoes and other rich sources of potassium and now are low carbing and not eating a lot of those or broccoli, it's probably okay to take some in the form of Lite Salt. Should help with cramps and if there's a critical balance and you're suddenly flushing a lot of fluid through and not replacing the potassium, then you're probably getting on the low side of the critical balance.

At any rate, I defer to people who know more about Diabetes. Not my burden, so it's not my area of knowledge.

[Missy]

Goodness Phoenix! I don't know either what to tell you. I'm insulin resistant, but not diabetic. (go figure) Gosh, I surely wish I had some sort of advise for you...perhaps some others more experienced will follow and post. I'm just added my best wishes and support!

[laughingW]

EEk is right. Your docs need to know that there is a diuretic effect with the PP plan. Maybe you could get the "for your doctor" packet that the Eades talk about in the book?

Unfortunately it sounds like you will have to be educating them as you go. It would be nice if they already knew the effects of nutrition on your conditions but it sounds like not.

That's what I would start with anyway. The advice for docs.

[Gaelen]

Phoenix, I know it can be very frustrating and scary to feel as though you aren't getting the medical attention that you need, but you really need to take these concerns to your doctor(s). No one here can legally give you medical advice over the internet--we don't have enough information about your current condition or any other things that might be affecting it. You need to see a medical professional, in person, and have that medical professional start providing some of the good care that impressed you in the first place. And Medicare patient or not, it's your right as a patient to that care--so please do whatever you can to get it!

The mood changes in the early stages of dietary change are normal. The spiking blood sugars are not. And dehydration tenting is not necessarily consistent with why you'd have leg cramps, so that can be a different issue. You need to take this up with one of your docs, probably the internist, and get their medical opinion. We are here to support and help, but beyond being here to listen, we can't really help with the specifics of what is happening to you. But if I could make that doctor's call for you, believe me, I would.

I know this may seem like a non-responsive answer; believe me, it's not intended to be. But there's only so much we can do long-distance to help. Please call your doctor.

[Phoenix]

Gaelen - Thank you for your response. I should have made it clearer in my post that I was NOT asking for medical advice; I was merely trying to give you all a clear picture of what I was dealing with - and my frustration and fear that my doctor's lack of response has created in me. The way you all have responded was really what I needed - support and understanding, and perhaps reassurance that some of what I was feeling was what they had experienced (moodiness, etc.). In no way was my intention to seek medical advice. I know that you can't (and shouldn't) do that. I apologize if my intent wasn't clear enough.

Phoenix

[Phoenix]

LaughingW,

Great idea! I'll have to find out where I can get that.

Thanks.

Phoenix

[Phoenix]

Thanks, Missy -

That's exactly what I need!

Phoenix

[Phoenix]

MaxLHarris-

I am eating a lot of broccoli. Many people have told me that it's a very good food. Glad to know it has some potassium in it also.

BTW I picked up some of the protein drink you suggested and I think it's going to be very helpful for those times when I can't fix any protein. I also carry Beef Jerky in my purse for intermittent protein fixes. That seems to work well too.

Thanks,

Phoenix

[Gaelen]

Gaelen - Thank you for your response. I should have made it clearer in my post that I was NOT asking for medical advice; ... I know that you can't (and shouldn't) do that. I apologize if my intent wasn't clear enough.

No need to apologize, Phoenix, and I'm glad saying things out loud (figuratively) is helping a little. Believe me, it's just as frustrating to watch someone who needs a hand and not be able to do more than say, 'I really wish I could do more, but you need to see your doctor.'

As for the 'for the doctor' packets, I'm not sure they're available any longer, although you could try the Store tab on the main website www.proteinpower.com

What we do have is, in the first forum, some articles about PP for download that might help the docs understand. You might want to take a look at them and see if any of them suit your needs.

[Phoenix]

Thanks Gaelan

I already spotted those articles and have downloaded them and printed them out to send to my doctors. They're clear and concise and short enough that a doctor might take the time to actually read them. One can hope. <G>

Phoenix