This Blog Could Save Your Life....
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In the relatively short time that Shades of Influence has been around, we have exposed you to our viewpoints on a variety of topics. Our blogs are categorized into the areas of politics, inspiration, culture and social. Well, let me say I don't know which category this blog will belong to but it could very well save your life.
The sense of critical urgency is real. About a month and a half ago, I was hospitalized because I developed an infection in my right toe which was probably brought on by the fact that I have diabetes and also maybe due to a bad choice of shoes. But here is the thing - this should not have happened to me. I am smart and knowledgeable and I live in a great country with the best healthcare. What the hell happened? It could happen to you.
I am 47 and I have had diabetes since 1999. Yes 19 years ago. I'm very private about health issues. I have little patience for those who discuss their medical situations publicly and often. But my control of the information was practically Secret Service-esque. My mother passed away not knowing I had it. My 75 year old father who has it and is battling his own issues with the disease only just found out – his reaction was pure and utter shock. The rest of my Shades of Influence Team didn't know. Friends - no idea. You may be asking yourself why does it matter that I was so secretive – it is my business. You would be correct in asking that question but on a more profound level, I believe now that I have been in denial of what it means to have this disease probably because of a weird sense of shame or a ridiculous delusion that nothing will happen to me, all ingredients in a dangerous cocktail.
During this ordeal, I have experienced a whole host of emotions. The same can be said for those close to me. Anger that I may not have been taking full care of myself, worry and anxiety about whether I will be ok, utter fear about what may come next – the list goes on. As my closest friend sobbed over the phone when I called her from the hospital, threatening me into better health, she said that I dare not lose a 'soca toe or foot'. If you're not sure what soca is, look it up. It was a funny yet frighteningly poignant moment because that is the crux here – was I going to lose a part of me? It is profoundly terrifying to think of.
Almost 7 weeks later, I do have some good news. My blood sugar levels have normalized with the help of insulin and the professionals are very pleased about that. I have had a nurse visit me every day to administer IV antibiotics and dress my wound and by all accounts, the infection seems to be subsiding though my foot looks terrible (vanity flies out the window in times like this). I have a bunch of tests next week to determine exactly how my progress is coming along. Wish me luck
People, get yourselves tested. Get your relatives and friends tested. The insidiousness of diabetes is that one day of high blood sugar isn't going to necessarily have an impact but we have to be diligent with this disease. A friend said that having diabetes (or really, any illness) may not be my fault but it is my responsibility. That is the pure and utter truth.
I've laid myself bare here. My story is not over. I will work hard to never get myself into this situation again. How will I exit this part of my journey? I hope with all soca appendages intact for a very long time.