I have posted several times about my problem with dizziness. It started in the fall of 2008. After many tests it was finally decided in the fall of 2010 that it might be caused by my BP med. Taking half doses of that med helped my dizziness to some extent. Finally, my neurologist has diagnosed autonomic neuropathy. I have most of the symptoms that characterize that kind of neuropathy. My neurologist says it is rather common among long term diabetics. The symptom that bothers me most is a big drop in my BP when I change from a seated to a standing position. In the morning, until noon, it can drop 40 or more points when I stand up. It improves in the afternoon. My evenings are best.
My neurologist says there is no medication that has been found that will really help, so this is my first diabetes related complication that is irreversible. I have had other complications that were reversed by tight control, but this one seems to be here to stay. This problem has bothered me for more than two years. I usually stay in my recliner with my laptop in the mornings, when my dizziness is at its worst. Exercising and doing my chores after lunch is OK.
My newest project involves working out at a physical fitness club/gym for about one hour, three afternoons each week. Using many machines that strengthen my muscles is very useful, and fun. My upper body muscles have become weakened in the past few years, and my aim is to strengthen them, so I can stay in good shape. My treadmill is there for me other days each week. How else can I become the first person to live with diabetes for 100 years?
I told my wife that my physical fitness trainer is unattractive and all muscle. Actually, she is a twenty something, and cute as a button. Am I bad, or what?
I have lived with type 1 for 65 years and my health is very good. My autonomic neuropathy is not going to discourage me. I always have a very positive attitude about my diabetes, and life in general. You are stuck with me for another 35 years, when I will celebrate my 100āth anniversary with diabetes.
Awesome attitude, Richard! Hereās to your 100th anniversary.
Youāre bad (but a good husband) to tell your wife that your trainer is unattractiveālol. I try not to think about my college professor husband surrounded by cute 18-24 year olds all day.
LOL! No surprise there Richard. Youāre a Male. Yes, youāre Bad. Now go sit in your corner. Anita probably knows Better anyways. Wait ātil you see her trainer. Ha! Thatās Good that you are going to be spending time at the gym āto strengthen your musclesā not to be gawking at pretty young things. Exercise is Great!
Sorry that you have this neuropathy that causes dizziness and that itās irreversible. Thatā was a Very long time before they were able to diagnose it. Well, at least now you know. That sounds dreadful that it lasts all morning.
Iām Glad that you are looking at it in a positive sense and taking it in stride, as usual. Good for you. That attitude will surely take you a lot farther down the road to your 75th milestone, first. Itās a Pleasure to be stuck with you. All the Best to you Richard.
thatās awesome you are lifting weights and getting buff. I did that for a while but slacked off. I will hop back on the bandwagon immediately! Thanks for your inspiration!
I donāt doubt that youāll do it. Youāve always been very inspiring to me. The gym thing is fantastic. A diabetes centennial is a great idea. It had better come with more than a medal or a watch or something.
They have a music channel going on several TVās in the gym, so I have to listen to whatever is playing. Usually soft rock. It is OK, but really not my cup of tea. Lol!
One person has offered to host the centennial party. That makes me think she doesnāt really believe I am going to reach that age in 2045. I will forgive her, she is a good friend and we tease each other a lot. Lol!
Heh heh heh, I have some really heavy metal I listen to when I lift. High on Fire and Slayer= 10 more lbs!! Lately though, I have slacked off on weights and going back and forth between running and elliptical as I want to run a marathon in October. I sort of like lifting but I get sort of jacked up and cranky when I do it. Or maybe itās the 10 extra lbs?
good attitude, I think over half of our battle is in our minds and you seem to be fighting a strong battle. As far as the trainer goes, you have to do what you have to do to get fit. A little motivation never hurt anyone.
Richard,
I am so proud of you. I meanā¦ we have you to learn from and look up to. When Iāve had diabetes as long you have, I want to be half as good a diabetic as you are, man!
Richard, You are doing the best for you and still exercising , even with autonomic neuropathy. I admire you so much and look up to you as such an inspiration!!
It is ok to look at the pretty young thing and like Gerri said, you are a good husband to kind of 'flex" the truth with your wife.
see u in 35 years and Iāll be at 67 years diabetic and age 93! Then 7 years later Iāll be 100 but only 74 years diabetic - We can toast each other at each ocassion - Good Luck!
Shesh! Thank Goodness you have a sense of humour Richard and know that Iām teasing you, as usual. Humour and laughing helps a lot when weāve got chronic diseases.
Thanks for the inspiration Richard. I love the attitude. I remember sometime before I read your article in Diabetes Forecast I used to think that my life goal was to shoot for living to age 60. Then I had a talk with my doctor and he told me that my goal should be to hit 100. Got T1 when I was 5 and have had for 35 years. Iāve been hitting the gym 6 days a week and am looking forward to my first Marathon in April.
When you get to 100 years with T1, Iām coming to the celebration party. Whoās with me?
Well,well, 35 years you say? I be there in only 19 years you know. However I cannot do any training with those machines anymore. Walking after the stroke I have had is much more difficult. But we walk when we can. My heart attack slowed me down, but I try to ignore all the negative aspects of diabetes but always watch for sudden lows in blood sugar, That is a absolute MUST.
Good story Richard.
I will be interested in hearing more about your adventures with the autonomic neuropathy. I have been told that I probably have that. My main problem is the same as yours ā BP. I want an invitation to that party also!
You better hope that your wife doesnāt decide to join your class ā you are going to be in trouble!
Anita probably knows Better anyways. Wait ātil you see her trainer. Ha! Thatās Good that you are going to be spending time at the gym āto strengthen your musclesā not to be gawking at pretty young things. 
Exercise is Great!