Last year my endocrinologist told me I was doing a good job, but needed to lose weight. I find it hard to lose weight and exercise more being a type 1 diabetic for 17 years. I work long 13 hour days four days a week. I work out ALL my four days off on my treadmill at a minimum of 45 minutes, usually 60 minutes. I average 16 miles to 20 miles a week.
But last November I started getting tired alot, but still maintained to work out!! I started swelling and my blood pressure went up. I went to my primary care physician and after 3 months of follow-ups got put on blood pressure medicine. My endocrinologist stated in May, after I asked him if I could get off of the blood pressure medicine, to lose weight and exercise more. This is even after I told him I was putting in at least 16 miles. Should I work out on my work days too? I'm confused and very tired. I told the doctor and he dismissed me as being overweight. I weighed 159 at that time.
Starting June 25th I started back on phentermine just to help me lose weight. So far, a month into more mileage and less eating I have lost only 3 pounds!!
I really do not like doctors. So far it's been since last June since I've had bloodwork done. The only reason I went to my primary care doctor for the swelling is because everything I read suggests kidney disease. Is my endocrinologist inconsiderate or what? He knows I have pitting edema. I'm wondering from a doctor's point of view: high blood pressure, weight gain, and edema means LOSE WEIGHT?
Last June 2006 I took phentermine and the endocrinogist was happy with my bloodwork. EVERYTHING was in the lower limits if not lower. I had a ferritin of 12NG/ML and I looked at past readings of which were 41!! My MCV was 69.8FL, in which he said was low, but borderline. My free T4 was .7 NG/DL. That's NEARLY too low? I guess all that working out last year had everything low. My blood creatinine was .8MG/DL and usually runs 1.3?
I'm wondering if this time my bloodwork will be so great? This year I have been battling tiredness, edema, and high blood pressure. I really wanted bloodwork done last November, but the doctors wouldn't check anything, but my cholesterol, which is of course normal. All that working out, why wouldn't it be? My triglycerides have been running 37 MG/DL and normal is just being under 150!!
One more note: back in 2002 I showed microalbuminuria in my urine tests. I was using protein shakes alot back then, but my weight was 135 pounds, but at the cost of my kidneys. I'm just recently worried because that was 5 years ago. Could I be having kidney problems now and the doctor is making me wait till MAYBE next month, August to do routine testing??? Hello:
You are right to worry about your kidneys because you are a type 1 diabetic. Diabetes whether type 1 or type 2 have to worry about their kidneys. Now in your case I would think that your kidneys are okay. I base that on your creatinine level from your blood tests from last year. Your ferritin is dropping which means you could be iron deficient anemic now a year later. (MVC was heading that way last year) Anemia could make you feel extremely tired and make it difficult to lose weight. Do you get dizzy? Are you sleeping more? Is your skin and hair dry or dryer than before? As for the microalbumin in your urine - that can be a sign that your kidneys are starting to show some damage from the diabetes. If you had some protein in the past it doesn't necessarily mean it is going to progress. The edema can be a result of your high blood pressure meds. - ask your doctor about that.
If you doctor isn't listening to you then find yourself a new doctor that will listen and answer all your questions. A doctor should address all of your concerns and make sure you understand what they are saying.
Final words on the kidneys - have you lost control of your bladder? ie. can't hold your urine as long as your used to? Are you peeing less? Do you have increased frequency yet you only pee a little bit? Can you make it through the night without having to get up to pee? I don't know how old you are or what sex you are so some of these things could have other issues connected to them. ie. men - prostate issues for women - menopause can cause some of these issues. These are just a few things connected to kidneys and some of the things you would mention to your doctor if you have any of them.
Good luck to you Edema can be a sign of kidney damage. A urinalysis might be able to discern that, especially if they find blood or protein in it.
I wouldn't say it's likely that something is going on with your kidneys, though if it is, it could be related to the diabetes. Is that what you're seeing an endocrinologist for? Or do you have some other condition that is making your weight loss efforts difficult.
You also have not mentioned much about your diet. I know your cholesterol is low, but weight loss in the end is a balance between calories in and calories out. Watch out for empty calories. You also might want to switch up the work outs to keep your body burning more calories. |
