In March of 2010, I went for my four month check-up with Dr. Jim. It was strange – I was actually looking forward to it! I took my seat in the waiting room and awaited the call to the scales.
“Mr. Abernethy, you can come back now.”
As I stepped onto the scales, the nurse adjusted the sliding weights on top. She put the large counter-weight to 200.
C’mon lady, give me some credit here.
After a few more adjustments, the weigh in was complete. 194. That’s right - I said 194. Want me to say it again? 194! In four months I had lost 60 pounds. Fifteen pounds a month. Three and three quarter pounds a week. Half a pound per day. And I wasn’t on a diet! At least I didn’t feel like I was on a diet. Granted, I was watching what I ate, and I was making much better choices, but I was never hungry. As a matter of fact I was eating more food, more often than I had ever eaten in the past – it was just the right food.
Today was going to be a good Dr.’s visit!
Dr. Jim walked into the room a few minutes later with a rather large grin on his face. “WOW, LOOK AT YOU!” I think he was shocked. “Bob,” he said “this is unbelievable. Since November you have gone from 254 to 194, your A1C has gone from 13.5 to 7.5, your bloodwork is awesome, and you look great. I told you we had this covered, but to be honest, I am amazed that you seem to have this under control so quickly.”
Now, Dr. Jim may say this to all of his patients, but I don’t think so. I think my progress was extraordinary. But don’t get it confused – I worked at it. Everyday.
I have a disease that is debilitating. A disease that is crippling. A disease that will take your eyesight, cause you to have a stroke, or a heart attack. And it may do all of these things to me. But it won’t be easy. I’ll fight this disease everyday, all day long. It won’t beat me without a fight. It’s all about attitude.
“Jim” I said, “When you called me to tell me I had diabetes, you sounded a little ominous. You told me you had bad news. Since that day, I have regained my life. I feel better, I look better, I have renewed energy, I’m more confident, and happier than I can remember. I have a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. From now on, when you have to tell a patient they are diabetic, I suggest you say – CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’VE HIT THE DIABETES LOTTERY!”
He looked at me like I was nuts, but I meant it. Diabetes has changed my life forever. But I know that if I remain diligent, I will be running around coaching lacrosse with my grandchildren someday. And if that isn’t like hitting the lottery, I’d like to know what is?
