Diabetics and Kidney Disease

Thanks! I am basically doing the same thing. I don't see any point in trying to choke down foods that are disgusting to me. We are all going to die in the end. I'd rather go out happy.

@ginaquilts I'm just curious. Since you HATE vegetables, white bread, white rice, and meats, what do you like to eat? There are some options. Are you willing to try something different?
Carol

I love whole grains breads and cereals (oatmeal, Grape Nuts, All Bran). On the other hand, I like regular pasta and tortillas. (The whole grain ones have all the goodness of a pizza box.). I eat some dairy (yogurt, cheese) and some beans. I despise the things (onions, garlic, bell peppers, strong spices, etc.) that most people use to disguise the things they don't like. I'll eat soups that have little bits of meat in them (I'm not vegetarian), but I wouldn't eat a chicken breast, a pork chop, or a piece of roast beef. I work at one of the most diverse universities in the country, so I am always trying new dishes. I like a few, dislike most, and I wouldn't know how to cook any of them anyway and have no interest in learning or taking the time to cook.

@ginaguilts I know it's frustrating to not have a specialist close by, but wouldn't a drive and traffic be worth seeing the renal dietician? I'd just be interested to see what the person would tell me. If it would help, it may be the answer to your problem. If it doesn't, then you have lost a little time driving. I hate for you to give up, especially since your diabetes A1C number is so good. My A1C is higher than that, and I thought mine was good. I think I'd always wonder if I didn't get an appointment and see what I could find out. Don't you think you owe it to yourself? I think you do.
Carol

I really appreciate your caring. Most of the frustration comes from dealing with my HMO. Even if I were able to get a referral to a renal dietician (which so far I have not been able to accomplish), I doubt it would be worth it. The HMO is big on vegetables and make it their official party line. When I tell anyone there that I don't eat them, it's instant game over. I did have a quick 10 minute consult with an out-of-network renal dietician. She basically told me to stop eating everything I'm currently eating and recommended a super-restrictive diet that included only a few foods I wouldn't eat if I were starving. Granted, in that limited time, we couldn't address food likes and dislikes, but I have no reason to believe it would be any different if I had a longer appointment with someone from my HMO. They do not take food preferences into account at all. It's always the same fill half your plate with vegetables advice. When I ask them about alternatives to vegetables, they consider it an act of heresy. As I said before, I'd rather die happy.

@ginaquilts I do care because it seems that the problem is the HMO. Do other people you work with have problems with them insisting on food you hate? When I get upset, I put on some soothing music and sit down and make a list of what is important. Living every day to its fullest is important. So, when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, I was furious. I lost perspective and all but refused to do what I was told I had to do. I finally decided to control what happened to me. I knew nothing of Diabetes so I had to depend on research, reading, and my endocrinologist, and Mayo Connect (once I found it). Slowly, I came to accept the changes I had to make. I care too much for people in my life and things I want to do to give up. Maybe you could evaluate what is going on and see if you really don't care. Is there a change you would like to make? A different job? Is there someone who is objective that could talk this out with you? I don't know what your career is, but surely there are other places that wouldn't be so controlling. You could get away from an HMO and have the same doctor who would spend time and work with you. Is any of this a possibility?
Carol

I have done all the things you have suggested. I have decided what is important to me. I am not willing to give up everything I like and enjoy, including food, and this is the life I want to live. IF it is shorter, so be it. There is always a trade-off. I see no purpose in being miserable (and hungry) for the next twenty or thirty years. I would rather live well (by my own standards) and be happy for a shorter time. There are no further changes I want to make. I am not going to commit myself to a life of horrid vegetables, fake cheese and faux meats; I doubt I could even keep them down. I am not giving up, but I am making the life choices that make the most sense to me. You have made different choices, and I respect that. Please honor my choices as well. I recently took on a new position at the same university. I love my new job and see no reason to change. Unfortunately, we don't have any other affordable choices for healthcare. The most typical comment about the HMO is that it is great - as long as you don't need them to provide actual health care.

@ginaquilts Believe it or not, in spite of the fact that I actually enjoy fake meat and veggies myself, I totally understand where you're coming from about it.

I think there is a point for each of us at which we say, Nope, not going to do that. I respect your choice and sincerely wish you well with many blessings.

Thank you so much for the support. As you do with children, I think of it as setting limits as to what I will or will not do, including diet, meds, and treatments.

My sincerest apologies if my earlier reply came off as disrespectful. I used to like meat and dairy until I had a raging kidney infection. I have heard from my vegan friends that some of the "new" meat and cheese substitutes taste even better than the products they replace. But my first love has always been for complex carbs. I have been baking whole-grain breads, eating bran muffins, and having Grape Nuts for breakfast since high school. It was impossible to find the breads, etc., in stores back in the Dark Ages when I went to high school, and I absolutely could not make it through morning swim practices without them.

@ginaquilts No need to apologize, I took your responses as sincere and honest. I, too, went to school back in the dark ages, LOL. Although I agree with your vegan friends, I'd be lying if I said I did not miss chocolate or crab meat or fried chicken. But it's always a matter of personal choice. Each of us has every right to make our own choices, especially if we have looked squarely at possible consequences. I think you have done so. This is not to say you can't change your mind and, to be frank, I hope you do change your mind, at least somewhat. Meanwhile, hang in there! You can always come here and if you'd like to message me some time, feel free to vent.