Blood sugar levels high after surgery. Need encouragement

@brendakaye Hello. I am Carol, a retired teacher, and I have had Diabetes 2 a little over three years. I commend you for having this disease for three decades and controlling it so well. I am really new at learning what I need to keep my bs constant, but I try, and as you said and I've told myself, "Take one day at a time." I am so sorry you had to have surgery and more sorry for the pain. I have read that pain can elevate the bs, and you have reason for that to contribute to the rise in your numbers. I am glad the CBD/THC gives you some relief. My question is have you told your doctor that your bs is so high? He really needs to know. Maybe an adjustment of medication would help the numbers drop to normal range. Do you have an endocrinologist or does your PCP handle your Diabetes? I would call and talk to someone and/or make an appointment. A medical professional needs to know about the change that has occurred since surgery. Do you have someone who helps you? If so, you could make an appointment and that person could take you to the doctor. After 30+ years you know that your bs needs to come down. If you get your numbers under control, you may feel better as you heal. I would call the doctor and see what he can do to get you over this hurdle. You have done so well for so long, you can't continue to wonder; it's time for action. Please call and take action and let me know what they say. It may be just an adjustment in meds. Thinking about you and hoping this issue gets resolved. Can you get in touch with your Diabetes doctor? Can you do it ASAP?
Carol

BrendaKaye, I had spine fusion as well in five vertebrae and found that most of my pain came from constipation which I learned to handle without pills. Once that was under control, the pain level was much better, and some doctors don't realize this problem. I ate less than offered due to controlling the diabetes and lost weight which was o.k. in the long run. The pain medication raises the blood sugar, so my doctor knew it would be temporary but it did not rise to the level of needing insulin. It just takes a long while to recover from spine surgery when you have diabetes, in my case almost three years. I have not yet regained all my strength but I can exercise now if I am motivated. Actually, I must guide myself in this journey because if my AIC is below 7 I am not eligible to be treated by an Endocrinologist and my doctor doesn't show much concern. I am thankful to have the people on this web be on my team to encourage me. Dorisena

Thank you for your insight. I’m hoping once I get home, I’ll be better equipped to get it under control. Docs don’t seem that concerned but when it’s your body, you new to be proactive. Good luck with the exercise. I’m walking with a cane or walker, but every bit helps. Good luck

Thank you so much. I’m being released from Rehab tomorrow and will see my spine surgeon then. As it were, I’m w/0 a Pcp at the moment. Mine transferred in the midst of all of this. Wouldn’t you know it. So I guess I’ll talk to my surgeon and see if I can’t get referred to someone or if all else fails go to urgent care. I’ve never seen an endocrinologist but I’m thinking that may be the way to go. Thank for the suggestion. I’m wondering if they also help you with planning meals and such. I realize it’s going to be a long journey back from surgery, and being diabetic doesn’t help, but one day at a time. Thank you again

Well my a1c has been under 7, so guess I may not qualify to see an endocrinologist. Heavens, after all this I dare to even wonder what it will be. Sounds like you are being proactive. It sure helps having this group continuing down this path together.

@brendakaye @retiredteacher @dorisena - Hello, my name is Alma. I joined not too long ago, but have been bedridden for almost every day of this year (except for maybe 5 days for doctor appointments, etc. I live with a rare 1 in 1 Million autoimmune neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome. As I sit here reading what each of you are going through my heart just breaks. Yet, I can see how strong each of you are and that you all are clearly WARRIORS! Inspiration is just the best! Bless your hearts! My prayers are with you all. God bless...

I am referring to Medicare rules in the matter of the AIC, so I don't know the policy otherwise. And I haven't seen this in writing so we really don't know why we are being dismissed by the Endocrinologist even though we have other issues besides Diabetes. I heard Nancy Pelosi say on TV years ago that Diabetes is preventable, so we can save a lot of money there, referring to Medicare. Dorisena

@brendakaye, @dorisena Good morning to you both. I was reading posts to catch up and am curious about the comment Dorisena made that if you A1C is below 7 you are not eligible to be treated by an endocrinologist. I have never heard that before. I was told by my PCP and the endocrinologist that there are different measures for the two organizations. The American Diabetes Assn. says 7 or higher is diabetes. The American Endocrinologist Assn says 6 or above is diabetes. So if you have under 7, you are still a diabetic according to the endocrinology group. My endo says it should be below 6. My last visit I was 5.9. and I am still seeing him and Medicare is paying. Have you called and verified this information with Medicare? Has your endocrinologist told you that you don't have diabetes? Is there another endocrinologist you can see to get more information and his opinion? Diabetes is a terrible disease and you need a doctor to help you through the journey. I do not take medicine, but my endocrinologist says I am a diabetic and according to his association, I am. I see him every three months. It seems that there is some confusion about this. Maybe a call to Medicare could clear it up. Please let me know because my doctor says, "Once a diabetic, always a diabetic." Check and be sure. If your surgeon doesn't know, maybe he can suggest. Is that possible?
Carol

Hello @brendakaye, @dorisena. I agree with @retiredteacher that seeing an endocrinologist is a very good idea. Have you called an endocrinologist to find out if you can be seen? Sometimes, as patients, we have to advocate for ourselves in order to be treated and cared for appropriately.

I saw an endocrinologist for years but she can't see me anymore because my AIC is below 7 and my thyroid numbers are normal. My doctor knows nothing and says nothing. Getting another doctor in this area when you are elderly is difficult. So I go it alone. I feel good today. Dorisena