Lost My Medical Card. :(

By far the most misunderstood disease of all; and a huge money maker for big pharmaceuticals (another time).

Problem is; the “sugar dip” will only show positive when levels are at or above 180. Thus you can continually “pass” the urine test and be a true diabetic. For anyone who is overweight, and/or has a family history of diabetes, this is possibly a ticking time bomb.

Only surefire way to determine accurate sugar levels is a fasting blood test that also includes an A1c test. Normal fasting sugar levels should be under 100.

This is a bad disease, really bad if it persists causing irreversible organ damage. I’ve lost family because of it; both sides. Don’t mess with it...

Although I’m sorry to hear of your setback, it’s actually a blessing that it was detected and your sugar was above the radar.

Good luck Big Scott!

Now G Town, you had to hit that big pharma nerve. We don't have cures for so many diseases because they make more money treating them. My doctor said he could give me drugs that would bring my sugar right down, however those drugs would hurt me in other ways. Those of us who are old enough, remember when drugs weren't pushed on TV every commercial break. It was big pharma who put an end, years ago, to us buying the same drugs, cheaper from Canada. Thankfully Trump is trying to undo that.

OK deep breath. Rant over.

Didn’t mean to strike a nerve.

I do agree with you though, 100%, completely. More than you realize...or want to know.

Very happy, even ecstatic you have a Doctor willing to treat the root causes as opposed to marginally managing symptoms, forcing you into a lifetime of drug dependence.

Good luck and good health.

Now G Town, you had to hit that big pharma nerve. We don't have cures for so many diseases because they make more money treating them. My doctor said he could give me drugs that would bring my sugar right down, however those drugs would hurt me in other ways. Those of us who are old enough, remember when drugs weren't pushed on TV every commercial break. It was big pharma who put an end, years ago, to us buying the same drugs, cheaper from Canada. Thankfully Trump is trying to undo that.

OK deep breath. Rant over.

As I mentioned (and Gary did) go get an A1C. This will tell you where you are REALLY AT.

I have "adult onset" Type-II in both sides of my family. One of the things I am KEENLY CONCERNED about.

And my A1C's are directly linked to my weight (as well as my lipds, hormonal balance and everything else).

At one point, years ago - I got up to 307 (at 5'5", that's really no bueno), my A1C was around 6.2. Doc told me in 6 months I would likely need to the needle. I was recently (back in Sept) back up to 270, A1C 5.8. Back on my diet - down to 200 in April - A1C 5.1.

I'm not going to go on a "big pharma" rant. There's no cure for diabetes (yet) and genetics aside - the primary cause is SELF INFLICTED - which also means it can be SELF CORRECTED - but it takes DISCIPLINE (and for those of use that LOVE EATING - that equates to denying ourselves what we LOVE). The oral meds can mediate the effects of bad diet & lack of exercise to bring sugars under control - but doesn't solve the root problem.

The bigger you are - the harder your body has to work to keep things in balance. At some point, it just wears out and stops trying.

While I'm not the happiest camper doing 2 protein shakes, 2 snacks and a reasonably healthy dinner (Isagenix program) - I am HEALTHIER FOR IT.

Rick

Sorry to hear that big Scott, hopefully things get resolved quickly for you. Were you able to take a leave of absence with CFI to keep your medical coverage without paying thru the roof with COBRA? This is one of the few times it seems living close to a terminal would be beneficial. 2 completely different worlds, but if we cant get our medical card our job will be held for 6 months (and keep seniority) but they will put us into a different position so we can continue employment and earn a paycheck (although itll likely be much lower). Hopefully that job you were after is available when you're able to return to the road.

CFI needing to recover the truck wont affect you negatively will it? I'd hate for them to say truck abandonment or something dumb like that. Good luck with getting things under control.

Now G Town, you had to hit that big pharma nerve. We don't have cures for so many diseases because they make more money treating them. My doctor said he could give me drugs that would bring my sugar right down, however those drugs would hurt me in other ways. Those of us who are old enough, remember when drugs weren't pushed on TV every commercial break. It was big pharma who put an end, years ago, to us buying the same drugs, cheaper from Canada. Thankfully Trump is trying to undo that.

OK deep breath. Rant over.

As I mentioned (and Gary did) go get an A1C. This will tell you where you are REALLY AT.

I have "adult onset" Type-II in both sides of my family. One of the things I am KEENLY CONCERNED about.

And my A1C's are directly linked to my weight (as well as my lipds, hormonal balance and everything else).

At one point, years ago - I got up to 307 (at 5'5", that's really no bueno), my A1C was around 6.2. Doc told me in 6 months I would likely need to the needle. I was recently (back in Sept) back up to 270, A1C 5.8. Back on my diet - down to 200 in April - A1C 5.1.

I'm not going to go on a "big pharma" rant. There's no cure for diabetes (yet) and genetics aside - the primary cause is SELF INFLICTED - which also means it can be SELF CORRECTED - but it takes DISCIPLINE (and for those of use that LOVE EATING - that equates to denying ourselves what we LOVE). The oral meds can mediate the effects of bad diet & lack of exercise to bring sugars under control - but doesn't solve the root problem.

The bigger you are - the harder your body has to work to keep things in balance. At some point, it just wears out and stops trying.

While I'm not the happiest camper doing 2 protein shakes, 2 snacks and a reasonably healthy dinner (Isagenix program) - I am HEALTHIER FOR IT.

Rick

What do you put in your protein shakes and what's a typical snack? I'm in the process of setting up a program for myself.

Big Scott

I'm sorry that you're leaving the job you love and the company you have given so much praise for. But glad you got an early warning that this will be controlled better with diet and exercise as others have said. Every time I pass a white CFI truck I look for your name on the door. But have never seen it. Anyway, you can do this. My dad passed away from this deadly disease.

Good luck and don't be a stranger.

Raptor

Big Scott... sorry to hear of this.

To anyone out there dealing with this...

I was diagnosed about 28 years ago. I have real-world experience with most diet/exercise oral meds and insulin treatments, including insulin pump therapy.

Happy to share what I know "publicly" or privately. I have specific knowledge of MCSA-5870 form and process for insulin diabetic CMV driver (me).

We all wish you the very best Big Scott!

I know that was a tough blow. Be vigilant with your health and you can get back in here when you're able and/or ready.

Stay in touch with us - we want to know how you're progressing.

Side note and warning for newbies reading this conversation. Take care of yourself out here on the road. Be careful how you eat, and with what you drink. It's really easy to be unhealthy, and reasonably worth the effort and discipline it takes to keep yourself in halfway decent shape. You don't have to fail a drug test to lose your job or your license. Sometimes it can be as common a thing as high blood pressure or elevated sugar in your urine.

I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate turn of events. As G-Town expressed, it is a blessing in disguise this was found. Make the health/dietary changes needed to correct the issues to where you can get your medical card back. If for some reason that does not materialize, maybe you will come to enjoy your current job, not to mention being home with your wife. Good luck.