- Home
- Share
- Forum
- COPD Forum
- Living with COPD
- Diabetes, Hypertension, and COPD - announcing my goal to help me succeed
Patients COPD
Diabetes, Hypertension, and COPD - announcing my goal to help me succeed
- 70 views
- 7 times supported
- 12 comments
All comments
Go to the last comment
Lee__R
Community managerGood advisor
Lee__R
Community manager
Last activity on 04/03/2020 at 5:04 PM
Joined in 2018
1,338 comments posted | 35 in the COPD Forum
2 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Messenger
-
Explorer
-
Friend
-
Top chef
@Gordon,
Amazing! And thank you for sharing! Very happy to hear you were able to quit smoking years ago and even more happy to hear you have such a positive outlook with all the diagnosis. Having a supportive wife, I am sure, as you stated, helps tremendously!
It sounds like you are on your way to achieving your goal and what a better inspiration than to be around to watch your grandchildren grow up!
How has day 2 and day 3 been for your Nutristem meal plan? Are you adding any exercise into your plan also, such as walks or any of the sort?
Look forward to hearing from you and reading your updates.
copd_healing
Good advisor
copd_healing
Last activity on 07/03/2020 at 4:18 PM
Joined in 2018
19 comments posted | 18 in the COPD Forum
1 of their responses was helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Explorer
@Gordon you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story with us. How much is this nutrisystem? Does it in entail anything else besides the diet?
I am interested in it. Hope to hear from you soon and good luck! Awesome outlook and story. COPD is not easy alone. plus with diabetes. Hope all is well.
Gordon
Good advisor
Gordon
Last activity on 12/04/2024 at 12:53 AM
Joined in 2018
52 comments posted | 15 in the COPD Forum
7 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Committed
-
Explorer
-
Evaluator
@Lee__R
Thank you for your comment.
With my COPD I am limited on the exercise. We walk the dog each morning and early evening to the tune of about 1 to 2 miles per day. I have the exercise bike at home but no plans to use it until we move (long story).
Thanks again
See the signature
Gordon Harvey
Gordon
Good advisor
Gordon
Last activity on 12/04/2024 at 12:53 AM
Joined in 2018
52 comments posted | 15 in the COPD Forum
7 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Committed
-
Explorer
-
Evaluator
@copd_healing
Regarding the Nutrisystem, its more than a diet. Its a comprehensive meal plan with a change to the way I eat. The initial cost for the additional Nutrisystem food is about 3-400 per month. However, can stop the plan after the second month and make - eat food based upon their system.
The biggest problem is portion control and eating 6 times per day! Good news is that it is working. First week dropped 7 pounds ( I expect to lose the rest over a few years) but the blood sugar change was immediate. Went from and average of 190-200 mg/dL to 130-135 mg /dL IMMEDIATELY AND HOLDING!
See the signature
Gordon Harvey
Gordon
Good advisor
Gordon
Last activity on 12/04/2024 at 12:53 AM
Joined in 2018
52 comments posted | 15 in the COPD Forum
7 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Committed
-
Explorer
-
Evaluator
I hope I answered all of the questions in the posts. Not real good in these sites keeping comments and answers straight. If I missed anything, please ask again.
See the signature
Gordon Harvey
Lee__R
Community managerGood advisor
Lee__R
Community manager
Last activity on 04/03/2020 at 5:04 PM
Joined in 2018
1,338 comments posted | 35 in the COPD Forum
2 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Messenger
-
Explorer
-
Friend
-
Top chef
@Gordon 1 to 2 miles per day, walking, is excellent! Better than none and at a stable rate that you can tolerate. They say 75% of the work in weight loss in diet anyways! Sounds like you are on the right path! Look forward to your updates.
copd_healing
Good advisor
copd_healing
Last activity on 07/03/2020 at 4:18 PM
Joined in 2018
19 comments posted | 18 in the COPD Forum
1 of their responses was helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Explorer
@Gordon That is amazing! 7 pounds! Wow! So the Nutrisystem shows you and teaches you how to eat and you can order the food from them, but once you get the hang of it, you can start to make your own meals and not order theirs?
The food for 300 - 400 a month is for 6 small meals a day? Does not seem to badly priced if that is what I am understanding!
Congrats on losing the weight. I do not have diabetes (family member does), so not to up on what the blood sugar means, but heck sounds like you are happy about it, so the change must be a good one! Very happy for you! I need to learn more about diabetes so I can understand my family member better.
Gordon
Good advisor
Gordon
Last activity on 12/04/2024 at 12:53 AM
Joined in 2018
52 comments posted | 15 in the COPD Forum
7 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Committed
-
Explorer
-
Evaluator
Was planning on commenting after one month, but just after one week things are going pretty well. Today is the 7th day of the Nutrisystem (diet). Weight is 280, down from 290 starting. Blood sugar was averaging around 190 to 200 in September. This morning, tested at 118. The attached images illustrates the numbers. Have been well over 120 for the last several years, bouncing up to 180-200, taking two type II Diabetes drugs daily. To reiterate my initial concerns, I have an appointment with my Dr. this coming week and with the level over 190 he would place me on insulin.
The home testing I do is the mg/dL column on the attached sheet. When they take blood at the lab, they read the A1C level in the next column labeled mmol/L. I was first put on the type II drugs when my A1C hit 7. Type I treatment with insulin hits with A1C over 11 on the chart.
In commenting on the costs, yes the 3-400 per month for their food (plus whatever vegetables you may purchase is very reasonable. I/we were spending that much per week at the market before.
I fully understand that it took several years to pack on the additional weight and will take time and dedication to the new way of eating, more for nutrition and less for the pleasure. My goal weight is 190 with normal blood sugar levels below 100 mg/dL. I figure that If me of all people quit smoking after 40 years, changing the eating habits and dropping the weight will be achievable. The next goal would be to attack the COPD head on, and work on keeping my blood O2 levels above 95...Thanks again for your comments of support. I hope my words inspire others to live healthier lives and better cope with their medical concerns.
See the signature
Gordon Harvey
copd_healing
Good advisor
copd_healing
Last activity on 07/03/2020 at 4:18 PM
Joined in 2018
19 comments posted | 18 in the COPD Forum
1 of their responses was helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Explorer
@Gordon that is amazing! so your blood glucose is basically in NORMAL ranges? This is attributed to this diet/lifestyle plan?
Congrats on losing 10 lbs! That is amazing. Keep at it. Let me know if the breathing becomes easier. You cannot beat that price. I am with you; we spend 100+ easily a week in food!
What are your plans to attack COPD head on? Maybe you are on to something better than I am aware of.
Gordon
Good advisor
Gordon
Last activity on 12/04/2024 at 12:53 AM
Joined in 2018
52 comments posted | 15 in the COPD Forum
7 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
-
Good Advisor
-
Contributor
-
Committed
-
Explorer
-
Evaluator
Its now been exactly two weeks, 14 days since starting the Nutrisystem Diet to work on the weight and eating habits. So happy to report that my weight is down 14 pounds and my blood sugar when measured before breakfast and before dinner tonight is NORMAL! Had my quarterly Dr. Visit yesterday and for the first time my Internist was happy, pleasant and encouraging. (Has been busting my chops for 10 years to lose weight.) Well not that I am retired, my wife is retired and we can support each other, this is working rather well. Getting used to a different way of eating is not that difficult (compared to quitting smoking) and the food is actually very tasty. Supplemented by other vegetables, fruit, proteins and carbs. We are actually saving money on the food budget. My Dr. had my blood tested again and I expect that my A1C level is back to normal or near normal. Once verified, I may get off at least one of the two Diabetes meds real soon. Next will be the blood pressure meds (currently taking three). Expect to eliminate two of those next quarterly visit to the Dr. As for the COPD, still status quo. Have two inhaler meds taken daily and the rescue inhaler when needed. Sleep with O2 every night. The O2 still drops below 90 if I don't use the generator. If/when I overexert myself during the day with any strenuous activities, the O2 drops down to about 80, so I limit my activity. While at the Dr. yesterday I peeked at my chart, the page documenting my first visit after the lung collapsed and I came out of the hospital 12 years ago. My weight then was 212 pounds, two weeks ago it was 290, and now its 276. My goal is back to 200 pounds with the this Nutrisystem lifestyle eating change. Knowing that quitting smoking was the most difficult lifestyle change ever, and when asked by friends how to do it, my advise was do it now, do it cold turkey and you will not have my regrets of not stopping sooner like me. So now I have the same message for those who are overweight with Type II Diabetes. Change your eating habits now, learn to eat better and healthier now. Don't regret later what you could have done now. I know that I can do this, since I beat tobacco. You can too! Thank you for listening.
Regarding your question on my plans to attack COPD, stay tuned. Once I am through this with the Diabetes, Hypertension and Weight Loss, attacking the COPD is next.
See the signature
Gordon Harvey
Give your opinion
Members are also commenting on...
CarolSchmidt
@KathyA, please read what I wrote above on using oxygen. I am so, so, thrilled to have portable oxygen that gave me more of my life back. I was told in 2011 when I lived in San Miguel de Allende at 6,400 ft altitude that I needed to go on oxygen, but all I saw around town was one woman with the heavy metal canisters in a cart behind her, and that looked terrible. I moved back to near sea level and put off needing oxygen all day for another seven years, just a Bipap at night.
Finally I was huffing and having to stop every few feet even near sea level, but I still didn't want to be lugging a heavy canister behind me. I ran into an old friend who was always really active, ballroom dancing, hiking, fly fishing in rivers. And there she was with an Inogen in a backpack, doing everything she'd always done!
She showed me all about hers and the total package with machine, extra 8-hour battery, two battery chargers for house and car, carrying case, and extended warranty, was around $3,300!
Finally I saved enough for it and have loved it every minute since. I started on 2 for almost a year but had to go to 3 for every day. I switch to 4 liters a minute several times a day when I still get winded bad, and have gone up to 5 for stair climbing. I worry that I will need to go higher than 5 eventually, but I hope by then there will be sronger machines developed that go higher, though then the $500 batteries only last a few hours before needing recharging, instead of 6-8.
The portable ones now are breath-operated--you have to be breathing into the nose cannula for them to work. And my BiPap at night requires continuous flow, which the big oxygen machine Medicare covers provides, so I need both machines. Some day they may all be continuous flow and still portable.
There are cheaper, refurbished units available from the Inogen factory, too. After 1 1/2 years mine started sending strange messages and I called the factory and they sent a new one out the next day! I sent them the old one back no charge. So I am pleased with service, too.
Hope this helps you accept your machine. I am so, so happy I got mine and wish Medicare paid for everyone who needed one.(I understand in a few cases they will pay for one now, but not my particular Cigna Medicare Advantage plan.)
I bet when you go to your reunion you won't be the only one on oxygen! And everyone will be so old! The ones who are already dead and not there are the ones to think about--how many of them had COPD? Fourth leading cause of death in the US before Covid, so now we're fifth. Be glad for all the help you can get! I hope you have a wonderful reunion!
See the best comment
cbholder3
@Thakera Yes, even on Medicare it was $400+ a month. My Pulmonologist arranged for me to get it with no copay from GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, you can look up their assistance program at https://www.gskforyou.com/ Hope it goes okay for you, I am just in the process fo renewing mine for next year.
GSKForYou | GSK Patient Assistance Program
Learn how our program can assist you if you need help paying for your GlaxoSmithKline prescription medicines and vaccines, whether you have coverage or not.
See the best comment
CarolSchmidt
@KathyA, please read what I wrote above on using oxygen. I am so, so, thrilled to have portable oxygen that gave me more of my life back. I was told in 2011 when I lived in San Miguel de Allende at 6,400 ft altitude that I needed to go on oxygen, but all I saw around town was one woman with the heavy metal canisters in a cart behind her, and that looked terrible. I moved back to near sea level and put off needing oxygen all day for another seven years, just a Bipap at night.
Finally I was huffing and having to stop every few feet even near sea level, but I still didn't want to be lugging a heavy canister behind me. I ran into an old friend who was always really active, ballroom dancing, hiking, fly fishing in rivers. And there she was with an Inogen in a backpack, doing everything she'd always done!
She showed me all about hers and the total package with machine, extra 8-hour battery, two battery chargers for house and car, carrying case, and extended warranty, was around $3,300!
Finally I saved enough for it and have loved it every minute since. I started on 2 for almost a year but had to go to 3 for every day. I switch to 4 liters a minute several times a day when I still get winded bad, and have gone up to 5 for stair climbing. I worry that I will need to go higher than 5 eventually, but I hope by then there will be sronger machines developed that go higher, though then the $500 batteries only last a few hours before needing recharging, instead of 6-8.
The portable ones now are breath-operated--you have to be breathing into the nose cannula for them to work. And my BiPap at night requires continuous flow, which the big oxygen machine Medicare covers provides, so I need both machines. Some day they may all be continuous flow and still portable.
There are cheaper, refurbished units available from the Inogen factory, too. After 1 1/2 years mine started sending strange messages and I called the factory and they sent a new one out the next day! I sent them the old one back no charge. So I am pleased with service, too.
Hope this helps you accept your machine. I am so, so happy I got mine and wish Medicare paid for everyone who needed one.(I understand in a few cases they will pay for one now, but not my particular Cigna Medicare Advantage plan.)
I bet when you go to your reunion you won't be the only one on oxygen! And everyone will be so old! The ones who are already dead and not there are the ones to think about--how many of them had COPD? Fourth leading cause of death in the US before Covid, so now we're fifth. Be glad for all the help you can get! I hope you have a wonderful reunion!
See the best comment
cbholder3
@Thakera Yes, even on Medicare it was $400+ a month. My Pulmonologist arranged for me to get it with no copay from GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, you can look up their assistance program at https://www.gskforyou.com/ Hope it goes okay for you, I am just in the process fo renewing mine for next year.
GSKForYou | GSK Patient Assistance Program
Learn how our program can assist you if you need help paying for your GlaxoSmithKline prescription medicines and vaccines, whether you have coverage or not.
See the best comment
Articles to discover...
11/21/2024 | Advice
09/27/2024 | News
08/10/2024 | Advice
05/22/2024 | Testimonial
COPD: "Determine to be as well as you can for as long as you can."
01/24/2019 | Advice
03/28/2018 | News
01/13/2020 | Testimonial
Medication, treatments, and exercise : treatments for emphysema and COPD
Medication fact sheets - patient opinions...
Subscribe
You wish to be notified of new comments
You have been subscribed
Gordon
Good advisor
Gordon
Last activity on 12/04/2024 at 12:53 AM
Joined in 2018
52 comments posted | 15 in the COPD Forum
7 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
Good Advisor
Contributor
Committed
Explorer
Evaluator
I smoked most of my life. I started when I was about 10. By 16 I was a pack a day smoker. Sometimes two packs a day. I really enjoyed smoking throughout most of my life, unless I was in the Urgent Care, doubled over with acute Bronchitis. Tried to quit numerous times in the past, but was unable to, until about ten or so years ago when my right lung collapsed completely. Eight days in the hospital with a chest tube, morphine, steroids and heavy doses of anti-biotics I was able to quit smoking. Haven’t smoked since. Haven’t had the desire to or any cravings for it.
Fast forward ten or so years. I have gained nearly 100 pounds, have been diagnosed with COPD, Hypertension, Diabetes and the wonderful ailments that go with it like edema (swelling and fluid retention) in the lower legs, neuropathy (mainly in the legs), and high cholesterol. Had to stop taking the cholesterol drugs when it was determined that I had some adverse reactions to them (after 5 years) causing an increase to one of the blood proteins called creatine kinase. This little addition added some wonderful and very painful muscle cramps throughout my body for several weeks. The severe cramps started 5 months after I stopped taking the cholesterol drugs. Not including the cholesterol drugs, I take 9 prescription medications today, plus sleep with an oxygen generator to keep my O2 above the level of respiratory failure.
So recently I started monitoring my blood sugar again and fear that the next Dr. visit will have me on insulin between meals. Been reading up on different diets and schemes to lower the blood sugar, lose weight, etc. Looking for the easy way out. So here I am today, September 30, 2018, the eve of October the first, 2018. My lovely wife of 35 years has been very patient, caring and loving throughout our marriage. Quietly prodding me to lose weight as the pounds piled on. (I love to cook and eat food!) So last week I broke down and ordered the NutriSystem for men with diabetes. Started today! The food is not bad. You eat a small deliberate portion every 2 hours or so. Mostly the prepared food that they sell you, but supplemented with fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. You can add smart carbs, lean proteins, all the vegies you can imagine. And I can still have my two cups of black coffee in the mornings…
OK, so why am I telling the world this? It is because I have committed to lose weight and I now have a goal. Much the same as quitting smoking 10 years ago, my goal today is to lose 100 pounds and get off of the ten prescription medications I currently take daily. We both retired this year and are looking forward to watching our youngest grandchildren grow up. I want…I need to be around for the next 10 or 20 years to see them grow up. So, announcing my goal is to help force myself to succeed.
Thanks for listening. Will update monthly if I can.