I mentioned before that one of the diabetic related issues I have is something called NLD (Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum). It's a skin condition that is very rare and there's no cure. It's basically a collagen deterioration that cannot be explained. It causes bright red marks on the lower half of your legs and can be very painful if you touch it too hard, scratch an itch too hard, your dog sticks a claw in it, etc. I have been searching and searching for some sort of treatment to lighten it and maybe have it go dormant for a while, which I have read online is possible.
I have an old blog friend from my previous blogging days that has the same condition. She was telling me that red light therapy or photo facial therapy helped her. I finally found what I thought was it at a medical spa, and scheduled an appointment for a free consultation this morning. Turns out, the photo facial is actually a laser treatment called IPL and you have to be licensed to administer it. It's anywhere from $150-$300 per session/treatment, depending on which spa you choose.
I told her about my friend and the red light therapy she used. She said that's something totally different. People use that for wrinkles because it boosts collagen in the skin, and sometimes you can find it at tanning salons like my friend did. There just happened to be a tanning salon 2 doors down from her office, so we walked down together and spoke to the person there. They used to have that type of unit, but not any longer. I told the guy I had called multiple tanning salons and couldn't locate one. He said he only knew of one salon locally that had what I needed and gave me their name.
I called that salon and they DO have it....they call it the "Beauty Angel Unit"...I have no idea what that's all about. She said she's running a special right now...$39/month for unlimited use. She said I could go every day like she does if I wanted to. I'm not sure about every day because I still don't understand the technology. My friend said it doesn't burn...it heals. But I still think I will stick with every other day for now...3-4x per week. I had too many errands to run today so I will start at the salon tomorrow. I hope I have finally found the right solution to this problem!
Kim came for dinner tonight and I made BLT's with a bowl of lasagna soup on the side. Boy was it delicious...both of them! She had a migraine so she didn't walk with us as previously planned. After she left, Dwayne and I took the dogs for what is becoming our nightly stroll around the neighborhood. It only takes about 25-30 mins though so I really need to start doing a morning walk as well.
I will be honest...the walks do hurt. What used to be so simple back when I was losing weight is just ridiculously tough now. I feel like I'm 80 years old...pain in my feet, legs, lower back, even my butt! But I'm trying to keep things in perspective. I could be in a much worse position like my Dad, who has MS and can't really walk at all and is confined to either his motorized chair or his bed. I know that he would much rather endure a little pain like I have if he could just have back the freedom of movement. When I'm midway up the Hill from Hell, everything hurting and feeling like I'm gasping for my last breath, I quickly change my attitude and tell myself, "Shut your trap Tammy & get your ass up this hill...at least you CAN walk...MOVE IT!!"
I was away from home 6-7 hours today and the eating was BAD. Period. It sucked. Getting right back on track tomorrow. I think the only errand I have away from home is the spa for the NLD treatment so should be out and back within an hour. All meals will be eaten at home.
Oh and one more thing. I mentioned yesterday that I finally got to talk to the nurse at my dr's ofc. She left free samples for me at the front desk that I picked up today of a THIRD diabetic medicine I am now taking. Between the diabetes, the triglycerides and the hypothyroidism I am now on 5 pills per day. To put a positive spin on that, I am thankful that the pharmacy gives me the metformin for free, and thankful the doctor gave me 6 weeks of free samples on this latest med. I am to start taking it today and go back in 6 weeks from now for more bloodwork.
I've been cutting the carbs and taking the pills religiously for 3 weeks now. I can already tell that my sugar has come down. I can now sleep 5-6 hours straight w/o having to get up and pee...used to be I couldn't make it longer than an hour or two, so I was up all night and my sleep was horrible and nearly non-existent. Also, I used to drink 3-4 (32 oz) glasses of water a day, no problem, due to my constant thirst. Now, I'm having a hard time remembering to drink at least 64 oz because the thirst is gone. This is encouraging! I'm headed for bed so ta ta for now. :)
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