Ellie, thank you so much for your help. I hope that she can get by the doc.s tomorrow to get a copy. Yes, she does have some puffiness in the face. My mom was a type 1 and she was a very brittle diabetic. Always in and out of the hospitals as they could never get her insulin regulated. She didn't get this weight gain until about a month or month and a half after she quite getting the shots. I wouldn't worry so much if this had been a slow weight gain, but it seems that she just balloned up over night. Even her older sisters have commented on how it seemed just over night that she gained this weight. Once again thanks for all your help. I will be back when i have the test results in front of me even if i can't make head or tales out if it Sonni
Sure sounds like hypothyroidism is a possibility, then. Certain autoimmune diseases tend to be more common in families that have another autoimmune disease, and Type I diabetes and thyroid disease are "linked" in this way - that is, it is more common to find thyroid disease in family members related to someone with Type I diabetes, and vice versa.
I would definitely like to see her get a full panel of thyroid tests.
I have been skittish about swallowing large items since I almost choked on a large piece of steak a number of years ago (10 years ago now). Nobody at the table knew I was having problems, I just relaxed myself...my throat and eventually spit it out. Had I tried to swallow any further, or panicked, I'd have been in trouble. If I have something in my mouth that feels too big, I sometimes will spit it out - better safe than sorry. It is scary, really, I am SOOO glad you are alive and okay! I know that you can give your own heimlich also, by bending over a chair or couch if necessary (probably with a lot of force, I will check the link you gave).
It is amazing that more people don't choke, it's really pretty easy to do.
Some interesting stories and events in my neck of the woods this week:
1) H came home last night from his backcountry ski trip. Neglects to tell me that he whacked his head in a fall on the ice while there (wasn't skiing, just walking, so didn't have his helmet on). I find out when H calls midday to say he'll be coming home early from work because he's too loopy!!!
History - H has had two concussions in the past (years ago). After the first one he had post-concussion syndrome for about a month - mild, but definitely there. Saying the wrong words for things, forgetting things - uncharacteristic behavior. Second concussion was about a year after, not as bad. (Frankly, I always wondered if they weren't the catalyst for his slide into MLC depression - depression can be a long-term consequence of head injury, but then, I think H has had problems his whole life with depression).
Anyway - H seems okay but did make a telltale word slip (cookies instead of crackers). I'll be watching him closely.
2) My sister calls yesterday. She's 42 (almost 43). Has a 14 year old from her first marriage (she's a LBS) and had tried unsuccessfully to have another with her 2nd H. (Undertreated thyroid problems). About a year ago she decided she was really okay with it, and wouldn't want another one now that her D is older (her H is older, too, in his mid-50's).
Lately she's been going through hot flashes and irregular periods - what they thought was premature menopause (can happen with autoimmune disorders). When she skipped her last period, she figured she was officially in menopause - NOT!!!! SHE'S PREGNANT!!!!!
File that under Be Careful What You Wish For. She's still in shock.
3) Good friend of my H (president of a local surf club) gets a call. Finds out a woman he slept with in college in the 70's had his baby and neglected to tell him word one about it. He has a 33 year old son and 3 grandkids living in Hawaii.
What's spooky - they both came from New England. Now both are avid surfers, living out west (friend just bought a house in Hawaii, the son lived here in San Diego for a while!) Genetics is a weird thing - what's the chances, huh????
Well, little sister gets her ultrasound today to find out how far along she is!
H is still a little loopy - three word slips yesterday that I know of ("graham cookies" instead of graham crackers, said "Good Morning" to some friends who arrived at night, said "Go man go" for the name of the kids book Go Dog Go.) This morning he said note when he meant letter to the editor.
All tiny errors but NOT the norm for him, and the same kind of signs he had with his post-concussion syndrome last time. He was supposed to leave again tonight to climb Mt. Whitney with S14 but he will have to cancel that. I'm making him see the neurologist today.
Statistics in the horse world show that people put on helmets when they are ready to get on their horse and ride, but the majority of injuries treated in ER's are from prior to or after riding. Things that make you go hhmmm.
Live your life while you are still living. Riding the trail less traveled.
I'm making him see the neurologist today.