A1C and knee surgery

[Not Heidi]

I've been informed today that my A1C has to be under 7.0 or my surgeon won't replace my right knee. (It sounds like it's full of dry corn flakes, and I can't describe how it feels but to say ouch.) Last time my A1C was tested, about eight months ago, it was 6.4.

My surgery is scheduled for July, so I have plenty of time to keep it under control. But it has been so long since I paid attention or even tested regularly that I don't really remember how to keep my blood sugar under control. I feel like a dolt.

Do you have any advice, links, books or other materials I can look up - anything you think might help me get back to where I should be with this disease? Think of me as a beginner. And think A1C below 7.0.

I'd be so very grateful.

[MOMFUDSKI]

1. I had an A1C of 7.3 and

had spine surgery a year ago. Doc is being a bit of a tyrant? I would tell him he isn’t the only game in town.

[jimfields33]

2. Anything over 6.0 is dangerous.

Try cutting carbs for the next three months until the blood test. That should get it down to acceptable levels.

[woodsprite]

3. I had total abdominal wall reconstruction in October

They told me it had to be an 8 or below.

I was told the following:
Men should aim for 40-45 carbs per meal.
Women should aim for 30-35 carbs per meal.
Snacks - 2 to 3 a day - should contain protein and shouldn't go over 15 carbs each.

Using the plate method, my nutritionist said 1/2 of the plate should be non-starchy veggies, 1/4 protein, and 1/4 whole grain pasta/bread.

If you have a sweet or fruit, make sure to eat it with a meal containing protein.

Walking at least for 10 minutes after each meal is recommended, or 30-40 min per day.

I found I had better control aiming for the 28-30 per meal and 10-12 for snacks. I’m trying to get my numbers back in line. Infections, stress, etc can affect your numbers. I’m pretty sure if they checked me now it’d be higher than 8 just because of back to back to back bladder infections since December.

Best of luck! 🤞. I bought an A1c Now test to let me know if I was going in the right direction just to give me a “head’s up”.

I’m on Metformin and Januvia. I’m thinking the Januvia might be behind the infections, so I have an appt to see if I can drop the Januvia and get something else to help with my nighttime numbers. ☹️

[kozar]

8. Good advice here,

I had bariatric surgery, 13 years ago, weighed 450. Havent been over 225, for 10 years.So I have a very restricted diet. It, is basically, water, and proteins.
Carbs, can put me in a " sugar dump" real quick.
Proteins are so important,
Also, the most expensive, food group.


Koz

[LuvLoogie]

15. Lentils, beans, canned fish can be relatively inexpensive.

research the better kinds of canned fish. Also, if you have an Aldi near you, they often have beef prices that are lower than other supermarkets. If you live in a larger urban area, see if there is a meat wholesaler open to the public.

[Not Heidi]

10. woodsprite, thank you for

your common-sense advice. Bookmarked.

[Not Heidi]

4. How have you recovered? n/t

[yourout]

5. 7 would be very difficult for me to get to as a type 2

The last time I was being looked at for surgery he just said I had to be at 8 or less.

[Not Heidi]

11. I'm going to call my surgeon's PA and ask

why the number required for surgery fluctuates so from doctor from doctor, and why Dr. M. and his practice mates require less than 7. Inquiring minds want to know.

[kozar]

6. Make sure, you're well hydrated,

With water, lots of water, lean proteins first, ( corn flakes have sugars, and about 0, nutritional value) eat an egg instead.or Special K with lactose free milk. ( it tas tastes really good)
Hoping all goes well. I've had 3,replacements, both hips and a knee. do the exercises,even the " heel slide" while lying down. walk, as soon as possible , it hurts, but, You aren't letting the scar tissue, form.

Good luck!

Koz

[Not Heidi]

12. Koz, thank you.

Just can't wait to do those early, early hospital bed therapy exercises. E-ha.

[Happy Hoosier]

16. Dude they'll have you walking...

… the same day as surgery.

I had both my knees replaced on 2017…

[Powersquid8645]

7. I feel your pain.

I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees. My right knee is so bad it has made me bedridden. Two different surgeons told me, my BMI was too high, which it is. And because I was a diabetic type 2, it would take too long for me to heal. Manure. I can’t be the only fat diabetic woman in America with bad knees.

[Not Heidi]

13. Although I'd put it differently,

no, you can't be the only one. I know that because I'm in the same club. Let's start an actual club: PWBK (Portly Women with Bad Knees). What do you say? We'd have to rent Anaheim Stadium for our meetings. Our motto can be: Manure.

I wish for you common-sense doctors - and soon.

[Happy Hoosier]

17. Find a different surgeon.

I had a very high BMI when I had my knees replaced. As long as your heart can handle the anesthesia, there is no reason not to do the surgery, lime you, I was in pain all the time. Getting my knees replaced changed my life.

[MFM008]

9. I think

The last time I had my A1C checked it was 5.0 or something like that and when I ever have any medical questions I always hit the internet hit the books start looking up recipes that are particularly helpful in lowering blood sugar relaxation exercises that kind of thing I found something that of course I find helpful you may not is listening to those wonderful tapes or audio books that tell you how relaxed you are it works I always fall asleep because my A1C used to be high enough that I was pre-diabetic. I feel your pain I'm headed for my second knee replacement on both knees yeah that can happen Good luck to both of us.

[Not Heidi]

14. MFM

Both knees? I'm sorry to hear it. Surely they wouldn't do both at once . . . ?