Radical Lifestyle Change

[Barmaid]

Have you or a loved one had to make a radical lifestyle change as a result of an unexpected illness or the threat of one?

How did you deal with it? How did you support your loved one or persuade them to buy into those changes?

[Buenchico]

After his retirement, my father's life largely revolved around his evenings in the pub. However simply being told by a consultant "Stop drinking now or you'll be dead within a fortnight" was all that was needed to make him change his ways. He didn't need any further persuading.

Since my emergency admission to hospital earlier this year, I've had to modify my diet quite a bit but, again, simply being told that it's necessary was all the 'persuading' that I needed.

[-SharonA-]

Hubby was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and I had to change my cooking methods, less frying, cut out buying unhealthy foods, like cakes, biscuits. Less sugar and salt. Today his readings are good and we both are feeling the benefits of this. It was no trouble for me and hubby embraced the changes.

[Buenchico]

BTW: Your post suggests that you might have things on your mind which take precedence over answering legal questions here on AB but, if you are still able to assist, perhaps you could take a look at this thread?
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1668916.html

[albaqwerty]

on-going process in this household for the past few weeks (relatively recent thing).
I haven't gone all-out guns blazing and trying the drip-feed method.
eg, poaching a chicken still makes it taste like chicken etc
I'm hoping this time, next year, I'll be here looking for a brick wall.

[ummmm]

Similar to Chris. My granddad used to smoke 80+ fags a day. His doctor said he'd only a couple of years to live so he gave up that day.

[Ken4155]

Diagnosed with type 2 back in 2009. Weighed in at 18 and 1/2 stone, mild heart attack, stent fitted, diet changed, much more exercise = reversal of type 2 and a loss of 6 and 1/2 stone over about a 2 year period. Put just under 3 stone of that back on since, but weight has plateaued over last 12 months and i have maintained my healthy diet. Packed in smoking on the day i had the heart attack and do not go out drinking any more - though i do enjoy the occasional few glasses of Martell at home.

[Barmaid]

Thanks all.

Buen I may look at it over the next day or so but it's fair to say I'm struggling right now. A recent bereavement, trying to support 2 good mates with horrible medical stuff and then a big shock today.

[Mamyalynne]

Many times for those I love, rather less for myself just yet.

I send you and all those you care about strength in coping.x

[Cloverjo]

Best wishes to you and yours, barmaid.

My parents had a huge lifestyle change when my mum’s cancer wasn’t satisfied with invading her bowel, liver and lungs but made it to her brain.

How did I support? Just was there as much as I could be, sat with my mum while my dad had a break. Do what needs to be done, and just somehow get on with it. Take care xx

[puzzled54]

Sadly my mother didn’t make the changes after being diagnosed with diabetes and her last years were not nice.
Hope you are feeling better soon barmaid

[Bobbisox1]

OH has type 2 Diabetes, changed our lifestyle in a big way, cooking , exercise etc,he's 6'2 and very active for being 78, had a terrible sweet tooth so now I don't buy any biscuits to temp that, however even after all this, he's borderline type 1 and on the last tablet available to prevent insulin use,he finds out in December

[Sqad]

Bobby

"however even after all this, he's borderline type 1"

I don't mean to be pedantic, but for all ABers, that doesn't make sense,one cannot go from Type 2 to Type 1.
What you mean is that he is a badly controlled Type 2 diabetic that may need Insulin.
Just because one needs insulin doesn't make them a Type 1 diabetic.
I don't know the statistics, but i bet almost half Type 2 diabetics will need Insulin.

[Bobbisox1]

Sqad, I realise you're not being pedantic, no worries
He controls his type 2 very well,he walks and his diet is good for the condition,he's 12st 10 lbs so weight for his height is good, his BP is excellent, however , I can only tell you what he's been told at his last couple of appointments , "We will try you with this tablet" ,along with the ones he already is on, after this it'll be insulin, he did suffer a minor stroke on June 20th but no facial drop thankfully
( sorry for the interruption BM)

[woofgang]

A sad and difficult situation. Sadly I am not sure how do-able it is to persuade other people to buy into changes in their lifestyle unless they decide to do so. If they have decided to do so then help and supprt will make it easier for them but the initial decision has to come from them and in my experience, no one can make them make that decision or persuade them to make it.

[Sqad]

Bobby.....thanks.
He is still a Type 2 diabetic and always will be.

[Bobbisox1]

Even on insulin? @sqad

[woofgang]

yes bobbi, insulin controls but does not cure....diabetes type is about the origin of the disease and not about how its controlled or its severity.

[Bobbisox1]

Arh right, thanks woof, I never knew that

[Rockrose]

You know what my radical change was and tbh it wasn't easy - still isn't - everyday I have to plan and think about what is happening.
As for how family and husband coped I have to say they were brilliant, they did their research and really looked into how they could help and what was required.
Its still a struggle now but it does get easier.

[jackthehat]

Yes, although it was a few years ago now.
You'll be in a flat-spin for a while but when you gain your equilibrium, clarity will be your friend.
Things you need to addess will fall into several categories; immediate, short-term, long-term.
You'll know which 'habits' fall into which category; the knack is persuading the 'loved one' that you are nagging/no fun/depriving them of any enjoyment for their own benefit. :o)