I'm baaack

#1

I think I should reintroduce myself since most of you won’t remember me. I started keto in April 2016 and joined the 2KD Facebook group a few months later. I’m mostly interested in nipping my pre-diabetes in the bud, but I admit it was the weight loss that attracted me also.

My keto came to a screeching halt last year when I entered into an incredibly stressful situation of becoming the caregiver for my elderly, T2D father. I was still eating low carb, but that wasn’t enough to stop a slow decline into non-keto hell. Eventually, it became necessary to put my father into a long term skilled nursing facility. Suffice to say, many years of high sugar and high insulin have not done his body or his mind any favors.

So, I’m back on the horse and back on the wagon. I’m looking forward to getting to know the new faces I’m seeing.

(Jody) #2

Good luck, sounds like you need time to focus on you!

#3

I also need to remain engaged with this community, to keep me in line. :sparkling_heart:

(Lazy, Dirty Keto 😝) #4

Welcome back! And I’m sorry to hear about your father

#5

Thanks. It is a cautionary tale for sure. It’s like looking into my future if I don’t heed the warning signs.

(Khara) #6

I remember you. I’m recently back as well and also had fallen off the wagon due to life stress.
It’s a good place to return to. First place I went actually once I had energy and was ready to get back on track. Glad you’re here. :+1:

(Marie Dantoni) #7

Just getting back after about a year of stress as well.we can do this!

(Alec) #8

Carol
Welcome back. I had a similar experience, although mine was shorter and because of work stress.

I was recommended a book about stress by @Jennibc which is referenced below; it was a very good and thought provoking read, well recommended. I also reference the whole thread as I think the advice I got was really good, varied and interesting. Some of the advice may be useful for you too.

https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Stress-Why-Good-You/dp/1101982934

Good luck and welcome back to Team Keto! Get back on that wagon with strong intentions and stay there. You will not regret it.

(Doug) #9

Welcome back, Carol. :slightly_smiling_face:

#10

Thanks for the link. Lot of great people here for support.

I’ve already destressed by finally being able to move back home, get outside, and get my brain ketones working for me again. Oh, and no more alcohol as a coping mechanism.

(Carl Keller) #11

Welcome back @carolT.

#12

NO, you’re not seeing things. My admin badge just magically reappeared, but don’t worry I’m the nice admin. Usually.

(Jennibc) #13

I am so happy you read that book and found it useful! I’ve recommended it to many people, some read it and love it and others can’t be bothered to pick it up. It’s hard when you know the solution to their distress is out there, but people don’t want to believe it, so they are suffering when they don’t need to be.

#14

I’ve downloaded the free preview. I’ll be giving it a look too.

(Jennibc) #15

Great! Keep and open mind and practice the techniques. Here is the author’s Ted Talk which she gave before she wrote the book. The book is an expansion on these ideas https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en

(Liz ) #16

Welcome back! I feel for you. My husband & I have been full time caregivers for my elderly mom since dad passed almost a year ago. The stress is real! We moved out of our home into hers & upended our lives in like, a week, and of course the duration is unknowable.

For the first six months I thought I would lose my mind. And I see on a lot of caregiver forums where the caree has T2D and complications, then the caregiver has their own issues worsen, it’s a very common slippery slope.

I did not go off keto even once but still managed to gain 15 stress pounds that came off fairly quickly with extended fasting once I was able. But it creeps back up all the time. I feel like I’m refighting the same pounds over & over.

Luckily mom is Keto and though she is disabled, she is sharp and on no medications.

I checked out of the forums for many months and I’m also glad to be back, community is what makes my keto success durable.

I’m sorry about your dad. I wish you well, I’m going to go read that stress thread next.

#17

Yes, that was the worst part of it. I’m an only child, and while my BF means well, he was more there to be with me than to help with my father. Also, I managed to increase my father’s mental function enough that he thought he could take care of himself, including driving. Much drama ensued. Long story short, he ended up back in hospital [not from driving] in worse shape than ever and I realized I could no longer give him the level of care he needed.

(Liz ) #18

omg. It’s all so incredibly complicated!! My heart goes out to you for what you have been through and your current situation. The PTSD is REAL. I had a handle on my addictions before this but now it’s a daily struggle so I get it.

#19

Diabetes medication commercials on tv give me that. :wink:

(Jay Patten) #20

I think that is important as well!

Sorry to hear about your father, though.