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The pros and cons of modeling with diabetes......

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Posted by jacon12 on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:34 PM

Probably everyone in the world knows at least one person that has some type of diabetes.  My mother was diagnosed with it at age 19.  She died of a heart attack at age 46.  My brother in law, who is a farmer, as lost most of both feet (surgery) to this disease.  My sister only has about 10 percent of her vision left, again diabetes.  This is one malady that is nothing to play around with.

JaRRell

 HO Scale DCC Modeler of 1950, give or take 30 years.
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Posted by lvanhen on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:31 PM

I received this reply today from my e-mail of yesterday.  Thought I would share it with you.  Very heartening to get such a reply from one of the best known & respected of the manufacturers.

 "Hello Mr. Van Hentenryck,

  Thank you for your suggestion, we do appreciate it.  We do monitor MRs
forum but have not read the thread about Diabetes.
  We will certainly take this into consideration for a future project. We do
have a close friend that suffers with Diabetes and heart problems so we are
certainly aware of the issues.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.

Sam Clarke
Kadee Quality Products"

Thank you very much Mr Clarke!Bow [bow]

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Posted by CSXect on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:01 PM
They seem to be on a cycle you have to keep checking after the first post of each page and you will eventualy find them.
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Posted by loathar on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:35 PM

R.T. POTEET-I thought that Pravacol thing didn't sound right. It's hard to keep track of things with all the new meds you see advertised on the boob tube. (let alone their side effect disclaimers)

What are you guys talking about with the ads? I'm only seeing train ads.

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Posted by CSXect on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:21 PM

 reklein wrote:
I don't know how the advertising system works for this forum,BUT, did you notice the ads under the first letter on the page? You may have to check a couple pages for it.

I just now noticed thatCool [8D]

Thanks for the links/ads relating to the topic of the thread

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Posted by R. T. POTEET on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:21 PM
 R. T. POTEET wrote:
 loathar wrote:

The cons-With age, your hands get fumbly and you have a hard time doing some things.

The pros-When the drill motor slips in the process of driving a sheet rock screw and the phillips bit plunges all the way through your thumb you don't feel it as much.Shock [:O]

Or I could have titled this-I've been bleedin on my rail.....road....



I was diagnosed as Type II nine and a half years ago when I had a heart attack - hadn't been near a doctor's office in six years - I was healthy as the proverbial horse.  But I don't have nearly the problems some of you people have outlined; in fact, relatively speaking I guess, I am in great shape.

I take one Pravachol® a day and don't really pay an awful lot of attention to my diet; it did take me years to get my blood sugar level down to where my D.O. was happy and he has remained happy for the better part of two years now.  My wife was recently diagnosed with Type II and she keeps track of her blood sugar level on a daily basis; periodically she takes my level.  One morning it was 212; the next 103; a week later (after a breakfast of four toaster pastries) I was at 147; the next morning I was at 74.  When my diabetes acts up I dare not step too awfully far from a urinal.

I have pain and burning in my (lower) legs and feet but this is more from a reaction to Zocor® than a symptom of my diabetes; I take Naprosyn® for he burning and Neurontin® for the pain.  As a military retiree I get my medicines from DOD and they went from Pravachol® to Baychol® to Zocor® and I went right along with them until nine months into Zocor® when I quite suddenly developed this leg and feet problem; it took nine more months before my sawbones and I put two and two together and I went back to Pravachol® but by then the damage from the Zocor® was permanent and I am on Naprosyn® and Neurontin® for the rest of my life.  Needless to say, I don't run foot races anymore; I can go up and down stairs but not without some sort of handrail.  If I don't remember to take my Naprosyn® and Neurontin® before hitting the sack at night I don't go to sleep.

I will admit that I initially viewed the title to this post with some jocularity - until I read the responses.  I apologize for m lack of understanding of the seriousness of this problem.  That jocularity has now evaporated and I feel myself to be very, very lucky that my diabetes appears to be very, very, very minor.

Hang in there, guys!! I will put all of you on my prayer list.


I need to correct my post of 24 Feb instant - I am taking so many stupid pills I can't keep track of them anymore; I am taking Glipizide® and Glucophage® for my diabetes, not Pravachol® which is a cholesterol medicine.

For you younger modelers out there; it is very easy to adopt a feeling of infallibility; as I said in my post I hadn't been to a doctor in six and a half years and I got smacked in the teeth - everyday when I looked in the mirror I saw nothing but (physical) perfection; what happened to me would never happen to me.  Most of my current medical problems could probably have been avoided if I had gone to a doctor occasionally even had it been only once in that proverbial "blue moon".  Had I have had my blood checked regularly I would have caught my cholesterol problem and done something about it and not had to be taking Zocor® which gave me a reaction and is the cause of most of my leg pain and I would sure like to go through a day without a burning sensation in my lower extremities.

From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet

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Posted by Medina1128 on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:48 PM
Yo! Another Type II diabetic here. I was diagnosed back in 2001. After having changed medications a couple of times, my blood level is under control. The bad part was in 2004, when I was losing all sensation from the armpits down. They found a herniated disk in my neck that was pinching off the spinal cord. Before they found it, I could barely get around on a walker. Now aside from the numbness and occasional bouts of the clumsies I am doing fine. They don't know whether the neuropathy in my legs is due to the diabetes or from permanent nerve damage from the spinal cord. They did attribute the spinal cord injury to 5 years of drag racing when I was young. Just another case of all that fun stuff you do when you're young coming back to haunt you. Jeffrey, you're in my prayers, my friend.
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Posted by reklein on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 3:50 PM
I don't know how the advertising system works for this forum,BUT, did you notice the ads under the first letter on the page? You may have to check a couple pages for it.
In Lewiston Idaho,where they filmed Breakheart pass.
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Posted by CSXect on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:33 PM

Wow I knew that diabetes was on the rise in the general public but there are a lot of Model railroaders in this condition 4 pages 80 posts and 1300 views and not once has a moderator checked this out. Anyone else like the Idea of an awareness boxcar or an article in the mags about this disterbing trend in model railroaders health? Think I will e-mail the S and O scale compines about this idea as Lou has has covered the ho manufactors.

Is there a spell check for this forum? I need one real bad I guess it is a technician thing.When I went to Devry we used to say I wanted to know how to spell technician went to Devry now I are one.

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Posted by loathar on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:23 PM
 GAPPLEG wrote:

I can't believe the life this thread has had. Back when I was the 2nd poster on the thread I thought this won't last long.  There are seemingly more diabetics than I thought, I knew a couple of them before.

As alway watch the diet and keep checking. Weight lose and control are improtant for all of us. Non-diabetics as well. ( I wish I could follow my own advice better).

Me either! I freaked when I saw how many veiws this has gotten. Wonder how many folks with diabetes looked but didn't bother to post or weren't registered.

All this over hurting my thumb.(and not one negative post.That's got to be a record.)

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Posted by GAPPLEG on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 11:50 AM

I can't believe the life this thread has had. Back when I was the 2nd poster on the thread I thought this won't last long.  There are seemingly more diabetics than I thought, I knew a couple of them before.

As alway watch the diet and keep checking. Weight lose and control are improtant for all of us. Non-diabetics as well. ( I wish I could follow my own advice better).

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Posted by reklein on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 11:14 AM
Maybe the kids are right . This IS a hobby for overweight old guys with diabetes. I have been diagnosed with diabetes for about 10 years now,but I'm a lucky guy. I still manage it with pills and exercise. The diet is a little wanting,my weight is up about 20 lbs. and I'll be danged if I can get it back down. Well ,summers coming and I get to add on to my workshop ,so maybe that'll help keep things in control. This thread has helped by simply bringing up the subject and reinforcing some of the things a person should do to keep things under control. In the meantime take diabetes seriuosly and keep it under control and keep those cards and letters comin in.
In Lewiston Idaho,where they filmed Breakheart pass.
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Posted by loathar on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:50 AM

The box car would have to heavier than NMRA standards,shake a lot when it went over turnouts and have graphics that were blurry and out of focus.Wink [;)]

You've got me thinking what other medical waist I can incorperate into the layout. My mom has an old nebulizer air pump she doesn't use. I bet it would work on my airbrush. 1000 veiws! Wow!! [wow] I had no idea this many people would have an interest. Makes you wonder how many people have symptoms and don't bother getting checked.

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Posted by CSXect on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:08 PM

Lou,

thanks for taking the lead on this but why just stop at a Box car? Maybe MR, CTT, Gardenrailways and trains can run an informative article about model railroaders with this illness. I would not mind being interviewed all though I have no layout as of yet I still run on the floor and kitchen table at the moment and am slowing working on my basement for a layout. Diabetes is not an age related thing anymore as many are getting it early on in thier life. I am 37 fairly young yet. Hopefully some one at MR has been paying close attention to this thread as it has gotten over 1000 views in just a few days that shows an interest in the topic.

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Posted by lvanhen on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:41 PM
 CSXect wrote:

That is some interesting use of throwaway materials, model railroading at its best. But please dispose of the needels responceably. The only deberis left from my supplies are the test strip barrels and the bottles/container that they come in.

May be we can raise awerness of diebetes by having a box car designed to alert people at train shows to the dangers of unhealthy diet and the complications of this illness. Just a thought.

I have just sent the following e-mail to Atlas, Kaydee, Horizon, & Walthers:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/ This link is to a thread in the Model Railroader Forum, "The Pros & Cons of Modeling with Diabetes"  It has been proposed by one of the posters that perhaps one of the manufacturers may make a promotional "Diabetes Awareness" boxcar.  It appears that a large number of model railroaders are afflicted with diabetes, in part to the overall age of model railroaders.  As a group, we would greatly appreciate such a gesture from one or more of the companies we have so long supported by purchasing their goods. Thanking You in Advance, Lou Van Hentenryck

Maybe if a few more of us did likewise one of the manufacturers may do it!Smile [:)]

 

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Posted by lvanhen on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:16 PM
 CSXect wrote:

That is some interesting use of throwaway materials, model railroading at its best. But please dispose of the needels responceably. The only deberis left from my supplies are the test strip barrels and the bottles/container that they come in.

May be we can raise awerness of diebetes by having a box car designed to alert people at train shows to the dangers of unhealthy diet and the complications of this illness. Just a thought.

Great Idea!!  How about it Walthers, KayDee, Atlas, Athern?  Anybody?  Maybe we should all e-mail the idea to them!!Cool [8D]

Lou V H Photo by John
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Posted by CSXect on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 10:54 AM

That is some interesting use of throwaway materials, model railroading at its best. But please dispose of the needels responceably. The only deberis left from my supplies are the test strip barrels and the bottles/container that they come in.

May be we can raise awerness of diebetes by having a box car designed to alert people at train shows to the dangers of unhealthy diet and the complications of this illness. Just a thought.

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:43 AM
Recycling in action. Your idea with the vents is something I'm doing also. Why shell out $$$ for plastic vents when I already have a source.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by nbrodar on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:33 AM

I don't reuse anything that's been in direct contact with my insulin. However, I have used other pieces in my modeling:

The vents on the left are syringe caps.  The vents on the right are plungers from my pump's reservoirs:

Although, I don't have pics at the moment, I made gondola loads from the canisters my test strips came in.    Also the caps from the test strip made good mixing vessels for epoxy.

Nick

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

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Posted by loathar on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:49 AM
So that's how you spell syringes.(spellcheck on aisle 5)
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:49 AM
I've seen the covers on the syringes used as vents and vent pipes on building rooftops. An insulin dependent diabetic can spot them almost immediately. A non-diabetic however will wonder what model supplier you got them from.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by loathar on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:38 AM

I've only found two things that are useful. The caps off the needles make nice little mini cups to hold oil or super glue so you can dip a toothpick in as a mini  applicator. If you fish, use the old suringes to inject air into nightcrawlers. makes them more lively and tastey lookin to them big mouth bass.Wink [;)]

You could maybe cut the ends off the suringes, paint the tubes and use them for pipe loads. Grey for concrete sewer tiles.

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Posted by Fortkentdad on Monday, February 26, 2007 11:51 PM

Another Diabetic Modeler here - I am beginning to wonder if model railroading contributes to diabetes with the amount of replies posted here.  My controls are as one doctor put it "sub-optimal" running between 10 and 14  (metric sugar measures here). 

Now to all you diabetics out there - the ones who shoot up every day (I do four times a day): So who has figured out a way to use all that left over paraphanilia for modelling? 

I look at those little plastic (latex?) tubes that come on the end of the needle before you use it.  I have a couple of pill boxes of those awaiting some good modelling use?  They do not glue well by the way.   The bigger clear plastic cover over top of the needle - that would make a dandy load on a gondola keep 'em guessing what that was.  And I've been tempted to use the needle themselves as N scale fence posts - they'd stick into the ground real easy, ... but I guess I should draw that line at using bio-medical waste on my layout

Of course all those pill bottles are excellent containers for tiny parts (I'm into N scale).  Got a big box of them in the basement.

On the downside there is deminished eyesight - so I have started collecting my G scale stuff for the day I have to switch scales.  As for other bothersome symptoms.  The feet - can't stand on these numb feet too long on a cold cement floor (I'm in Northern Canada, the standing joke is that we get ten months of winter and two months of tough sledding).  So a retro old high chair works for me.  Other symptoms?  Skipping meals when too engrossed in modelling - this is bad. 

Final point  - for all those who have anything to do with Train Shows - given the number of diabetics we now know model, how about something other than fries and a burger?  And a soft drink other than Diet Coke (it keeps me up all night from the caffine - bad for my sleep apthnia).  I know my wife would make me eat at the Healthy Food Snack bar if there was one at the train show.    Big Smile [:D]

 

FKD http://www1.webng.com/fortkentdad/
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Posted by loathar on Monday, February 26, 2007 10:36 PM
 Charlie wrote:
 BRAKIE wrote:

Jeff,My diabetes is under control..My average is 97.According to my diabetes doctor anything above 120 should be unacceptable.I eat a well balance diet and still have some sweets even though I prefer sugar free candies and cookies..

If I fall below 70 I start to sweat and feel woozy.The lowest I been is 57 and I was really feeling weak and dizzy.

My doctor would prefer I keep my sugars btwn 90-110 but, isn't concerned if my sugars are in the upper 100's

Ch

Not yet, at least. Watch if you start getting sleepy after meals.

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Posted by Charlie on Monday, February 26, 2007 8:01 PM
 BRAKIE wrote:

Jeff,My diabetes is under control..My average is 97.According to my diabetes doctor anything above 120 should be unacceptable.I eat a well balance diet and still have some sweets even though I prefer sugar free candies and cookies..

If I fall below 70 I start to sweat and feel woozy.The lowest I been is 57 and I was really feeling weak and dizzy.

My doctor would prefer I keep my sugars btwn 90-110 but, isn't concerned if my sugars are in the upper 100's

Ch

MP 53 on the BNSF Topeka Sub

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, February 26, 2007 5:58 PM

 lvanhen wrote:
Has any one modeled a pharmacuticle plant?  Or a drugstore?  Model safely!Big Smile [:D]   
How did you know?!Big Smile [:D]

Yeah, I turned an Adams Rib into a dual purpose building. The Lakeside Shipping offices are on the second floor and the first floor is a drug store and pharmacy.

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Posted by loathar on Monday, February 26, 2007 4:53 PM
jbloch-Is that over by the big white Mormon church? (N. Wilson or S. Wilson?) I know where I worked was 1440 N. Wilson Rd.
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Posted by CSXect on Monday, February 26, 2007 3:31 PM
 loathar wrote:

I had two doctors treat me for nuropathy when I really had shingles. What a fun experiance that was! I know diabetes IS the major cause of most things, but a case of tunnel vision seems to happen once your charts read.

This can happen with any illness or even if there is a family history. Mom has diebetes but she got it after a kiddney was removed because of cancer. The doctors said I got because mom has it.

Jbloch

What is the club name and do you have "open" meetings where a visitor can stop by? I am into O. S, and On30 Only have two Ho items left in my collection a CSX loco witha strobe light on the roof and a Mainstreet stores set from where my mom worked at a distrobution center for Mainstreet, and a few other federated stores before they became Khols.

 

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Posted by jbloch on Monday, February 26, 2007 3:21 PM

Loathar:

We're the Central Ohio Model Railroad Club, 2234 Wilson Rd.  It's basically a modified warehouse, though finished interior.  Don't know how long ago you were in the Columbus area, I joined the club last spring, and I think as of now the club's been in existence about 3-4 years, so might not have been up and running when you were here.

Good point about tunnel vision doctors.  My advice there is that you are always your own best advocate, so if you think your doc. is missing something or glossing over some complaint, keep after him/her until they understand what you're complaining about. 

Jim

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Posted by lvanhen on Monday, February 26, 2007 10:08 AM

Just to keep us on the MRR track - don't forget that most of us "seasoned" modelers are role models to the young modelers joining our ranks.  We can teach our modeling skills to these youngsters as well as health habits!!  Model railroading, although not exaxtly weight lifting, is better than sitting in front of a TV or video game for hours on end!  While teaching them MRRing we can also caution them on diet & excercise, which may well help them NOT become one of us.  We are better role models than many professional athletes - our meds come from a prescription, not Big Willie on the street corner!!  My 10 y o grandson has ADD, and used to give us fits to take 1 1/2 small pills.  We now "race" to take pills. When he sees me taking my 8 evening pills he dosn't mind taking his!!  He has a sweet tooth, but he now looks at nutrition labels - he dosn't want to stick his finger 3 times a day or inject Byetta twice!! Tongue [:P]

When we help the younger modelers, we can teach them safety with tools - which may help us keep from stickig ourselves!!Black Eye [B)]  Has any one modeled a pharmacuticle plant?  Or a drugstore?  Model safely!Big Smile [:D]   

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