HeiressofBickworth
HeiressofBickworth's JournalType 2 here
If I had to do it all over, I would go to an endocrinologist when first diagnosed. That type of doctor specializes in diabetes and would be the best one to evaluate and prescribe. And, more importantly, monitor kidney function to prevent kidney failure down the line. Knowing all that I know about diabetes now, I wouldn't be satisfied with the doctor's information your brother is reporting. I also would think he would be referred to a dietitian for further advice on nutrition and information on a diabetic diet.
It may not totally be the doctor's lack of informing him. It could be your brother didn't really participate in the appointment. I had a husband like that -- he never asked questions of his doctor and therefore never really knew what was going on with his own body. For example, he came home one time with a bottle of a very powerful cough medicine. I asked him what that was for as I wasn't aware that he was sick. He said he didn't know, his doctor just prescribed it. I really got upset when he came home from an appointment and said he had to have an operation. What For??? He said he wasn't sure but his doctor said he had to have it done. I went to the doctor, got the full diagnosis, had him show me in a medical book just what the problem was and what he was going to do about it (it was a hernia). Husband didn't ask any questions, just showed up when he was supposed to and submitted to whatever the doctor said. Hell, I've asked more about the surgery my CAT is having on Tuesday!!!
Whatever the situation, he should find someone who will give him a more aggressive plan for his condition.
Seattle to Sacramento and return
Left 9/3 and returned 9/9. I take this trip at least once a year and have for over 30 years.
When I was younger, I took Coach. Seats are roomy and fairly comfortable (definitely UNlike airline seats). If you take Coach, you must either bring a sandwich or buy meals in the dining car or snacks in the Lounge car. Prices aren't too bad. Food used to be quite good, but now is merely average.
For a number of years now, I take a sleeper. I'm older and need my creature comforts. I have a system: When I go to my compartment I ask that the bed be made up as soon as the car attendant has time. It's more comfortable to extend my legs for the long period of time I'm on the train. I also ask for an extra blanket and pillow to use to prop myself up during the day. And because I'm now older and don't want to try to maneuver walking the three moving cars to the dining car, I order off the dining car menu and have my meals delivered to my compartment. No extra charge, but I do tip the car attendant generously. The Coast Starlight has a Parlor Car for the sleeping car passengers. One can get coffee, hot tea or soft drinks (included in the price of the ticket). They have a wine/cheese tasting ($5 I think) event -- I went once years ago and since I don't drink wine, it wasn't very interesting for me. But many people enjoy it. The Parlor Car is a nice place to meet people. I've done that many times and now just prefer to be in my compartment with the current Vanity Fair magazine and some needlework to work on while I listen to a book or music on CD. Toilets are down the hall and are usually acceptably clean.
I always travel alone but I often see families in the sleeping car. They have three sizes of compartments, each sleeps a different number of people. I once took the train when I had a cast on my foot -- I had a handicap compartment on the lower level with its own toilet. Worked out quite well for me that trip.
It's true that the train must give way to the freight trains -- it's in the lease for use of the track owned by the freight companies. On the way home this time, it was about an hour and a half late part of the way but actually got to Seattle only about 10 minutes late.
On this last trip I met a woman who was going (by train) from Seattle to Los Angeles, then to New Orleans, then somewhere on the East Coast and back to Seattle through Chicago. A real circle of a trip. I'd love to do that sometime.
Check Amtrak's website for various travel plans and special prices. I envy you your trip!
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Gender: Do not displayCurrent location: Snohomish County, WA
Member since: Wed May 18, 2011, 02:12 AM
Number of posts: 2,682
