So now it was my turn to start researching, starting with the postural hypotension as I could remember how to spell that. Well that was straightforward enough and basically means that his blood pressure drops through his boots when he changes position, specifically from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing. Common treatments included the mini steroids he had been prescribed.
Next up I researched autonomic neuropathy / diabetic neuropathy - and this is where I started getting scared. Two of the studies I printed off for him in that first week can be found at Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes and DIABETES - Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes there was a third which I think John has 'lost' which basically gave a prognosis of 'most individuals die within 7 years of diagnosis'. A bit later I also found this article Diabetic Neuropathy which was even scarier
Now John's blood sugar control has never been great, but I must say that in the 2.5months since he was diagnosed it has been a lot better, if anything he is at risk of a hypoglycaemic episode at any moment and he hasn't been getting the warning signs.
Additionally in the passed 10 weeks we have been to the opticians only to be referred to an opthamologist at the hospital because of spots on his retinas - follow up in 1 year, visited the dermatologist about the massive sores on his shins - follow up 8weeks, we have visited the doctor, we have applied for disability and John has had to wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours.
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