Diabetes Talking

Question:

Hello everyone, I know that there are a few threads I’m following that I want to post a reply to, however I’m going to be away for a while. I was inspired to go into diabetes as a field of specialization by my grandfather, John Allanach, who developed type 2 diabetes about 30 years ago. He died last night, at age 93, of pneumonia in San Marcos, California. He was a great role model for how to have an illness like this and still keep a stiff upper lip. He never let his diabetes get the better of him, despite having some foot problems, neuropathy, and a small stoke a few years ago. He watched his diet, and was on oral agents for longer than anybody I ever knew. I really don’t think the diabetes was a major factor in his death despite having it for so long.  I hope I’m lucky enough to get to age 93 and still be playing with all my marbles. As he got older and weaker, we all knew this time would come. But almost to the end he was able to keep his sense of humor about things, and be such a nice guy. Of course I’m now reliving all the times we had together. I watched a tape I had made of him describing his childhood in Los Angeles in the 1906 – 1925 era last night. He had a good life, and he can rest better now. My grandmother died of a brain tumor and pneumonia the day before, on Christmas Eve. She had been in ill health for some time, but we never expected to lose them both at almost the same time. I guess it’s almost fitting after all those years together. I’ll be back, but I’m not sure when. Best wishes, William C Biggs MD

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, I know that there are a few threads I’m following that I want to post a reply to, however I’m going to be away for a while. I was inspired to go into diabetes as a field of specialization by my grandfather, John Allanach, who developed type 2 diabetes about 30 years ago. He died last night, at age 93, of pneumonia in San Marcos, California. He was a great role model for how to have an illness like this and still keep a stiff upper lip. He never let his diabetes get the better of him, despite having some foot problems, neuropathy, and a small stoke a few years ago. He watched his diet, and was on oral agents for longer than anybody I ever knew. I really don’t think the diabetes was a major factor in his death despite having it for so long.  I hope I’m lucky enough to get to age 93 and still be playing with all my marbles. As he got older and weaker, we all knew this time would come. But almost to the end he was able to keep his sense of humor about things, and be such a nice guy. Of course I’m now reliving all the times we had together. I watched a tape I had made of him describing his childhood in Los Angeles in the 1906 – 1925 era last night. He had a good life, and he can rest better now. My grandmother died of a brain tumor and pneumonia the day before, on Christmas Eve. She had been in ill health for some time, but we never expected to lose them both at almost the same time. I guess it’s almost fitting after all those years together. I’ll be back, but I’m not sure when. Best wishes, William C Biggs MD

I know I speak for most on here Our thoughts will be with you through these trying times. Losing loved ones is never easy, but losing one on a holiday makes it much worse. My grandmother dies on Easter, and my parents never celebtrated Easter the same after that. With deepest sympathies for you and your family.

Response:

Doc: Words have no place at this time.  But, as an e-friend, it is all I can offer. What a wonderful story about your grandfather.  I lost both my maternal and paternal grandparents before I was 10.  I envy the relationship you had with yours. Perhaps those of us who read your posts on here have also met your grandad.  I am sure he will continue to be proud of you.  I wonder, however, what he would have said about your title to this thread.  If, as you say, he continued to live life to its fullest, I am sure that death has not extinguished his flame. May his God bless him and your grandmother.  How wonderful that they survived so long together and will continue their journey together. We lost a 96 year old beekeeper last February.  I had only been permitted to know him for about 3 years.  And I came to respect and love him.  I miss him immensely.  I think of him often, but never with sadness, he would not have permitted that. With heartfelt sympathy, Judy Type 1  25+ years 48 years old

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, I know that there are a few threads I’m following that I want to post a reply to, however I’m going to be away for a while. I was inspired to go into diabetes as a field of specialization by my grandfather, John Allanach, who developed type 2 diabetes about 30 years ago. He died last night, at age 93, of pneumonia in San Marcos, California. He was a great role model for how to have an illness like this and still keep a stiff upper lip. He never let his diabetes get the better of him, despite having some foot problems, neuropathy, and a small stoke a few years ago. He watched his diet, and was on oral agents for longer than anybody I ever knew. I really don’t think the diabetes was a major factor in his death despite having it for so long.  I hope I’m lucky enough to get to age 93 and still be playing with all my marbles. As he got older and weaker, we all knew this time would come. But almost to the end he was able to keep his sense of humor about things, and be such a nice guy. Of course I’m now reliving all the times we had together. I watched a tape I had made of him describing his childhood in Los Angeles in the 1906 – 1925 era last night. He had a good life, and he can rest better now.

First off, I’m so sorry for your loss…and envious that you have the tape of him. For years various of my relatives tried to get my grandmother to reminisce about her childhood in New York (she was raised in the backroom of a tobacco shop in Harlem, complete with cigar store Indian), but she couldn’t see what interest there would be in such stories. We never could convince her. My grandmother died of a brain tumor and pneumonia the day before, on Christmas Eve. She had been in ill health for some time, but we never expected to lose them both at almost the same time. I guess it’s almost fitting after all those years together.

I don’t know what to say…but I’ll be thinking of you. Alice — Alice F posting from a new account

Response:

Dr. Biggs, It sounds like your grandpa was a hero to you. If not for that "inspiration", your life may have taken you in a different direction. But here you are with a successful career in medicine: helping others, saving lives, and inspiring people to hold on. My condolences to you and yours, Jennifer "Leftovers in their less visible form are called memories, stored in the refrigerator of the mind and the cupboard of the heart." -Robert Fulghum – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, I know that there are a few threads I’m following that I want to post a reply to, however I’m going to be away for a while. I was inspired to go into diabetes as a field of specialization by my grandfather, John Allanach, who developed type 2 diabetes about 30 years ago. He died last night, at age 93, of pneumonia in San Marcos, California. He was a great role model for how to have an illness like this and still keep a stiff upper lip. He never let his diabetes get the better of him, despite having some foot problems, neuropathy, and a small stoke a few years ago. He watched his diet, and was on oral agents for longer than anybody I ever knew. I really don’t think the diabetes was a major factor in his death despite having it for so long.  I hope I’m lucky enough to get to age 93 and still be playing with all my marbles. As he got older and weaker, we all knew this time would come. But almost to the end he was able to keep his sense of humor about things, and be such a nice guy. Of course I’m now reliving all the times we had together. I watched a tape I had made of him describing his childhood in Los Angeles in the 1906 – 1925 era last night. He had a good life, and he can rest better now. My grandmother died of a brain tumor and pneumonia the day before, on Christmas Eve. She had been in ill health for some time, but we never expected to lose them both at almost the same time. I guess it’s almost fitting after all those years together. I’ll be back, but I’m not sure when. Best wishes, William C Biggs MD

Response:

I’m not sure if you’ll read this, but in any case, I am sorry for your loss. Take care. Wendy

Response:

I was inspired to go into diabetes as a field of specialization by my grandfather, John Allanach, who developed type 2 diabetes about 30 years ago. He died last night, at age 93

Our most heartfelt condolences go out to you. I will be thinking of you, and hope time makes things better… Sincerely, Mike Pompe

Response:

Hello everyone, I know that there are a few threads I’m following that I want to post a reply to, however I’m going to be away for a while.

   I know that I am just one of many who will be sending you words of sympathy.  Your grandfather was obviously a very special human being, and I enjoyed reading your eulogy to him.  His story should help all of us here, who need to struggle daily with an adverse situation, and have the strength to persist.    I hope you can realize that you have incorrectly titled this thread. Your source of inspiration is *not* gone.  He lives on in you and the work you perform, which is your unique contribution to making this world just a bit better because of your presence. — Joe Levy….. If I am not for me, then who will be for me?  If I am for myself alone, what am I? And, if not now when?

Response:

Doc, I just want to attach my ditto to the words of Joseph E. Levy.  It is precisely what I would have liked to say.                                            Harvey —  Harvey H. Green     "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug  

Response:

I would like to extend my sorrow in your lost at this time.