First of all- I would like to thank Karen for making this Diabetes Blog Week possible. I feel more connected and NOT alone this week than I ever have as a person with T1. It's really easy to see through all this blogging that I'm not alone and I'm not the only one.
Life after a cure is a little scary to think about. I think it's because I'm scared it Won'T happen. But, I'll give it a whirl.
The first thing I would do is CRY...cry...cry............and cry some more.
Then...I'd eat a GIGANTIC Hot Chocolate fudge sundae and a blizzard from DQ and go out for a nice large Italian dinner...followed by a late night of beer drinking and pizza.
I would then get rid of every blood glucose meter in my household (I think 7 total although I really only use 1). I would empty boxes of infusion sets and test strips, rid myself of needles and prescriptions, and cancel doctors appointments.
I would then probably go have a regular Coca-cola- out of spite and top that with some vanilla ice cream to create a giant Coke Float!
I know I would get down on my knees and thank God for returning me to my normal life...but also thank him for the challenge he layed before me and the lessons I learned along the way. I would also thank him for allowing my children to be free of their mother's disease.
I would also hope to continue with this community of bloggers- sharing stories about Life After the Cure...because we wouldn't all be connected unless it were because of Life BEFORE the cure.
Thank you all for this wonderful week- I'm on vacation for another...will continue posting upon my return!
Showing posts with label Diabetes Blog Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diabetes Blog Week. Show all posts
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Diabetes Blog Week: Day 6: I'm using the Wild Card!
I would love to participate in the lovely D-photo blog spree, but my posts have been pre-set because I'm in CALIFORNIA on vacation...I'll post some pics upon my return...and hopefully some comments to all the lovely blog postings that I'm missing. I will not apologize...I'm on vacation!
I have a few really short and STUPID diabetes mistakes that I've made over the past couple years that I will share instead!
Mistake #1- This seriously all happened in the same day. While getting in my car...I pulled the infusion set out of my abdomen for the very first time. I was in a hurry and I was PISSED that I pulled it out. I ran inside..grabbed my stuff...and plunk! Dropped my insulin bottle on the ground and it broke...smelling of horrid band-aid everywhere. I then ran back inside- reinserted the infusion set, back to my car...and bam...pulled the infusion set out of my abdomen AGAIN! FML...I've never ever pulled it out accidentally since then.
Mistake #2- I once had a bunch of girlfriends over for a girls' night. My friend who was known as a horrible cook once made this delicious looking chocolate/marshmallow delight. I was on a humalog pen and decided that I was going to indulge in this yummy dessert, because there is absolutely NO WAY it was going to taste bad....I was wrong. I took 10 units of insulin....took one bite...ran into the kitchen and spit it out. Not only was the dessert horrible...I then had to eat something else to cover for the 10 units of insulin I just took. Granola bars galore...but a hilarious story!
Mistake #3- I once went on a road trip to Iowa with my best friend (helping her move) and I took all my insulin supplies...and forgot the infusion set supplies. I had to stop at a random pharmacy and ask for needles...I think they thought I was on drugs..not a fun feeling and it pretty much made me worry the entire road trip.
Mistake #4- The day of my best friend's wedding (same friend mentioned above), I left my insulin pump on another friend's side table in her bathroom from taking a shower. I stayed with this friend the night before and then she left to go out of town. I went about my day preparing for my best friend's wedding for 4 hours before noticing I didn't have my pump. When I realized where I had left it, my other friend was 3 hours into her trip and had to call another friend to come let me into her apartment to pick up my pump....fail as the Maid of Honor for I believe a split second my very best friend and beautiful bride worried about me more than her wedding for a minute!
Stupid things happen...but at least I can laugh at myself and my stupidity!
I have a few really short and STUPID diabetes mistakes that I've made over the past couple years that I will share instead!
Mistake #1- This seriously all happened in the same day. While getting in my car...I pulled the infusion set out of my abdomen for the very first time. I was in a hurry and I was PISSED that I pulled it out. I ran inside..grabbed my stuff...and plunk! Dropped my insulin bottle on the ground and it broke...smelling of horrid band-aid everywhere. I then ran back inside- reinserted the infusion set, back to my car...and bam...pulled the infusion set out of my abdomen AGAIN! FML...I've never ever pulled it out accidentally since then.
Mistake #2- I once had a bunch of girlfriends over for a girls' night. My friend who was known as a horrible cook once made this delicious looking chocolate/marshmallow delight. I was on a humalog pen and decided that I was going to indulge in this yummy dessert, because there is absolutely NO WAY it was going to taste bad....I was wrong. I took 10 units of insulin....took one bite...ran into the kitchen and spit it out. Not only was the dessert horrible...I then had to eat something else to cover for the 10 units of insulin I just took. Granola bars galore...but a hilarious story!
Mistake #3- I once went on a road trip to Iowa with my best friend (helping her move) and I took all my insulin supplies...and forgot the infusion set supplies. I had to stop at a random pharmacy and ask for needles...I think they thought I was on drugs..not a fun feeling and it pretty much made me worry the entire road trip.
Mistake #4- The day of my best friend's wedding (same friend mentioned above), I left my insulin pump on another friend's side table in her bathroom from taking a shower. I stayed with this friend the night before and then she left to go out of town. I went about my day preparing for my best friend's wedding for 4 hours before noticing I didn't have my pump. When I realized where I had left it, my other friend was 3 hours into her trip and had to call another friend to come let me into her apartment to pick up my pump....fail as the Maid of Honor for I believe a split second my very best friend and beautiful bride worried about me more than her wedding for a minute!
Stupid things happen...but at least I can laugh at myself and my stupidity!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Diabetes Blog Week Day 5: To exercise....or NOT!
Exercise is one of my biggest struggles and I know that sounds like a cop-out but it really is. Since diagnoses, I've gained over 20 pounds and I often dream of the skinny thing I used to be. However, since diagnoses, the gym has NOT been friendly to me.
My Hubby tries really really hard to keep me motivated to stay in shape, but I usually get upset and twist it around to mean "you're calling me fat!" For our anniversary last July, we purchased gym memberships and signed a 2 year aggreement....motivating for about 3 months, but hardly used.
I even purchased a bunch of really cool looking gym clothes- still sitting in the closet or I use them to work out in the yard...hardly what I purchsed them for.
I hate to run, love to walk...but walking doesn't always do it. We live...literally...1/4 mile from a Metro Park in which there are huge hiking trails...do I go as often as I should...NO!
Now that the weather is turning nice and we are TTC, exercise is becoming a larger priority for me...however, I'm constantly battling the lows. Now that I have my BG under control (so it feels)- I really feel that it's time to get my act together and use the expensive gym membership I've purchased.
So...how do I overcome the lows and woes at the gym? I either turn off my pump or set it to a temporary basal rate ahead of time and extend it for a couple hours after completion of my work out....I still go low. I may take the advice of a fellow blogger and just leave the pump at home all together...a sense of freedom!! Why didn't I think of this before?
At any rate..there is no excuse not to find a solution..and this is my next goal in Diabetes management...wish me luck!
My Hubby tries really really hard to keep me motivated to stay in shape, but I usually get upset and twist it around to mean "you're calling me fat!" For our anniversary last July, we purchased gym memberships and signed a 2 year aggreement....motivating for about 3 months, but hardly used.
I even purchased a bunch of really cool looking gym clothes- still sitting in the closet or I use them to work out in the yard...hardly what I purchsed them for.
I hate to run, love to walk...but walking doesn't always do it. We live...literally...1/4 mile from a Metro Park in which there are huge hiking trails...do I go as often as I should...NO!
Now that the weather is turning nice and we are TTC, exercise is becoming a larger priority for me...however, I'm constantly battling the lows. Now that I have my BG under control (so it feels)- I really feel that it's time to get my act together and use the expensive gym membership I've purchased.
So...how do I overcome the lows and woes at the gym? I either turn off my pump or set it to a temporary basal rate ahead of time and extend it for a couple hours after completion of my work out....I still go low. I may take the advice of a fellow blogger and just leave the pump at home all together...a sense of freedom!! Why didn't I think of this before?
At any rate..there is no excuse not to find a solution..and this is my next goal in Diabetes management...wish me luck!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Diabetes Blog Week Day 4: carb or not carb?
First of all- please don't follow my advice. I am a horrible example for eating in general, let alone a bunch of diabetics who are looking to see what else is out there.
You have to remember, I was not diagnosed until I was 21, so I ate what we call "normal" throughout all of my childhood and boy am I paying for that now. Unfortunately, I have a very strong tooth and from time to time still mourn the loss of eating a piece of chocolate cake whenever the hell I want to.
When I was first diagnosed (4 days before Thanksgiving), I started on shots and used an exchange diet- that totally sucked. I also had to eat at certain times of the day because of my long-acting/short acting insulin that I was taking. Talk about horrible, in the middle of a college class and I have to whip out my bologna sandwich because it's time to eat. I found a new Endo at that time and she amazingly switched me to a humalog pen which gave me a little more freedom.
My insulin pump changed my life. I had to take a 6 month class at my local hospital to even get it- included all the carb counting and training I would ever need. When I first got the pump- I went crazy with eating, making statements to my friends and family like - "It doesn't matter what I eat..I just bolus for it!" That attitude put me at a 7.7 A1c which is not what I call "being able to eat what I want."
Number 1 rule I follow- no sugary drinks- no regular pop, no juice(rarely is more like it), and no sweet tea.
Number 2- I always carry my Carb Master book with me which has local restaurants and food items that can help me carb count.
Number 3- I still eat cake for birthdays and ice cream several nights a week and pie at Thanksgiving.
Number 4- Pizza and past will ALWAYS make me high, no matter how many methods I've tried to "figure it out"- there's little elves in those foods that create sugar as we scarf down the food.
Number 5- In the past few months since TTC, I've been loading up on the fresh stuff. Lots of fruits and FRESH veggies- this has done amazing things for my BG.
Number 6- I rarely eat the same thing 2 days in a row- I know that works for many people because they can predict their blood sugar, but I get bored with food easily.
Number 7- I think it's pretty safe to say that I almost always under carb count- I am trying to be honest with myself about what I'm actually eating and I'm seeing huge results- simply from admitting to my insulin pump that "Yes, I'm eating 90 carbs right now" instead of faking it and pretending I'm only eating 50. Does anyone else ever do that?
At any rate- eating what I want is what keeps me happy- just focusing on being more honest about the realities of what I put into my body has helped me make healthier choices...and with a hopeful baby in the future...this shows me I'm ready for the challenge!
You have to remember, I was not diagnosed until I was 21, so I ate what we call "normal" throughout all of my childhood and boy am I paying for that now. Unfortunately, I have a very strong tooth and from time to time still mourn the loss of eating a piece of chocolate cake whenever the hell I want to.
When I was first diagnosed (4 days before Thanksgiving), I started on shots and used an exchange diet- that totally sucked. I also had to eat at certain times of the day because of my long-acting/short acting insulin that I was taking. Talk about horrible, in the middle of a college class and I have to whip out my bologna sandwich because it's time to eat. I found a new Endo at that time and she amazingly switched me to a humalog pen which gave me a little more freedom.
My insulin pump changed my life. I had to take a 6 month class at my local hospital to even get it- included all the carb counting and training I would ever need. When I first got the pump- I went crazy with eating, making statements to my friends and family like - "It doesn't matter what I eat..I just bolus for it!" That attitude put me at a 7.7 A1c which is not what I call "being able to eat what I want."
Number 1 rule I follow- no sugary drinks- no regular pop, no juice(rarely is more like it), and no sweet tea.
Number 2- I always carry my Carb Master book with me which has local restaurants and food items that can help me carb count.
Number 3- I still eat cake for birthdays and ice cream several nights a week and pie at Thanksgiving.
Number 4- Pizza and past will ALWAYS make me high, no matter how many methods I've tried to "figure it out"- there's little elves in those foods that create sugar as we scarf down the food.
Number 5- In the past few months since TTC, I've been loading up on the fresh stuff. Lots of fruits and FRESH veggies- this has done amazing things for my BG.
Number 6- I rarely eat the same thing 2 days in a row- I know that works for many people because they can predict their blood sugar, but I get bored with food easily.
Number 7- I think it's pretty safe to say that I almost always under carb count- I am trying to be honest with myself about what I'm actually eating and I'm seeing huge results- simply from admitting to my insulin pump that "Yes, I'm eating 90 carbs right now" instead of faking it and pretending I'm only eating 50. Does anyone else ever do that?
At any rate- eating what I want is what keeps me happy- just focusing on being more honest about the realities of what I put into my body has helped me make healthier choices...and with a hopeful baby in the future...this shows me I'm ready for the challenge!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My best "over the shoulder boulder holder" (Supporter)
Okay...the title comes from GLEE if you don't watch the show...one of my favorite lines...but ultimately is very accurate in meaning "support!"
My biggest supporter of my pancreas failure is of course my Hubby! He has been through it all and has experienced the same emotional triumphs that I have, but on the opposite end of course.
My husband (then boyfriend) was with me from day 1 of diagnoses. He actually drove me to the hospital at 11pm after an indulgence in M*CH*G*N after Ohio State kicked their butt in 2005! I was sick the entire weekend of the football festivities, throwing up, but didn't want to ruin his fun. Once we were in the car for hours driving back and I continued vomiting and most likely going in and out of consciousness (I was in DKA), he drove me very swiftly to the ER where hours later I was diagnosed with (GASP) Diabetes with an A1c of 14.5. I tore my esophagus in the process of vomiting, so I had other complications with air around my heart, but at any rate, he stood by my side holding my hand the entire time. It is an image I WILL NEVER FORGET. I can remember laying in the ER and him helping me undress and get into a hospital gown. He neatly folded my clothes and placed them on chair where he undoubtedly worried as tears streamed down his face. He politely told the ER doctor that "she was definitely NOT smoking weed" as he thought I had been. He gave my parents the horrifying wake up phone call at midnight and they quickly drove the 2 hours to see me, arriving shortly after 3 am. I very vividly remember my mom waking me up and seeing my Hubby break down in her arms and cry.
He stayed with me as I lay in intensive care for 2 nights, and brought me movies to watch on my last two night in the hospital. He brought me magazines and talked me through my first manual shot of insulin.
He helped me through the pain of Thanksgiving the day after I was released and realized I couldn't eat whatever I wanted. He limited his portions and only indulged in a small piece of sugar free pumpkin pie just the same as me.
These devastating moments are now the images I hold on to when things get tough. If we can make it through Diabetes, we can make it through anything. Those horrifying few weeks in which I was diagnosed was also the moment that I realized I would be with him forever as he reassured me that he would be with me forever.
Almost 5 years later, and happily married for almost 2, he continues to support me through encouragement to take care of myself. He lets me cry when sometimes the pain of inserting another infusion set brings me to tears. He reads and follows up with my numbers. He asks me questions, brings me milk when I'm low, reads books with me when we discuss trying to start a family. He will attend in a few weeks a class with me on starting a CGM.
My Hubby is my biggest supporter and I'm very fortunate and proud to walk through this journey with him!
My biggest supporter of my pancreas failure is of course my Hubby! He has been through it all and has experienced the same emotional triumphs that I have, but on the opposite end of course.
My husband (then boyfriend) was with me from day 1 of diagnoses. He actually drove me to the hospital at 11pm after an indulgence in M*CH*G*N after Ohio State kicked their butt in 2005! I was sick the entire weekend of the football festivities, throwing up, but didn't want to ruin his fun. Once we were in the car for hours driving back and I continued vomiting and most likely going in and out of consciousness (I was in DKA), he drove me very swiftly to the ER where hours later I was diagnosed with (GASP) Diabetes with an A1c of 14.5. I tore my esophagus in the process of vomiting, so I had other complications with air around my heart, but at any rate, he stood by my side holding my hand the entire time. It is an image I WILL NEVER FORGET. I can remember laying in the ER and him helping me undress and get into a hospital gown. He neatly folded my clothes and placed them on chair where he undoubtedly worried as tears streamed down his face. He politely told the ER doctor that "she was definitely NOT smoking weed" as he thought I had been. He gave my parents the horrifying wake up phone call at midnight and they quickly drove the 2 hours to see me, arriving shortly after 3 am. I very vividly remember my mom waking me up and seeing my Hubby break down in her arms and cry.
He stayed with me as I lay in intensive care for 2 nights, and brought me movies to watch on my last two night in the hospital. He brought me magazines and talked me through my first manual shot of insulin.
He helped me through the pain of Thanksgiving the day after I was released and realized I couldn't eat whatever I wanted. He limited his portions and only indulged in a small piece of sugar free pumpkin pie just the same as me.
These devastating moments are now the images I hold on to when things get tough. If we can make it through Diabetes, we can make it through anything. Those horrifying few weeks in which I was diagnosed was also the moment that I realized I would be with him forever as he reassured me that he would be with me forever.
Almost 5 years later, and happily married for almost 2, he continues to support me through encouragement to take care of myself. He lets me cry when sometimes the pain of inserting another infusion set brings me to tears. He reads and follows up with my numbers. He asks me questions, brings me milk when I'm low, reads books with me when we discuss trying to start a family. He will attend in a few weeks a class with me on starting a CGM.
My Hubby is my biggest supporter and I'm very fortunate and proud to walk through this journey with him!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Day 2: Making the Low go....
Ahhh! I love this post! As much as the lows really suck, it's a little snipit of time in which I feel like I can eat anything sweet that I want to!
For the past 4 years, I've been using those awful glucose tablets (orange flavored) to treat the lows. Never a favorite, but they do work really really quickly and only have a few calories. However, over the past month or so, I've been using Life Savers! Talk about a LIFE SAVER!! Thanks to Lyrecha from Managing the Sweetness Within for the amazing suggestion! I feel like the Life Saver candy has given me a whole new perspective on low blood sugars. Like last night, I was at 43 just before bed- ate 6 Life Savers and it was like a little delicious treat! Plus, they fit nicely in my BG monitor case so I always have them with me.
Other favorites to treat low blood sugar.......AHHHH...CHOCOLATE MILK! Love it love it love it and it works really quickly. I've also been known to scarf down a few oyster crackers- not the best choice...but delicious!
For the past 4 years, I've been using those awful glucose tablets (orange flavored) to treat the lows. Never a favorite, but they do work really really quickly and only have a few calories. However, over the past month or so, I've been using Life Savers! Talk about a LIFE SAVER!! Thanks to Lyrecha from Managing the Sweetness Within for the amazing suggestion! I feel like the Life Saver candy has given me a whole new perspective on low blood sugars. Like last night, I was at 43 just before bed- ate 6 Life Savers and it was like a little delicious treat! Plus, they fit nicely in my BG monitor case so I always have them with me.
Other favorites to treat low blood sugar.......AHHHH...CHOCOLATE MILK! Love it love it love it and it works really quickly. I've also been known to scarf down a few oyster crackers- not the best choice...but delicious!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Diabetes Blog Week Day 1: A Day in the Life...with Diabtes
First off- thanks to Karen for a late addition to Diabetes Blog Week! So happy I can still participate!
Here is a typical day...
6:15am- Alarm clock goes off...I hit the snooze. The Hubby rustles a bit.
6:30am- snooze one last time...Hubby get up to take a shower.
6:45am- Bob Nunnelly and the C-Team on NBC4i News....must see pet pics at 6:54am so Hubby and I can get a good laugh at stupid comments.
7:00am- Watch news headlines and finally drag myself...and my pump...out of bed.
7:05am- De-pump and get into the shower. I'm wondering what my BG is by this point.
7:20am- out of the shower and into the closet. Trying to decide what to wear and most importantly...where to hide the pump today. I'm pretty clever at hiding it in my bra strap, but most often settle for the pocket pager look.
7:45am- in the kitchen, pack my lunch,check the BG and bolus for a cereal bar and head out the door.
7:55am- finally eat my Strawberry cereal bar and occasionally hit Dunkin Donuts for a Decaf on my drive downtown (being Monday, this is usually the case).
8:25am- arrive at work.
8:55am- for the last month, I've been checking my BG after an hour...all is good!
Work work work work work
11:30am- start thinking about lunch.
12:00pm- check the BG- 107- bolus for the frozen pizza (lean) I'm about to eat.
12:15pm- eat lunch- so delicious. I also snuck a few mini-snickers as a little treat- sometimes having candy around at work is awful. I'm working on self-control- the baby factor is motivating.
2:45pm- BG is high- I can feel it- test and correct.
5:00pm- out the door and head for home...quick stop at the store (I got a new crock pot!)
5:45pm- finally home- deciding what to have for dinner. Trying to think healthy but the fridge and pantry have slim pickins since we are leaving for vacation on Saturday. The Hubby is working late so I don't have to worry about him for dinner- this usually leaves less healthy option because I go for the easy fix.
6:45pm-finally fix dinner, test BG, bolus and eat.
7:45pm- test again, and sometimes the Hubby gets home by this time!
8:45pm- usually ready for some ice cream (always :) but we don't have any in the house so I'll be good for today.
9:00pm-watching some TV and usually the Hubby and I have a LAN party.
10:30pm- test BG again before bed- watch TV, talk about babies! Hubby falls asleep!
3:00am- alarm goes off (I think it's 6:15am every time) and I test again....if all is well, I go back to sleep.
If it's high...it's a different story....and the cycle continues!
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