BG[CGM]: 154, and holding steady. :P
Well, I got to a point where I started doubting the CGMS, and so I ended up checking sugars on my meter more than I expected to today. The variances I've experienced since making the video yesterday after first hooking up messed with my head. I understand the blood vs. interstitial fluid argument, yet at the same time, my sugars do not normally spike. They haven't spiked in the 24+ hours I've worn the CGMS. That Frosty-cino I blogged about here did the job, but in general my sugar charts look like rolling hills, some taller than others. So, I'm starting to contemplate my goals with the CGMS. If its purpose is to mark trends, than maybe wearing it 24 hours isn't necessary.
On the other hand, when Matt joins the military later this year, I want to believe that the CGMS can offer me a measure of security when I'm alone with my kids. Can it? Should I expect it? I believe the answer is yes. I also believe that overall, the competing companies have comparable products. Little differences here and there, conveniences, pros and cons. That competition will continue to instigate improvement. I think right now, the cons of both the Dexcom and the Minimed are enough that you could chose one over the other and not really be better off, one way or the other. That's just me. I'm pretty laid back. I like the infusion and transmitter device better on the Dexcom. That's why I went with it. That to me--at this point in my life--was more important than having the transmitter linked to my pump instead of another device. For someone on the go ALOT, they might feel differently. I'm not. Yes, I have four children, but really... I'm a writer, so I sit here. If I'm away from my desk I'm in my kitchen, which is a few feet away or i'm in the car with my purse. Not a big deal to me.
I'm justifying for myself. I know that my choice is my choice...but, of course--and Matt thinks I'M COMPLETELY NUTTY--I feel bad having to choose one over the other. That's me. The feel-bad-girl. I need to be okay with the decision, and I am. :) thanks for listening to me drone on and on again.
CGM tracking me down to 129, but it's been at least 45 minutes since I started this blog post. I really do love this CGMS technology. It's fabulous! I told the rep, I could just sit here and watch it...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Vlog Crazy
BG: 126 [according to the CGM, which was slightly off earlier this evening--after dinner 168 when the Sensor picked up a 139. Maybe not huge, but enough to wonder. :)]
Don't worry, I won't go crazy on you with this video thing. BUT! I did a quickie today after I met with the Minimed rep and she hooked me up with the CGMS for a little trial run. Hope you enjoy!
Don't worry, I won't go crazy on you with this video thing. BUT! I did a quickie today after I met with the Minimed rep and she hooked me up with the CGMS for a little trial run. Hope you enjoy!
Monday, September 28, 2009
VLOG--the salter nutritional scale
So, here it is... :D Very cool.
And for... the rest of the story.
...I really am excited. hahaha.
And for... the rest of the story.
...I really am excited. hahaha.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
End of Day Report
BG: 126
Your finger is a pressurized can of fruit punch. You know how your mom used to puncture the top of the can, first on one side then on the other in order to pour the drink?
Sometimes, I prick my finger once, and nothing happens. When I prick it again, it bleeds in both spots. WTF? The phenomenon is only slightly less known that the geyser effect. We've all seen that... when blood spurts out unexpectedly--into your eye, all over your keyboard, the steering wheel. Ew.
Quiet day today, I changed out all the kid's clothing--summer for fall/winter. YAY! I love doing this! I love that for one to three days, my boy's dressers will be neat, that they will be pleased by the new clothes and WANT them to be neat. Everyone is covered for the winter months, thank goodness... We're short a few pairs of shoes. Ugh.
I got a bike for my birthday. I'm really excited about it. The rain hasn't stopped since I got it, so no big rides for me, yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Matt is also starting to work out. He ran today... or no, yesterday. I think he's nervous about the military physical and training. Not because he's a wimp. He's not!! But, he doesn't 'work out'... he just works. :) He'll do fine, I know it. I think we're going to get into shape together.
I look forward to getting my Salter Nutritional Scale this week. Not sure how it's going to work, but I think the effort will be worth it. Getting the numbers correct... less guessing on carb values. My sugars are excellent, but hovering on the lower side, and I wonder if I need to cut back again. Either go to the 1unit for 15 carbs or keep messing with the basals. I don't like eating just to raise my sugar levels. I would rather NOT be eating to keep it down. anyhoo...
I can't complain. I will have a CGMS soon and will be able to do basal tests without all the finger sticking!!!!!!!!! WHOOT! Yay!!!
Happy Sunday.
Love
Bethanne
Your finger is a pressurized can of fruit punch. You know how your mom used to puncture the top of the can, first on one side then on the other in order to pour the drink?
Sometimes, I prick my finger once, and nothing happens. When I prick it again, it bleeds in both spots. WTF? The phenomenon is only slightly less known that the geyser effect. We've all seen that... when blood spurts out unexpectedly--into your eye, all over your keyboard, the steering wheel. Ew.
Quiet day today, I changed out all the kid's clothing--summer for fall/winter. YAY! I love doing this! I love that for one to three days, my boy's dressers will be neat, that they will be pleased by the new clothes and WANT them to be neat. Everyone is covered for the winter months, thank goodness... We're short a few pairs of shoes. Ugh.
I got a bike for my birthday. I'm really excited about it. The rain hasn't stopped since I got it, so no big rides for me, yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Matt is also starting to work out. He ran today... or no, yesterday. I think he's nervous about the military physical and training. Not because he's a wimp. He's not!! But, he doesn't 'work out'... he just works. :) He'll do fine, I know it. I think we're going to get into shape together.
I look forward to getting my Salter Nutritional Scale this week. Not sure how it's going to work, but I think the effort will be worth it. Getting the numbers correct... less guessing on carb values. My sugars are excellent, but hovering on the lower side, and I wonder if I need to cut back again. Either go to the 1unit for 15 carbs or keep messing with the basals. I don't like eating just to raise my sugar levels. I would rather NOT be eating to keep it down. anyhoo...
I can't complain. I will have a CGMS soon and will be able to do basal tests without all the finger sticking!!!!!!!!! WHOOT! Yay!!!
Happy Sunday.
Love
Bethanne
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Two hours later...
BG: 100
On Amazon, I bought a Salter Nutritional Scale. It has 900 foods stored for all sorts of data! I'm trying to be good about this.... LOL Let's just say, that lunch--if it was 106g Carbs--did not get used like other food I eat. My bolus at 1 unit for 12 grams of carbs has been looking really good, which means my guesstimate was closer than what Olive Garden's chart indicated.
Anyway, I bought two books through Amazon while I was on, a carb counting one and a diabetes one... I wanted to buy the Nora Roberts and Jaci Burton SOOOOOOO badly, you have no idea. I even added them to the cart. Still, that 100+ price range choked me up a little and I succumbed to reason, buying just the healthy, smart ones. :(
ROTTEN EGGS!!!!
On Amazon, I bought a Salter Nutritional Scale. It has 900 foods stored for all sorts of data! I'm trying to be good about this.... LOL Let's just say, that lunch--if it was 106g Carbs--did not get used like other food I eat. My bolus at 1 unit for 12 grams of carbs has been looking really good, which means my guesstimate was closer than what Olive Garden's chart indicated.
Anyway, I bought two books through Amazon while I was on, a carb counting one and a diabetes one... I wanted to buy the Nora Roberts and Jaci Burton SOOOOOOO badly, you have no idea. I even added them to the cart. Still, that 100+ price range choked me up a little and I succumbed to reason, buying just the healthy, smart ones. :(
ROTTEN EGGS!!!!
Eating Out
is something I don't do very often. Matt and I, we just like being at home. But, occasionally, we splurge. Today, for my birthday we went to the Olive Garden. I didn't think to check the webpage for nutritional values, so I guesstimated. 79g Carbohydrates, actual Carbohydrates 106g!! 2hour post BG: 89
so the question is, who calculated the carbs? The menu values say a seving of salad w/ dressing is 22g CHO. 22g?? Where? Two little croutons?...okay big croutons, but still. 22g is like 2 peices of bread. dressing? That's mostly fat... some sugars. I don't know. I do know that if my sugar was 89 2hours later, taking insulin for 106g of carbs would have be the end! :D
It makes me feel a little frustrated, because the fact is, there are too many variables sometimes to get it right. The fat content was pretty high, totaling about 46 g. Sooo, that probably means I'll spike a little later. Fat slowing the sugar/carb absorption. I'll be interested to see what my sugar is in another two hours. I've tried the Dual Wave bolus--that gives me a boost of insulin but also a dose over a few hours--and I don't like it. My sugar is HIGH after the meal then back to normal in about two hours. I'll keep playing with it, hoping to get it right, but unless I have a high fat meal, which is rarely, I don't know that I see the point. :)
Am I making any sense?
What are we to do? How can we manage without hiccups when there are so many variables? From person to person, from food to food--X amount of carbs means nothing unless you know what the food is and how YOUR body will react to it. And how WILL your body react to it? Well, let's see....
Did I exercise? Did I just wake up? What time of the month is it? Am I sick? Do I have a cold? Yeah, it's that EASY. :P
so the question is, who calculated the carbs? The menu values say a seving of salad w/ dressing is 22g CHO. 22g?? Where? Two little croutons?...okay big croutons, but still. 22g is like 2 peices of bread. dressing? That's mostly fat... some sugars. I don't know. I do know that if my sugar was 89 2hours later, taking insulin for 106g of carbs would have be the end! :D
It makes me feel a little frustrated, because the fact is, there are too many variables sometimes to get it right. The fat content was pretty high, totaling about 46 g. Sooo, that probably means I'll spike a little later. Fat slowing the sugar/carb absorption. I'll be interested to see what my sugar is in another two hours. I've tried the Dual Wave bolus--that gives me a boost of insulin but also a dose over a few hours--and I don't like it. My sugar is HIGH after the meal then back to normal in about two hours. I'll keep playing with it, hoping to get it right, but unless I have a high fat meal, which is rarely, I don't know that I see the point. :)
Am I making any sense?
What are we to do? How can we manage without hiccups when there are so many variables? From person to person, from food to food--X amount of carbs means nothing unless you know what the food is and how YOUR body will react to it. And how WILL your body react to it? Well, let's see....
Did I exercise? Did I just wake up? What time of the month is it? Am I sick? Do I have a cold? Yeah, it's that EASY. :P
Monday, September 21, 2009
My Trip to St. Louis
BG: 120 <-- quick story, I'm trying to work out this bolus delivery thing. I know the dual wave, which gives a quick boost and then also a square dose of the insulin, is supposed to be most like the body's use of insulin. BUT, I have no idea how to make the ratio. Does it work to just 50/50? If my meal is high protein, would I go more on the square? How long should the square last? OMG! It's insane! The better question is who do I ask about this? Keep reading for the rest of the story.
Tonight, after a long day in St. Louis for my son's Endocrine appointment [he has growth hormone issues], we stopped a Wendy's to get him chicken nuggets, and... well, I got the Frosty-cino Shake. It was, by far, the yummiest, yummy I've eaten in...I don't know how long. It was rich, coffee-like, creamy. Mmmm. And I took enough insulin...so, I guess I'm confused about insulin action. Or, more likely, I just shouldn't eat THAT GOODNESS!! because in one hour my sugar was 221, then in another hour it was back down to 120. So, nevermind... I'm a diabetic, if I splurge, I'm going to see it. That spike just proves I am diabetic. Haha. Taking more insulin wouldn't have made the insulin more affective[/effective? Ugh!]. And if I'd taken more, I probably would have bottomed out later--evidenced by the 120 at 2hours. *sigh* It really was heaven through a straw.
Sidenote: I met with the Dexcom representative today and saw the SevenPlus CGMS. Way cool! I still can't believe that Minimed isn't on this... that they can't even give me a projected date for when they might have something updated from their current sensor. That sorta pushed me over into the Dexcom camp. If Minimed could say, yes, by the end of this coming year, we're looking at a sensor that is smaller, more accurate, etc, etc, etc, I might have waited. Now, it looks like I'm just going to have to wait until next fall to get my Dexcom linked up with my NEW PING. *shrug* Maybe? Nothing is ever set in stone, but that's what I'm seeing right now. It would be nicer, if the MM sensor was more compatible with my lifestyle. Of course, Dexcom won't be without its cons, either [but let's be honest, it's diabetes that's inconvenient!]. I will have an extra thingy, about the size of my pump, to carry around with me. I'm thinking of where I can put it. Any ideas?
Tonight, after a long day in St. Louis for my son's Endocrine appointment [he has growth hormone issues], we stopped a Wendy's to get him chicken nuggets, and... well, I got the Frosty-cino Shake. It was, by far, the yummiest, yummy I've eaten in...I don't know how long. It was rich, coffee-like, creamy. Mmmm. And I took enough insulin...so, I guess I'm confused about insulin action. Or, more likely, I just shouldn't eat THAT GOODNESS!! because in one hour my sugar was 221, then in another hour it was back down to 120. So, nevermind... I'm a diabetic, if I splurge, I'm going to see it. That spike just proves I am diabetic. Haha. Taking more insulin wouldn't have made the insulin more affective[/effective? Ugh!]. And if I'd taken more, I probably would have bottomed out later--evidenced by the 120 at 2hours. *sigh* It really was heaven through a straw.
Sidenote: I met with the Dexcom representative today and saw the SevenPlus CGMS. Way cool! I still can't believe that Minimed isn't on this... that they can't even give me a projected date for when they might have something updated from their current sensor. That sorta pushed me over into the Dexcom camp. If Minimed could say, yes, by the end of this coming year, we're looking at a sensor that is smaller, more accurate, etc, etc, etc, I might have waited. Now, it looks like I'm just going to have to wait until next fall to get my Dexcom linked up with my NEW PING. *shrug* Maybe? Nothing is ever set in stone, but that's what I'm seeing right now. It would be nicer, if the MM sensor was more compatible with my lifestyle. Of course, Dexcom won't be without its cons, either [but let's be honest, it's diabetes that's inconvenient!]. I will have an extra thingy, about the size of my pump, to carry around with me. I'm thinking of where I can put it. Any ideas?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Basals, Fine
Dinner: 120
Did the basal test again through the morning, and everything stayed in range.
So, I'll mess with my boluses for the morning. Was at 1 unit/10 grams. Changed to 15 grams. Will do a two hour check in about 45 minutes to see what it is.
Had a great weekend.
Meeting with Mike Thomas tomorrow after Sean's appointment. Whoot!
Very excited about that.
Have a great week, all you who visit, and those that don't.
Love,
Bethanne
Did the basal test again through the morning, and everything stayed in range.
So, I'll mess with my boluses for the morning. Was at 1 unit/10 grams. Changed to 15 grams. Will do a two hour check in about 45 minutes to see what it is.
Had a great weekend.
Meeting with Mike Thomas tomorrow after Sean's appointment. Whoot!
Very excited about that.
Have a great week, all you who visit, and those that don't.
Love,
Bethanne
Saturday, September 19, 2009
End of Day Report
BG: 92
Well, today was interesting... sugars were closer to where I like them, but on the other side of the fence. A little lower than is good. An hour ago my sugar was 41... now, me? I'm functioning at 41. I ate something, and expect to even out through the night, since it seems that's my most stable time... If all works out well [meaning no lows through the night], I may end up doing that basal test again through the morning.
I didn't make it through today. By 10am I was under 70 [and at the library, I might add!! LOL] and I ate a breakfast bar, 26 grams of carbohydrates. I stayed on the lower end, dipping again after lunch. I'm hoping this is a bolus issue...and I'm hoping if I do another basal test, I'll be able to prove that. I ate a bagel this morning with cream cheese, 53g carbs. Maybe I'll have to go back to 1unit for 15 grams? I don't know. I'll tell you tomorrow.
I'm off to St. Louis, MO for my son's appointment on Monday and am hoping that I might be able to meet up with the Dexcom rep that day. Wouldn't that be awesome? It's seems destined. I'd love to see the product, talk to the guy, get a feel for the logistics... etc. My fingers are crossed... I wish I had his email address, but I don't so I'll have to call his cell tomorrow. Hate doing that on the weekend, especially a Sunday. :( Oh well.
That's all for now.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
~Bethanne
Well, today was interesting... sugars were closer to where I like them, but on the other side of the fence. A little lower than is good. An hour ago my sugar was 41... now, me? I'm functioning at 41. I ate something, and expect to even out through the night, since it seems that's my most stable time... If all works out well [meaning no lows through the night], I may end up doing that basal test again through the morning.
I didn't make it through today. By 10am I was under 70 [and at the library, I might add!! LOL] and I ate a breakfast bar, 26 grams of carbohydrates. I stayed on the lower end, dipping again after lunch. I'm hoping this is a bolus issue...and I'm hoping if I do another basal test, I'll be able to prove that. I ate a bagel this morning with cream cheese, 53g carbs. Maybe I'll have to go back to 1unit for 15 grams? I don't know. I'll tell you tomorrow.
I'm off to St. Louis, MO for my son's appointment on Monday and am hoping that I might be able to meet up with the Dexcom rep that day. Wouldn't that be awesome? It's seems destined. I'd love to see the product, talk to the guy, get a feel for the logistics... etc. My fingers are crossed... I wish I had his email address, but I don't so I'll have to call his cell tomorrow. Hate doing that on the weekend, especially a Sunday. :( Oh well.
That's all for now.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
~Bethanne
The Morning After
7am: BG: 107 <-- that is wonderful. Yesterday at seven, my sugar was probably closer to 150 and steadily rising. After messing with my basals and this is what I see...
I'm really happy this morning.
I'm going to eat breakfast and do my midday basal testing today.
I was over visiting Keri's blog [again] and she mentioned [in passing] that she had been flatlining at 98 mg/dl all day. And that stopped me. Because--and I'm horribly out-of-date in my education, even though I do have a pump--some lessons get stuck in your brain...and I'll have alzheimers and still know that my after meal glucose levels are going to be about 50 mg/dl higher. [crazy run on, i know] But the thing is, since I've been doing more research and talking to people and...stuff. That just doesn't ring true anymore. Does a nondiabetics bloodsugar rise by that much after a meal? I'm starting to doubt it. And all around me are diabetics with 5 A1Cs...and i'm sorry, but that's not possible if you're going up to 150 after every meal....
Wow, that was a long paragraph.
So, a couple of things I'm going to do in the near future.
1) finish my basal testing
2) find a diabetes education course for my family--I think my kids need to know what's going on... they know I have diabetes, and sometimes I act crazy, but they should take a class. :P Something family and/or kid oriented.
3) Get the Dexcom, have it ordered before the end of September when we have decided we are going to switch over to the Medicaid card for good, until Matt starts a new job.
I'm really happy this morning.
I'm going to eat breakfast and do my midday basal testing today.
I was over visiting Keri's blog [again] and she mentioned [in passing] that she had been flatlining at 98 mg/dl all day. And that stopped me. Because--and I'm horribly out-of-date in my education, even though I do have a pump--some lessons get stuck in your brain...and I'll have alzheimers and still know that my after meal glucose levels are going to be about 50 mg/dl higher. [crazy run on, i know] But the thing is, since I've been doing more research and talking to people and...stuff. That just doesn't ring true anymore. Does a nondiabetics bloodsugar rise by that much after a meal? I'm starting to doubt it. And all around me are diabetics with 5 A1Cs...and i'm sorry, but that's not possible if you're going up to 150 after every meal....
Wow, that was a long paragraph.
So, a couple of things I'm going to do in the near future.
1) finish my basal testing
2) find a diabetes education course for my family--I think my kids need to know what's going on... they know I have diabetes, and sometimes I act crazy, but they should take a class. :P Something family and/or kid oriented.
3) Get the Dexcom, have it ordered before the end of September when we have decided we are going to switch over to the Medicaid card for good, until Matt starts a new job.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Basal Testing -- Finally
BG: 106 :D
I love seeing that number, although the truth of the matter is... that's a one hour post meal check. It should probably be a little higher than that. *eyeroll*
So, Basals. Did my night-time and morning basal testing.
It was pretty simple, and reflected the results of the 3 day iPro--normal to lower until morning hit.
4:30am 116
5:30am 92
6:30am 90
7:30am 168 -- can you believe that? in one hour...
8:30am 183 --
9:30am 195
10:30am 166
11:30am 167
12:00pm195 -- and I ate lunch.
I'm not a professional at this basal changing thing, so the next day or so is going to be edgy. I know that I have to go two hours prior from when I want to see different results. So, at 5:30 to 7:30, I need a boost. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I have my sensitivity figured [as accurately as possible] at 40mg/dl for one unit. In that case, I need about one unit to get that 7:30 number down to 130, so I added half a unit for each of the 2 hours before 7:30. Will it work?
I have no idea. You tell me. :D
I love seeing that number, although the truth of the matter is... that's a one hour post meal check. It should probably be a little higher than that. *eyeroll*
So, Basals. Did my night-time and morning basal testing.
It was pretty simple, and reflected the results of the 3 day iPro--normal to lower until morning hit.
4:30am 116
5:30am 92
6:30am 90
7:30am 168 -- can you believe that? in one hour...
8:30am 183 --
9:30am 195
10:30am 166
11:30am 167
12:00pm195 -- and I ate lunch.
I'm not a professional at this basal changing thing, so the next day or so is going to be edgy. I know that I have to go two hours prior from when I want to see different results. So, at 5:30 to 7:30, I need a boost. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I have my sensitivity figured [as accurately as possible] at 40mg/dl for one unit. In that case, I need about one unit to get that 7:30 number down to 130, so I added half a unit for each of the 2 hours before 7:30. Will it work?
I have no idea. You tell me. :D
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Meme: I've come to realize...
BG: 95
Stolen from Kerri, who lifted it from George... A good way to end my day--reflecting.
1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size … is about 2 feet by 3.5 feet and holds about 7 blankets.
2. I’ve come to realize that my job … has matured me and brought me joy.
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving … I am usually going over the speed limit.
4. I’ve come to realize that I need … facts, details, action.
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost … a kind and generous father-in-law.
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when … my kids are frustrated.
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk … I get emotional and weepy--> EW! I cry in my beer!
8. I’ve come to realize that money … DEFINITELY shouldn't be the only reason why people stay at their jobs. <-- that was Kerri's answer too, and I'm on it...like white on rice.
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people … don't understand what makes me tick.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always … go to church on Sunday.
11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings … always got my back.
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom … has a very BIG heart.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone …. oh, i don't have a cell phone!
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning … I was clueless to what the day would bring. ...just when you think you know!
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep … I really needed to work on my basal rates and bolus configurations.
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking … of watching That 70's Show.
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad … is supportive and loving.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook … I like seeing what everyone is up to.
19. I’ve come to realize that today … was the first day of the rest of my life.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight … the cool breeze brings me hope for the fall and a new season--literally and figuratively [like Mary Poppins, waiting for the wind to change...something big is bound to happen]
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow … I will still love my husband.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to … tell a story that people will like.
23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is … LOL no one.
24. I’ve come to realize that life … is a grand journey
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend … will be a first ever for me. My son will get a BB gun for his birthday. eek! he'll shoot his eye out!
26. I’ve come to realize that marriage … takes grace.
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends … make my life more well-rounded.
28. I’ve come to realize that this year … is one big freaking turning point for me, for my hubby, for our entire family.
29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is … still out there, and who cares?!
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should … wax my eyebrows.
31. I’ve come to realize that I love … food. This didn't just happen. I didn't take long to realize, actually.
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand … how a man's brain works.
33. I’ve come to realize my past … has made me who I am.
34. I’ve come to realize that parties … really can be a good time, if there are friends.
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified … of one more change.
Stolen from Kerri, who lifted it from George... A good way to end my day--reflecting.
1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size … is about 2 feet by 3.5 feet and holds about 7 blankets.
2. I’ve come to realize that my job … has matured me and brought me joy.
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving … I am usually going over the speed limit.
4. I’ve come to realize that I need … facts, details, action.
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost … a kind and generous father-in-law.
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when … my kids are frustrated.
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk … I get emotional and weepy--> EW! I cry in my beer!
8. I’ve come to realize that money … DEFINITELY shouldn't be the only reason why people stay at their jobs. <-- that was Kerri's answer too, and I'm on it...like white on rice.
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people … don't understand what makes me tick.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always … go to church on Sunday.
11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings … always got my back.
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom … has a very BIG heart.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone …. oh, i don't have a cell phone!
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning … I was clueless to what the day would bring. ...just when you think you know!
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep … I really needed to work on my basal rates and bolus configurations.
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking … of watching That 70's Show.
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad … is supportive and loving.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook … I like seeing what everyone is up to.
19. I’ve come to realize that today … was the first day of the rest of my life.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight … the cool breeze brings me hope for the fall and a new season--literally and figuratively [like Mary Poppins, waiting for the wind to change...something big is bound to happen]
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow … I will still love my husband.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to … tell a story that people will like.
23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is … LOL no one.
24. I’ve come to realize that life … is a grand journey
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend … will be a first ever for me. My son will get a BB gun for his birthday. eek! he'll shoot his eye out!
26. I’ve come to realize that marriage … takes grace.
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends … make my life more well-rounded.
28. I’ve come to realize that this year … is one big freaking turning point for me, for my hubby, for our entire family.
29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is … still out there, and who cares?!
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should … wax my eyebrows.
31. I’ve come to realize that I love … food. This didn't just happen. I didn't take long to realize, actually.
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand … how a man's brain works.
33. I’ve come to realize my past … has made me who I am.
34. I’ve come to realize that parties … really can be a good time, if there are friends.
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified … of one more change.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Rx Refills
BG: 130
My refill for my test strips came in and I had to sigh... [I do that too much!!] The Rx is written for testing 4 times a day, which is NOT going to cover it anymore. So, 400 strips will last me about 50 days, approximately. That's about half of the 90 day supply I should be getting.
How about you? How often are you testing? What do you consider your most important test of the day?
Mine is the fasting. I like starting the day off on the right foot. If I wake up with a number over 180, i'm chasing that high all day long--so it seems. :)
My refill for my test strips came in and I had to sigh... [I do that too much!!] The Rx is written for testing 4 times a day, which is NOT going to cover it anymore. So, 400 strips will last me about 50 days, approximately. That's about half of the 90 day supply I should be getting.
How about you? How often are you testing? What do you consider your most important test of the day?
Mine is the fasting. I like starting the day off on the right foot. If I wake up with a number over 180, i'm chasing that high all day long--so it seems. :)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Slipping
Crazy weekend, and I found myself slipping into old habits.
Today, I ate a breakfast bar on the way to the library because I felt lowish...and I swear, I'm always low when I go to the library. My brain only has to think the word and my body is activating any pockets or stores of insulin. Don't ask me!
I should have checked--test don't guess.
Well, it was a fine trip, no more low feelings.
I'm starting to wonder what people who actually make their food from scratch do.
Soups, breads, casseroles, roasts--sauces, gravies. :P
My goal this week is to look into that. I do alot of my own baking and cooking, but I've been struggling with my Bolus wizard, because I don't know numbers. Just amounts of insulin I would normally take for that much of that particular food.
If you drop by and have any suggestions, please feel free to comment!
Have a great week.
Love,
Bethanne
Today, I ate a breakfast bar on the way to the library because I felt lowish...and I swear, I'm always low when I go to the library. My brain only has to think the word and my body is activating any pockets or stores of insulin. Don't ask me!
I should have checked--test don't guess.
Well, it was a fine trip, no more low feelings.
I'm starting to wonder what people who actually make their food from scratch do.
Soups, breads, casseroles, roasts--sauces, gravies. :P
My goal this week is to look into that. I do alot of my own baking and cooking, but I've been struggling with my Bolus wizard, because I don't know numbers. Just amounts of insulin I would normally take for that much of that particular food.
If you drop by and have any suggestions, please feel free to comment!
Have a great week.
Love,
Bethanne
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Big Debate
BG: 146
It feels almost cliche to blog about this now...but I think I will anyway, for my own sake.
I spent the last three days attached to the iPro, the professional grade [though I don't think it's different from the regular CGM from minimed] Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. I'm interested in talking to the MM rep so I can ask her about how the patient version works with my pump, how it differs from the iPro, do I really have to wear all that tape????
If you haven't guessed it, I was NOT overly impressed with the hardware. It was big and clunky...and a LOT Tapey. [I'm feaking out about posting a picture, because... of my belly, but this is sorta a medical journey... *shiver* Be brave Bethanne!]
It feels almost cliche to blog about this now...but I think I will anyway, for my own sake.
I spent the last three days attached to the iPro, the professional grade [though I don't think it's different from the regular CGM from minimed] Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. I'm interested in talking to the MM rep so I can ask her about how the patient version works with my pump, how it differs from the iPro, do I really have to wear all that tape????
If you haven't guessed it, I was NOT overly impressed with the hardware. It was big and clunky...and a LOT Tapey. [I'm feaking out about posting a picture, because... of my belly, but this is sorta a medical journey... *shiver* Be brave Bethanne!]
So, there it is... is that usual? Does the sensor pod need to be taped down like that? The tape square is like what's used for IVs and it goes lower by another inch and a half. :P I don't know. I'm wondering if it would be worth it at this point.
On the other hand, I started looking at other companies and their products for diabetes management. Like Animas...and their One Touch Ping Pump, which is going to eventually be [somehow] linked with the Dexcom CGM--another sensor that LOOKS like a better deal all around than the Minimed option--size being a key component. [let's face it, size matters!] Time to start thinking...and start comparing...and deliberating.
I'm on the MM paradigm--a good pump, with good representation. I haven't been dissatisfied. But I'd like to see the paradigm do what the Ping is doing. Why isn't it? Why doesn't the paradigm pump have a remote/meter? Why doesn't the paradigm have smaller increments of delivery? I'm going to start asking lots of questions...
i'm in a sticky situation in regards to finances and insurances--getting laid off is a real bitch--so, part of me wants to jump right in and upgrade. The other part says, hold on... give it some time, see how the market goes. Maybe MM has something better in the works?
In case you're curious, the 3 day continuous monitoring results were eh. After seeing the MMrep last friday and getting on the Bolus Wizard my sugars have been rotten--if you ask me. But I'm sticking to it in hopes that with the logging and accuracy, I can actually get my basals figured out. The CGMS would be a great thing for this effort. For now, I'll just keep testing away. I'm up to about 8 times a day.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Hump Day and Still no modem
BG: ?? [please, i'm at the library! With only 60 minutes allowed on this thing, i'm not stopping for anything... not even a low! haha. Just Kidding.] I feel good, though. It was on the high side this morning, and then took about 3 hours to get back to normal.
My posts are off because my modem is down. I'm at the library again though I'm confident the modem is on it's way to my house as I type... I just know it!
I read Kerri Sparling's post from whatever day it was... and I recognized all the bad habits she talked about. Bolus stacking, carb estimating... her writing is clever and entertaining, yet educational. Please stop by over there and read up on her bad habits! LOL Certainly better than reading mine.... :P
Keep your fingers crossed for that modem delivery.
My posts are off because my modem is down. I'm at the library again though I'm confident the modem is on it's way to my house as I type... I just know it!
I read Kerri Sparling's post from whatever day it was... and I recognized all the bad habits she talked about. Bolus stacking, carb estimating... her writing is clever and entertaining, yet educational. Please stop by over there and read up on her bad habits! LOL Certainly better than reading mine.... :P
Keep your fingers crossed for that modem delivery.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Minimed Rep
I finally met with the Minimed rep on Friday. She seemed pretty nice and VERY surprised that I wasn't using my Bolus Wizard. I left, kinda wishing I had told her that I was the Bolus Wizard. I mean, I can even add and subtract in my head. Let's just say when she was explaining to another pump candidate about A1Cs and she looked at me sorta humoringly, "It should be under 7... right?" *winkwinknudgenudge* I got a little irritated.
BUT, she had contacted me previously, when i received my replacement pump so we could get together and I never made it. So she probably has a preconceived notion of me, and I can forgive her that, because I didn't have time or the push for it at that time. I know that sounds crazy...and maybe it I'd met with her, I would have had this revision sooner...but, I wasn't ready I guess. I was too much living day to day...managing my diabetes, which btw, is possible without the Bolus Wizard. It just makes tracking a little more complicated.
So, I'm on the Bolus Wizard and my sugars are like CRAP (higher than they've been in weeks)! I've been bolusing what I know I need for a certain amount of food for so long that I have no idea how many carbs are in that stuff...right? It becomes second nature...this plate of food with this drink--take X units to cover. Unfortunately, I don't think 1 unit for 15 grams is enough, but I'm suspicious that 1unit for 10 grams of carbs is going to be too much. But with the pump tracking everything, I want to get it right. I'm trying to figure out what people are talking about when they say they have a hard time logging. I do, but that was before I realized my pump was going to do all of that for me! Good Lord! I have seen the light!
If I had visitors here, I'd ask, "Am I wrong? Am I misunderstanding something?"
Anyhoo. The Carelink thing is very cool. I think I will have to ask Laurel if her husband is using it... and the Bolus Wizard, too. :D Because as any Minimed Rep knows, you can't manage diabetes without that Bolus Wizard. ;-)
BTW, my last A1C was 6.5 and it hasn't been higher than 7.2 in over 10 years. That's good, if you ask me. I've never seen a five, and I'm hoping this surge of enthusiasm will instigate that. I'm off to get the iPro--CGMS this coming Tuesday. I'm so glad it's Tuesday because I've been fighting highs with this awful cold i got. Another sticking point, because the MM rep looked over my sugars for the last few days and of course, saw highs all over the place! How frustrating! Nothing like putting your best foot forward, eh? Grrrr.
Have a great weekend all.
Love,
Bethanne
BUT, she had contacted me previously, when i received my replacement pump so we could get together and I never made it. So she probably has a preconceived notion of me, and I can forgive her that, because I didn't have time or the push for it at that time. I know that sounds crazy...and maybe it I'd met with her, I would have had this revision sooner...but, I wasn't ready I guess. I was too much living day to day...managing my diabetes, which btw, is possible without the Bolus Wizard. It just makes tracking a little more complicated.
So, I'm on the Bolus Wizard and my sugars are like CRAP (higher than they've been in weeks)! I've been bolusing what I know I need for a certain amount of food for so long that I have no idea how many carbs are in that stuff...right? It becomes second nature...this plate of food with this drink--take X units to cover. Unfortunately, I don't think 1 unit for 15 grams is enough, but I'm suspicious that 1unit for 10 grams of carbs is going to be too much. But with the pump tracking everything, I want to get it right. I'm trying to figure out what people are talking about when they say they have a hard time logging. I do, but that was before I realized my pump was going to do all of that for me! Good Lord! I have seen the light!
If I had visitors here, I'd ask, "Am I wrong? Am I misunderstanding something?"
Anyhoo. The Carelink thing is very cool. I think I will have to ask Laurel if her husband is using it... and the Bolus Wizard, too. :D Because as any Minimed Rep knows, you can't manage diabetes without that Bolus Wizard. ;-)
BTW, my last A1C was 6.5 and it hasn't been higher than 7.2 in over 10 years. That's good, if you ask me. I've never seen a five, and I'm hoping this surge of enthusiasm will instigate that. I'm off to get the iPro--CGMS this coming Tuesday. I'm so glad it's Tuesday because I've been fighting highs with this awful cold i got. Another sticking point, because the MM rep looked over my sugars for the last few days and of course, saw highs all over the place! How frustrating! Nothing like putting your best foot forward, eh? Grrrr.
Have a great weekend all.
Love,
Bethanne
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Hump Day
BG: 116
I'm chasing highs because I forgot to bolus. If I go back a step, my sugar was high after morning coffee and breakfast--a muffin. Then it was sliding here, and missing a good lunch there, and snacking on pretzels later, only to miss the bolus and doing the same later as I ran out the door to get the kids from school. I haven't been over 250, so that's a bonus, but I've been feeling high symptoms at 180, so... Good for me, it means my sugars are staying lower. Bad for me, I feel like crap right now. Which is really strange because of my actual blood glucose level right now. :P
I'm meeting with the Minimed Rep on Friday, and I'm trying to get a hold of the nurse at not-my doctor's office to get a hold of the iPro--the professional CGMS used by doctors for 3 day basal testing. Hopefully, she'll call me tomorrow. I left a message... Ugh. A voicemail I trust. A person saying, "I'll leave a note for Christina and she'll call you when she gets a chance," I don't trust. :P Call me crazy!
Oh! I should add. Illinois Medicaid is the only insurance around here who is NOT approving the CGMS. Though I understand the expense and newness of this therapy/management, I'm still amazed by the ignorance of insurance companies and their decisions about what is medically necessary. Hopefully, this is just a matter of time. Seems to me paying for maintenance would be alot cheaper than fixing a bunch of problems later in life. No? Besides the fact that quality of life really IS valid.
I'm chasing highs because I forgot to bolus. If I go back a step, my sugar was high after morning coffee and breakfast--a muffin. Then it was sliding here, and missing a good lunch there, and snacking on pretzels later, only to miss the bolus and doing the same later as I ran out the door to get the kids from school. I haven't been over 250, so that's a bonus, but I've been feeling high symptoms at 180, so... Good for me, it means my sugars are staying lower. Bad for me, I feel like crap right now. Which is really strange because of my actual blood glucose level right now. :P
I'm meeting with the Minimed Rep on Friday, and I'm trying to get a hold of the nurse at not-my doctor's office to get a hold of the iPro--the professional CGMS used by doctors for 3 day basal testing. Hopefully, she'll call me tomorrow. I left a message... Ugh. A voicemail I trust. A person saying, "I'll leave a note for Christina and she'll call you when she gets a chance," I don't trust. :P Call me crazy!
Oh! I should add. Illinois Medicaid is the only insurance around here who is NOT approving the CGMS. Though I understand the expense and newness of this therapy/management, I'm still amazed by the ignorance of insurance companies and their decisions about what is medically necessary. Hopefully, this is just a matter of time. Seems to me paying for maintenance would be alot cheaper than fixing a bunch of problems later in life. No? Besides the fact that quality of life really IS valid.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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