tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61942175545038306012024-03-14T00:19:45.484-05:00Living With ItDIABETESBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-69857701997023298482012-01-02T16:29:00.000-06:002012-01-09T09:01:44.824-06:00Closing this Blog for my Main BLOGI have a blog at <a href="http://www.bethannestrasser.blogspot.com/">http://www.bethannestrasser.blogspot.com</a>. It's called Romance in Writing, though at this point, I've considered changing that as well.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm consolidating.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
Please, please, please follow me over on <a href="http://www.bethannestrasser.blogspot.com/">Romance in Writing</a>. I will still be talking about my diabetes and life in general. I'll touch on anything that meets my fancy: writing, cooking, Army life, diabetes, kids, family, etc.<br />
<br />
Thanks for staying with me this long and I hope to see you over there!<br />
Take care,<br />
With Love,<br />
BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-91041122351391102382012-01-02T11:47:00.002-06:002012-01-02T11:47:13.615-06:00The Older I get....The less I feel like anyone wants to listen to me.<br />
<br />
I have hit a wall in my search for a doctor who will acknowledge that I know just as much if not MORE than he does. This latest doctor is the worst! Not only is he the worst, he loves himself WAY TOO MUCH. He says that he is working with Minimed, consulting with them to change things, but the changes he suggests do NOT coincide with how I manage my diabetes. As a matter of fact, it leaves everything to the doctor [which is good for the doctor with the God complex]. It eliminates the use of 95% of the data I get from my CGM and pump. He wants premeal BGs and a bedtime one, if I feel like it.<br />
<br />
WHAT THE YOU-KNOW-WHAT?!<br />
<br />
Isn't that taking a step BACK in diabetes management?<br />
<br />
"Uh, yes ma'am, is sure as hell is." <--that's me, talking to myself.<br />
<br />
See, there's this AVERAGE in diabetes that is a statement of about how much basal insulin a typical diabetic will use. The rates, starting at midnight, rise at predawn then slowly through the day decrease. Sooo, maybe I'm not that typical, but Dr. God, on seeing my rates, shook his head and said, "This is a mess."<br />
<br />
He then proceeded to suggest changes that replicate what an average, healthy diabetic's basal rates should be.<br />
<br />
But, after seven years on the pump and three kids later, I can tell you, without a doubt, that my basal rates do not follow that trend. WHAT?! how is that possible?! But, again, as with my last doctor, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. [or perhaps I just wanted to prove him wrong] But I changed my rates to his suggestions and watched my sugars go way up and stay there for three days, with just an occasional drop because of corrections.<br />
<br />
Now, let me set you straight. Perhaps you want to believe I'm just too obstinate or rebellious or bad. It's true I've changed doctors a good bit, but at this point, it has never been because I disagreed with a doctor. I just move around a lot. My husband is in the Army so that plays a huge roll, too.<br />
<br />
This is the first time in 23 years, I am about to cancel an appointment with a doctor because I hate him.<br />
Part of me wants to write him a letter to make sure he knows that he is NOT helping the diabetic community. That his methods, even if they work for him or most of his patients, are not giving anyone the tools to manage their own diabetes.<br />
<br />
Or I could just quietly leave.<br />
What would you do?Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-50834800346539540222011-12-10T16:39:00.001-06:002011-12-10T16:44:00.976-06:00EgoCentralThat's what I call my new doctor's office. OMG. I've never met anyone so confident and liking of himself. :P I haven't decided I'm keen on it. I'm not at all impressed by his expectations... on the other hand, he doesn't really know me yet, so perhaps he just needs some time to acknowledge my goals.<br />
<br />
We shall see.<br />
My A1c was 6.4, a far cry from the 5.7 I was in May. I'm not too happy about that even though the doctor seems to think it's good. He doesn't "use" the sensor as a regular part of the diabetes regimen. That worries me a little, especially since I do use one and I LIKE IT!<br />
<br />
Christmas is almost on us, and I am enjoying the season.<br />
BEST CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS EVER????<br />
<br />
LIGHTS, inside! I love the tree shining in my front window. And this year, I've got them drapped on the fireplace mantel, too. It's looks soooo nice.<br />
<br />
Take care!<br />
~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-13925683838743879542011-10-26T14:27:00.000-05:002011-10-26T14:27:42.875-05:00Dulldrum DiabetesI started getting bored recently. It happens. We do the same things everyday. We test our sugar. We download our CGM results. We go to the doctor. We eat. It gets boring. So I started putzing around online to see what was new on the market. Any new pumps or devices that would spice up my dulldrum diabetes life?<br />
<br />
And I found a few things.<br />
<br />
Animas and Dexcom are still claiming a combined device... really?! After all these years. People just keep hanging on that story and waving and cheering every time it pops back up on the webosphere. It's exciting, or it was three years ago. But seriously... if Minimed can do it, how come they can't? If it's a device that, in theory, has already been approved by the FDA for Minimed, how come it's taking so long to be approved? Is it that different?<br />
<br />
And then I found The Enlite. The newest sensor technology from Minimed. I'm drooling. I'm excited.<br />
<br />
....I wish I lived in the UK or Australia. :(<br />
<br />
The Enlite looks smaller than the Dexcom. It goes in at a 90 degree angle and it's only 9mm. It has an auto shut off for hypoglycemia. And it'll be paired with the newest model of the pump... no word on any specifics there, but hopefully, if anything, the darn thing has louder beeps. That's the only downside of the Minimed that I perceive.<br />
<br />
I'm excited and I wish, just once that someone would speak up about how far along in the process the FDA is in approving this new model of the CGMS. I was on the FDA webpage today and you know what I learned? They've spent some time figuring out that they need to change their systems. It's sort of a downer to find out that the FDA is deep in the process of changing their regulations for device pre-market approval.<br />
<br />
Sure, do they need to change something? YES! Countries all over the world are way ahead of us. We're being babied by our Nanny government while other patients in other countries are getting the newest technology. So, hopefully these new processes and new regulations for pre-market approval will HELP. And not have been a waste of precious research time.Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-5476292750026806602011-08-03T21:14:00.001-05:002011-08-03T21:14:36.636-05:00La Dee Da and Lovin' LifeThat's a little bit how I feel right now.<br />
La dee da... doot da doo.<br />
<br />
Also, I actually went off my pump for 48 hours this week. It's been... more than seven years since I've had that thing in, somewhere, attached to my body, dosing me with insulin all day long. And finally, I said to myself, "you need a backup." and "You need an alternative."<br />
<br />
Back to Lantus I went for 48 hours.<br />
<br />
You know when you change your shampoo and conditioner and all of a sudden your hair feels sooo smooth and silky? That's how this was. I had the best BG readings in two days than I've had in three weeks. :? I also felt oddly free. I love my pump, don't get me wrong, but not having it on for a while was unbelievably thrilling. I look forward to taking a few breaks here and there in the future. And why not, right?<br />
<br />
There's no reason for life to get boring. :D<br />
Oh! and I'm moving to GA in about a month or two. No set date, but my husband's been there since the end of January and now it's finally my turn. Yay!!!!<br />
Take care fellow bloggers,<br />
BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-25975636452946694252011-02-02T20:34:00.000-06:002011-02-02T20:34:09.554-06:00Stress and NumbersBG[CGM]: 88<br />
<br />
I had thought my sugars were out of control. That I was in need of another round of basal adjustments. Then my husband left for basic training and wahlaah... even steven. :) So, I deduce... a week or two of anticipation, some anxiety and wee bit of excitement, and too much eating out will make sugars unpredictable. :P<br />
<br />
Lovin' the new life.<br />
I hope as I get into a new groove, I can keep up with this blog better.<br />
*fingerscrossed*<br />
<br />
Love to all in this new year.<br />
Take care,<br />
BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-65696844037795828802011-01-08T19:37:00.000-06:002011-01-08T19:37:50.956-06:00The Hesitant GuestBG[CGM]: 92<br />
<br />
For the first time...in a long time, I went to someone's house and felt obligated to eat. That's never happened to be before. My diabetes wasn't a secret to the host, yet I still felt like I couldn't/shouldn't say no. Part of that has to do with my new diet. Trying to stay low carb has been hard for me. 1) Meat is way more expensive than starch 2) I crave the carbs. And Friday I visited a friend who served a yummy casserole and a banana cake, which, btw, was YUMMY. But I left feeling a tad bit crappy. Weirdly, I felt I would have done better with just the cake. Add in the casserole, with only God knows what hidden carbs... i.e. fake cheese, and I felt a little lost. I bolused, of course, but it wasn't enough.<br />
<br />
And I left thinking, "From now on I'll just eat at home and save myself the hassle."<br />
<br />
But I do love a good visit!! So, I can't give them up. :D Oh well. it's a battle I will continue to fight.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the new week, friends.<br />
With Love,<br />
BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-84154448143820635432010-12-29T13:52:00.002-06:002010-12-29T14:49:21.114-06:00New Year Count DownBG[cgm]: 114<br /><br />The New Year is sprinting towards me. Though I dare not make any official resolutions, I always have something I'm working on. I'm pre-prenancy weight all ready, which is awesome!! Now I just need to get to my pre-third-kid pregnancy weight. Hahaha. At 155, I could stand to lose a few pounds still. <br /><br />As a diabetic, weight loss can often be difficult. I know I've struggled with my middle for years. I'm not looking for a miracle. I wouldn't even mind the middle if I wasn't still sitting at 155. So, I'll continue in that vein until I'm happy--could be a month [not likely] or a year or two! <br /><br />Also, I've gone on a low[er] carb diet in the last couple of weeks [excluding Christmas of course]. I'm much happier now. I find my sugar swings are not as drastic. My insulin intake is WAY lower than it was immediately following the birth of my daughter [when I was still averaging about 240g CHO a day!!]. When I realized how much I was still eating, I was floored. ha! Stop EATING! :D<br /><br />Anyhoo... the baby is doing wonderfully yet she's the most high-maintenance baby I've had so far. Likes to be held ALL THE TIME. So, outside of daily living skills, i'm not sure what kind of goals to make for the new year. <br />How about you?<br />You got anything on your plate for the New Year?Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-88843982266172050922010-12-12T17:41:00.004-06:002010-12-12T17:56:55.946-06:00Hiding FoodBG[CGM]: 286 Argh. It's cookie exchange day, and though I haven't had a cookie since 3pm, my sugars are still WAY OUT OF WHACK!<br /><br />Speaking of cookies, I always chuckle when I hear stories about parents who have hidden sweets from their diabetic children. It's true, though. Even my parents must have done it. It was their way of protecting me and loving me, too. I have to to admit, if one of my children were diagnosed with diabetes, I would probably stop buying cookies and sweets all together. In my heart, I know that isn't fair to the rest of the kids, but I also know my kids, and I would be so afraid that the temptation would be so hard. :( <br /><br />The funny thing about hiding food is that my husband and I used to do it with kids who AREN'T diabetic. I remember when our oldest was about 2. Matt and I stood at the counter, with our backs to the living area, and we each ate from the cookie stash [yes, this was pre-pump days. what a nightmare!]. At the first hint of movement from behind us, we were stuffing the last bit into our mouth and quickly reshelving the package.<br /><br />Even more ironically than that is the fact that I now have to hide my healthy food from the family [and when I say family, i mean MATT!]. The nuts I buy--gone before I know it. I've been considering buying a thing of natural peanut butter [the sugar content is sooo darn high in the regular stuff], but first I have to find a place to hide it. The regular NOT lowfat yogurt?? Fuhgetaboutit. :P :DBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-56692806801741478962010-11-27T08:13:00.002-06:002010-11-27T08:20:30.923-06:00I forgot PICTURES!!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544233600027263522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETFalpAiI/AAAAAAAAARU/s9LSmzhacDc/s200/DSCN1991_1037.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544233596805026658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETFOlZk2I/AAAAAAAAARM/ZnQC4FqeEAQ/s200/DSCN1986_1033.JPG" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETKPML-WI/AAAAAAAAARs/N8YViLFQjyc/s1600/DSCN2086_1103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544233682867059042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETKPML-WI/AAAAAAAAARs/N8YViLFQjyc/s200/DSCN2086_1103.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETJod38eI/AAAAAAAAARk/rjaldgEqelI/s1600/momandbab.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544233672472261090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETJod38eI/AAAAAAAAARk/rjaldgEqelI/s200/momandbab.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETJdmIcBI/AAAAAAAAARc/GhgXmvF6oQc/s1600/DSCN2013_1058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544233669554106386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k7mw4Ad6HpQ/TPETJdmIcBI/AAAAAAAAARc/GhgXmvF6oQc/s200/DSCN2013_1058.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">Sugar Pie!<br /><br /></div>Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-35401163818611661202010-11-26T15:18:00.002-06:002010-11-26T15:30:54.241-06:00New StuffBG[CGM]: 86<br /><br />We have a baby!<br />November 2, 2010 Darla Josephine joined our family. Weighing in at 8 pounds and 10 oz, she was no peanut. :) But we're all happy she's here. Yippee. <br /><br />Diabetes is driving me nuts, but it's not out of control. Most likely, I'm just tired and that makes handling the diabetes more annoying. The ups and downs are a little too frequent for my liking, but I have a new doctor and we're working together to get it right.<br /><br />...but, like most doctors I know. SUCH TINY BABY STEPS!! Ack. I end up making my own changes before a doctor gets it right. :P But I do like the doctor and he's keen on the pump. So I have to give him a chance before I run roughshod over him. haha.Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-32840605702861309392010-10-30T17:27:00.002-05:002010-10-30T17:36:32.293-05:00Long Time No SeeBG[CGM]: 60<br /><br />I'm having a baby in 3 days.<br />*clapping* Whoo hooo!!!<br /><br />I'm so ready for this crazy ride to be OVER.<br />Diabetes is treating me pretty well. It's a serious roller coaster, but the ups and downs haven't been debilitating. Handling it well with my pump and CGMS.<br /><br />I feel I need a break from the CGMS, actually. So, though I'll be wearing it for a few weeks post delivery, I look forward to the day when I can take it off and give it a rest. Not forever, because I have come to rely on the little bugger, but just for a couple weeks. Back to the basics. Strip testing actually sounds like fun. LOL :D<br /><br />I did hook up with a doctor recently. An Endocrinologist who I think is going to be good for me. When I got pregnant I was on the verge of breaking away from my PCP of Internal Medicine for someone more specialized. Lucky me, the CDE at my OB/GYN clinic had a name of someone highly recommended. I have an appointment with him on November 12th. Will keep you posted on how that goes. My fingers are crossed. :D<br /><br />Otherwise... i'm a bit tired. <br />And ready to snuggle my new little baby.<br />Have a great start to November, friends!!!<br />See you with pictures as soon as I can get back on.<br />~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-28150909535225815052010-10-14T16:46:00.005-05:002010-10-14T17:13:49.472-05:00Biggest LoserBG[CGM]: 43, but don't worry I had a glass of OJ... as a matter of fact, I ate a cookie, too.<br /><br />So my kids are into Biggest Loser again--and when I said kids, I mean me. :P One of the contestants is from NY, on many pills, and also a type II diabetic who takes...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">30 units of insulin at EVERY MEAL!!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br />Yes, you heard me correctly. I was shocked. Course, this is a big guy. Obviously, he made it onto the Biggest Loser, right? But still, I sorta gasped and thought, wow. That is more insulin that I bolus in a normal/conservative day...<br /><br />and then I hit the third trimester in this pregnancy. *blush* My bolus average went from 20-30 at the beginning of this great event to now--60-70 units of insulin bolused in a day. EEEK! My breakfast carb to insulin ratio is at 3:1, but really if I don't want a spike, I have to do some math in my head and get 2:1. The pump doesn't offer that option. :/ Bad Minimed!!! :P :D<br /><br />I have a few weeks left...<br />I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE OVER!Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-37615412673880792712010-09-08T19:22:00.003-05:002010-09-08T19:48:45.257-05:00A Diabetes Meme<strong>A Diabetes Meme.</strong> <br /><br />Finally, a blog meme just for those of us with wonky pancreases (and for the people who love us). If you're in the mood for meme'ing today, have at it!<br /><br /><strong>What type of diabetes do you have</strong>: Type 1 <br /><br /><strong>When were you diagnosed</strong>: November 1988 (22 years!!)<br /><br /><strong>What's your current blood sugar</strong>: 141. i'm working on my post dinner levels :P<br /><br /><strong>What kind of meter do you use</strong>: One Touch Ultra that hooks up with my awesome Minimed pump.<br /><br /><strong>How many times a day do you test your blood sugar</strong>: With the CGMS, about 4-5x on the meter, and the CGMS picks up about 200+ more throughout 24 hours. :D I really love saying that.<br /><br /><strong>What's a "high" number for you</strong>: Anything over 160 mg/dl.<br /><br /><strong>What do you consider "low"</strong>: Anything under 60 mg/dl. <br /><br /><strong>What's your favorite low blood sugar reaction treater</strong>: Orange juice, except for now that I'm pregnant it will actually depend on the time of day. From midnight to 10am, all I need is a small glass of milk and my sugar will skyrocket. Other times of the day, it's the usual juice or sweet treat--brownie?<br /><br /><strong>Describe your dream endo</strong>: Involved and vocal, yet willing to hear what I have to say about MY disease.<br /><br /><strong>What's your biggest diabetes achievement</strong>: Having four healthy babies and being able to do one more [but that's it!! NO MORE! *knock on wood*]<br /><br /><strong>What's your biggest diabetes-related fear</strong>: Staying so healthy only to have it all end badly anyway... on the other hand, diabetes or not, life always ends with death, so I don't know what the heck I'm hoping for. Oh! that reminds me of the movie, Sleepless in Seattle! Remember??? :D Sort of. The line about relationships ending badly, if it wasn't bad, it wouldn't be ending!<br /><br /><strong>Who's on your support team</strong>: My husband, close friends, indirectly, my family, and my OB/GYN team for now!<br /><br /><strong>Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime</strong>: No.<br /><br /><strong>What is a "cure" to you</strong>: I can't say I've thought about this. A cure doesn't always mean healing. Except for the financial burden, I don't mind the management...and it keeps getting better, too.<br /><br /><strong>The most annoying thing people say to you about your diabetes is</strong>: "You can't eat that." (uh, yeah, thanks dude. I don't know what I've been doing without you for the last 20 years)<br /><br /><strong>What is the most common misconception about diabetes</strong>: All the promotions and cool drugs are for type I, and that if I just exercise and diet I'll be able to manage this disease a-okay.<br /><br /><strong>If you could say one thing to your pancreas, what would it be</strong>: "It would be nice if you could at least pick up some kind of signal... wifi, DirectTV?"Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-36620465937125737242010-09-06T14:33:00.003-05:002010-09-06T14:40:00.329-05:00Waiting on RXI got a call not long ago from my pump company. I have to admit, I ignored the call. I have something of an outstanding balance on my account, and since I didn't need any supplies, I didn't feel like talking to the accounting department, either. *blush* Well, last week, I mentioned to my dear hubby that we needed to cut down the balance a bit so that I could reorder some supplies. Did that, check! Then was told, there hadn't been a hold on the account afterall. Oh, really? Why did you call then??<br /><br />"Your Rx for sensors is expired. We faxed the doctor and he renewed everything BUT the sensors." Ugh. <br /><br />First of all, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A YEAR!!! Wow, a year on sensors, and A1Cs in the 5s the entire time. :D BONUS! The proof is in the pudding, people, even if it is sugar free. haha. anyhoo. So now I'm waiting for that Rx to go through and hoping that I can get what I need before I run out. <br /><br />DOH! Stupid, silly me.<br />Lesson learned: <strong>Don't avoid the hard stuff.</strong>Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-75768596747767363402010-08-13T10:50:00.002-05:002010-08-13T11:07:22.487-05:00School's Back in SessionBG[CGM]: 78<br /><br />Somehow, the idea of a schedule brings a smile to my face. The kids need it, I need it. Whoot! Next week, we get back into it. Early mornings, late afternoon homework sessions, allotted TV and Wii times. Order, or a sense of it, anyway.<br /><br />In case you're curious, I'm 26 weeks along today. And as I've gone as early as 37 weeks before, I like to think I have about ten weeks left. *wink* :D It's all about positive perspective, right? I've found my insulin resistance to be confounding! The funniest [or ironicest] part is that no one ever even said those words to me in four previous pregnancies. Sure, adjusting my insulin was still part of the deal, but I can NOT believe how much knowledge comes in a small battery operated transmitter. There's no way I had control over this like I do now. I'm still in awe even after 26 weeks. :D I cannot recommend the CGMS and pump combination enough, especially for pregnancy.<br /><br />In other news, my hubby is now employed by the US Army and is officially on the reserves list until he goes to Basic Training in January. How blessed for us that he will be here for the new baby and Christmas...not to mention the six months for the kids to let his absence sink in. I want to soak up all this time we have, soak up his presence, him. Lots of pictures are the order of the season. :D Lots of hugs and kisses and snuggling and wrestling--for the kids. *wink* LOL<br /><br />Every thing in life makes a mark on how my disease is managed. There's a learning curve for each new situation. I would love to hear of any other diabetics out there who spend a significant amount of time without their spouses. <br />Have a great weekend,<br />~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-59798220075685732432010-08-08T18:58:00.002-05:002010-08-08T19:00:34.433-05:00Bethanne-ology<em>I picked this up from a fellow blogger, <a href="http://www.singlewhitediabetic.wordpress.com">www.singlewhitediabetic.wordpress.com</a>, and I'm not sure where she got it... but I thought it would be fun filler for this week. </em><br /><br />Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by “ology”. <br /><br />***********FOODOLOGY***************<br />What is your salad dressing of choice? – Ranch <strong><--BORING!</strong> I know! Raspberry vinaigrette is tied for first, depending on my mood. <br />What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? – Olive Garden<br />What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? – Ice Cream<br />What are your pizza toppings of choice? – Bacon, mushroom and Chicken<br />What do you put on your toast? – Butter and strawberry simply fruit<br /><br />***********TECHNOLOGY***************<br />How many televisions are in your house? – One. <br />How many computers? – Two, now. A desk top and laptop.<br />What kind of cell phone do you have? – Samsung with Net10 pre-bought minutes.<br />Do you have an iPod? – No. <br /><br />***************BIOLOGY******************<br />Are you right-handed or left-handed? – Right<br />Have you ever had anything removed from your body? – a cyst on my lip and one on my shoulder.<br />What is the last heavy item you lifted? – laundry basket<br />Have you ever been knocked unconscious? – KNOCKED? No.<br /><br />************BULLOLOGY**************<br />If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? NO!<br />If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – I already got lucky enough to change my name... I made it STRASSER.<br />Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? – Hmm, everything in me wants to say yes, but I probably couldn't do it.<br /><br />************DUMBOLOGY******************<br />How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Two.<br />Last time you had a run-in with the cops? – We had an issue once while living in Denver. That was 2000, maybe '01?<br />Last person you talked to? – Daughter<br />Last person you hugged? – Matt<br />Last person you kissed? – Matt<br /><br />**************FAVORITOLOGY****************<br />Season? – FALL!!!!<br />Holiday? – Christmas<br />Day of the week? – Sunday<br />Month? – September<br /><br />***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************<br />Missing someone? – It's hard to miss people when they are only a click away.<br />Mood? – Raring to go<br />What are you listening to? – The kids chat<br />Watching? – My computer screen<br />Worrying about? – Nothing<br /><br />***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************<br />First place you went this morning? – Church<br />What’s the last movie you saw? – The Sandlot<br />Do you smile often? – Yes<br />Sleeping alone tonight? – No<br /><br />***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************<br />Do you always answer your phone? – No. <br />If you could change your eye color what would it be? – More Blue, LOL<br />Do you own a digital camera? – Yes.<br />Have you ever had a pet fish? – No.<br />Favorite Christmas song(s)? – Golly--it's way too soon! Um, White Christmas. O Holy Night.<br />What’s on your wish list for your birthday? – A haircut... or an e-reader.<br />Can you do push ups? – Yes<br />Can you do a chin up? – Maybe ONE or TWO.<br />Does the future make you more nervous or excited? – EXCITED!<br />Do you have any saved texts? – No<br />Ever been in a car wreck? – No. A fender-bender, yes.<br />Do you have an accent? – No, everyone else has an accent.<br />What is the last song to make you cry? – Lots of songs make me cry when I'm pregnant.<br />Plans tonight? – WRITE and watch That 70s Show<br />Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? – Yes.<br />Name 3 things you bought yesterday? – Calculator, phone card, diet cola<br />Have you ever been given roses? – Yes<br />Current worry? – None, duh. See above.<br />Current hate right now? – I can't think of anything, except the fact that they're building a mosque at ground zero. <strong>I DON'T GET THAT!!!</strong><br />Met someone who changed your life? – Yes. My son.<br />How will you bring in the New Year? – <strong>Even I don’t plan that far away</strong><br />What song represents you? – I don't do thoughtful and philosophical. I have no idea.<br />Name three people who might complete this? – I can't.<br />Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? – Definitely! there is so much cool stuff in history!!<br />Have you ever dated someone longer than a year solid? – Yes<br />Do you have any tattoos/piercings? – Pierced ears<br />Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? – Most definitely.<br />Does anyone love you? – Yes.<br />Would you be a pirate? – Yes!<br />What songs do you sing in the shower? – Not very often. <br />Ever had someone sing to you? – Yes.<br />When did you last cry? – Recently, just not sure when, exactly.<br />Do you like to cuddle? – Yes<br />Have you held hands with anyone today? – Yes. Church is good for that.<br />Who was the last person you took a picture of? – Family<br />What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? – I have no idea! <br />Do you believe in staying close with your ex’s? – No.<br />Are most of the friends in your life new or old? – Both.<br />Do you like pulpy orange juice? – Yes.<br />What is something your friends make fun of you for? – Hmmm... my friends make fun of me???? :DBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-24871088214069670422010-08-05T21:02:00.003-05:002010-08-05T21:15:21.594-05:00Sooo, I've been a little neglectfulAnd I've been contemplating it, too.<br />At first I thought it was just a case of too busy, too lazy.<br />Now, I'm not so sure. <br />Here's the thing, we live diabetes so much. We are focused on sugars and food the majority of the day. For me, about 60 percent. <br /><br />I'm trying to cut back. I've found a wonderful routine. I've got a GREAT certified diabetes educator on my team who helps me. I've got a pregnancy that is going so darn smoothly, there are days I don't feel diabetic at all. <br /><br />The question is, how do I incorporate that into my blog?<br />I want people to know that diabetes can be managed well.<br />But if I come in here more than a couple times a week, my focus becomes the diabetes.<br />And you know what? I'm more than my illness. <--and I didn't even need to read the book to figure that out. :D<br /><br />On the other hand, I do love to blog. I don't think I'm ready to close this one down.<br />Is there such a thing as a blogging identity crisis?! haha. I think there is and I'm having one.<br /><br />Hi FRIENDS! It's finally AUGUST! My kids will be back in school soon. My days will find routine. My writing efforts will increase. My new baby will grow so that I am uncomfortable [and fat]. And I will prepare for my husband's coming departure for Basic Training, which happens at the end of January. Yup. There is a lot to do this fall. <br /><br />I hope, hope, hope and pray that your diabetic life is as full as mine, that you find yourself looking forward to tomorrow with an ambition that will push you to succeed despite the doubts and uncertainties. <br />Come back soon. I'm going to do a VLOG!<br />With Love,<br />BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-87175614271642551112010-06-24T20:28:00.002-05:002010-06-24T20:43:17.712-05:00What the Kids HearBG[CGM]: 120<br /><br />Tonight was sooo cute. My Number Three, after playing Wii for about an hour or so, came to me with complaints of feeling sick. He looked a little off as well, so I asked him if he felt like he was going to throw up. I suggested we get a towel and a trashcan and set him up on the floor in the living room where he could watch a movie and relax. As I prepared, he came back to me and said, "I think it's just low blood sugar."<br /><br />I bit my smile back. Seriously! He is sooooo cute! And I asked him if he would like some juice. He nodded his head and got his juice. Then laid down in the living room to watch Cars. <br /><br />The really funny thing is that about 5 minutes after Number Three came to me and I had him all settled down, Number Four threw up. Ugh! <br /><br />In other news...<br />Doing this pregnancy with a CGMS and with an attentive CDE [certified diabetes educator] who is familiar with the insulin pump has been soooo different. Enlightening, really. I always had [good]better control during pregnancy before. I checked my sugars more, etc. BUT I never could have talked about how my sugar levels were trending. No one ever talked about what I should expect my sugars to do. Even with my favorite doctor in the whole world, Dr. Ronald Thomas, I would bring my logbook in and he would look at it and we would talk about how the sugars looked...<br /><br />I know, I must have had some advice for basal rates, but I can't remember. I honestly don't think of diabetes when I think of my previous pregnancies. Weird, huh? Maybe it's that I don't really think about diabetes when I think of me. <br /><br />AND THAT is a good thing, if you ask me. :D<br />Enjoy this next weekend.<br />Though we don't have any of our own cucumbers yet, we got some from out neighbor and YUM!! I'm so happy it's summer! I love the garden!!<br />Let me know if you have a garden this summer. I hear Ohio is a great place to have a garden!<br />~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-37731576781026181822010-06-19T16:00:00.002-05:002010-06-19T16:06:23.935-05:00Diabetes on the GoBG[CGM]: 77<br /><br />After two weeks on the road, I am soooo happy to be home! I found my diabetes was managable. I had some what-the moments, but over all that was to be expected. Weddings, days at the beach, eating out... it gets tiring to have to be so aware of everything that could possibly effect my diabetes. Checking often and eating moderately was worth the effort, though. :D Me and my shoebox full of supplies made it home--happy and healthy.<br /><br />I'm halfway through my pregnancy [well, almost halfway, but it just sounds so nice, doesn't it???]. The baby is moving a ton but too small to make me uncomfortable. I have an appointment on Monday and expect I'll find everything is normal. <br /><br />have a great week all you friends out there. Enjoy the sunshine!!<br />~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-73701753121362178772010-06-01T19:54:00.002-05:002010-06-01T19:57:22.093-05:00JuneBG[CGM]: 76 and falling. Really?! Again?! Now?!<br /><br />:D June is going to be crazy.<br />If I'm not posting, you know why.<br />Summer = kids, travel, offline/real life activities...<br /><br />When I am at the computer, I'll be making up for lost time on my manuscripts.<br /><br />Have a great month.<br />I'll see you soon.<br />~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-18463743042366288072010-05-25T21:50:00.003-05:002010-05-25T21:57:14.018-05:00Trying to get back on TRACKBG[CGM]: 80<br /><br />I took a vacation to NY and visited my family there. GREAT time. GREAT company. Wacky sugars. I only ate out a few times, and really tried to keep things even, but I think my sugars are starting to have issues with the new baby. I don't think it's my behavior as much as circumstance that is rocking my boat. <br /><br />Well, what can you do. I expected some wackiness. Tomorrow I meet with my CDE and OB/GYN for a week 14 check up. Should be able to get things back on track.<br /><br />BTW, if you ever get the chance to do a food tour in NYC, GO FOR IT! It was wonderful. The food, as you can imagine, was WONDERFUL! The historian tour guide engaged me and captivated me with her stories and knowledge. I could really tell she loved the city. It was a job, but it was more. That made it special.<br /><br />Hope everyone is doing fine out there with their D-lives.<br />Take care,<br />BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-90930664378116664322010-05-14T16:48:00.002-05:002010-05-14T16:57:43.995-05:00Leg AbuseBG[CGM]: 95<br /><br />After some discussion on tudiabetes, I was surprised to find that people are wearing their CGMS sensor and transmitter combos on their legs and even their arms!! *Gasp* I know!! So, I took a leap today and went with my leg. <br /><br />So far so good. I did have one moment when I ran into the short counter in my kitchen and rapped the transmitter. OUCH! It ended up causes some pain and a WEAK signal, which shot me over to the Start screen, but I'd just experienced that with a previous sensor so I sorta knew what to expect. <br /><br />The only thing I'm having trouble with right now is finding a place to hang my pump with maternity clothes on. Pants are just not the same without a waistband! I have several of the variety that are soft in front with a regular waist on the back, but there's a new variety on the market since I was pregnant five years ago...<br /><br />SOFT ALL THE WAY AROUND! It's like a band of stretch material that goes around your belly. It's going to be an interesting hurdle. <br /><br />Well, take care out there.<br />~BethanneBethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-43776959758640593272010-05-12T19:53:00.002-05:002010-05-12T20:31:34.294-05:00A day late...BG[CGM]: 94<br /><br />I just can't keep up. Seriously. I'm always a day late on this D-blogging stuff. I did hear about an 'event' this week... a blogging event. I'm going to assume there are different themes for each day. I don't know how people do it--keep up with what everyone else is doing. :D LOL<br /><br />Anyhoo... Kerri is talking about low glucose kits of today and the past--but mostly the past. I too remember the chalky tablets, and I've had my share of glucagon injections [but those came a little later in life when my hormones ruled everything about my life and my husband was already taking on a task that he probably would never have asked for if he'd really <em>known</em> about it beforehand]. Okay, I value myself more than that... still, I wonder if he ever wondered what he was getting himself into.<br /><br />What I remember MOST as a kid were the nights my parents would shove a tube of decorating frosting into my mouth, bits at a time. I understand why they had to do it. I wouldn't hold a cup of juice. I couldn't chew or even hardly swallow. But that frosting would just get absorbed into my body as soon as it hit my mouth, eventually most of it going down my throat. I hated it. I hated waking up with blue everywhere... But that was the life, you know?Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194217554503830601.post-84827845578416949242010-05-06T21:50:00.002-05:002010-05-06T22:18:28.134-05:00Nursing SchoolBG[meter]: 86<br />BG[CGM]: Sensor Error *shrug* I don't know. I just started the damn thing over again, and hope for a better run. I am on day 4, so calling the company would be pointless. Their sensors are tested for a 3 day run, no more. Anymore finagling is up to me. <br /><br />After reading <a href="http://www.arnoldandme.blogspot.com/">Holly's blog</a> today, I got to thinking about when I was diagnosed and the upheaval/emotional rollercoaster it put into motion. Oh, I wouldn't ever look back and call it upheaval. I definitely remember ups and downs. I can easily commiserate with other d-bloggers who share my experience, but overall I had a pretty happy childhood.<br /><br />Hind sight being 20/20, now that I've touched the d-community online, I can see how I missed out on sharing my disease, sharing who I was with people who really understood. No one really gets it unless they get it... you know? All the books in the world [<em>like,</em> I am not my Illness<em>, which I never did read. Sorry Mom</em>!] are not going to make a person feel less alone. God helps in that instance, but God also gave us to us...he gave us community, family, church, knowing that in our humanity we would need other people.<br /><br />I had a lot of people in my life to support me and love me. I just didn't have diabetes people. I never did get to a diabetes camp. Hmm. Maybe I'm forgetting something. I do remember a gal in high school who had diabetes, but I went to a LARGE high school, and we never really connected. My neighbor friend was diagnosed with diabetes, but we moved. Pfft.<br /><br />Now, I have my husband Matt who understands me when my disease is front and center. When my facial expressions are just a hair off because my sugars have dropped or my pump is beeping at me because my sugar is high. He keeps up with the new stuff and is interested in keeping me working correctly. It's like we were made one... oh that's right. We were. :D<br /><br />Wow, there was a time, I never would have even admitted high sugars existed. I'm one of those people who didn't understand that it wasn't my fault. I would fudge logs, lie about numbers when asked... [<em>it's amazing that I can't remember having any A1c's over 8 in my adult lifetime</em>] Highs happen, even when I do everything right. It's freeing to admit that, and oddly enough it makes the highs that ARE my fault [<em>forgetting to bolus, overeating</em>] easier to be accountable for.Bethannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01614416426769587718noreply@blogger.com2