That's a little bit how I feel right now.
La dee da... doot da doo.
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."
Back to Lantus I went for 48 hours.
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?
There's no reason for life to get boring. :D
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!!!!
Take care fellow bloggers,
Bethanne
Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Stress and Numbers
BG[CGM]: 88
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
Lovin' the new life.
I hope as I get into a new groove, I can keep up with this blog better.
*fingerscrossed*
Love to all in this new year.
Take care,
Bethanne
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
Lovin' the new life.
I hope as I get into a new groove, I can keep up with this blog better.
*fingerscrossed*
Love to all in this new year.
Take care,
Bethanne
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Hesitant Guest
BG[CGM]: 92
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.
And I left thinking, "From now on I'll just eat at home and save myself the hassle."
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.
Enjoy the new week, friends.
With Love,
Bethanne
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.
And I left thinking, "From now on I'll just eat at home and save myself the hassle."
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.
Enjoy the new week, friends.
With Love,
Bethanne
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Hiding Food
BG[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!
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. :(
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.
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 :D
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. :(
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.
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 :D
Friday, November 26, 2010
New Stuff
BG[CGM]: 86
We have a baby!
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.
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.
...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.
We have a baby!
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.
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.
...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.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Long Time No See
BG[CGM]: 60
I'm having a baby in 3 days.
*clapping* Whoo hooo!!!
I'm so ready for this crazy ride to be OVER.
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.
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
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
Otherwise... i'm a bit tired.
And ready to snuggle my new little baby.
Have a great start to November, friends!!!
See you with pictures as soon as I can get back on.
~Bethanne
I'm having a baby in 3 days.
*clapping* Whoo hooo!!!
I'm so ready for this crazy ride to be OVER.
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.
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
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
Otherwise... i'm a bit tired.
And ready to snuggle my new little baby.
Have a great start to November, friends!!!
See you with pictures as soon as I can get back on.
~Bethanne
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Biggest Loser
BG[CGM]: 43, but don't worry I had a glass of OJ... as a matter of fact, I ate a cookie, too.
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...
30 units of insulin at EVERY MEAL!!
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...
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
I have a few weeks left...
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE OVER!
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...
30 units of insulin at EVERY MEAL!!
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...
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
I have a few weeks left...
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE OVER!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Diabetes Meme
A Diabetes Meme.
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!
What type of diabetes do you have: Type 1
When were you diagnosed: November 1988 (22 years!!)
What's your current blood sugar: 141. i'm working on my post dinner levels :P
What kind of meter do you use: One Touch Ultra that hooks up with my awesome Minimed pump.
How many times a day do you test your blood sugar: 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.
What's a "high" number for you: Anything over 160 mg/dl.
What do you consider "low": Anything under 60 mg/dl.
What's your favorite low blood sugar reaction treater: 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?
Describe your dream endo: Involved and vocal, yet willing to hear what I have to say about MY disease.
What's your biggest diabetes achievement: Having four healthy babies and being able to do one more [but that's it!! NO MORE! *knock on wood*]
What's your biggest diabetes-related fear: 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!
Who's on your support team: My husband, close friends, indirectly, my family, and my OB/GYN team for now!
Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime: No.
What is a "cure" to you: 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.
The most annoying thing people say to you about your diabetes is: "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)
What is the most common misconception about diabetes: 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.
If you could say one thing to your pancreas, what would it be: "It would be nice if you could at least pick up some kind of signal... wifi, DirectTV?"
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!
What type of diabetes do you have: Type 1
When were you diagnosed: November 1988 (22 years!!)
What's your current blood sugar: 141. i'm working on my post dinner levels :P
What kind of meter do you use: One Touch Ultra that hooks up with my awesome Minimed pump.
How many times a day do you test your blood sugar: 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.
What's a "high" number for you: Anything over 160 mg/dl.
What do you consider "low": Anything under 60 mg/dl.
What's your favorite low blood sugar reaction treater: 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?
Describe your dream endo: Involved and vocal, yet willing to hear what I have to say about MY disease.
What's your biggest diabetes achievement: Having four healthy babies and being able to do one more [but that's it!! NO MORE! *knock on wood*]
What's your biggest diabetes-related fear: 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!
Who's on your support team: My husband, close friends, indirectly, my family, and my OB/GYN team for now!
Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime: No.
What is a "cure" to you: 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.
The most annoying thing people say to you about your diabetes is: "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)
What is the most common misconception about diabetes: 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.
If you could say one thing to your pancreas, what would it be: "It would be nice if you could at least pick up some kind of signal... wifi, DirectTV?"
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sooo, I've been a little neglectful
And I've been contemplating it, too.
At first I thought it was just a case of too busy, too lazy.
Now, I'm not so sure.
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.
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.
The question is, how do I incorporate that into my blog?
I want people to know that diabetes can be managed well.
But if I come in here more than a couple times a week, my focus becomes the diabetes.
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
On the other hand, I do love to blog. I don't think I'm ready to close this one down.
Is there such a thing as a blogging identity crisis?! haha. I think there is and I'm having one.
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.
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.
Come back soon. I'm going to do a VLOG!
With Love,
Bethanne
At first I thought it was just a case of too busy, too lazy.
Now, I'm not so sure.
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.
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.
The question is, how do I incorporate that into my blog?
I want people to know that diabetes can be managed well.
But if I come in here more than a couple times a week, my focus becomes the diabetes.
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
On the other hand, I do love to blog. I don't think I'm ready to close this one down.
Is there such a thing as a blogging identity crisis?! haha. I think there is and I'm having one.
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.
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.
Come back soon. I'm going to do a VLOG!
With Love,
Bethanne
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What the Kids Hear
BG[CGM]: 120
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."
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.
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!
In other news...
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...
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.
AND THAT is a good thing, if you ask me. :D
Enjoy this next weekend.
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!!
Let me know if you have a garden this summer. I hear Ohio is a great place to have a garden!
~Bethanne
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."
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.
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!
In other news...
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...
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.
AND THAT is a good thing, if you ask me. :D
Enjoy this next weekend.
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!!
Let me know if you have a garden this summer. I hear Ohio is a great place to have a garden!
~Bethanne
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A day late...
BG[CGM]: 94
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
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 known about it beforehand]. Okay, I value myself more than that... still, I wonder if he ever wondered what he was getting himself into.
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?
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
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 known about it beforehand]. Okay, I value myself more than that... still, I wonder if he ever wondered what he was getting himself into.
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?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Nursing School
BG[meter]: 86
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.
After reading Holly's blog 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.
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 [like, I am not my Illness, which I never did read. Sorry Mom!] 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.
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.
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
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... [it's amazing that I can't remember having any A1c's over 8 in my adult lifetime] 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 [forgetting to bolus, overeating] easier to be accountable for.
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.
After reading Holly's blog 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.
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 [like, I am not my Illness, which I never did read. Sorry Mom!] 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.
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.
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
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... [it's amazing that I can't remember having any A1c's over 8 in my adult lifetime] 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 [forgetting to bolus, overeating] easier to be accountable for.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Lots of Blood Work
BG: 78
I met my new OB/GYN last week. I was extremely pleased with the visit. Dr. Rodrigo inspired confidence by making me comfortable. He addressed my concerns all the while confirming that he knew what he was doing. Since I've done this a few times, it was nice to hear him speak of things of which I am familiar. And even better news, he's okay with going for a natural [and by natural, I mean vaginal] delivery, IF everything is still honky-dory at that point in the pregnancy. So, that's my goal... to keep things going smoothly as much as is possible and in my hands. Which reminds me, this week: get blood work taken care of. An ungodly amount of baseline bloodwork. Whooppee!
When it comes down to it though, if that can't happen, I'll be pleased to have Dr. Rodrigo in charge of cutting me open. :D
Have I lost anyone yet? hahaha.
Diabetes plays a role in my life, no matter what. My sugars have been keen for the last few weeks. I'm quite happy with them, even though I've been quite unhappy with my CGMS. It works well for what it's guarantees...and I guess I shouldn't ask more than that except for when I hear Kerri Sparling's delivery story and she says that she had to remove her CGM prior to the C-section...and the removal was on day FIFTEEN!!! Why does she get fifteen days... IN HER LEG?! If I put my CGM anywhere besides my abdomen, sides and part of the back, I no longer have that guarantee. So SUCKY! The longest I've pulled from a Minimed sensor is 6 days, but by then, it was starting to itch and irritate under all that irritating tape.
So, I have to think back to why I chose the Minimed over the Dexcom--thank God for Blogger. And I remember, I really wanted the integrated system. I was more comfortable on the Minimed than the Dexcom after trying both of them. I still love that about the Minimed. But I'll tell you something, when the warranty is up on this Minimed, if Dexcom and Animas FINALLY have a system set up together, I'll be looking to make some more comparisons. I'll be looking for that pie in the sky. ;-)
I met my new OB/GYN last week. I was extremely pleased with the visit. Dr. Rodrigo inspired confidence by making me comfortable. He addressed my concerns all the while confirming that he knew what he was doing. Since I've done this a few times, it was nice to hear him speak of things of which I am familiar. And even better news, he's okay with going for a natural [and by natural, I mean vaginal] delivery, IF everything is still honky-dory at that point in the pregnancy. So, that's my goal... to keep things going smoothly as much as is possible and in my hands. Which reminds me, this week: get blood work taken care of. An ungodly amount of baseline bloodwork. Whooppee!
When it comes down to it though, if that can't happen, I'll be pleased to have Dr. Rodrigo in charge of cutting me open. :D
Have I lost anyone yet? hahaha.
Diabetes plays a role in my life, no matter what. My sugars have been keen for the last few weeks. I'm quite happy with them, even though I've been quite unhappy with my CGMS. It works well for what it's guarantees...and I guess I shouldn't ask more than that except for when I hear Kerri Sparling's delivery story and she says that she had to remove her CGM prior to the C-section...and the removal was on day FIFTEEN!!! Why does she get fifteen days... IN HER LEG?! If I put my CGM anywhere besides my abdomen, sides and part of the back, I no longer have that guarantee. So SUCKY! The longest I've pulled from a Minimed sensor is 6 days, but by then, it was starting to itch and irritate under all that irritating tape.
So, I have to think back to why I chose the Minimed over the Dexcom--thank God for Blogger. And I remember, I really wanted the integrated system. I was more comfortable on the Minimed than the Dexcom after trying both of them. I still love that about the Minimed. But I'll tell you something, when the warranty is up on this Minimed, if Dexcom and Animas FINALLY have a system set up together, I'll be looking to make some more comparisons. I'll be looking for that pie in the sky. ;-)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday Posts
BG[CGM]: 177 and trending down. Panera Bread day at Church makes for a very carb-ridden lunch. :D
I've found a simple routine. Posting on Sundays. Though there are times I fret that I can't get into my blogger account to do more, I just can't do too much more!! :)
What's going on in Diabetesworld today?
Though it isn't said when the study was done, success was met for a small trial of an Artificial Pancreas. READ HERE. The article mentions the AP is comprised of a glucose monitor [inserted directly into the vein], insulin pump and use of both hormones, insulin and glucagon. It's an interesting read as it talks about how to make something absolutely personal universal. Though they are able to adust the parameters of the APs function so that the test group as a whole resulted in no hypoglycemia, it does mention that a percent of the group was settling for blood sugars that were slightly higher than the original rate i.e. the rate that cause some of the group to experience hypoglycemic reactions. So the question is... is that satisfactory?
They want to combine this new technology with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Which brings me to another topic. Do they really think the CGM is good enough? Lately, I'm having some doubts that it would be accurate enough to regulate my body without human interaction. Yes, the sensor has been good for me. Yes it helps me see trends, but unless that sensor is in a frickin' vein, it's not enough for me to treat myself. Usually, and this is expected so I'm not complaining, my sugars are already high when the CGM senses the trend up. And I'm pretty darn low when it starts sensing the trend down. Likewise, coming up from that low happens much more quickly than the CGM senses so that I'm often getting alarms when I'm already over 100. CGMS is for the BIG PICTURE, and because of it, my sugars are tighter and my A1C is below six. But that not saying it is all that helpful for warnings... or determing the need for glucagon and/or insulin. I don't know. Show me more!! I'm interested!
I've found a simple routine. Posting on Sundays. Though there are times I fret that I can't get into my blogger account to do more, I just can't do too much more!! :)
What's going on in Diabetesworld today?
Though it isn't said when the study was done, success was met for a small trial of an Artificial Pancreas. READ HERE. The article mentions the AP is comprised of a glucose monitor [inserted directly into the vein], insulin pump and use of both hormones, insulin and glucagon. It's an interesting read as it talks about how to make something absolutely personal universal. Though they are able to adust the parameters of the APs function so that the test group as a whole resulted in no hypoglycemia, it does mention that a percent of the group was settling for blood sugars that were slightly higher than the original rate i.e. the rate that cause some of the group to experience hypoglycemic reactions. So the question is... is that satisfactory?
They want to combine this new technology with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Which brings me to another topic. Do they really think the CGM is good enough? Lately, I'm having some doubts that it would be accurate enough to regulate my body without human interaction. Yes, the sensor has been good for me. Yes it helps me see trends, but unless that sensor is in a frickin' vein, it's not enough for me to treat myself. Usually, and this is expected so I'm not complaining, my sugars are already high when the CGM senses the trend up. And I'm pretty darn low when it starts sensing the trend down. Likewise, coming up from that low happens much more quickly than the CGM senses so that I'm often getting alarms when I'm already over 100. CGMS is for the BIG PICTURE, and because of it, my sugars are tighter and my A1C is below six. But that not saying it is all that helpful for warnings... or determing the need for glucagon and/or insulin. I don't know. Show me more!! I'm interested!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Dead Beat Tired
BG[CGM]: 130
BG[meter]: 182
Okay, so pregnancy is beating the you know what out of me. I just woke up from an hour and a half nap. I never nap. Maybe short little 15 minutes of shut eye... but you know.
I'm throwing masochistic regulations out the window and taking my preNatal vitamins pretty close to dinner, before bed and with a snack. That way, I don't spend the first half of the day worshipping the porcelain god, which I did twice this week. :D Not fun! I figure, it's a pill full of vitamins and a bunch of good stuff... it goes, it ought to get absorbed...at least partially. If there are other opinions on that matter, I don't care to hear them. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.
Oddly enough, I don't feel my diabetes is too off. Sugars aren't out of whack as can be expected. I've had a couple of weird highs, but otherwise they've stayed on the lower side. A good thing if you ask me. I've also been able to keep up with my exercise regimen except for those two days of worshipping.
Speaking of customer service, even though we weren't, I ended up changing my sensor and having some issues again then talked to another customer service rep. She was nice. It really pays to be nice.
It can be a rotten world out there. Nice gets you farther. Everyone should give it a try... [or get dismissed, anyway!]
Have a great week!!!
Take care of yourselves.
Bethanne
BG[meter]: 182
Okay, so pregnancy is beating the you know what out of me. I just woke up from an hour and a half nap. I never nap. Maybe short little 15 minutes of shut eye... but you know.
I'm throwing masochistic regulations out the window and taking my preNatal vitamins pretty close to dinner, before bed and with a snack. That way, I don't spend the first half of the day worshipping the porcelain god, which I did twice this week. :D Not fun! I figure, it's a pill full of vitamins and a bunch of good stuff... it goes, it ought to get absorbed...at least partially. If there are other opinions on that matter, I don't care to hear them. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.
Oddly enough, I don't feel my diabetes is too off. Sugars aren't out of whack as can be expected. I've had a couple of weird highs, but otherwise they've stayed on the lower side. A good thing if you ask me. I've also been able to keep up with my exercise regimen except for those two days of worshipping.
Speaking of customer service, even though we weren't, I ended up changing my sensor and having some issues again then talked to another customer service rep. She was nice. It really pays to be nice.
It can be a rotten world out there. Nice gets you farther. Everyone should give it a try... [or get dismissed, anyway!]
Have a great week!!!
Take care of yourselves.
Bethanne
Monday, April 12, 2010
One More
BG[CGM]: 123
Click for TWO PINK LINES... and a little country music smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sharing here, but I've also set up a blog just for baby and pregnancy talk. I'm pretty easy going since I've done this a few times--four actually. I'm looking for a good doctor, and expect that won't take too long. I'm watching my sugars closely, have been for a good while. With two 5.8 HbA1c results in a row, I'm actually looking forward to this. Not that it isn't a surprise! Cuz it is! I didn't realize how comfortable I'd gotten with my life until this popped up. Now I'm like... wow, I thought I was done!!! I really thought I was through with baby stuff and all that. YIKES! I'm not done with it. Um... I better stop thinking about it now.
Official Test Results are IN.
Darla is on the Way.
Darla is on the Way.
Click for TWO PINK LINES... and a little country music smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sharing here, but I've also set up a blog just for baby and pregnancy talk. I'm pretty easy going since I've done this a few times--four actually. I'm looking for a good doctor, and expect that won't take too long. I'm watching my sugars closely, have been for a good while. With two 5.8 HbA1c results in a row, I'm actually looking forward to this. Not that it isn't a surprise! Cuz it is! I didn't realize how comfortable I'd gotten with my life until this popped up. Now I'm like... wow, I thought I was done!!! I really thought I was through with baby stuff and all that. YIKES! I'm not done with it. Um... I better stop thinking about it now.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Customer Service
BG[CGM]: 77
BG[meter]: 148, Don't F with me, customer service representative!!!! I KNOW when my sensor is OFF--and by OFF, I do mean NOT SENSING CORRECTLY.
Okay, I feel a little like swearing right now. Grrr. I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with a telemarketing bimbo. Seriously, she was THE WORST employee of Minimed I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. I wanted to jump through the phone and kick her ass all the way to Taiwan. It was alot like talking to the ATT representative we occasionally need to call and ream a knew one because they have overcharged our bill...again. That's how irritated I was.
I told her my sensor wasn't following with my sugars. That it had been reading in the 70's since 3am. I told her I calibrated at 6am. I told her that when my sugar rose after breakfast, the sensor stayed in the 70's. Do you want to know what she said?
"The sensor is meant to trend with your sugars."
You're kidding me, right? That's the F what I'm saying!! But it's NOT DOING THAT! This was after a very long drawn out conversation about all that had happened that morning... how my calibration at 11:30 was a BAD calibration because it was a low sugar.
So what? My problem started LONG before 11am. You can't blame an 11am calibration--one made in utter frustration--for all the problems that happened prior to it. Besides which.... a 48 isn't necessarily a BAD calibration. She ASSUMED that because the sugar was 48, it was unstable. That's what the book says, on a stable meter reading. It doesn't say, a meter reading between 70-120. IF my suagar had been in the fifties for more than an hour that would be pretty darn stable. NOT ideal, but stable.
I finally told her I was going to fly to California so I could kick her ass....
Actually no. I told her I was going to hang up the phone now, that I was getting too angry to keep talking to her. That I would track my sensor and meter readings through the afternoon and call again later. AND NOT TALK TO HER!
The technology isn't perfect, but I know it can work well. I'm smart enough to realize when something is not quite right.
On a brighter note, did I tell you my April A1c was 5.8! :D
BG[meter]: 148, Don't F with me, customer service representative!!!! I KNOW when my sensor is OFF--and by OFF, I do mean NOT SENSING CORRECTLY.
Okay, I feel a little like swearing right now. Grrr. I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with a telemarketing bimbo. Seriously, she was THE WORST employee of Minimed I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. I wanted to jump through the phone and kick her ass all the way to Taiwan. It was alot like talking to the ATT representative we occasionally need to call and ream a knew one because they have overcharged our bill...again. That's how irritated I was.
I told her my sensor wasn't following with my sugars. That it had been reading in the 70's since 3am. I told her I calibrated at 6am. I told her that when my sugar rose after breakfast, the sensor stayed in the 70's. Do you want to know what she said?
"The sensor is meant to trend with your sugars."
You're kidding me, right? That's the F what I'm saying!! But it's NOT DOING THAT! This was after a very long drawn out conversation about all that had happened that morning... how my calibration at 11:30 was a BAD calibration because it was a low sugar.
So what? My problem started LONG before 11am. You can't blame an 11am calibration--one made in utter frustration--for all the problems that happened prior to it. Besides which.... a 48 isn't necessarily a BAD calibration. She ASSUMED that because the sugar was 48, it was unstable. That's what the book says, on a stable meter reading. It doesn't say, a meter reading between 70-120. IF my suagar had been in the fifties for more than an hour that would be pretty darn stable. NOT ideal, but stable.
I finally told her I was going to fly to California so I could kick her ass....
Actually no. I told her I was going to hang up the phone now, that I was getting too angry to keep talking to her. That I would track my sensor and meter readings through the afternoon and call again later. AND NOT TALK TO HER!
The technology isn't perfect, but I know it can work well. I'm smart enough to realize when something is not quite right.
On a brighter note, did I tell you my April A1c was 5.8! :D
Friday, April 2, 2010
How do I know I have allergies?
BG[CGM]: 121
I know I have allergies--and not some kind of cold--because my sugars have not gone up and stayed there. Being sick will do that, send those sugars up. I've been even keel though even though this AWFUL congestion, which I can't sleep through!! I NEED SLEEP! I need naps! I want to be able to breathe!
Can't wait until next week, I'll get my blood word back. I've got another A1C result to look at. Last one was a 5.8. I'm curious to see how it has changed, if it's changed.
Thank God for normal sugars. That's something, anyway, don't you think? :D
Happy Easter, if I don't get on before then.
I know I have allergies--and not some kind of cold--because my sugars have not gone up and stayed there. Being sick will do that, send those sugars up. I've been even keel though even though this AWFUL congestion, which I can't sleep through!! I NEED SLEEP! I need naps! I want to be able to breathe!
Can't wait until next week, I'll get my blood word back. I've got another A1C result to look at. Last one was a 5.8. I'm curious to see how it has changed, if it's changed.
Thank God for normal sugars. That's something, anyway, don't you think? :D
Happy Easter, if I don't get on before then.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Taking Breaks
BG: 70
I ended my CGMS sensor and thought I'd wait to put a new one in. I ran out of tape. :P Wow, it's nice having the continuous look at what my sugars are doing. Within hours off the sensor, I was over 230 after an afternoon eating excursion I'd forgotten to bolus for--if I'm going to forget, it's going to be in the afternoon when the kids are just home from school and life seems a little more hectic. In any case, with my CGMS I would have had a 170 warning that would have reminded me I was off. Big pluses for the CGMS, whether you have a Minimed or a Dexcom. :D
On another note. I cleaned windows today and NICE TO SEE YOU, SPRING! Yikes, those things get dirty during the winter months, don't they? Ick. :D
Have a great week, Friends.
Bethanne
I ended my CGMS sensor and thought I'd wait to put a new one in. I ran out of tape. :P Wow, it's nice having the continuous look at what my sugars are doing. Within hours off the sensor, I was over 230 after an afternoon eating excursion I'd forgotten to bolus for--if I'm going to forget, it's going to be in the afternoon when the kids are just home from school and life seems a little more hectic. In any case, with my CGMS I would have had a 170 warning that would have reminded me I was off. Big pluses for the CGMS, whether you have a Minimed or a Dexcom. :D
On another note. I cleaned windows today and NICE TO SEE YOU, SPRING! Yikes, those things get dirty during the winter months, don't they? Ick. :D
Have a great week, Friends.
Bethanne
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Finally seeing some results!
BG[CGM]: Below 40, the meter says 38
It is pretty low right now. Ugh. But I've drank juice and eaten, so it's a waiting game now.
I wanted to share that after two months of consistent exercise, I'm finally down ten pounds. I weighed in at 150 today.... YIPPEE!!!! I was jumping up and down and screaming and yelling. Now, I've got a tear in my eye, but that could be more the low sugar speaking than the actual emotion. :D
Thanks for hanging with me as I fight to stay healthy.
With Love,
Bethanne
It is pretty low right now. Ugh. But I've drank juice and eaten, so it's a waiting game now.
I wanted to share that after two months of consistent exercise, I'm finally down ten pounds. I weighed in at 150 today.... YIPPEE!!!! I was jumping up and down and screaming and yelling. Now, I've got a tear in my eye, but that could be more the low sugar speaking than the actual emotion. :D
Thanks for hanging with me as I fight to stay healthy.
With Love,
Bethanne
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