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?"
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Waiting on RX
I 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??
"Your Rx for sensors is expired. We faxed the doctor and he renewed everything BUT the sensors." Ugh.
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.
DOH! Stupid, silly me.
Lesson learned: Don't avoid the hard stuff.
"Your Rx for sensors is expired. We faxed the doctor and he renewed everything BUT the sensors." Ugh.
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.
DOH! Stupid, silly me.
Lesson learned: Don't avoid the hard stuff.
Friday, August 13, 2010
School's Back in Session
BG[CGM]: 78
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.
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.
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
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.
Have a great weekend,
~Bethanne
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.
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.
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
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.
Have a great weekend,
~Bethanne
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Bethanne-ology
I picked this up from a fellow blogger, www.singlewhitediabetic.wordpress.com, and I'm not sure where she got it... but I thought it would be fun filler for this week.
Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by “ology”.
***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice? – Ranch <--BORING! I know! Raspberry vinaigrette is tied for first, depending on my mood.
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? – Olive Garden
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? – Ice Cream
What are your pizza toppings of choice? – Bacon, mushroom and Chicken
What do you put on your toast? – Butter and strawberry simply fruit
***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? – One.
How many computers? – Two, now. A desk top and laptop.
What kind of cell phone do you have? – Samsung with Net10 pre-bought minutes.
Do you have an iPod? – No.
***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? – Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? – a cyst on my lip and one on my shoulder.
What is the last heavy item you lifted? – laundry basket
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? – KNOCKED? No.
************BULLOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? NO!
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.
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.
************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Two.
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? – We had an issue once while living in Denver. That was 2000, maybe '01?
Last person you talked to? – Daughter
Last person you hugged? – Matt
Last person you kissed? – Matt
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? – FALL!!!!
Holiday? – Christmas
Day of the week? – Sunday
Month? – September
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? – It's hard to miss people when they are only a click away.
Mood? – Raring to go
What are you listening to? – The kids chat
Watching? – My computer screen
Worrying about? – Nothing
***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning? – Church
What’s the last movie you saw? – The Sandlot
Do you smile often? – Yes
Sleeping alone tonight? – No
***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone? – No.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? – More Blue, LOL
Do you own a digital camera? – Yes.
Have you ever had a pet fish? – No.
Favorite Christmas song(s)? – Golly--it's way too soon! Um, White Christmas. O Holy Night.
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? – A haircut... or an e-reader.
Can you do push ups? – Yes
Can you do a chin up? – Maybe ONE or TWO.
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? – EXCITED!
Do you have any saved texts? – No
Ever been in a car wreck? – No. A fender-bender, yes.
Do you have an accent? – No, everyone else has an accent.
What is the last song to make you cry? – Lots of songs make me cry when I'm pregnant.
Plans tonight? – WRITE and watch That 70s Show
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? – Yes.
Name 3 things you bought yesterday? – Calculator, phone card, diet cola
Have you ever been given roses? – Yes
Current worry? – None, duh. See above.
Current hate right now? – I can't think of anything, except the fact that they're building a mosque at ground zero. I DON'T GET THAT!!!
Met someone who changed your life? – Yes. My son.
How will you bring in the New Year? – Even I don’t plan that far away
What song represents you? – I don't do thoughtful and philosophical. I have no idea.
Name three people who might complete this? – I can't.
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? – Definitely! there is so much cool stuff in history!!
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year solid? – Yes
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? – Pierced ears
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? – Most definitely.
Does anyone love you? – Yes.
Would you be a pirate? – Yes!
What songs do you sing in the shower? – Not very often.
Ever had someone sing to you? – Yes.
When did you last cry? – Recently, just not sure when, exactly.
Do you like to cuddle? – Yes
Have you held hands with anyone today? – Yes. Church is good for that.
Who was the last person you took a picture of? – Family
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? – I have no idea!
Do you believe in staying close with your ex’s? – No.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? – Both.
Do you like pulpy orange juice? – Yes.
What is something your friends make fun of you for? – Hmmm... my friends make fun of me???? :D
Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by “ology”.
***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice? – Ranch <--BORING! I know! Raspberry vinaigrette is tied for first, depending on my mood.
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? – Olive Garden
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? – Ice Cream
What are your pizza toppings of choice? – Bacon, mushroom and Chicken
What do you put on your toast? – Butter and strawberry simply fruit
***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? – One.
How many computers? – Two, now. A desk top and laptop.
What kind of cell phone do you have? – Samsung with Net10 pre-bought minutes.
Do you have an iPod? – No.
***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? – Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? – a cyst on my lip and one on my shoulder.
What is the last heavy item you lifted? – laundry basket
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? – KNOCKED? No.
************BULLOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? NO!
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.
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.
************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Two.
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? – We had an issue once while living in Denver. That was 2000, maybe '01?
Last person you talked to? – Daughter
Last person you hugged? – Matt
Last person you kissed? – Matt
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? – FALL!!!!
Holiday? – Christmas
Day of the week? – Sunday
Month? – September
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? – It's hard to miss people when they are only a click away.
Mood? – Raring to go
What are you listening to? – The kids chat
Watching? – My computer screen
Worrying about? – Nothing
***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning? – Church
What’s the last movie you saw? – The Sandlot
Do you smile often? – Yes
Sleeping alone tonight? – No
***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone? – No.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? – More Blue, LOL
Do you own a digital camera? – Yes.
Have you ever had a pet fish? – No.
Favorite Christmas song(s)? – Golly--it's way too soon! Um, White Christmas. O Holy Night.
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? – A haircut... or an e-reader.
Can you do push ups? – Yes
Can you do a chin up? – Maybe ONE or TWO.
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? – EXCITED!
Do you have any saved texts? – No
Ever been in a car wreck? – No. A fender-bender, yes.
Do you have an accent? – No, everyone else has an accent.
What is the last song to make you cry? – Lots of songs make me cry when I'm pregnant.
Plans tonight? – WRITE and watch That 70s Show
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? – Yes.
Name 3 things you bought yesterday? – Calculator, phone card, diet cola
Have you ever been given roses? – Yes
Current worry? – None, duh. See above.
Current hate right now? – I can't think of anything, except the fact that they're building a mosque at ground zero. I DON'T GET THAT!!!
Met someone who changed your life? – Yes. My son.
How will you bring in the New Year? – Even I don’t plan that far away
What song represents you? – I don't do thoughtful and philosophical. I have no idea.
Name three people who might complete this? – I can't.
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? – Definitely! there is so much cool stuff in history!!
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year solid? – Yes
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? – Pierced ears
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? – Most definitely.
Does anyone love you? – Yes.
Would you be a pirate? – Yes!
What songs do you sing in the shower? – Not very often.
Ever had someone sing to you? – Yes.
When did you last cry? – Recently, just not sure when, exactly.
Do you like to cuddle? – Yes
Have you held hands with anyone today? – Yes. Church is good for that.
Who was the last person you took a picture of? – Family
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? – I have no idea!
Do you believe in staying close with your ex’s? – No.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? – Both.
Do you like pulpy orange juice? – Yes.
What is something your friends make fun of you for? – Hmmm... my friends make fun of me???? :D
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
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Diabetes on the Go
BG[CGM]: 77
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.
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.
have a great week all you friends out there. Enjoy the sunshine!!
~Bethanne
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.
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.
have a great week all you friends out there. Enjoy the sunshine!!
~Bethanne
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