Thursday, July 21, 2011

Who has Diabetes? You too? Let's be friends....

  People in my life can attest that I don't like being alone.  HATE IT!  Especially when it comes to the trials in my life.  Since this is my DIABETIC BLOG, I guess I will be referring to that particular trial in my life.

 I am not exactly sure why, but when I hear that someone has diabetes, I am, at first, very saddened for them, and second, so glad I have found a new friend who can relate to what I am going through. 

 This is such the case that you can be a complete stranger to me, and I hear, somehow, that you have diabetes, and we immediately become best friends!  It is that instantaneous (is that even a word?)!

 I have tried to figure out exactly why you can form a bond with someone with only that in common so quickly.  I am not sure there is an explanation, only that sometimes it can be so much a part of everything you do in life, that in some ways, it feels like only someone with diabetes can truly understand how your life can work.

 Maybe this is the reason I have related so much better to doctors and nurses in my life who either have diabetes or are connected to someone personally who has it.  I want to say "you don't understand", yet, I cant use that line on someone who actually does!

 This post is for all my diabetic friends out there who have helped me get over myself and concentrate on what is really important, but have also been there for me to complain to when I feel like it just isn't fair!  YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!  DIABETICS UNITE! 

Friday, February 18, 2011

I really can eat that!

This post is for my dad, and he probably won't ever read it!!

 My dad was the person that helped me with my diabetes throughout my life.  He was the one who knew what I could and couldn't eat, and pushed me, and pushed me hard to remain in control ( that was difficult during my teenage years, other kids rebelled  with drugs, and alcohol, I rebelled with my diabetes).

 Back in the day when I first was diagnosed with diabetes, things were different.  It use to take me 3 minutes to test my blood sugar...and it was a whole process of wiping, blotting, and rewiping.  I use to have to do 5 or so shots a day, and was on an "exchange system."

 Boy, those were definitely the days!   Now, it takes 5 seconds to test my blood, and they have these amazing things called pump to help deliver your insulin ( still get blown away by how awesome that is).

 And with that, they have learned how to help diabetics count carbs.  This is amazing, and incredible!  What it means, basically, is that diabetics can eat pretty much how everyone else can!  TRULY, they can....it just takes a bit more math and calculating.

 When I say that, I should emphasize that ALL of us shouldn't be having ten candy bars a day, and 15 pizzas.  We all should be making healthy choices, no matter what our situation, but it is NOT the END OF THE WORLD if we want a piece of pie, as long as it is in moderation and figured out.

 The reason why this entire post is dedicated to my daddy is that for my entire life, he helped me, watched me, made me eat right.  HE was really strict with me....

 HE was diagnosed about a year ago with type 2 diabetes, and well, it has opened his eyes.  He now understands how frustrating it is for people to judge your every move and every little thing you CONSIDER eating!  He has learned with me that if I do know the carbs and the ratios, I can have some sweets every now and then...

 It is just one of my big pet peeves ( as posted in other of my posts) that people don't think diabetics can have anything but salad .  So, I just wanted to write this post to get it out there.  We are all more alike than you think...trust me.  I have had diabetes for almost 25 years, and have been in good control.  Don't get me wrong, I have by no means been perfect and have had some serious struggles ( having a child and gaining 65 pounds in the process, and being in the ICU--- being one of them---another post for a different day)...I have been there, I just wanted to vent about food today. The truth is, I have not had anything sweet for a really long time ( been trying really hard), and today is one of those days where I need something sweet.

 So, quit judging my eating this candy bar today, and realize that it just might be ok.....

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I just need insulin

So we moved in July...And moving from a different state means you need new doctors (and pretty soon if you have diabetes).

I already complained about this earlier.  IT took us a LONG time to get some health insurance...which means no seeing doctors for a LONG time...

 We finally get on medicaid ( yeah, if you are on medicaid, you can only imagine how hard it is to pay for supplies), and in order to see the doc, it takes you waiting at least 4 hours to be seen.  I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of time.

 Not only am I busy with keeping my kiddos in order, I am almost out of insulin.  ( I couldn't go to the doc for months).  We are talking I am TYPE 1 diabetic, with an insulin pump.  If my pump accidentally turns off for an hour, I can almost end up in a hospital.

 This is bad, very bad.  I am not someone who can just control by diet and exercise ( that is not how type one is).  Not having insulin isn't something you just"deal with"...IT is dire, it is absolutely necessary, and going with out doesn't just make you feel a little sick, it could kill...and just after a few hours.

 So, why then, oh why, do they make it so hard to get?  Why do I have to go through so many hoops?  I have been insulin dependant diabetic for almost 30 years!!  Moving doesn't change anything ( except insurance).  I am still me, and still need all my meds.  What worked for me in one state, will work for me in another ( medicine wise--unless of course everyone in the state is an idiot and doesn't get the necessity of insulin).

 Please someone, I JUST NEED MY INSULIN!