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!

 

Pump Complications...

 Nine years ago I was introduced to a whole new way of dealing with my diabetes, a new way to have better control, and this was through an insulin pump.  I had never seen anything quite so fascinating in all my life.  A few years after that, I was introduced to a newer version of that pump and was blown away again.

 Technology has truly enhanced my life as a diabetic, and I feel certain that one day they will find a complete cure for diabetes (it feels like they are so close already). No one can deny how amazing advances in medicine have been.

So, I almost feel bad in doing a little spill about how I get frustrated with my pump!  I don't even know where to begin...

 Sometimes it isn't that fun having something connected to you ALL THE TIME.  It bulges out in everything you wear.  I am not all about fashion, but if someone is, there are ALOT of things to consider before getting started on an insulin pump...

 Every person in my family makes fun of me and how I hate having my sights (where the insulin is injected, kind of like an IV, and somehow everyone seems to have a magnetic connection to it as they always bump it) rubbed up against or bumped.  They have even done comedy routines involving my pump anecdotes as the humorous comedy relief.  When someone is sitting next to me, for example, and my pump is on the side of my leg and they rub up against it--I FREAK OUT!

 It is just a natural, unstoppable reaction when it gets nudged.  It doesn't do damage every time, or even hurt every time this happens.  I just have had it happen so often that I am jumpy.  Think about it...of course that area is sensitive.  There is a little catheter needle that is constantly delivering insulin to you...It is fascinating how a pump works!  It is hard to remember the days of five insulin  shots and more ups and downs since the insulin wasn't continuous, but I digress.

 I have been somewhere (like visiting with family) not close to my house when my pump gets nudged and is all bent so it is not working...This is previewed , of course, by a big "You are on my pump." ( It never ever fails that my bro's will come and slap the ONE leg that my pump is connected to---they don't try, I tell you, some magnetic component always draws them to the WRONG area of course!) .  This then follows with an, " I have to go, and NOW"  speech.

 Having complained enough (don't even get me started on battery going low in middle of night, or low reservoir, or being stopped at the airport, or sleeping at night tossing and turning getting wrapped in my pump, or scars of pump areas ---all other posts to come!)...I really do love my pump.  I can't imagine life without it!  It has changed my life.  And hey, at least I give my family something to joke about as well!  

Travelling with diabetes

 I remember the days when I could just run in a car, not think twice, and go anywhere I randomly decided to go, stay as long as I wanted and not look back... OH, those were the days....before kids!  WRONG! WRONG!

 I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE OF THOSE DAYS!  Being diabetic takes a LOT more planning than that...There is no random road trips (no surprises) on the adventure of life.  I remember actually planning, packing and starting out on a particular journey!  Got about 45 minutes into the drive when I realized I had left my diabetic meter behind.  WE HAD TO TURN BACK...can't live without the meter (even worse would be my insulin or pump---oh the horror!). 

 It's even more of elaborate planning when a long trip is involved.  I have to plan JUST HOW MUCH MEDICINE I will be taking with me.  I realize this isn't really THAT big of a deal, EVERYONE has something to do to a degree (however, if I forget diapers, I can just run to the store and get them).

 I should just be happy with what I do have.  I only bring this up cause I do remember random trips with old college friends in which they would call me up and say "Hey, let's go to Vegas this weekend, get in the car."  But, instead of just being easy going with it, I have to ask how long we are specifically going to be gone.  I have to know if there will be a place to keep my insulin cool and not freezing.  I think by the time I have everything packed to go with all my medicine, I have killed the buzz of the trip...It was just suppose to be a fun little escapade...

 Not to mention, I have learned to plan for the unknown as well.  Not only have I been on a trip, and my insulin broke, but during 9/11, I was so low on supplies, my supplies barely reached me when I needed them where I was staying in Chicago at the time!  Things like that tend to make you want to pack Extra--and lots!

 I was thinking about this today simply because we are planning a trip to the zoo today.  I have to plan my gals out, but also myself.  I have to pack enough "low food" (I can't stand paying what people ask at the zoo if I do get low), and make sure I have my medicine.  (The link for low food makes me laugh.  Really, glucose tabs?  They taste like what I envision CHALK would taste like---when I am low, that is my chance to get some yummy food (not that you can't ever have the yummy food--a common misconception people think) and walking around the zoo all day long tends to cause sugars to get lower than usual). 

 I am so grateful that meters today aren't what they were when I first was diagnosed with diabetes.  Not only are they half the size ( I am already bulky enough with my UHAUL Diaper bag), but they take half the time! 

 Hopefully it won't be too hot at the zoo today so my meter won't fry and not work (happens a LOT in the summer time).  Wish me luck...will keep you posted how this adventure turned out!