Sunday Scare

I woke up Sunday morning after a day filled with travel from Green Bay to Minneapolis and then finally home to Orange County. I stumbled in the bathroom to shave and when I looked down at my feet…

OHMYGOD

My heart sank as it rapidly increased its tempo. My middle toe on my left foot was dark purple. I blinked my eyes and hoped that it was just a shadow. I licked my finger and rubbed my toe hoping to God that it was dirt or something that would just wipe off. Nothing worked. This was real. Then the questions began.

“How could this happen? Did I step on something? When did this happen? Could I have missed this yesterday before my long travel day? Did sitting in a plane contribute to this? Am I going to lose a toe at age 33? What do I do about church that I am supposed to be at in 2 hours to lead the band? How do I tell my wife? Will I ever show my feet again. Why is this happening?”

I grabbed the phone and called my pastor to let him know that I was going to the hospital to get it checked out and that I could not lead the band. As soon as I started to tell him, I fell apart. I tried to keep it together but I was terrified, sad, and angry. He was awesome, as usual, and told me not to worry about church at all. Everything would be fine and to just go immediately to the hospital. After I finally stopped crying I hung up and told my wife.

Luckily, she did not freak out. We called the advice nurse and hopped in the car to Urgent Care.

The whole drive there I kept thinking about losing my toe, then another, then half of my foot, an eventually in a wheel chair with no feet. I created, as usual, a scenario in my head that took me into a dark pit of depression before I even knew how bad the actual situation was.

Turns out, I do have an infection on my toe. I am on antibiotics and also keeping a close eye for any changes or spreading. There is a very small cut on my toe but how it got there is a total mystery. When I left Green Bay Saturday morning, it was 4:30 AM so I very well could have stubbed it on the shower or something before I left but I always take a good look at my feet when I get up before showering so I know it did not happen prior to Friday morn.

I am still scared. The doctor that saw me said that everything should be fine now that I am taking the antibiotics to stop the infection. But, how quickly could have this taken a turn for the worse? I have no clue how fast toes turn from purple to black and of course being a PWD I am terrified of losing my piggies.

Well for now, the “one who had roast beef” is okay, as is the rest of the clan. Both east and west side for that matter. I will definitely give them more attention and nurse this one back to health.

What a crappy way to start a day.

Quick Post

Don't have a lot of time to write. I am out the door tomorrow on a business trip to Wisconsin! I am excited since I have never been there before and it will be the first flight me and Master P have taken. I have read countless blogs and info about traveling while pumping. Thanks to everyone who has talked about this subject.

See you all again Saturday!

P.S. I changed the layout because I guess I needed a change.

Independence Day

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. I am so thankful I was born here and live in this great country. After having the opportunity to visit countries like Mexico, Peru, and Australia I am so glad that America is where my soul ended up. Sure we are not perfect but all and all, I would not consider living out from underneath the protection and pride of the stars and stripes.

This Independence day I will also be celebrating the independence I have gained by becoming a Pump User. It has been an awesome 3.5 weeks now and each day me and Master P understand each other a little bit more. Sure I have had a few high BG’s, and a few lows. Sure I get frustrated figuring out how to count carbs at a birthday party or potluck. Sure it still seems to take me a good 20 minutes to change my infusion set, reservoir and tubing. Sure I have almost pulled out my infusion set on a few “trou’ dropping” moments. Even with all those “sures” I would not go back to multiple shots.

In other 7/4 news we are going to my sisters for swimming and fireworks. Here in the very flammable state of California, you are not allowed to have fireworks in many cities. And the fireworks that are allowed in certain towns are pathetic. I can usually jump over the highest cone available although I would suggest shaving your legs before doing it. Anyhow, my sister lives in a town that seems to be filled with law breaking people when it comes to fireworks. It is truly the most frightening/exciting fireworks display that I have ever seen! I am going to take my video camera with me to see if I can capture the utterly terrifying, war zone-esk fireworks and post some footage for you all.

One last thing, (It wouldn’t be a B.A.D. post if I didn’t ask the OC for some guidance or advice would it?) I am sure I will be swimming tomorrow and I would love any advice you pumpers have. I think that I read somewhere that if I disconnect for an hour or less, I can just resume pumping and all is good but if I go any longer then that, then I should bolus for the amount of insulin that I missed during my normal basal rate. Is that about right? Is 2 hours too long or maybe 3 hours? I would love your input.

The Countdown

Since Friday I have been in my target range every time I checked my BG! So awesome! I have taken everyone’s advice and kept tight records of everything. Also I have been adamant about my carb counting and apparently, it is paying off.

Although I must share a strange moment that occurred early this morning around 2. I awoke in a pool of sweat but I noticed a very strange feeling in my head as if I was dreaming. I immediately figured I must be super low. I sat up very slowly, turned on my light, grabbed my machine, woke up my wife, and popped open the lid to the glucose tabs all at once it seemed. My wife went to the kitchen to get me some carbs to last me through the night while I took a few tabs and got my machine ready to test.

I easily slid the strip in the machine and hit a major artery on the first try so that was good because I hate it when no blood comes out when I am in semi-panic mode.

I closely watched the blood get sucked up into the strip and watched the countdown to status begin.

5
“I am going to die from this disease. This is going to kill me. This sucks, I hate this shit!”

4
“What did I do wrong? I should have had a snack, I am such an idiot”

3
“What would I do if I were alone, I would be screwed. Thank God my wife said yes to me”

2
“I am seriously going to die from this. My poor kids. This sucks.”

1
“I am so done with this. I am tired. Why do I even care?”

53

How can my brain be filled with so many thoughts in such a short amount of time?

I apologize if this post went from positive to negative but that is life I guess, not just life with Diabetes.

Should I blame Kerri?

I had an email from Scott this morning saying...
"Dude!! You're famous!!!"
Attached to the email was the dLife weekly news letter and my face right there for all the world to see as a member of the dLife Wall!
Wow I look like a dork. Too funny.
I am just gonna pretend that the newest employee of dLife had something to do with it!
OMG I am on the homepage too.
Are any of you on the dlife wall?