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For the past 2 to 3 weeks I have noticed a change in my eyesight. To be more specific, I have noticed a change in the vision in my right eye and have had a weird feeling in it.

I keep telling myself that I am going to make an appointment to see my doctor so I can get a referral to see an Ophthalmologist but I kept putting it off. One because I am scared, and two because the HMO hassle is annoying.

But yesterday it hurt a lot. And stings. And is watering.

So I was able to get a same day appointment (I was shocked) with my doctor and he quickly gave me the referral to the Ophthalmologist.

The eye doctor I see is in the same medical building as my doctor so my doc suggested that I go upstairs right then and make my appointment.

I walked in, told the receptionist that I had a referral and I wanted the next appointment open. I told her that I was diabetic and that I am terrified that something awful is wrong with my eye. I sort of played it up a little as directed by some OC members. ;)

"How does tomorrow at 2 sound?" The half goth, half goodie two shoes girl asked.

"Perfect."  

So it seems sometimes you have to get all "over dramatical" on these people to get a response. I can do that.

I am actually for the first time in my life, looking forward to my eye exam. I just want to know what is going on and get it fixed. 

*** In other result news, the MRI I had a while back came back normal but there was concerns with my blood work. So I have another blood draw I have to do and have another appointment with the Neurologist in January to see where it goes from there.

*** In even more result news, I am just about to put the nail in the coffin on the HMO or PPO deal. PPO is looking like the choice but I am waiting on a little more info from my HR person at work. Thank you to all that offered your opinions and information about that. It truly helped!

You Tube Tuesday #151

Since it's the holiday season, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite Christmas special moments ever. 

I hwanna wee shoo a madee kree mah, frung tha bah don, oh my haar!

The Darkest Night

December 21st is the longest night of the year and when our church holds it's Blue Christmas service. 

This service is geared towards less of a "Holly Jolly" service and more of a reflective service. A place where those who find the holidays difficult can find solace and comfort.

Every year I have helped to lead this service that I believe is so very important. So often we talk about all the blessings we have and how happy we should be that at times, it feels like it's wrong to be sad. Life can be very sad especially at this time of year and people need a place they can feel safe to admit that.

This service can be that place.

As I have done in the past I am going to spend a lot of time praying for, thinking about, and thanking God for this community tonight. I worry about you, I consider you my friends, and I love you all. 

One of the "stations" at the end of the service is a spot to light candles for people you are praying for or thinking about. I will light one for the OC and would love to light one specifically for you and pray for you if you wouldn't mind.

If you would rather not comment on here for the world to see then you can use the contact button at the top. Your candle request will be emailed to me. 

If you are having a difficult time this holiday season, know that you are not alone and that feeling blue is nothing to be ashamed of. Someone else can "deck the halls" this year and we can pray that next year will be easier. 

HMO or PPO

It's open enrollment time at my place of employment and I have a decision to make.

HMO or PPO.

Here's the thing, my company has been paying for me to be on a 10$ copay HMO with Blue Cross of California. It's a pretty sweet deal since I don't have to pay the monthly premiums and ever since we put my kids on my wife's insurance it is even sweeter. I was paying almost $800 a month for them to be on it.

Anyhow, my work has changed the deal and are now going to be paying the premiums for the 40$ copay HMO. That means outside of now playing $40 for a visit, I have a $250 deductible for medication, $3000 copay for hospital visits, and a higher cap on out of pocket. 

I need your advice. There are bunch of PPO plans I can get into also which is tempting. To be able to see an Endo without needing an approval every time would be a dream come true. Or being able to see a podiatrist without the same hold up is completely unreal to me.

Plus if I switched to a PPO I would be able to really pick and choose which Endo I go with. And you all know the troubles i've had with mine.

So I am flat out looking for advice. What do most diabetics do? HMO or PPO? Please comment and let me know why you think I should go with either one. If you need more info about the PPO's offered let me know and I will look it all up. 

Virus Fight

After feeling terrible on both Sunday and Monday, I decided to head over to the doctors yesterday to see if there was anything he could do to make me feel better.

I was happy that I got a same day appointment for 11AM and headed over to arrive a few minutes before like a good little patient should. 

When the receptionist asked why I needed to see the doctor I said, "I have body aches, sore throat, cough, and head ache." 

She handed me a mask to wear while in the waiting room 

Not that kind of mask! One of those little medical ones but it was enough to get looks from everyone in the room. 

Anyhow I was called in soon after I sat down, thank goodness, and I got to see the doctor rather quickly which surprised me since usually I am waiting forever!

The doctor listened to my lungs, asked me about how I had been feeling and said, "Well you do have some sort of Virus. I'm gonna have my nurse give you a shot that will make you start feeling better soon." 

"Patrón?"

"I'm sorry?" The doc was confused.

"A shot of Patrón? Sorry, it's tequila. Forget it, bad joke."

"Oh, [insert awkward fake laugh] not that kind of shot! Now you need to go home a rest even if you feel better. You should be fine for work tomorrow." And with that he left.

The nurse came in and moment's before I tweeted...

 

But I was nervous. I hate getting shots even though I don't mind giving them to myself. I don't think I am alone on that. 

The nurse came in and said, "I have to give you this shot in the hip. Do you want to lie down or lean over."

"Here." I lifted up my shirt and leaned forward.

"It's going to sting." Duh.

It didn't hurt at all. I made a 'hmmph' sound basically saying, 'that didn't hurt at all!' 

"It's gonna sting in a second," the nurse said out of the corner of a smile. She was kind of scary. And she was right! OUCH!

By the time I got home, the stinging was gone and I took my medicines. The cough syrup knocked me out and didn't even take any when I went to bed. I need no help in making my mornings slower.

Today I woke up with a slight headache. The body aches are gone and I am coughing now and then but my chest does not hurt like it did. 

Also my I woke up with a BG of 136 which was lowest I had seen since Saturday. I cannot believe how much insulin I have used in the past 3 days. Amazing. 

Anyhow, thanks for all the kind emails and tweets. I love all the support we can give one another here online. It's awesome.