A D-Meme

So my friend Kerri posted this meme yesterday and I thought I would hop on the Tardy Train and post this today. 

w00t.

What type of diabetes do you have: 

I have type 1 diabetes. The kind that starts with insulin and continues on until a cure.

When were you diagnosed:

Monday, October 2nd, 1990

What kind of meter do you use:

One Touch Ultra Link

How many times a day do you test your blood sugar: 

8 - 10 times on a normal day. If I am feeling funky it will be more.

What's a "high" number for you:

I am not sure how to answer this. I would say over 250 I get upset.

What do you consider "low":

Below 70 and making bacon but not sharing with me.

What's your favorite low blood sugar reaction treater:

Apple or Orange juice. Juice is so good and those of you without diabetes have no clue how good it really is. I love juice!

Describe your dream endo:

One that listens and never guilts. My original answer was Salma Hayek. ;)

What's your biggest diabetes achievement:

I would say starting this blog and connecting with the OC. This community saved my life. In meeting all these people and seeing that I was not alone, I was able to find the desire to do my best to control my diabetes. 

What's your biggest diabetes-related fear:

Losing my feet. That was hard for me to type.

Who's on your support team:

My wife, kids, mom, sisters, neices, brothers in law, family, friends, bloggers, tweeters, commenters, and lurkers. I really do see it that way.

Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime: 

I doubt it. I mean I wish but honestly I am not holding my breath.

What is a "cure" to you:

The only "cure" I can imagine in my time that would make me happy would be some sort of closed loop system where a machine did all the thinking and I could do all the living. That would work.

The most annoying thing people say to you about your diabetes is:

"You know if you lose some weight you can probably get off of insulin."

What is the most common misconception about diabetes:

That type 1's can be fat. We exist.

If you could say one thing to your pancreas, what would it be:

WORK!!!

Delayed Spontaneity

Me: So what did you do this weekend?

Sister: We went to Vegas. Didn’t you see my Facebook status?

Me: Ugh, I suck at Facebook. When did you decided to go to Vegas?

Sister: On Friday. I was on my way home from work and I just felt like getting out of town so I called Steve (my brother in law) and said, let’s go to Vegas or San Diego this weekend. You decide and when I get home we will go.

Me: That is awesome!

This happened a couple of weeks ago and yet this little conversation has been rattling around in my head ever since. There are times that I wish I could be this spontaneous. There are times I want to be but frankly, I cannot. Typically it is work, kids, pets, or other commitments that keep me from up and leaving for a weekend get-a-way. My life is too crazy to have that kind of freedom but there are things that us people with diabetes have to consider before we can “do whatever we want to do.”

Besides not being able to join the Air Force, I have never really had diabetes stand in the way of my life. I believe that you can do whatever you want in life while having diabetes. But for us, being spontaneous requires a little delay.

“Let’s jump in the pool!”

“I’ll race you home!”

“Here, taste this dessert I just made.”

“Let’s leave town!”

I remember a time when I would not worry about anything and just do whatever I wanted. Now I need to test my blood glucose level before I do anything. I need to make sure I have glucose tabs or a juice box near by. If we are leaving town I have to make sure I have all my prescriptions, test strips, and pump supplies to last the time away. Carbohydrates must be calculated before I eat or drink anything. My pump needs to be disconnected if I am going to jump in the water. There is just no way to hop up and run out the door without putting myself in danger. I just have to make sure I have everything thing I need before I do anything.

So I guess I can be spontaneous, it just takes some planning ahead. 

You Tube Tuesday #187

Over the weekend my son showed this video to me and for what ever reason I could not shut it off. 

And then the chorus was stuck in my head all day. '

Enjoy.

Laborless Day

Today is 100% chill the heck out day for me. 

We usually always have a BBQ to go to or are throwing one but this year we decided to just stay home and do nada. Zilch. 

I have been so busy planning things for the Team Ninjabetic walk and party that I just needed a day off from everything. So I think movies, some board games, and maybe a little online gaming is in order. 

Currently, my wife is napping, my daughter is reading a book, my son is playing guitar, and as I write this I am updating my iPad software.

Seems like a perfect day today. No labor. Except of course the work we have to do to stay alive but I am not going to let diabetes upset me today. I am just going to be relaxed about it all.

I hope your day is mellow too! 

Oh Swell

I went to the Podiatrist last Saturday for a routine diabetes check up. My piggies are a big concern of mine because I want to keep them forever. Especially that one that didn't get any roast beef, I always feel bad for that one.

I wish all doctors were like this guy. He explained everything that was going on with my feet and how I can make sure I am watching for anything to be concerned about. If I asked a question he would not only explain but pull out a book with a picture or a 3D model. I was very impressed.

He also asked about my job and where I worked, as he cut my nails which was embarrassing to me, and it turns out he lives near where I work and works close to where I live! It was comfortable and informative, a good appointment in my book.

"I noticed that your feet and legs are swollen." It was like he was reading my mind because I was just about to ask him about that.

"Yeah, my feet look like Fred Flinstone's. And they hurt."

"Well you said you are taking Lyrica and that causes swelling. Did your Endo tell you that?" 

Well no he did not. I was also never told that Lisinopril can cause swelling too which my Podiatrist told me. He said that if the Lyrica works then I can ask my doctor to find different blood pressure meds and a different water pill. I am not sure I can tell if Lyrica is working just yet so I am going to give it time.

He gave a prescription for some foot cream, compression socks, and I am going back in a week to get casted for orthopedic inserts. 

"I don't need diabetic shoes like I had before?" 

"You don't need them right now. The insert will do the work we need."

I love this guy. And so did my wife because they had Twilight playing in the waiting room and she is a member of Team Edward. 

And did I mention he takes appointments on Saturday!? So great. I think I have found another member of my Ninjabetic Care Team. I feel like I am finally finding the caregivers I have been looking for and it's wonderful.

And about flippin' time!