So I did the 4 PM test (220) and was appalled - but I've been all over the place for the last couple of weeks and... it's not fun.
Today my PCP called and my TSH (thyroid) indicates another change to my Synthroid dose. She upped it 2 months ago - and now we have to lower it. I Googled and found that if you're hyperthyroid then it can cause BG to rise as your metabolism is quicker. I didn't even think about it. It was my husband who casually asked, could your thyroid cause the high BG's.
To be honest, when the Synthroid was upped, I finally started taking it properly. 30 minutes before any other meds or food, AND switched my calcium med to night time. (I've been taking it improperly since I was 18.) In addition, since the GAD65 came back high and I'm now officially a T1, the CDE had me stop the Metformin.
Until then, the new MDI (for me) was working great and I thought I was just one of the smartest PWD's around - not anymore. I think I'm also dealing with just too many med changes in a short amount of time.
Wish me luck, please!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Drip, drip, drip, drip, etc...
Ok, now I'm tired of it. At the beginning of our present "rainy season" here in NH, I was positive. You know, "Well, this is great for the farmers." & "At least we won't have to worry about fires." According to the news reports, even the farmers are tired of our rain. And we're so soaked that I don't think you could light a fire outside anywhere.So, in between the rain drops, how am I doing on MDI? Not so great some days, wonderful on the other days. I wake up with a fasting between 100 and 110. Not so bad! I drink two cups of "lite" coffee with Splenda and fat free half & half and the stupid BG jumps 80 or more points. At the beginning of this stage, when I was injecting for breakfast I counted b'fast carbs only and was ending up in the 200's at 3 hours. Now I'm doing the correction thing when I inject for breakfast and by lunch time, numbers are usually normal. The rest of the day is fine although I tend to end up in the 70's by late afternoon so I've started having a snack when I get home from work. I'm still learning and thanks to all of you, I'm figuring it out, slowly but surely. Guess I'll do the 2 AM check tonight to see where I am in the middle of the night before making too many changes. And no, I don't think I can quit coffee in the morning.
Have a great July 4th! I think we'll be celebrating in the rain.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dope Slap!
In our family we have something called a "dope slap." It's a flick of the fingers on the back of the head given when you've been, well.. a dope.
I gave myself one today.
Since stopping the metformin last week my BG numbers have been unreal (upper 200's and even a 300+). I've never, ever had numbers like that. I thought it was the lack of metformin and so just kept plugging away with the intention of calling the CDE on Monday.
Then - light bulb moment - I decided at lunch time to start a new Novolog Pen and see if that would make a difference. Umm, yup - that worked!
I'll get better at this diabetes stuff, maybe??!!
I won a magazine subscription last week! Elizabeth, over at Diabetes Daily, publishes some great recipes each week (in between taking care of her new daughter). She offered a subscription to Cooking Light and I won!
I gave myself one today.
Since stopping the metformin last week my BG numbers have been unreal (upper 200's and even a 300+). I've never, ever had numbers like that. I thought it was the lack of metformin and so just kept plugging away with the intention of calling the CDE on Monday.
Then - light bulb moment - I decided at lunch time to start a new Novolog Pen and see if that would make a difference. Umm, yup - that worked!
I'll get better at this diabetes stuff, maybe??!!
I won a magazine subscription last week! Elizabeth, over at Diabetes Daily, publishes some great recipes each week (in between taking care of her new daughter). She offered a subscription to Cooking Light and I won!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Rain, rain, go away
It's bike week up here in NH - and the weather is lousy. I don't ride a motorcycle, I have no interest in riding a motorcycle. But, our tourist area depends on the tourists and it helps to have lovely, sunny weather. (Or snow in the winter)
After speaking with the new CDE this week, I've stopped taking Metformin. I've been taking it for a couple of years along with other T2 meds (none now) as that's how they were treating me. (It's been a frustrating 4 years.) After requesting the GAD test, and being pronounced as T1, I asked if I should be taking it. I stopped two nights ago and the BG's have been unreal, very high and very ridiculous. So I guess the Metformin was helping but I'd just as soon not take it. The other strange thing is that I really haven't felt that high - no lethargy, no napping.
I'm guessing I need to up my I:C numbers so will play with that this weekend. This LADA stuff has been a long learning experience. I have to admit though that when I start to feel sorry for myself I think about those of you who were diagnosed as children and dropped right into "everything diabetes."
The sun did shine the other day. I didn't have to wear a sweater, so I wandered through the yard taking pictures.
Pansies in a barrel
Wild strawberries
Lots of wild strawberries
A blossom on one of two tomato plants!
RhododendronThursday, June 11, 2009
I'm still alive
I'm awed that people dealt with diabetes before the internet. I would probably be dead but for all of the info available on blogs and forums.
If you read my earlier post, I have finally transitioned to MDI (didn't know what that meant 4 years ago...) as of Monday a week ago, at my request. And so far, so good!
I love not jumping into high numbers after I eat. I love feeling better. I love knowing that I am taking better care of ME.
Four years ago, when I saw the Endo, he said, "You're probably LADA, not a type 2." But I was dx'd t2 and treated t2. The more I read, the more I thought that I was not a t2. When I asked about the GAD test (Glutamic Acid Decarboxy) or ICA (Islet Cell Antibody), I was told that it wouldn't make any difference in my treatment, so there was no need to do the tests.
Last week I saw a CDE at a new Endo's office and the tests were ordered. The GAD is "high," the ICA was not an issue. The new office now says, "You have Type 1." I'd done the carb thing, exercise thing, every thing and it wasn't working. It was extremely discouraging.
The injections are not that bad - doing the math is harder (hee, hee).
So now I'm doing the basal/bolus thing - didn't know what that meant 4 years ago either!
Today, we had pizza at work. I knew ahead of time and had checked out what to do - did it - and the BG a couple of hours later wasn't that bad. YAY me! And YAY all of you for posting and writing about how to handle pizza, bagels and other foods.
Still cold and rainy up here in NH. Next week is "Bike Week." Thousands and thousands of bikers will be here to enjoy the mountains and lakes. It's noisy but fun.
If you read my earlier post, I have finally transitioned to MDI (didn't know what that meant 4 years ago...) as of Monday a week ago, at my request. And so far, so good!
I love not jumping into high numbers after I eat. I love feeling better. I love knowing that I am taking better care of ME.
Four years ago, when I saw the Endo, he said, "You're probably LADA, not a type 2." But I was dx'd t2 and treated t2. The more I read, the more I thought that I was not a t2. When I asked about the GAD test (Glutamic Acid Decarboxy) or ICA (Islet Cell Antibody), I was told that it wouldn't make any difference in my treatment, so there was no need to do the tests.
Last week I saw a CDE at a new Endo's office and the tests were ordered. The GAD is "high," the ICA was not an issue. The new office now says, "You have Type 1." I'd done the carb thing, exercise thing, every thing and it wasn't working. It was extremely discouraging.
The injections are not that bad - doing the math is harder (hee, hee).
So now I'm doing the basal/bolus thing - didn't know what that meant 4 years ago either!
Today, we had pizza at work. I knew ahead of time and had checked out what to do - did it - and the BG a couple of hours later wasn't that bad. YAY me! And YAY all of you for posting and writing about how to handle pizza, bagels and other foods.
Still cold and rainy up here in NH. Next week is "Bike Week." Thousands and thousands of bikers will be here to enjoy the mountains and lakes. It's noisy but fun.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
More, you want more?!
New endo's office!
New insulin!
I did it. I made an appointment with a new office and I think I'm pleased. I spent an HOUR yesterday with a very pleasant CDE. She listened to me - I asked questions - I brought logs and test results. I have nothing to compare it to, other than my appointments with my (now former) endo, but it was very nice to have someone actually talk with me and not just look at the log sheet and say, "looks ok, keep on doing what you're doing."
She became a CDE after one of her daughters was dx'd w/ diabetes. She was a nurse at the time and said she felt like she didn't know enough. So she went back to school and became an ARNP and CDE.
She ordered a GAD test after asking me why I hadn't had it (endo said it costs a lot and would make no difference in my treatment...). I told her I wasn't concerned about WHAT type I was, but would like to know. I told her I was unhappy about the highs, felt miserable when high and really thought I needed something more. She agreed and so I started using Novolog as of last night (along w/ twice a day Levemir). It's a guessing game right now. I've looked at carbs the last 4 years but never had to add and divide - jeez! I've been scanning the MDI posts over at Diabetes Daily and learning lots.
Onto the thyroid... The small increase in Synthroid has made a big difference. I'm not near as tired, and better yet, I'm not near as hungry. I've been on the same dosage for years but am very glad my PCP caught the change and we're on to new and better levels - I hope. I test again the end of this month.
If all of you - and the many people who post on the many forums - didn't take the time to write about your D experiences, I wouldn't have a clue that life could be better. So thank you all very, very much!
Meanwhile - just for fun - baby acorns that will grow bigger, fall on our roof in the fall and make lots of noise.
New insulin!
I did it. I made an appointment with a new office and I think I'm pleased. I spent an HOUR yesterday with a very pleasant CDE. She listened to me - I asked questions - I brought logs and test results. I have nothing to compare it to, other than my appointments with my (now former) endo, but it was very nice to have someone actually talk with me and not just look at the log sheet and say, "looks ok, keep on doing what you're doing."
She became a CDE after one of her daughters was dx'd w/ diabetes. She was a nurse at the time and said she felt like she didn't know enough. So she went back to school and became an ARNP and CDE.
She ordered a GAD test after asking me why I hadn't had it (endo said it costs a lot and would make no difference in my treatment...). I told her I wasn't concerned about WHAT type I was, but would like to know. I told her I was unhappy about the highs, felt miserable when high and really thought I needed something more. She agreed and so I started using Novolog as of last night (along w/ twice a day Levemir). It's a guessing game right now. I've looked at carbs the last 4 years but never had to add and divide - jeez! I've been scanning the MDI posts over at Diabetes Daily and learning lots.
Onto the thyroid... The small increase in Synthroid has made a big difference. I'm not near as tired, and better yet, I'm not near as hungry. I've been on the same dosage for years but am very glad my PCP caught the change and we're on to new and better levels - I hope. I test again the end of this month.
If all of you - and the many people who post on the many forums - didn't take the time to write about your D experiences, I wouldn't have a clue that life could be better. So thank you all very, very much!
Meanwhile - just for fun - baby acorns that will grow bigger, fall on our roof in the fall and make lots of noise.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Reminder
Tomorrow, as all of us in the U.S. know, is Memorial Day. Please take a moment to remember those that served and died so that we continue to enjoy our own lives.
The reunion with my dad's class at West Point was a wonderful experience. Average age of the grads is 86+ and they have so much energy and enthusiasm that the 3 days spent with them was a memorable time. There were far fewer classmates than past years but lots more family members accompanied them. We did that five years ago with dad and he loved showing the grandkids West Point. The photo below is the class on the parade field.
I've worked this weekend updating the class website with all the photos and learned something new. I didn't know you could embed a slide show from Flickr! I've heard from several of the classmates that they enjoyed the photos so I'm pleased.
BG's stayed okay for the most part - I think all the walking helped! I have an appointment with my PCP on Tuesday and should bring logs - ummm, don't have any... So tomorrow morning will be spent putting the numbers together.
And finally - the photo below is for Kathy - AKA Minnesota Nice.
The pink lady's slipper was adopted as the official state wildflower of New Hampshire in 1991. New Hampshire's pink lady's slipper is also sometimes called the moccasin flower, the lady's slipper orchid, pink ladyslipper, and pink lady's-slipper. It is also the Minnesota state flower.I found this one in our yard yesterday after tromping around looking for it. We usually have several but this is the only one I could find.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Army Blue
Tomorrow we drive to West Point for my dad's 65th Class Reunion. As I wrote last week, I've been to the last two reunions with him and had a fabulous time hanging out with his classmates and him. There was no way we were going to be able to take him there this year so I'm relieved that it's not an issue, as he died in January. The song "Army Blue" was played by the band at his burial. It's been around since 1848.
I survived the colonoscopy on Thursday! My BG's were nuts during the "prep." I emailed my PCP the week before for any special instructions and she said, "Call the surgeon." So I called the surgeon whose nurse's first response was, "Speak with your PCP." I told her that PCP had said speak with them - and her response was, "Don't take any diabetes meds that morning." On Wednesday, the hospital nurse called and said, "Talk to your PCP." I told her that was not going to work and they'd both been pretty uninformed. She asked what I was doing and then promptly said I needed more sugar during the day. So, between Sprite and apple juice, I lived. The very interesting part (which may be TMI...) was the surgical nurse let me know ahead of time that if there were any "kinks" they would use glucagon to straighten out the colon - and so, they'd be keeping a close eye on my BG. Her meter took forever to work whenever she checked. Final report - no problems - Yay! Oh, and the Sprite was almost gagging sweet - gee, what a surprise! I looked everywhere for more info on colonoscopies and diabetes, really didn't find much. I'm going to speak with my PCP and the surgeon about giving clearer instructions.
Meanwhile (am I having fun yet?) my TSH (thyroid) is up, so that means I need more Synthroid. It'll take a couple of weeks to see any results from the changed med.
I survived the colonoscopy on Thursday! My BG's were nuts during the "prep." I emailed my PCP the week before for any special instructions and she said, "Call the surgeon." So I called the surgeon whose nurse's first response was, "Speak with your PCP." I told her that PCP had said speak with them - and her response was, "Don't take any diabetes meds that morning." On Wednesday, the hospital nurse called and said, "Talk to your PCP." I told her that was not going to work and they'd both been pretty uninformed. She asked what I was doing and then promptly said I needed more sugar during the day. So, between Sprite and apple juice, I lived. The very interesting part (which may be TMI...) was the surgical nurse let me know ahead of time that if there were any "kinks" they would use glucagon to straighten out the colon - and so, they'd be keeping a close eye on my BG. Her meter took forever to work whenever she checked. Final report - no problems - Yay! Oh, and the Sprite was almost gagging sweet - gee, what a surprise! I looked everywhere for more info on colonoscopies and diabetes, really didn't find much. I'm going to speak with my PCP and the surgeon about giving clearer instructions.
Meanwhile (am I having fun yet?) my TSH (thyroid) is up, so that means I need more Synthroid. It'll take a couple of weeks to see any results from the changed med.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Another Test
Hmmm, so on Thursday I will have my third colonoscopy. I am so not looking forward to tomorrow. The colonoscopy itself is nothing - easy, peasy - tomorrow - well... So tomorrow I will slowly starve, then take my pills and drink a whole LOT of water. As most have read or experienced, the "prep" is the worst part. In case you haven't read it, Dave Barry wrote a great column about his procedure in February, 2008. Why am I on my third already? First one they found a few polyps so had to do the second one three years after. That time I got a break, a whole five years. Normal testing is 10 years. I cannot, just cannot drink the usual stuff, so tomorrow I get to take pills. Hope it works!
On Sunday we're going to West Point, NY to attend my dad's 65th class reunion. (Dad died this past January) Why, you ask? I've been doing a website for the class for the past five years and I'll need photos. Class members are for the most part 85+ years old. They enjoy the website but aren't great about sending me photos. But I get lots of notes about how much they enjoy the website. So, I'll go and take photos and enjoy my dad's friends. Ten years ago I attended the 55th reunion with my dad. He wasn't going to go as he felt unsure driving that distance by himself. When I offered to go with him, he was worried that I'd be bored. I told him not to worry, I'd bring lots of books and be perfectly happy. I never got to read any of the books, the class members were busy all day for three days and I had a wonderful time keeping up with all of them. Our five hour drive to West Point was wonderful. I'd bought some 40's tapes for the car and dad just chatted away about the music, about my mom; and I loved hearing his stories.
Five years later, I convinced my entire family (3 siblings, two spouses, five grandchildren) to attend his 60th Reunion. I couldn't have done anything nicer for my dad. He totally enjoyed showing his grandchildren around West Point and telling them all about his days there. Less than one year later, he became ill and moved to a nursing home.
If you're 50 or older - and have NOT had a colonoscopy - please talk to your doctor. The prep misery is definitely easier than colon cancer...
On Sunday we're going to West Point, NY to attend my dad's 65th class reunion. (Dad died this past January) Why, you ask? I've been doing a website for the class for the past five years and I'll need photos. Class members are for the most part 85+ years old. They enjoy the website but aren't great about sending me photos. But I get lots of notes about how much they enjoy the website. So, I'll go and take photos and enjoy my dad's friends. Ten years ago I attended the 55th reunion with my dad. He wasn't going to go as he felt unsure driving that distance by himself. When I offered to go with him, he was worried that I'd be bored. I told him not to worry, I'd bring lots of books and be perfectly happy. I never got to read any of the books, the class members were busy all day for three days and I had a wonderful time keeping up with all of them. Our five hour drive to West Point was wonderful. I'd bought some 40's tapes for the car and dad just chatted away about the music, about my mom; and I loved hearing his stories.
Five years later, I convinced my entire family (3 siblings, two spouses, five grandchildren) to attend his 60th Reunion. I couldn't have done anything nicer for my dad. He totally enjoyed showing his grandchildren around West Point and telling them all about his days there. Less than one year later, he became ill and moved to a nursing home.
If you're 50 or older - and have NOT had a colonoscopy - please talk to your doctor. The prep misery is definitely easier than colon cancer...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms!
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
In honor and memory of my mom, Betty. (June 1922 - November 1988)
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