tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81981013163727962024-03-05T17:21:09.927-08:00Me and my diabetes buddy Thoughts, stories and experiences linked to diabetes. Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-48570079505666310442021-11-14T14:35:00.033-08:002021-11-14T14:54:00.969-08:00Diabetes Day…if you’re not part of the solution…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">November 14th marks world diabetes day. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3nUMz8MG0gic-4sae0MG_BnPp6lppch5LJ6sViES8ZXPuzmZWBf7ipFdPcgM2f_8JBg2wdmAgOz_NJx6Ky-3sA8sQTh4gO7msgEbcEduFapiqfyCv-BQW0R4KLFgkRqBTHWo1neRf68/s1000/F713C15A-76CB-4803-BF83-7AF6C111A76E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1000" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3nUMz8MG0gic-4sae0MG_BnPp6lppch5LJ6sViES8ZXPuzmZWBf7ipFdPcgM2f_8JBg2wdmAgOz_NJx6Ky-3sA8sQTh4gO7msgEbcEduFapiqfyCv-BQW0R4KLFgkRqBTHWo1neRf68/s320/F713C15A-76CB-4803-BF83-7AF6C111A76E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This year is a huge year in terms of recognising how far research and technology have come. 100 years of people being able to be treated…seems like a long time ago yet it’s not, really. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyuwtfgxJX2la_9TChn0NGVEv35AZg6sfP20dvxWhvjo4qgCkHcyKdpq4vyl217ssWZlUVKtSMu6kbyI3mr49vMgXu2p_nyuAEweoC1jJg68H572oKaxEsE3D-D9C5mPaFvJ3MoAihHI/s960/9C4F87A9-C7E0-4BAB-9DE2-BA00542FB5E2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyuwtfgxJX2la_9TChn0NGVEv35AZg6sfP20dvxWhvjo4qgCkHcyKdpq4vyl217ssWZlUVKtSMu6kbyI3mr49vMgXu2p_nyuAEweoC1jJg68H572oKaxEsE3D-D9C5mPaFvJ3MoAihHI/s320/9C4F87A9-C7E0-4BAB-9DE2-BA00542FB5E2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In such a small space of time technology has managed to find new ways of delivering insulin, testing blood sugars and supporting patient needs. </div><div><br /></div><div>What’s not come a long way is society. Now I’m not blaming everyone but there’s a small contingent of people who need educating. Let me tell you, in my experience, some of them are diabetics themselves. They are so badly managed or so poorly understand their condition that they've no idea what they’re contributing too. Maybe they’re too stupid to care, I don’t know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there’s the “know it alls”! My nans cats sisters dogs owner was diabetic so I know everything types. Again, often it’s those who should know better who are the main perpetrators. Sometimes they’re “medical professionals” who have a little knowledge. I’ve been told by occupational health advisors to “take an extra shot of insulin when you’re low”…often I wonder if they want me to ring 999 myself first or hope someone else does it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there’s the bully’s. The trolls. People who just want to hurt you. </div><div><br /></div><div>The final group, those who say nothing. The people who hear; read or see actions that need to be challenged. Actions that should be challenged. Yet they stay silent. These are the ones I find most annoying. By saying nothing you’re accepting that behaviour. You’re saying yes that’s ok by me. You’d think these people would be weak people and maybe they are in some ways. The people who let us down the most, in my opinion, are these people. </div><div><br /></div><div>These negative people have appeared so often in my life. Yet you never fail to be shocked by who they are. I’d love them to not only walk a mile in my shoes but spend a day inside my head…!! The maths we do daily is madness. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_hx_8tQcelMLfA4TJvkooU1LmaYQ7KGKpRSUju0C-YdlfKbG54DL6Ak_2TE6WEJ42q4rz6gp1CLV2yjrd8CXYSwNtw8CIWHpyhS8Hgswl7uSbzN7AfB7OBVZh40-o0kE_tLhaDqmvbA/s1280/DE6BEC4A-F338-4296-889B-3E4033513736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_hx_8tQcelMLfA4TJvkooU1LmaYQ7KGKpRSUju0C-YdlfKbG54DL6Ak_2TE6WEJ42q4rz6gp1CLV2yjrd8CXYSwNtw8CIWHpyhS8Hgswl7uSbzN7AfB7OBVZh40-o0kE_tLhaDqmvbA/s320/DE6BEC4A-F338-4296-889B-3E4033513736.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It’s like having a million browsers open, whilst trying to safe break using instructions in a foreign language and listening to baby shark on repeat - some days!! </div><div><br /></div><div>So yes in my opinion what needs to come a long way is people. </div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, Not one to finish one a downer let’s celebrate the good members of our community. In no particular order…</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y0rZxa6Q163Kwb_EZMNs3Fj8LjSYTQRK57Xp0BqzZq_oglnDSGCGjViksrCiAzQQV84TNJPCHagYNehyphenhyphen3Z6WOAMGYe62GFbfS_wvTZEz6QUY6Z-MqD4Se4_Kc_AqGrqieD27qvlGNBI/s828/8154C72F-6CE6-4315-8316-0E9B3DEEF2C3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="828" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y0rZxa6Q163Kwb_EZMNs3Fj8LjSYTQRK57Xp0BqzZq_oglnDSGCGjViksrCiAzQQV84TNJPCHagYNehyphenhyphen3Z6WOAMGYe62GFbfS_wvTZEz6QUY6Z-MqD4Se4_Kc_AqGrqieD27qvlGNBI/s320/8154C72F-6CE6-4315-8316-0E9B3DEEF2C3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The gorgeous folks in this group. Honestly they are all fab but some of them just feel like they’re family! These are the people awake in the middle of the night sharing your confusion, exhaustion and desire to rage bolus from goodness knows how far away. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSh0CM3Hoflu42OpRYEUzI63Zsy_W-cVVcuLn0fd_gZnEzP6Uata6Qimr5WT6lD479KCXwwoh6rcLVLlyF3l-P1f3-tPG-g-hWP4B67RPHML0y74rfpWQ1b1qxc-jxVFO22DlpC6fAu4/s1086/B065C7D0-D6AF-4B03-BD59-0237D44BE44F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSh0CM3Hoflu42OpRYEUzI63Zsy_W-cVVcuLn0fd_gZnEzP6Uata6Qimr5WT6lD479KCXwwoh6rcLVLlyF3l-P1f3-tPG-g-hWP4B67RPHML0y74rfpWQ1b1qxc-jxVFO22DlpC6fAu4/s320/B065C7D0-D6AF-4B03-BD59-0237D44BE44F.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These two monkeys - who can find a bottle of “mummy juice” at a moments notice. Who know when I’m cranky because I’m low and who can both assist with libre scanning and pod changing ♥️ They are my heroes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsTaV5_0_Ay_EXI-uA1NRsWzVzeVDBw1dw6D_i7i6FPY5FD0HS4qGIo9AEQxLqg4OL2Eu9AFWnZxVrHbcDymecBI2OrWFp9Q8wxJbhdujvzXKXhpnOKUsV-NMt80w9h-cNued9sgYLn0/s980/734A4A55-4DF5-4734-B117-BC6C60A3A710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsTaV5_0_Ay_EXI-uA1NRsWzVzeVDBw1dw6D_i7i6FPY5FD0HS4qGIo9AEQxLqg4OL2Eu9AFWnZxVrHbcDymecBI2OrWFp9Q8wxJbhdujvzXKXhpnOKUsV-NMt80w9h-cNued9sgYLn0/s320/734A4A55-4DF5-4734-B117-BC6C60A3A710.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This one! He wakes up in the middle of the night, puts up with my rages and makes sure I’m ok when I fall asleep in a hypo heap. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAShsMa-T3RXclnfx7g9OYAjSoUVuaYJiDgw3wfT7E_9aByhyC8I0FK2cBd6o-rVgbfUeUFuP3yIAU5xWcVbS1V6uabqBjDFgZv3IHhVDU0Bv52a4O25quqmUP8DmxfOb6yj91lFj2Nc/s844/A41DEDFF-A42E-4557-AE16-3306851D3B20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAShsMa-T3RXclnfx7g9OYAjSoUVuaYJiDgw3wfT7E_9aByhyC8I0FK2cBd6o-rVgbfUeUFuP3yIAU5xWcVbS1V6uabqBjDFgZv3IHhVDU0Bv52a4O25quqmUP8DmxfOb6yj91lFj2Nc/s320/A41DEDFF-A42E-4557-AE16-3306851D3B20.jpeg" width="314" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My Dad, who refused point blank many years ago to inject an orange and has since had unwavering faith that I can do anything. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICx5f_dk3NNMZQKTsZu2Fk1Tuotz_kpVmtfUpciopFsCWV37px6QSsqCojKf_8k5Vg3gtUt85gQ_04jbbNp35nIxkT7myFLo3NF-G7t8B0oBB5_xUMvqU4XE3-fWgtznYYUdEs71W7r0/s1792/8AF008E0-643E-48DC-942F-A91ED4C565E7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICx5f_dk3NNMZQKTsZu2Fk1Tuotz_kpVmtfUpciopFsCWV37px6QSsqCojKf_8k5Vg3gtUt85gQ_04jbbNp35nIxkT7myFLo3NF-G7t8B0oBB5_xUMvqU4XE3-fWgtznYYUdEs71W7r0/s320/8AF008E0-643E-48DC-942F-A91ED4C565E7.png" width="148" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The pup. He can sniff a hypo from a good distance and more importantly he can sniff it from as deep sleep. He is my companion every day and a complete superstar. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’m going to add in here my brother and sister who I doubt would thank me for posting photos of them. They know when I need a reality check and when I need a hug in lots of instances before I do. They take the hypo rages and although we fight it out, lots, stick by me when I need them. And our lovely Matt who always seems to be on hand when I hit the deck (lots in pregnancy) and who makes some of the best post hypo brew and biscuits. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’m going to mention those friends who are either part of our community or who have been so amazing and have supported me in any way. To the friends who I can pick up with where I left of last week, month or year and who understand when I’m not up to things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, my mum. She is, without doubt my rock. The person I ring at all hours. The one who drives me to appointments and holds my hand. Who minds the kinds when I shattered and who sits on every sports sideline with me cheering on the kids. She also drives us to all these events when we need her. She might be totally crazy but she’s my kind of crazy ♥️</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFNJsYqpF20cJ4WYZbWLC1RsDVsyiulNl1awD_mHNkV3dvXWe7QSzjK3FmlgLYaWcpiWw6-l1RtqpULCBey-mQedsk3gQ-lscutpys5-V1EHdcqmClwSjRYax5ok87sR74qeR8eNLhJ8/s828/8C5042B5-65ED-455D-BB2B-2F3D63FFC397.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="828" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFNJsYqpF20cJ4WYZbWLC1RsDVsyiulNl1awD_mHNkV3dvXWe7QSzjK3FmlgLYaWcpiWw6-l1RtqpULCBey-mQedsk3gQ-lscutpys5-V1EHdcqmClwSjRYax5ok87sR74qeR8eNLhJ8/s320/8C5042B5-65ED-455D-BB2B-2F3D63FFC397.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>So to the type one community I hope you’ve had a controlled WDD, to the positive influences thank you and to the negatives…well let’s hope you improve. 🤷🏼♀️</div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-62277000482449319722021-03-04T07:38:00.002-08:002021-03-04T07:38:11.466-08:00Let’s talk “professionals” <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt5fISd4C-Z84Bgt5XgfSICWpYtIhCHLUgIwcbTPOlz7zBpizf8RPkT7b3r8L9LzSyOYe96aQr2XaGc5nbCGmSyxJQ8ICxQUc8cPPvxqqG9hIH_R1daP5oeM2vRYjbsh6ZK0tYZKX5EM/s795/65B752C9-52FA-460B-8BEB-5D1231578DA6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="795" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt5fISd4C-Z84Bgt5XgfSICWpYtIhCHLUgIwcbTPOlz7zBpizf8RPkT7b3r8L9LzSyOYe96aQr2XaGc5nbCGmSyxJQ8ICxQUc8cPPvxqqG9hIH_R1daP5oeM2vRYjbsh6ZK0tYZKX5EM/s320/65B752C9-52FA-460B-8BEB-5D1231578DA6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <i> Some if the current team with focus group members </i><p></p><p>With diabetes it’s inevitable that you’ll need extra care. It might just be routine check ups but you’ll need to confirm you’re receiving the right treatment and for this you need a medical professional. For me this has always been done in a hospital setting. I don’t have the relationship or trust in my GP practice to receive my care there. Trust is an important factor for me in this relationship and I’d guess others may feel the same. </p><p>To explain this let me go back to the start. My diagnosis wasn’t straight foreword. I’d been unwell and had family GP visits which hadn’t paid off. My poor parents where up the wall and the GP basically inferred they’d wasted his time. For some reason we had an on call visit from a different doctor, Dr C. She walked into the room, sniffed the air and told my parents to go straight to hospital. She could smell the ketones. I don’t remember a single thing about her, but she probably saved my life and so I’m eternally grateful. </p><p>Upon arriving at the hospital we met one of the loveliest doctors I’ve ever known, Dr A. He is my hero. During childhood if I had to be admitted I’d always ask if he was there. As I grew older he moved up the professional ladder, yet he still always seemed to be around. He instilled confidence and determination in me. He was kind hearted, funny and so pleasantly spoken it was impossible not to trust him. He was there when I went in for diagnosis and a couple of years ago my son saw him 33 years later. Even just seeing him calmed me. </p><p>My care during childhood was done by a diabetic nurse and a consultant. If I’m honest I didn’t have a good relationship with either and as I got older this didn’t change. The only thing I did like about clinic was when Cath was in. She was the most lovely nurse who did height; weight and attempted to keep you calm whilst the diabetic nurse shoved drops into your eyes. I hated going to clinic and as I got older would often try to think of excuses not to go. Thankfully my mum would always make me go but it was never a productive or inspiring chat. I’d give one word answers and try not to engage. Even though I hated clinic at 16 I was disinclined to move to the adolescent clinic! </p><p>Adolescent clinic was good and bad. They encouraged you to take part in the appointment and talked to you directly. M who was my nurse was amazing! She was firm but listened to me and what I was saying. She worked with me and encouraged me. My consultant was another matter. I don’t know if he was serving some kind of “time” or whether he didn’t like people or just didn’t like me. Either way it was the same as kids clinic when I had to see him. I felt angry that he didn’t listen and that he made lists of everything I was doing wrong with no solutions to the problems. But at least here I liked the DSN and the other staff. The problem was this was a transition clinic and as soon as I’d settled it was time to move up into the adult clinic (or at least that’s how it felt) I wasn’t very keen on another move but those where the rules. On the plus side hopefully this would be the last move as such. </p><p>Arrival at adult clinic was super surprising. The HCAs who did height and weight seemed really friendly, not judgemental which I found nice. They filled in lots of the paper work and generally made me feel really at ease. The first DSN I met, J was lovely. She made me feel welcome at clinic and made me feel safe discussing everything (probably too much). She made me feel like anything was possible and I was really surprised by how quickly I began to open up to her. She’s since moved positions but she’s not changed. Still lovely; friendly and welcoming and to be honest more someone I’d consider a friend who I talk to about my condition. This makes it so much easier to get positive results. </p><p>Around the same time I met the new consultant. This was the big issue for me as I’d rarely got in with them in the last. The nerves the night before where horrendous! It felt like the night before a job interview. I mentally made a list of all the things I’d done “wrong” or all the bad things I’d done. When my name was called I was worried a no idea why! Dr F turned out to be the most fantastic consultant. I feel like he listens to me! He talks to me about options and doesn’t ever push me into a decision I’m not sure or happy about. I’ve actually put up a fight in the past to be seen by him. When I was pregnant and transferred to a different consultant I repeatedly asked the nurse could I go back to his clinic. Always met with a no but then the consultants on pregnancy where generally good to. As always I had a preference as one termed things as instructions “you need to do this...” “you must try this...” The other talked to me in a similar manner to Dr F and made me feel like I was in control (pretty sure I wasn’t but at least it felt like I was some of the time). </p><p>Pre-pregnancy brought me to P. She is the most amazing DSN I have ever met. She’s a superstar. She knows me better than most. We have a very honest conversation whenever I see her. I don’t feel the need to hide anything. P has been through two pregnancies with me, she’s held my hand when I’ve been happy, sad, surprised and shocked. She came to see me on her day off just to make sure I was ok. I will be forever grateful to her for absolutely everything and hope that she’ll be around for a while longer as I can’t see me trusting anyone else this way!</p><p>We do have lots of other fab DSNs at our clinic and if I try to name them all I’ll definitely miss one out. They’re the people who ring me back in the middle of the week when I’m having a mini meltdown and talk me round; convince me I’m doing ok even if I can’t see it and promise to get P or J to phone me back. They’re also the wonderful people who go above and beyond when I need it. I hope they know they’re so valued even if we don’t always say it. </p><p>For the first time in a long time we also have a wonderful dietician who I feel tries to understand me. C doesn’t instruct but listens and advises. Makes suggestions about what I could try but will ask first “do you like...?” </p><p>So why the long ramble? Well lots of reasons - firstly because I’m grateful to have a superstar team. This is so important. If you can’t talk to your team honestly then you’re not receiving the treatment you should. Hiding things doesn’t help either party. </p><p>Secondly because I hope they know how grateful we are to have them. Even during the past twelve months I’ve felt like I can call them to discuss problems. Yea like everyone they’re overstretched abs yea at times it’s been a longer wait but in the main I’ve still received care as I’ve done previously. </p><p>Thirdly because I want other people to know it is possible to feel happy in your team and if you’re not it’s ok to ask to explore other options. Yes you’ll meet people along the way who are difficult, I have and still do. Some of them I’ve chosen not to mention just because I’m really not giving them room in my blog (or brain) </p><p>So I suppose in some ways this is a thank you post. In others it’s a “heads up” if you need it. ❤️</p>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-28356079396832161972021-03-03T04:16:00.006-08:002021-03-03T04:17:09.266-08:00Decisions decisions decisions <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ7g4REHDS2QQFiZefL5K_p7zS9pvFOOWg1NB6yqDnkGQVAWvlr-T9x_qPmNAuWb6VI9_XDa16A9KhfP9KDyFQluOJ4gdnysHZ20kXeuPottGOlfk2g_qNKUXTYChNa_1TebMUO1aELg/s2048/00D77F6A-453A-4770-860C-CD79DABBEC0A.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ7g4REHDS2QQFiZefL5K_p7zS9pvFOOWg1NB6yqDnkGQVAWvlr-T9x_qPmNAuWb6VI9_XDa16A9KhfP9KDyFQluOJ4gdnysHZ20kXeuPottGOlfk2g_qNKUXTYChNa_1TebMUO1aELg/s320/00D77F6A-453A-4770-860C-CD79DABBEC0A.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNagYscqnimm3gcRYEy8SPVU4TBKycqy_z_eeyNIVw-oQtftAh5k4RiD7hOcZPOac1r6A-w51ppRsHqXGs_nJPg2YAtFE87nOAsp-MSGmMz5YgUSaCZTwT8Vc7N_fE5D1VYTlR_TwBIKU/s2048/4C12FC45-DB12-47FF-BCA4-0D6B358372A3.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNagYscqnimm3gcRYEy8SPVU4TBKycqy_z_eeyNIVw-oQtftAh5k4RiD7hOcZPOac1r6A-w51ppRsHqXGs_nJPg2YAtFE87nOAsp-MSGmMz5YgUSaCZTwT8Vc7N_fE5D1VYTlR_TwBIKU/s320/4C12FC45-DB12-47FF-BCA4-0D6B358372A3.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfao4HFhvSYjPwleD93Op-Ah9N19_TO2ejoCKbtc8qDTHFG5euwMAReXGW50UH8zz5eKmPFle0Ll67kZNSGtoSCYip4idDfk8DdHjnvyP-YmQHFLTKpNMiHpRb43BJT5jwSUyYxbtm8Uw/s2048/3F9B67F0-1C66-4E6D-BCA5-582E9FC63908.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfao4HFhvSYjPwleD93Op-Ah9N19_TO2ejoCKbtc8qDTHFG5euwMAReXGW50UH8zz5eKmPFle0Ll67kZNSGtoSCYip4idDfk8DdHjnvyP-YmQHFLTKpNMiHpRb43BJT5jwSUyYxbtm8Uw/w181-h320/3F9B67F0-1C66-4E6D-BCA5-582E9FC63908.png" width="181" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So originally today I was planning something long and reflective BUT it’s been a difficult day BM wise and the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the full time commitment needed to manage. I mean let’s think about daily decisions we make. What to wear? What to eat? When to eat? Whether to go out or not? Imagine adding a whole host of other decisions onto that! Today I’m talking about those decisions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So first off the images above, not ones you generally want to see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To make it really easy I’m going to lay my day out showing diabetes decisions from 9pm last night to 9pm tonight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So 2100 my BM was 11.4 and rising slowly (target around 7) questions - was tea insulin right? Should I give CD (correction dose) or increase basal? Wait it out an hour? Is pump still working ok? Early night out the window “wait and watch” time <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Decision was a 20% increase for 30mins and to wait and watch </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2200 An hour later were at BM 13.1 and steady. <span style="background-color: white;">Straight</span> line should suggest insulin is working. Wait and see?<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Just eaten so had 5.2 u worked out exactly (inclusive if recommended CD worked out by pod handset) </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2305 An hour after that there’s only a slight increase(13.9) ...wait or treat, it’s been two hours? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Increased basal to 30% for an hour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0023 BM now 12.4 so seems to be going down let’s leave it and sleep? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pod recommends another CD decide to take half the CD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0330 BM 12.8 It’s held rather than dropped...treat with CD? Or increase temp basal? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pod recommends a CD of 3.75 so take that and try to settle again. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0747 BM 4.2 As a bm that’s a little low for me waking up but at least it’s “in the green” quick sugar hit or wait it out? Take meds for other condition anyway so need to wait half and hour now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Temp basal decrease by 15% for 30 mins</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0813 BM 3.8 and in the red! Should’ve had sugar hot first. Treat with top of luck add bottle? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lucozade taken </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0942 BM 8.6 back in the green. Hopefully it’ll stay there comfortably. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1056 BM 7.1 so decide to eat breakfast. 24g of carbs </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pod works out 3.15 bolus needed </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ-qXbxQVfgT3s0kbI04dEZHdD49KotRvdh3RiE87eFFttQO19F5Ldxo7GfVeu73pvCkeSDoME4jASUnrp__-oRWi8H2_YZabiei_Gokp0M0jmu7x0YG0cAPbXrE16OLvryVdf39N4_k/s2048/10CC1316-4461-48B2-B447-7B8C1F8A0CED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ-qXbxQVfgT3s0kbI04dEZHdD49KotRvdh3RiE87eFFttQO19F5Ldxo7GfVeu73pvCkeSDoME4jASUnrp__-oRWi8H2_YZabiei_Gokp0M0jmu7x0YG0cAPbXrE16OLvryVdf39N4_k/s320/10CC1316-4461-48B2-B447-7B8C1F8A0CED.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTHUuBVp6lzqlWIVtN54In_IaZtM8dSf4JxmmXqSkXBKDSy62JOeJTZaVXFZ8JSYww3v7wzBqvE0TVpZkY2Z17Rb6rHcbstEuGHqEBuhn-X8j5FC85vz9uOWWju5jp0iDWZoXE2LpbjM/s2048/CCF7D1E8-ADE1-4638-902C-97F1AE5BA1A5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTHUuBVp6lzqlWIVtN54In_IaZtM8dSf4JxmmXqSkXBKDSy62JOeJTZaVXFZ8JSYww3v7wzBqvE0TVpZkY2Z17Rb6rHcbstEuGHqEBuhn-X8j5FC85vz9uOWWju5jp0iDWZoXE2LpbjM/s320/CCF7D1E8-ADE1-4638-902C-97F1AE5BA1A5.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="color: red;">Thank goodness it does some of the maths these days!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1157 BM 11.1 and rising slowly...did I wait long enough for prebolus? Set running out? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Temporary increase to 15% for 30 minutes</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">1351 - forgot it’s POD change day - nightmare! This means 4 u straight in to stop rise then a temp basal on new pod once in. Pod loaded and old one deactivated. New pod attached to outside of right arm. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1358 BM 10.5 and steady. Little bit high? Treat? Cause? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pod works out no dose needed</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1446 BM 9.2 lunch time so pod works out insulin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">4.95u given </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">17.21 BM 15.7 no reason it should be! CD? Increased basal? BOTH? Set blocked? Running out? Getting sick? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">40% increase given for 30 mins. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1747 BM 18.1 and I’m feeling pretty grim...pen injection? Arrow indicates rapid rise...wait it out? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Increase continued and 3u in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1800 BM Still rising temporary basal having no impact. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Remove pod and replace after looking at patterns. Arm bleeds enough to suggest pump partial blockage. Pod deactivated and new one set up on back left hip, Temporary increase and CD given. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BM shows downward trend arrow. 8u prebolus given for tea. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1835 BM 15.8 but steady...wait? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Temporary increase has just finished so decide to wait and watch. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1912 BM 14.8 steady so waiting it out seems a good idea...? Another small bolus? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Downward arrow suggests waiting </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1958 BM 9.6 and dropping rapidly! Turn off? Lucozade? Biscuits? Eat the contents of the fridge? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Small dose of lucozade to reduce dropping time</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2011 and it’s 7.2 still dropping rapidly... where will it stop? Why is this happening? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Finished the lucozade</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2100 BM 4.3 and now dropping slowly...lucozade? Turn off? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Two digestives eaten. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Going to be another long night </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So why is all, this relevant? Well partially because it demonstrates the constant need to be thinking about decisions that affect those blood sugars. It’s a 24 hour job. Therefore 21 additional decisions demonstrated in one day. Each one important on its own but also as part of the bigger picture. Some days yes there are fewer but equally some days there are more! <div><br /></div><div>Can you for a minute imagine not being tired after all this? Exhausted in fact. That’s all before a normal day has even started. So please next time you tel, me I look tired or need a good nights sleep think about this...I probably desperately do but the chances of getting it are slim. And I’ve probably not decided what I’m having for tea tomorrow yet either...<p></p><p> </p></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-75789942599330745832021-03-01T13:29:00.001-08:002021-03-01T13:30:35.541-08:0036 years...<p> So this week is the marks my 36th anniversary with my diabetes. I can’t say it’s been easy, interesting yes easy no.</p><p>The best way to describe it is like having a full time job that you didn’t apply for, don’t feel qualified for and can’t walk away from. But if you can’t walk away then embrace it you must. </p><p>For my children it will be completely normal. In fact my youngest actively searches people for a pod or sensor when he meets them. My eldest is perfectly happy explaining to people about “the mummy juice” (pretty sure for the first week of him getting mummy juice nursery thought I was an alcoholic) </p><p>In those years I’ve done an awful lot I’m proud of. I’ve encountered an awful lot I’m appalled by. I’ve seen some huge changes in treatment and technology. I’ve met absolute superstars and some really dreadful people, bullies almost. As I say it’s been interesting. </p><p>I decided this year I’d do a post for seven days to mark the week as when I was diagnosed you didn’t get a specific date more a week of information thrown at you! </p><p>So this will be post number one. If you don’t want to read them I’m ok with that. If you do fantastic, I hope you enjoy and maybe even learn something. </p><p>Just for fun here’s my littlest with his hand on the pod. (And O just because ❤️) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY05bvxXKPFlFQktQILimzR9GoCE28ol2bcJ2PQEmj697JRa7E4TeQ34COcfpZG4Fz0YhsI-UIwm_LUk4B0G0u6zIXy50mHd1uUNfHBYDbq3qREfsyMYqbt_zsZgqytqlnDCdsKFyIWE/s2048/76C8BEEE-CFBA-4744-AD6D-97569574567D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY05bvxXKPFlFQktQILimzR9GoCE28ol2bcJ2PQEmj697JRa7E4TeQ34COcfpZG4Fz0YhsI-UIwm_LUk4B0G0u6zIXy50mHd1uUNfHBYDbq3qREfsyMYqbt_zsZgqytqlnDCdsKFyIWE/s320/76C8BEEE-CFBA-4744-AD6D-97569574567D.jpeg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T2DMytRk7Qnv_SNCpwPssElYJWEIDsNOHYS9RdOWvgSYjn_WuXOk2C133j0n6el88FSaIxXS6s7s5qO3X9Q6IJn92ZGxOeHeGQza_cm7Aao9_T4Lix__pQd2xwgNWJPJRBWW2au94Uk/s2048/327FAA11-588C-4283-BDB9-F2B2D1A8C149.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T2DMytRk7Qnv_SNCpwPssElYJWEIDsNOHYS9RdOWvgSYjn_WuXOk2C133j0n6el88FSaIxXS6s7s5qO3X9Q6IJn92ZGxOeHeGQza_cm7Aao9_T4Lix__pQd2xwgNWJPJRBWW2au94Uk/s320/327FAA11-588C-4283-BDB9-F2B2D1A8C149.jpeg" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-22080743629597054902020-06-14T14:51:00.000-07:002020-06-14T14:51:03.169-07:00Diabetes Week 2020 - Roundup <div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Diabetes Week 2020 - Round Up </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">So the end of another week, in lockdown. I’ve deliberately not mentioned lockdown as it’s a delicate subject. So instead my weekly round up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 💙 I’ve done 39 bolus since Monday</div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 My ratio is 48% Basal to 52% Bolus</div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 My total daily dose of insulin is 47.750 units </div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 I’ve arm scanned 232 times </div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 33 scans a day</div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 My estimated HbA1c is 6.7% </div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 I’ve done 40 BMs</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 💙 I’ve done two set changes </div><div style="text-align: center;">💙 Changed two libre sensors (first one failed and bruised😢) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo9vOskmKPbv-6wcjadxmWpkbWnoxyPGtVpj1mhtXIfzwGYrrC7O-Vw5z82nItqCTKPdndUUuxYdHmzw-6FpZa-rsP7HcHGdwsztsBKe556eJygaO-mwC8Z1KexMaXt3rRmKlAbBr7Rc/s4032/9F7EBA53-7566-4D29-A428-9E03FD4A25C5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo9vOskmKPbv-6wcjadxmWpkbWnoxyPGtVpj1mhtXIfzwGYrrC7O-Vw5z82nItqCTKPdndUUuxYdHmzw-6FpZa-rsP7HcHGdwsztsBKe556eJygaO-mwC8Z1KexMaXt3rRmKlAbBr7Rc/s320/9F7EBA53-7566-4D29-A428-9E03FD4A25C5.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhpnsytK6wFQEh1NOwA81wnLolC8WOQx58ZfG06irY6kTL2PkP5dUARLGfXGiqqI2JDUGwRypXRzrW93Q399XSeM39fQyv-2Rwsv1kZtappsNJVXlWIjcMOiM4TxdgBGHE7EKuM8Xk60/s1334/C56A648A-F5E3-4F77-BF38-50270BD21503.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhpnsytK6wFQEh1NOwA81wnLolC8WOQx58ZfG06irY6kTL2PkP5dUARLGfXGiqqI2JDUGwRypXRzrW93Q399XSeM39fQyv-2Rwsv1kZtappsNJVXlWIjcMOiM4TxdgBGHE7EKuM8Xk60/s320/C56A648A-F5E3-4F77-BF38-50270BD21503.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I-cgPlAVdLJogk1zz6KO7b0tpACexE3PGWp1u79xEh8F9z-1xnTN5UOn7_mc6okwnMk8Y1iQ4WOFFxff35wJXTCZZ5cnN6HIHSfPn9pCHNOdeIa-1RpukcAnrBIsz5Eu-PrY6fhkAEw/s1334/3F804363-5109-41F1-9A31-63A747837BC9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I-cgPlAVdLJogk1zz6KO7b0tpACexE3PGWp1u79xEh8F9z-1xnTN5UOn7_mc6okwnMk8Y1iQ4WOFFxff35wJXTCZZ5cnN6HIHSfPn9pCHNOdeIa-1RpukcAnrBIsz5Eu-PrY6fhkAEw/s320/3F804363-5109-41F1-9A31-63A747837BC9.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ I’ve painted fences</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Baked</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Planted seeds </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Attempted to teach the kids to ride space hoppers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Drawn pictures </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Made lots of meals </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Thrown parachute army men out of the windows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Recorded family birthday messages</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Cleaned</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Wrestled the dog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️ Cut my husband and children’s hair 🤦♀️</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The point is #TheBigPicture is my t1 is part of me but not all of me 💙</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-30721743720517898852020-06-14T14:05:00.001-07:002020-06-14T14:05:16.077-07:00Diabetes Week 2020 - Community <div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><font face="verdana">Community</font></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><font face="verdana"><br /></font></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In our community you see a pump or libre sensor and straight away gravitate towards that person...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ze8hCuHaszwYvgWdBVmt3J7U8jVUkSO76WZ08dpEa0dgMap_j1OUIgfhBQ-UtX_DrlEwmwxKoD6DOfqo-W9KxHfA726utkLucZCrMr0YidzZ-zilQY32BdKkP53fquBpZh7LkU9MVDs/s259/77864385-E421-4B27-A2B5-0276A4355F41.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ze8hCuHaszwYvgWdBVmt3J7U8jVUkSO76WZ08dpEa0dgMap_j1OUIgfhBQ-UtX_DrlEwmwxKoD6DOfqo-W9KxHfA726utkLucZCrMr0YidzZ-zilQY32BdKkP53fquBpZh7LkU9MVDs/" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BUT...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yihAiPGJw8TjG5rvUCsDRX2trMl048FiApvjvGVOoEsimAbnr1IfjyHFAQvp24n90dOTs6Lxms-cjhTXI9Cj69HKlMXBoG3RQnE6AtrqDC2dwKrUR5LntBFUqpO_bYxSuuA8TlUQWVw/s800/BEB9325D-7128-4D5C-89D5-986A76CA0FED.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yihAiPGJw8TjG5rvUCsDRX2trMl048FiApvjvGVOoEsimAbnr1IfjyHFAQvp24n90dOTs6Lxms-cjhTXI9Cj69HKlMXBoG3RQnE6AtrqDC2dwKrUR5LntBFUqpO_bYxSuuA8TlUQWVw/s320/BEB9325D-7128-4D5C-89D5-986A76CA0FED.png" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5remn4sT8afYAH_Kca5jdWoSnR6dsbXMBrskifAwNza9mISyV9x71SxsUxs2Bf1dmJUgnh8eQbpNlOxqdQpgr6R8HLN7fGsYZsypBU1pyXPpmvlmLHligPwDnAOj61Siva6cffrBmNcE/s800/ACCED531-49FD-4B5E-A6CD-5A5B044DDA9E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5remn4sT8afYAH_Kca5jdWoSnR6dsbXMBrskifAwNza9mISyV9x71SxsUxs2Bf1dmJUgnh8eQbpNlOxqdQpgr6R8HLN7fGsYZsypBU1pyXPpmvlmLHligPwDnAOj61Siva6cffrBmNcE/s320/ACCED531-49FD-4B5E-A6CD-5A5B044DDA9E.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week, as my posts suggest, has been Diabetes week 2020. This week Diabetes UK have worked hard to make sure that even at this difficult time awareness and hope has been spread. For lots of people this has been via social media. In the north of England they’ve even started a page which allows members to chat, share information and stories and generally support each other. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihf5lgp05cbZqsm_DWb-kRKdKfayZ7aCXF46qsDrft4TAN_bYC6e-3wp91MmeqK2y2ydSlMgtpuUz8Lo4GDHeUvTWA9u_IU6UPaC_ow0Wvx3UdcdC5HsZIur8XA2htB7OhwIB-qR6PMts/s1334/52D90FC9-D013-48AA-A788-B50599F430C1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihf5lgp05cbZqsm_DWb-kRKdKfayZ7aCXF46qsDrft4TAN_bYC6e-3wp91MmeqK2y2ydSlMgtpuUz8Lo4GDHeUvTWA9u_IU6UPaC_ow0Wvx3UdcdC5HsZIur8XA2htB7OhwIB-qR6PMts/s320/52D90FC9-D013-48AA-A788-B50599F430C1.png" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZQ4hBvQ7l3lqriykRTq4LnbENOJdetM09DAdHwFcKfyrbqPK6tphOyZXutYMqzAGGJ60QQDPrvnN-bN1oAeqq0eoiRc9I4vst07Pi8NHJGMWAz0Y3JK9eA88aHKuaq_IY4PQQFRURTA/s1334/5E9BAD58-D1D0-4912-98D8-F53EC78FEB75.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZQ4hBvQ7l3lqriykRTq4LnbENOJdetM09DAdHwFcKfyrbqPK6tphOyZXutYMqzAGGJ60QQDPrvnN-bN1oAeqq0eoiRc9I4vst07Pi8NHJGMWAz0Y3JK9eA88aHKuaq_IY4PQQFRURTA/s320/5E9BAD58-D1D0-4912-98D8-F53EC78FEB75.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcRuUf5A34k7wcNvGrwfbD-4hC0NWCMch2JFLmCmpERlXCSdzhbqaDTCIt0XWhYp1UNahNwVFDU86202CCmtmAk8Ol6-3e-mI-ZFIGzKN0JgbJBSEn3eqRwDV9vIipNVlUp79n5fYFLc/s1334/CE9497F8-CDFC-4AE0-AF65-8EC4309B817B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcRuUf5A34k7wcNvGrwfbD-4hC0NWCMch2JFLmCmpERlXCSdzhbqaDTCIt0XWhYp1UNahNwVFDU86202CCmtmAk8Ol6-3e-mI-ZFIGzKN0JgbJBSEn3eqRwDV9vIipNVlUp79n5fYFLc/s320/CE9497F8-CDFC-4AE0-AF65-8EC4309B817B.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was posted to the North page and offers some interesting information <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1808443829390476/posts/2635628633338654/" style="text-align: left;">https://www.facebook.com/1808443829390476/posts/2635628633338654/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This made me think about the communities that help me. I have my family community who support me regularly with my diabetes, and my t1 friends. I also have an amazing diabetes team who I think are the most amazing people. They go above and beyond regularly but even during the recent difficulties have continued to support me amazingly. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Last year, I had the opportunity to experience events with the wider diabetic community. I was reluctant to do this at first but i found them to be truly enjoyable experiences. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Firstly I attended a Change Lab which focused on emotional health and diabetes. This was reflective as it started off with those of us with diabetes writing a reflective journey, (I’m typing this as a separate post). </div><div style="text-align: center;">This lab was a collaboration of DUK, patients and many other professionals. It’s also one that will hopefully see some changes for the better in our communities. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLinWvjFomRh9AYPZMxOkwAbEShyphenhyphen2UnmRDlB8MNS33DYgdXqdvwg38O1GH75fTB7sdcXRP0F-BK2gqMOWyWCrJUtDXbsqczzbS2EPghvD81X8NpjELy2vA5DC6-jvXyGPaCUYiRQlmq5s/s1024/E9766539-575E-40F3-A6CA-66D8E2A63729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLinWvjFomRh9AYPZMxOkwAbEShyphenhyphen2UnmRDlB8MNS33DYgdXqdvwg38O1GH75fTB7sdcXRP0F-BK2gqMOWyWCrJUtDXbsqczzbS2EPghvD81X8NpjELy2vA5DC6-jvXyGPaCUYiRQlmq5s/s320/E9766539-575E-40F3-A6CA-66D8E2A63729.jpeg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvJLrgwnfuQH2InpGWK05R35ZbtSl1n0T22EQ8EypfHABEVEpSr3mBtr7BLLKmRNcAwCW0ugP38Ykm-z0Pw8_QZfISdZ7JO44chVNFQuEFKJ1irdt-vlNw4FOIEXKdmaBd-u4dWz52-o/s1024/FB03AB01-E4D2-4587-AA78-E9B7B4862433.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvJLrgwnfuQH2InpGWK05R35ZbtSl1n0T22EQ8EypfHABEVEpSr3mBtr7BLLKmRNcAwCW0ugP38Ykm-z0Pw8_QZfISdZ7JO44chVNFQuEFKJ1irdt-vlNw4FOIEXKdmaBd-u4dWz52-o/s320/FB03AB01-E4D2-4587-AA78-E9B7B4862433.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnU3AOGCCsrjZQOH2ewOd2jv3Iv7gtTAwiK8ov2_h7pLT1fbHrNmfD87YvVYo0sfV_YA3UApdP7_UFKK8ewWCFcQZJA0anKQbBKs_cdhzqTWn-slUWw4-w2qmPJQX4iL8OWsXgnSNIL8/s640/65C9D4F9-0005-4D24-89E0-56D9F7F581CE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnU3AOGCCsrjZQOH2ewOd2jv3Iv7gtTAwiK8ov2_h7pLT1fbHrNmfD87YvVYo0sfV_YA3UApdP7_UFKK8ewWCFcQZJA0anKQbBKs_cdhzqTWn-slUWw4-w2qmPJQX4iL8OWsXgnSNIL8/s320/65C9D4F9-0005-4D24-89E0-56D9F7F581CE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Following the change lab I was invited to the St Helens Diabetes User Group meetings. This group looks for opportunities to improve care and communication in our local area and again it’s a great opportunity to meet different people. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZZmDNt836C_kYrvVJeBvAHDNPz2yBbRIL_Xnn5tAdVcs-xko1q-V0ubIRpMHKm9CTPLJ3a2mtCvd5d2_CZIgH7Ibopx6GWIh6IqJhijRUcJXoz0yiZmzg4Xy3hE1Pq941Eut8eIOKSc/s1024/619B20E0-8C85-4F36-ABE3-D923EA08B121.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZZmDNt836C_kYrvVJeBvAHDNPz2yBbRIL_Xnn5tAdVcs-xko1q-V0ubIRpMHKm9CTPLJ3a2mtCvd5d2_CZIgH7Ibopx6GWIh6IqJhijRUcJXoz0yiZmzg4Xy3hE1Pq941Eut8eIOKSc/s320/619B20E0-8C85-4F36-ABE3-D923EA08B121.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolCXbecuFZNqqYHyThYFe2svMzfkrgLsnKnoj_o3fgth9gx7PDKMOxfQ87lXSAmENN9Wrq6P0LSq6VDZBcSZ9v3S6Ab1CCvmcKYXF-2xhe1xHWwDUuv_RUFQcQRx0vUY_6cCd7NTGPwg/s2048/5409A051-3408-4CA9-A95B-45A82D97D1BE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolCXbecuFZNqqYHyThYFe2svMzfkrgLsnKnoj_o3fgth9gx7PDKMOxfQ87lXSAmENN9Wrq6P0LSq6VDZBcSZ9v3S6Ab1CCvmcKYXF-2xhe1xHWwDUuv_RUFQcQRx0vUY_6cCd7NTGPwg/s320/5409A051-3408-4CA9-A95B-45A82D97D1BE.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The communities that I’ve experienced in relation to both my care and local developments/initiatives are so important as they make us realise that we’re not alone and together we can make the best of this situation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-41756616745891567742020-06-13T11:11:00.009-07:002020-06-14T13:24:27.796-07:00Diabetes week 2020 - The Tech Journey <div style="text-align: center;"><u>The Tech Journey</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE_j0uQSWuqv9F4Ytbhi0q8RL4urFFg3nkjL5A7DzAIpV1end_dhfHWNCMcZG0Du3Ct2Akhnh7YZpMJrxZDDdbqbbAqg3t0JYilnhSDaOGLh3Vs36mCymCBak2g88xaSbOJv-LIK8oVM/s320/B55FC1BF-8CEE-4226-B3D2-8A512781BDA8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE_j0uQSWuqv9F4Ytbhi0q8RL4urFFg3nkjL5A7DzAIpV1end_dhfHWNCMcZG0Du3Ct2Akhnh7YZpMJrxZDDdbqbbAqg3t0JYilnhSDaOGLh3Vs36mCymCBak2g88xaSbOJv-LIK8oVM/" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was diagnosed with type one diabetes in February of 1985. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend once described it as a life marathon, she was probably spot on. But in that time I’ve seen so many changes that I thought maybe it would be interesting to share some of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was first diagnosed glass syringes 💉 we’re still being used but my parents had the option to buy smaller disposable syringes. At the time that’s what they did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C6pzIN0vqmMlxrMOKKiZNig9aiZSPE_ooDCNe6OEu-toptK2PezetJQuqlmkiYnAPc1gjqd2R5AqAEMbRReNn9iz5JowVoJx2s6NDEMThkwhRP5FU3YQN61js_BFHBZ2sCxW6YLb2f0/s750/97D55590-5954-41CE-8E5C-A57C087B5342.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C6pzIN0vqmMlxrMOKKiZNig9aiZSPE_ooDCNe6OEu-toptK2PezetJQuqlmkiYnAPc1gjqd2R5AqAEMbRReNn9iz5JowVoJx2s6NDEMThkwhRP5FU3YQN61js_BFHBZ2sCxW6YLb2f0/s320/97D55590-5954-41CE-8E5C-A57C087B5342.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> They were also given test strips which involved you taking blood from a finger/heel/toe and putting on the strip with a tissue. After thirty seconds you wiped it with a clean tissue and compared it to the scale on the side for a number. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1zzIPSk5CBgXtRRnyKNG4InKzNuS4zKLYeAjqzspjbsTksM9EsEOBRkQx8uh_EI7pBflLXOKzsdSqicut4rkLb7m_Nk0LBWZLumuEoRKdrsheJnnX9PvOz04SK_-K47FfFavridR0W0/s1698/015D61C9-B5ED-4CAB-9D9B-5A8C2B3889EA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1zzIPSk5CBgXtRRnyKNG4InKzNuS4zKLYeAjqzspjbsTksM9EsEOBRkQx8uh_EI7pBflLXOKzsdSqicut4rkLb7m_Nk0LBWZLumuEoRKdrsheJnnX9PvOz04SK_-K47FfFavridR0W0/s320/015D61C9-B5ED-4CAB-9D9B-5A8C2B3889EA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Something similar to these)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Technology has come such a long way in that time but the concept or aim has stayed the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My beautiful assistant has prepared videos to show some of the kit we used and what we use today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxlC5kjeL_MbpPvUbBADM2B7SnLgt961XBiimcNmwTvF9T9aykmx--zPY3EVrL0bJCH9lb4RCiC-l9Pz3XF' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was about three we were given an injection insertion device to help me do my own injections. This is shown in the video above and it still makes me jump every time it fires. It’s so loud that my assistant won’t press the button. I was slightly younger than him when we got it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the years the injection devices got smaller and easier to use. They’re probably all still around somewhere but the first one is always around. Maybe a reminder in how far we’ve come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was almost 16 we moved onto insulin pens. Again shown in the video above. At the time I had two . One for background (long lasting insulin) which I injected twice a day 12 hours apart and one (a different colour on the instruction of my nurse) which I would inject with whenever I ate. This development introduced an element of freedom as I could eat things slightly more freely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavawlYKvna7KY4TxsMJnc3BpYFUtoD5Ac5dWTs0aaS1g39pHspZImhSj2QdPrT5nJRbNY7spnJ92lKcvSDVG_J171a63wvNzeKxxNs33nwIxQFWBQp2j6bjBo-92gEBJqYXWTLUcPfdQ/s750/A8ED20CC-874F-4650-A06A-A88873C3C250.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavawlYKvna7KY4TxsMJnc3BpYFUtoD5Ac5dWTs0aaS1g39pHspZImhSj2QdPrT5nJRbNY7spnJ92lKcvSDVG_J171a63wvNzeKxxNs33nwIxQFWBQp2j6bjBo-92gEBJqYXWTLUcPfdQ/s320/A8ED20CC-874F-4650-A06A-A88873C3C250.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pens I used until 2008. In 2007 my consultant mentioned and insulin pump and to be honest I was reluctant to try it. In 2008 though I was injecting several times a day so I agreed to try it. My first pump was this one. When asked what colour I wanted I was told most people went for black as they’re easier to disguise. I chose blue “loud and proud”. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AAJUkE5T_YBybNNtsUKOzHv0NE2NAtBkZrHi3arPJrgZZyS-sSzPU4GGdpXoCL6DkBi7NX8GYT9-GfsxWd3iAtYQfO2X7dWdnANfMuS5nF5ItBYMYklM4cZvIW-Wl62TJ90CQaie1as/s378/9F936088-0AF7-4145-9EC1-7247CDBC6123.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AAJUkE5T_YBybNNtsUKOzHv0NE2NAtBkZrHi3arPJrgZZyS-sSzPU4GGdpXoCL6DkBi7NX8GYT9-GfsxWd3iAtYQfO2X7dWdnANfMuS5nF5ItBYMYklM4cZvIW-Wl62TJ90CQaie1as/s320/9F936088-0AF7-4145-9EC1-7247CDBC6123.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a complete game changer. I could eat pretty much anything, alcohol (!) became manageable and cake, chocolate cake. Pizza which is a complete nightmare to break down was amazingly easy. We’d agreed with the team that I’d be able to remove it for holidays but when I went back there was no chance it was coming off! I loved it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pumps are updated regularly as there’s always improvements being made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjQRmvAzp_IMmK0mY22bxx1nFaT8e5CWXD-8lTGBeJ-L_aqEwT028N0KvdKrGa_zFxnrqlrbwgB1PvROS_T5pkqBMq1vrwIfNMebVM9m3EUwI5X7kbRsYEatXuTmctLi6fFKKQFiQmzw/s750/834E4C9E-AFD5-4E38-A437-B5C52544F0E4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjQRmvAzp_IMmK0mY22bxx1nFaT8e5CWXD-8lTGBeJ-L_aqEwT028N0KvdKrGa_zFxnrqlrbwgB1PvROS_T5pkqBMq1vrwIfNMebVM9m3EUwI5X7kbRsYEatXuTmctLi6fFKKQFiQmzw/s320/834E4C9E-AFD5-4E38-A437-B5C52544F0E4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my most recent pump. It does lots and originally I had a hot pink one but it lost a fight with a swimming pool. This one can link to lots of other equipment like blood meters and sensors. The pump can if linked up suspended itself to help prevent low blood sugars and can warn of high sugars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was really useful when I was pregnant as control needs to be much tighter during pregnancy. The pump as shown in the video can connect to the body via a range of cannulas so there is a choice for patients in respect of what kind of fitting they want on the set (needle left in or removed; self inserted or via an inserted device). The set on a pump is changed every three days and although it has its own complications it’s a massive difference to pens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This pump is where we are now with regards to insulin administration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blood glucose monitors are used to ensure glucose are within range. As posted in previously being to high or to low has it’s own impacts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As shown above the original glucose test strips relied on a personal interpretation of the results. Since then lost of blood meters have been released and in the same style they are constantly improving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVYGZeXp6u2GrdnqHfe58DQIKnu0rcif3l5C4tESdr0uyvVitOK6yNSCiRMZDXsTBrW7JipeqscGZqMsGc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The video shows one of the earliest meters I had which I’ve still got. Unbelievably it still turns on. The idea was you pricked the finger still and wiped the blood away but then inserted it into the machine which would determine what the blood glucose reading was. Over the years there was a range of meters that we used and there’s some of them in the image below.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXxFPjg3ltoFxgDrRsL9SCN1oyTjT73_dx0qpFx-2vYF3OBAxted1t43z7TKDW9K2pBZdqxDrOiu6RSa_JyQBvOR8lToVYPHtnqvDiwtepHUZe1DN6ywDBkiThx-HkuRpMLrmxP3U-LQ/s1800/A902C81F-96D3-403F-A491-821EC175E189.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXxFPjg3ltoFxgDrRsL9SCN1oyTjT73_dx0qpFx-2vYF3OBAxted1t43z7TKDW9K2pBZdqxDrOiu6RSa_JyQBvOR8lToVYPHtnqvDiwtepHUZe1DN6ywDBkiThx-HkuRpMLrmxP3U-LQ/s320/A902C81F-96D3-403F-A491-821EC175E189.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The biggest change with the meters was that the coded side of the stick went into the machine and the blood went onto the stick AFTER it was inserted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During pregnancy I was given guardian sensors that read blood regularly to improve control. These are amazing although sometimes painful to insert. But I loved them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyXLErUtxFqZlS03OjAVQJ7CrxBvw6v_U7iiB2RbIeFagIiXA_6XCmd7qldayi_TL-_HdrT8xnpbhGpGMMJMRj9jmaZjHg6-N_XZHTN5g4_KIEVUtl5nBQxyHjsm_h2XqiyAFk6lZ7Pw/s1920/A214E391-B153-4E7B-9526-0854332488CB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyXLErUtxFqZlS03OjAVQJ7CrxBvw6v_U7iiB2RbIeFagIiXA_6XCmd7qldayi_TL-_HdrT8xnpbhGpGMMJMRj9jmaZjHg6-N_XZHTN5g4_KIEVUtl5nBQxyHjsm_h2XqiyAFk6lZ7Pw/s320/A214E391-B153-4E7B-9526-0854332488CB.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Following pregnancy I had to go back to finger pricking alone, which was hard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I was asked to try freestyle libre as I was BMing so frequently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GAME CHANGER!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoriEQcyyOQ1or-5GE2T2Pix2YlFDVvuqYC29nXcQeKCfMbRGm7R6re9OZ2UiaX2zfmYovFQjk8L76PpTiLwQOCndrU7kEJvx_VS9vUM7gxmKg3cjb08SRnUFPYYR7EdTUjUG3Q0_3sp8/s4032/F2E6B960-F8B3-43F3-8650-A58AB56E7EAC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoriEQcyyOQ1or-5GE2T2Pix2YlFDVvuqYC29nXcQeKCfMbRGm7R6re9OZ2UiaX2zfmYovFQjk8L76PpTiLwQOCndrU7kEJvx_VS9vUM7gxmKg3cjb08SRnUFPYYR7EdTUjUG3Q0_3sp8/s320/F2E6B960-F8B3-43F3-8650-A58AB56E7EAC.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This tiny little disc is inserted into your arm and you can scan it with either a reader or an enabled iPhone. It gives you a reading immediately. As you can see in the video it comes already loaded onto the inserter and you just apply it to arm and push the gun down. The one in the photo and video is a failed one which is waiting to be returned not a used one as I said 🤦♀️</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgO5gkQdwvJHLc9aj29Y5VVp74n3u3BQQhonbuFIQu3AXK17KkGs4RKo-1WRJtywiJojTd8TKVCYMqQql6oaab0cq5cOxja9RMbZvIFXNXfa7zJXeVcbBp5r0knxlMM_O98e4drjnbhQ/s3088/1E5353C4-AFAD-4F2B-A019-1D90BBD651ED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgO5gkQdwvJHLc9aj29Y5VVp74n3u3BQQhonbuFIQu3AXK17KkGs4RKo-1WRJtywiJojTd8TKVCYMqQql6oaab0cq5cOxja9RMbZvIFXNXfa7zJXeVcbBp5r0knxlMM_O98e4drjnbhQ/s320/1E5353C4-AFAD-4F2B-A019-1D90BBD651ED.jpeg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again they come with challenges. This is the site of one that had failed. It’ll be bruised and sore for a week ish and was quite bloody BUT as soon as it was out I put a new one in as I wouldn’t want to be without it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuZDlhPDuxzHLUzCPcI9zYnCRtRnKHC0hwHXfNWDMNZPEJqvEt2Y0AWeGRHRHfeKC_6zz_xeSiRVd1R2iCmkasP99kciPcKlHYGTB3cm7moed19KIckna0MvFScLvaq8ad4Q29SLZR-0/s3088/305F4B80-B253-4F09-BAC6-374A018797ED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuZDlhPDuxzHLUzCPcI9zYnCRtRnKHC0hwHXfNWDMNZPEJqvEt2Y0AWeGRHRHfeKC_6zz_xeSiRVd1R2iCmkasP99kciPcKlHYGTB3cm7moed19KIckna0MvFScLvaq8ad4Q29SLZR-0/s320/305F4B80-B253-4F09-BAC6-374A018797ED.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently at a Diabetes Change Lab a lady introduced me to a Miao Miao. That’s the device that sits over the top of my sensor. It’s bit licensed in this country so has to be purchased but they can provide a regular blood sugar reading and act as a co start glucose monitoring system like the sensor used in pregnancy. They need calibration so finger pricks are still necessary but no where near as many. They Can alert to a rapidly changing glucose level when linked to an iPhone and also have the ability to send a reading to a smart watch so a reading can be seen without equipment. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JE20lXb9MZso7n54h3wWrH_tMa2haZVw6bekNj2e8eoYj0vGzQfLESMTg3muO5SOz-ZpOUyWvTZnn-46I93d8NUwYI9WCPcYgJmx5X05kBR5cN0cNsMOhNPAmLfNybRgo2-ANmOsRdA/s4032/5D104AF1-99DC-4C17-B3F1-3D4306668BEA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JE20lXb9MZso7n54h3wWrH_tMa2haZVw6bekNj2e8eoYj0vGzQfLESMTg3muO5SOz-ZpOUyWvTZnn-46I93d8NUwYI9WCPcYgJmx5X05kBR5cN0cNsMOhNPAmLfNybRgo2-ANmOsRdA/s320/5D104AF1-99DC-4C17-B3F1-3D4306668BEA.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So that’s my tech journey! I’m sure they’ll be more changes in the future but it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and I’ve not even mentioned finger prickers (although I’m pretty sure my dad would still prefer a heel) 😂</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u><br /></u></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-82722674382455808672020-06-11T14:24:00.002-07:002020-06-11T14:25:35.446-07:00Diabetes week 2020 - Thursday Ramblings...<div>So today’s post was planned. I was going to do ‘tech talk’. Looking at developments from when I was diagnosed to today. However I wanted to do it with some video links which I haven’t had time to finish. So then after some chatting with others I thought I’d do some ‘practical stuff’. Maybe do a sensor and set change demo BUT tonight’s turned into a bit of a bloody situation so I’ve abandoned that too. So instead I thought I’d ramble and see where I end up. 🤷♀️</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve had lots of experiences with my diabetes. It’s lead me to meet some amazing people, some of them now my closest friends. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb8R-TlTAK3czoJcYR9dWA9oTvf5JqQ3sQIzMGf_Hh7C0SQ1v9Z5wP3XnO7IrbRr21x0Ac4RzCGwkqOYAIuMgQDd7jUyznCXU0JMmxsYd-wtZQRsSH9qP970-aR2yxSGJLhlPijgVF_Q/s960/1B92A520-8166-48AC-B691-E074665177BC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb8R-TlTAK3czoJcYR9dWA9oTvf5JqQ3sQIzMGf_Hh7C0SQ1v9Z5wP3XnO7IrbRr21x0Ac4RzCGwkqOYAIuMgQDd7jUyznCXU0JMmxsYd-wtZQRsSH9qP970-aR2yxSGJLhlPijgVF_Q/s320/1B92A520-8166-48AC-B691-E074665177BC.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This amazing lady is my go to in an emergency, she always knows the right way to sort me out. Whether it’s food, tea or talk she knows the answer. She also knows whether I need a good telling off or someone to listen and smile. Without my diabetes I wouldn’t have met her. The silver lining to a normally stormy cloud ☁️ Thank you for being you. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My diabetes has landed me in some interesting predicaments and you would think the enhanced technology would make life easier...not always the case. I once terrified a lovely little old lady on Tesco car park. I jumped out of the car and went to run into the shop when I felt a funny sensation in my stomach. It appeared my pump wire had wrapped itself around my car wing mirror and I’d ripped it from my stomach. It must’ve be precariously placed as there was so much blood it was like a horror movie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On another occasion I slammed the car door shut whilst Kevin planned on waiting in the car, as he went to pull away I realised the pump had got snagged and was still trapped in the door. I actually attempted for three a few seconds to jog alongside the car like a nutter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My pump has been washed several times. Not deliberately I should add. It’s Normally clipped on my belt and I have on more than one occasion managed to scoop it into the washing machine, shut the door and press the start button. I then have to sit there and wait for the door to unlock, well I don’t but I know if I didn’t I’d probably forget it. I’ve also knocked led it into the bath on several occasions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I had my first pump fitted my dog decided he’d walk off with it in the middle of the night. In a very bizarre manner I ended up following him to the kitchen to retrieve it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hypos are also an adventure. I’ve done so many random things when my BM is low. These random crazy things are not always my fault may I add. Once when I was in the car wash with mother Nulty I said oh no I’m hypo, she replied why don’t you get out and get something? It seemed like a good idea at the time. Fortunately i got a bit wet but not much else. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids love a pre meal hypo. No matter how often I have to tell them to share if mummy is having sugar we should all share. Although it’s not much to ask when they’ve been in training from birth to deal with it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSINI5qCh4KXW7mvyIqPRrtfswx9o8Qf1nX0Us8PrByPaRHdpSd2pQDUjtAK5J1N9ub9nX1m_bLfVBRQ1sbicFXAmp1-0Ff4S_NY09zr3fCiLU0m3EfVz_YtJFaPPZ64XvL__oSnTOSU/s2048/E5F6E9DF-6816-420B-B180-D00ECF13C911.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSINI5qCh4KXW7mvyIqPRrtfswx9o8Qf1nX0Us8PrByPaRHdpSd2pQDUjtAK5J1N9ub9nX1m_bLfVBRQ1sbicFXAmp1-0Ff4S_NY09zr3fCiLU0m3EfVz_YtJFaPPZ64XvL__oSnTOSU/s320/E5F6E9DF-6816-420B-B180-D00ECF13C911.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERJOPV8eHn6ssViwHptN0tvMl2QK5wwj3XJM02hq2TjlW1z6GjK2xDwJMB05th0BGrlIxBYV6B9Uqa8aOA0E1iakwMUYEDs5tsqSpccWd2ynHe1epO2sq-Gik76zqXSwHG9CG8V6WWa4/s2048/0CCF1DD7-2EF4-4231-83D7-F3EBFF7BBFD2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERJOPV8eHn6ssViwHptN0tvMl2QK5wwj3XJM02hq2TjlW1z6GjK2xDwJMB05th0BGrlIxBYV6B9Uqa8aOA0E1iakwMUYEDs5tsqSpccWd2ynHe1epO2sq-Gik76zqXSwHG9CG8V6WWa4/s320/0CCF1DD7-2EF4-4231-83D7-F3EBFF7BBFD2.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkN8CirRDlMoMqKrWWDrb_mRtIasklWgnrabZejVD65F6elyfmLqbJZTW6eqjjuFyWDzmvtZ5EbYfqT_CvyBIhdD7qsWLWKpYy1zEjVPJ_rdfLkdYdbSeF3zLAKm7LfFJxS8kZ0SdgfI/s2048/3BB1B64E-57FF-4ACD-8EC2-64CA72A7EB13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkN8CirRDlMoMqKrWWDrb_mRtIasklWgnrabZejVD65F6elyfmLqbJZTW6eqjjuFyWDzmvtZ5EbYfqT_CvyBIhdD7qsWLWKpYy1zEjVPJ_rdfLkdYdbSeF3zLAKm7LfFJxS8kZ0SdgfI/s320/3BB1B64E-57FF-4ACD-8EC2-64CA72A7EB13.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although life is easier if we smile and try and look for the silver linings I’ve frequently experienced bullying, discrimination and people who I feel should’ve been better. Last year I spent a lot of time reflecting for a DUK think lab and I have decided to Write the reflection as a separate blog so go now I’ll just pop this here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNKZS3L_aL8wJCJbFzPcKMHGkGr1kMcK67iGwREXyGg4CeP_oqQSP9xjcxWv_jlCB1vaIk6f4XI3XZqLZuhUJfeHYZLgdPlz2YTdyqXkw25ATSB6bDCXqMfdRP8BUPAnnZQCOEhHanHY/s748/C2FCE875-CA6B-414A-874C-D2B49AD9BAE8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="566" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNKZS3L_aL8wJCJbFzPcKMHGkGr1kMcK67iGwREXyGg4CeP_oqQSP9xjcxWv_jlCB1vaIk6f4XI3XZqLZuhUJfeHYZLgdPlz2YTdyqXkw25ATSB6bDCXqMfdRP8BUPAnnZQCOEhHanHY/s320/C2FCE875-CA6B-414A-874C-D2B49AD9BAE8.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">💙 If that’s you ⬆️ no matter who you’ve lost </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it’s never to late to reach out and fix it 💙</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-15493810371483181492020-06-10T23:44:00.004-07:002020-06-10T23:57:55.177-07:00Diabetes Week Day 3 - The emotional stuff...<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>The emotional stuff...</b></u></div>
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I’ve been diabetic for 35 years in February just gone. </div>
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Based on rough numbers that’s </div>
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💙49,000 finger pricks </div>
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💙 30,000 injections </div>
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With that in mind it’s interesting to think about other numbers, although estimating them is impossible! How many hospital appointments? How many diabetes related decisions a day? How many hypos? How many missed events? Lost minutes? Money spent on sugar?</div>
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It’s like a full time job. Only it has no holidays and is unpaid and there is no guarantee of performance related results. Which I suppose is why we all occasionally encounter diabetes’s distress, burnout, fatigue...whatever term it is, we get sick of it. It’s the emotional response to having to cope with something huge in addition to day to day life. In some instances it becomes so severe that it starts to become physical. People disengage with care, take risks and stop attending appointments. </div>
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In many cases this distress can be triggered by the response of others to the condition. The response of others can be the most difficult to overcome. </div>
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Recently in a guide there was a list of questions that people with diabetes should be asked at or around diagnosis. I don’t ever remember being asked any of them. Maybe because I’ve had it so long, but some days I think I know how I’d answer each question then other days the answer is totally different! </div>
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Example related to other people - How do you feel about telling others you have diabetes?</div>
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Most days I’m a ‘loud and proud’ kind of person. I’m as happy to talk about it as I am talking about my hair colour or my nail polish. But every so often a trigger memory appears and I start thinking hmmm maybe I don’t say anything this time. Even though I know hiding it will be impossible for long. </div>
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So if you’re reading this and are feeling diabetes distress talk to someone, anyone you trust. It helps. I’m lucky my DSN team are family these days. I have an amazing relationship with them and trust them. I also have my mum who knows everything. If you’re reading this and you know someone who you think is in distress ask them, as gently as possible. Be open to the no, I’m fine and no nothings wrong comments. Ask them is there anything they want to share. Be willing to sit in silence if they need to think. Accept it if they cry or become angry. Don’t think you have all the answers but suggest options. Don’t feel under pressure to fix them immediately. </div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3BkI7Gd9DIxoQi-PRi5bHArBwYVz5kz3kBdzwMVmzIH3FmEHGWatDyvjLsr04eli0HJ8Y4bXxtx2GNlvfJQfwqsjTNEhYwEaq8VfDPyKJB2u4lZL2QMTgQEo3qzZsCNMzhTAnaF77J0/s720/524080B7-72C8-4212-A95D-25584A74941F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3BkI7Gd9DIxoQi-PRi5bHArBwYVz5kz3kBdzwMVmzIH3FmEHGWatDyvjLsr04eli0HJ8Y4bXxtx2GNlvfJQfwqsjTNEhYwEaq8VfDPyKJB2u4lZL2QMTgQEo3qzZsCNMzhTAnaF77J0/s320/524080B7-72C8-4212-A95D-25584A74941F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#team #TheBigPicture #missingmatt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">❤️already met the rest of the team yesterday ❤️</div>
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Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-70094646332242576732020-06-09T13:33:00.000-07:002020-06-09T13:33:17.944-07:00Diabetes Week 2020 - The Hypo <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Hypo Vs Hyper </u></b></div>
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So I thought maybe after referencing fluctuating BMs yesterday it would be useful to address what the Lows & Highs are like, how they feel and the impact they have. </div>
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Hypo - when a BM is lower than it should be. Now there are set guidelines for this but I think it’s important that I point out that it’s often important to set our own guidelines. For me a BM lower than 5 is hypo as I start to feel awful at this number. Hypos for me are horrible because you need a sugar or glucose intake. The glucose gel and tablets make me gag they’re awful (in my opinion). I also struggle with sweets as I don’t like them. The general go to therefore is Coke or Lucozade. The next problem is how much? Again their are guidelines on how much but measuring out how much you need when you’re low is a nightmare so often it’s a guess. When you’ve had your dose you then have to wait it out to see if it comes up or whether you need a second dose. I find ‘the wait’ really hard. I often react to quickly or over react and then end up in the other direction. </div>
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The feeling of a hypo is varied. Quite often it’s like trying to emotionally and mentally wade through fog to the right destination. I know what I should be doing and how but it sits just on the edge of my mind. Sometimes it’s like a dreadful hangover, I’m confused, have a splitting headache and just want to sleep. </div>
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The hypers are the other way - too high. Again there are guidelines for this but I think people experience their own high levels. At present over 12 and I feel high. This needs correcting. At this side we use insulin to reduce the BM and patients are given a correction dose by their own medical team. </div>
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Being Hyper is different to hypo. It makes you confused, thirsty needing the bathroom every ten minutes! Can cause headaches, sickness and tiredness. The scariest part about being hyper is the potential for ketones developing. They make everything that bit more serious. </div>
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The thing that really sucks about both of these is the impact they have. When they occur quite often we have to pause life. We need to BM; treat and allow the treatment to take effect. No matter what you might be doing. This can be a disaster in the workplace. People are less understanding (more about that later). But even in day to day life it can be hard. We frequently have to pause games to deal with mummy’s numbers. Although we have an extra warning system as my furry friend is ankk ok e to sniff a hypo. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyZ_Hg4jDgTGzcCd9_f0QuTUy38mbJN4k0Nka2JQ9ROGSBjTnD8z-zhbW6WXsnj8SjV6yvy54JpIXQgIoG4EBGSw2MCQvxrarkxSTXSNcCCZjxlMQIBFkcACWlh2KIXGDRPaJ4mGk3Ck/s1600/6634FB46-24CA-4D30-A7CB-DDE35BE53FE2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyZ_Hg4jDgTGzcCd9_f0QuTUy38mbJN4k0Nka2JQ9ROGSBjTnD8z-zhbW6WXsnj8SjV6yvy54JpIXQgIoG4EBGSw2MCQvxrarkxSTXSNcCCZjxlMQIBFkcACWlh2KIXGDRPaJ4mGk3Ck/s320/6634FB46-24CA-4D30-A7CB-DDE35BE53FE2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I’m also lucky, my team have pretty much grown up with it. To them pausing our football game for mummy juice is completely normal. They even come for a cuddle whilst we wait for movement. I’m lucky as I have the best team and because hypos/hypers can and do come out of nowhere. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiuMHDXI8s1D4AF_4ODhQcLP25Yc0er5iuF8ExQ0UNqEwncTNn9brGB5UB5QseJYQOJwFkipGLEmpoNSFoW9NmWgriiXNpj1pnZVJxViqAa6GK579YQNdmPzvBUGy8mNW1XeaP63Gbls/s1600/E251D602-F786-47AC-9B1C-83A07079CCCD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiuMHDXI8s1D4AF_4ODhQcLP25Yc0er5iuF8ExQ0UNqEwncTNn9brGB5UB5QseJYQOJwFkipGLEmpoNSFoW9NmWgriiXNpj1pnZVJxViqAa6GK579YQNdmPzvBUGy8mNW1XeaP63Gbls/s320/E251D602-F786-47AC-9B1C-83A07079CCCD.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My other current ‘live in’ team member took the photo </div>
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Probably some bits I’ve missed but that’s the gist. </div>
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Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-10420055263202519722020-06-08T14:18:00.000-07:002020-06-08T14:18:42.491-07:00Diabetes Week 2020 - The Big Picture <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Big Picture</span></u></b></div>
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The more I think about that phrase The Big Picture’ the more I wonder what we incorporate into it? I mean my diabetes manages to wander its way into every area of my life, it’s like a tiny person that I carry around. It requires frequent attention and to be honest can go from behaving like a well mannered and self respecting adult to a toddler whose been handed the wrong cup in seconds. So today I thought I’d let you see my daily diabetes drills. </div>
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Let’s start at midnight - the beginning (technically) of a brand new day. If I’m lucky I’m snoozing but throughout the night my lovely Miao Miao is tracking my blood sugars. It traces whether they’re going up or down and how quickly they’re changing. Should there be a sudden change it if they dip below 5 my phone starts singing. That’s why if you ring or text me in the night I’ll probably see it. I don’t guarantee a reply but I’ll see it. </div>
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At about 3am I’ll wake and scan my arm yo update my libre sensor. This has to be done frequently and at least eight hourly to update the graph otherwise there’s an interruption in data. When I wake up at 7am I scan my arm again, check the data from my Miao Miao is correct via finger prick and that its calibrated and passing to my watch correctly. </div>
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Breakfast - quick pre meal arm scan, eat, carb count, work out insulin based on BM numbers and carb ratio. Put it in the pump, internal debate about what kind of bolus will suit the day, press the button. </div>
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1030am pump beeps to remind me to arm scan, quick prayer that it’s in the green lines.</div>
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Lunchtime - on a prepared day I have a good lunch which I’ve Pre carb counted for so I do a quick arm scan and eat then bolus and I’m done. Most days I grab whatever I can in between juggling everything else, work out the carbs roughly, scan and go for a roundabout bolus hoping I’m in the right area with type of bolus. </div>
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Mid afternoon quick arm scan on a couple of occasions, if it’s in the lines I carry on if it’s rising Or falling rapidly I get a lovely arrow just to confirm the urgency. If the arrow pops up quick check is necessary with a finger prick check. </div>
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Tea time same as breakfast and lunch. Arm scan, eat, bolus, internal debate about corrections and bolus options. </div>
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Bed, quick scan, debate whether any adjustments are needed, make adjustments. Sleep. </div>
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Wake at midnight panicking to scan arm. </div>
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Repeat. </div>
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Now this seems ok, right? Quite straight forward? But additionally every 14 days I have to change libre sensor in arm. Every three days my pump needs filling and the set and cannula need changing. BM kit needs charging frequently. Back up meds need ordering and storing appropriately. And the pump battery is only ever flat as you’re about to close your eyes to sleep. </div>
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The graphs - </div>
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So these are the beautiful creations from the libre. They very kindly highlight lows in red again just to confirm the urgency of the situation. </div>
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So what causes rapid changes? </div>
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Let’s just make a list </div>
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💙Exercise</div>
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💙Wrong bolus</div>
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💙Wrong food</div>
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💙Stress</div>
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💙Missed meals </div>
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💙Missed bolus</div>
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💙Hormones</div>
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💙Medication </div>
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💙Illness</div>
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So there it is, my diabetes day. </div>
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A dear friend once featured in a video about the “little black bag” which is something diabetics couldn’t have because of all the supplies we had. As the tech gets smaller and more efficient I do wonder if the “emotional bag” is getting bigger...diabetes and emotional health, a story for another day 💙</div>
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Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-80055343202641959952020-06-08T09:34:00.000-07:002020-06-08T09:54:40.496-07:00Diabetes Week 2020 - Introduction <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Up until 2017 there was an event organised to coincide with diabetes week which encouraged people to write about their experiences with the condition and share it via social media channels. I’m not sure why it ended as i was otherwise engaged in 2018 but I noticed last year that it had gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This year I thought even though effectively I’m now just writing my own blog for me and even though it may reach fewer people without the group approach it may well still be worthwhile. During my pondering Diabetes UK launched their diabetes week theme</span></div>
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<span style="color: #009de0; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , , sans-serif; font-size: 2.22222em; letter-spacing: 0.47999998927116394px;">Diabetes Week 2020</span></div>
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Everyone’s experience of diabetes is different, but we’re united by a common goal – building a better future. Help us paint #TheBigPicture this Diabetes Week. The triumphs, the setbacks, the daily routines and unexpected turns.</div>
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<a href="https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/diabetes-week">https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/diabetes-week</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With this in mind I thought I’d start with a weeks work of sharing and see where it leads too. I’ve no themes or idea of direction for each day so if you’ve an interest, question or burning idea please throw it my way. Additionally sharing is the best way to get information out there so if you feel inclined to do so, amazing . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m going to use this thread as an introduction thread for my new start so I’ll hopefully have a new post finished for sharing later on. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (Still pondering which direction to go in first) </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#myteam #TheBigPicture #Family</td></tr>
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Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-3498131861531355382017-05-22T04:15:00.002-07:002017-05-22T04:15:38.362-07:00Diabetes Bloopers - Wildcard Link ListWhether you or your loved one are newly diagnosed or have been dealing with diabetes for a while, you probably realize that things can (and will) go wrong. But sometimes the things that go wrong aren’t stressful - instead sometimes they are downright funny! Go ahead and share your Diabetes Blooper - your “I can’t believe I did that" moment - your big “D-oh” - and let’s all have a good laugh together!! (This topic is borrowed from our 2011 #DBlogWeek.)<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">What a topic title!</span> </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">I've got to admit I've had my fair share of 'bloopers' especially since my first pump arrived! Some of them have already featured in my blog I'm sure but I thought for the sake of giving people a giggle I'd give you a list of some of the most memorable ones! </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #45818e;">So day one whilst having my pump fitted I nearly shot myself with the needle! The rep leading the session instructed us to put the inserter over the cannula and draw the inserter back to prime it ready to insert. What I hadn't realised is everyone else had played with the new equipment prior to getting to the hospital, id left mine wrapped in its cellophane. When I picked it up I didn't notice the button you pressed to push the needle into the stomach. Rather than inserting it my stomach it fired at me, missed and stabbed the chair behind me. I was so shocked I started to giggle and it became catching! The whole group was in stitches except the rep who thought we'd all gone mad!</span> </span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I'd been at home with said pump for a few days and I'd been noticing strange goings on from my family. Getting up frequently and checking the kitchen a lot - I thought they'd all gone mad. About four or five days in I realised that the beeping on my pump was almost identical to that of both the oven timer going off and the fridge door being left open!</span> I think my favourite line was when my sister said is that you or is my pizza actually ready! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my</span> all time favourite 'bloopers' was out in a supermarket carpark! At the time I'd been registered for the wrong tubing length for my pump. They were that long the pump could reach the floor without pulling on my cannula! I think it was 110cm length rather than 40c. Anyway I was in a bit of a rush and jumped out of the car and with all the extra tubing didn't notice I'd become tied around the wing mirror of the car next to me. s I attempted to run into the shop the force ripped the cannula from my stomach. As if to add to the drama I'd obviously injected into a rather bloody spot which proceeded to erupt fountain style all over this cars window and door, The woman inside lost all her colour and started to look faint. The car and my clothes looked like something from a horror film and my mother laughed so hard I thought she was going to stop breathing! Interesting day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">In a similar thread due to the exceptionally long wire I somehow scooped my pump up with the dirty washing to put into the machine!! I then (because I hadn't noticed) put washing liquid in with it. Then (because I still hadn't noticed) slammed the door shut and pressed start!! As I stood up I realised in a nano second what I had done and in my panic had no idea how I was going to fix it! Lots of shouting alerted mother Nulty who rushed to my aid pausing the machine and releasing the door before any damage could be done! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">I once knocked the pump off onto the passenger</span><span style="color: #0c343d;"> seat of a car after getting a lift and shut the door behind me, I ended up jogging alongside the car banging on the window!! Thank god it was moving slowly out of a space! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">One of my first pumps had optional tunes it would play if it was high or low - you selected them like mobile ringtones. I was wearing it in work one day and my chosen low tune was very sci-fi. In a SMSC meting my pump starting ringing to say I was going low as the presenter introduced the spiritual slides! Lots of jumpy faces in that audience I can tell you! </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">So you see for those who have a pump you've got to remember the funny moments it brings you and be able to look back with a smile otherwise you'd go crazy. I've got loads more bloopers (I'm one of those people!) but I'm beeping low so better go for lunch! </span><br />
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Keep laughing! H x <br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-86349749009638984552017-05-20T15:21:00.000-07:002017-05-20T15:21:11.518-07:00More than diabetes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lets wrap up the week by sharing a little more about ourselves, beyond the chronic illness we or our loved ones live with. Share an interest, hobby, passion, something that is YOU. If you want to explore how it relates to or helps with diabetes you can. Or let it be a part of you that is completely separate from diabetes, because there is more to life than just diabetes! (This topic is a suggestion from the 2016 #DBlogWeek survey.)</div>
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Ok so this is the fifth and final post. The idea of looking past the diabetes and explaining who we are! Hard it's been part of me almost forever! But there is so much more so here's a quick list lol; </div>
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* I have a fab, sometimes wonky, family. All of who are special in their own way. They get me through day to day with a smile and a laugh. </div>
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* I'm proud mummy to a beautiful little man and an amazing hound </div>
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* I'm a crazy wife to my amazing hubs who I drive mad daily! </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">* I'm a teacher who loves seeing student 'get' something</span></div>
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* I'm addicted to certain T.V shows which I ❤️ </div>
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* I good movies. (Marvel, Star Wars, Comedies etc) </div>
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* Oh and I sing dreadfully EVERY morning on the way to work. Just because I can't sing doesn't mean I won't! (And it's anything from 90s cheese to Disney hits) </div>
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* Oh and I suppose appropriately I've been diabetic 32 ish years!! </div>
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* So in a nutshell that's me. There's probably loads I can add (and loads of people I've missed out) but for now I'll leave it there. </div>
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💙</div>
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Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-78962756689888423692017-05-18T14:41:00.002-07:002017-05-18T14:41:10.717-07:00Throwback Thursday - What brings me down<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Today let’s revisit a<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"> </span></span></span></i><a href="http://www.bittersweetdiabetes.com/p/2014-diabetes-blog-week-topics-posts.html" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #a3239e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #78ab46;">prompt from 2014</span></i></b></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #755a2a;"> </span></i></span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #755a2a;">- </span></i><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> </i><a href="http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #a3239e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #78ab46;">Mental Health Month</span></i></b></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #755a2a;"> </span></i></span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">so now seems like a great time to explore the emotional side of living with, or caring for someone with, diabetes. What things can make dealing with diabetes an emotional issue for you and / or your loved one, and how do you cope?<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"> </span></span></span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;">EVERYTHING. Simple and straight forward answer. Some days I feel like I can take on the whole world but other days I can't even face getting out of bed. So I push myself to try and think positively. Some days it's others that bring me down, other days it's me or the surroundings, it can be something that's happened or not happened that makes me feel off. </span></span></span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;">For a long time now I've suffered with anxiety. It's hard to explain how it makes me feel, how scared I can be some days but others I'm ok. </span></span></span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;">So let's bypass the negative and focus on the getting through it! </span></span></span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #755a2a;">Things that help me; </span></span></span></i><br />
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<li><span style="color: #755a2a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>My little O. His smile warms any room and he's my everything. </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #755a2a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>My lovely hubs, who gives the best snuggles (even on day three of me falling asleep on the sofa pinning him to watching whatever to show I've left on) </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #755a2a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>My family, all of them. There's always someone at the end of the phone. Whether they're listening or driving me potty with laughter they're amazing. </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #755a2a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>My friends. All of them. They're understanding enough to know that sometimes we can go ages without speaking but catching up is like we've never been apart. </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #755a2a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>My Jazzy. Gives amazing comfort. </i></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #755a2a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Laughter is something that everyone should aim for daily. Find a reason to smile and hold onto it. ❤️</i></span></span></div>
Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-16007505648825228982017-05-17T12:54:00.000-07:002017-05-17T12:57:53.238-07:00The Blame Game - Wednesday 5/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">Having diabetes often makes a visit to the doctor a dreaded experience, as there is invariably bad news of one kind or another. And sometimes the way the doctor talks to you can leave you feeling like you’re at fault. Or maybe you have a fantastic healthcare team, but have experienced blame and judgement from someone else in your life – friend, loved one, complete stranger. Think about a particularly bad instance, how that person talked to you, the words they used and the conversation you had. Now, the game part. Let’s turn this around. If you could turn that person into a puppet, what would you have them say that would leave you feeling empowered and good about yourself? Let’s help teach peoiupe how to support us, rather than blame us! (Thank you, </span><a href="http://brian-the-bsc.blogspot.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #78ab46; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Brian</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">, for inspiring this topic.)</span><br />
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The Blane Game - interesting topic for me! I think I'll try and approach this logically, or at least as logically as I can! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">I'm very lucky, my diabetic healthcare team are AMAZING! I cannot praise them enough, they're supportive, helpful, non judgmental. Good at listening and advising. However when I need to visit the GP I often feel like they're inwardly rolling their eyes. Sighing because I'm back again. Almost always I hear that old line "well you're diabetic, your more susceptible to these things" erm no I disagree it's probably not the fault of my condition but hey let's go with it because you can't look beyond it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">I'd love one day for them to say yes yes I see and look exactly at the problem rather than what they can blame upfront!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">Friends, yes been abandoned by some of them to unfortunately. I've had the friends of friends who've complained because I've tested my blood at the table or because they </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">think my pump is dirty. It annoys me because the ignorance of people causes so much hurt. Wouldn't it be easier to say oh, wow does it hurt? How often do you have to do it? Etc! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">Haha I've also had the well you've been off sick again, what can you do to help yourself? This year I've had influenza H at least twice likely three times. The second and third time I lost my voice and felt dreadful. Bloods bounced around like a roller coaster and some days I barely made it off the sofa. I was honest and up front about it. Why I've no idea as I still got the same treatment as if I'd bunked off. I'd much rather have been in work than in bed feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. But instead of the whole oh so it's just unfortunate that you've had this recurring illness, are you feeling better? What's the after impacts going to be if any? What would help you now? I got smacked with a nice big warning. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">Random strangers yep done them to! They stare and then complain that they don't like what they're seeing, here's a suggestion - STOP LOOKING!! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">I sound like a right moaner tonight but the truth is I'm happy to educate, happy to help but it's part of me and that's life. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;">One thing that does make me feel positive is that for my little boy my pump and bm kit are normal, it's part of everyday life. He's no fear of any of it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-3525925968699038372017-05-15T13:40:00.000-07:002017-05-15T13:40:05.214-07:00The cost of a chronic illness<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px;">Insulin and other diabetes medications and supplies can be costly. Here in the US, insurance status and age (as in Medicare eligibility) can impact both the cost and coverage. So today, let’s discuss how cost impacts our diabetes care. Do you have advice to share? For those outside the US, is cost a concern? Are there other factors such as accessibility or education that cause barriers to your diabetes care? (This topic was inspired by suggestions from </span><a href="http://www.radiabetes.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #78ab46; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Rick</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px;">and </span><a href="https://seejendance.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #78ab46; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Jen</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px;">.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-uwIWGxcGqAECFEAa2Ebxz4f3yBckPVXJVWkmZqs6Fg6tIYW8IumMSMBmaJvEX1uGVnOxV_6FzAbaX6BRkNADI-AlzyZxxXXaigzLMDNYwwPW026GY07e1Mpi9JF5d5BOfMksqhxO_8/s1600/IMG_1295.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-uwIWGxcGqAECFEAa2Ebxz4f3yBckPVXJVWkmZqs6Fg6tIYW8IumMSMBmaJvEX1uGVnOxV_6FzAbaX6BRkNADI-AlzyZxxXXaigzLMDNYwwPW026GY07e1Mpi9JF5d5BOfMksqhxO_8/s640/IMG_1295.GIF" width="640" /></a><br />
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An interesting topic for me as here in the UK we have the NHS (for now) and this absorbs a lot of the cost for supplies needed for care. There was a time though when we had to buy plastic syringes if you wanted them instead of using a glass one. Whizz right up to current day and we're in a similar position, pump funding comes from the hospitals and necessary supplies are included in this, cannulas, reservoirs, insulin.<br />
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As with most pumps the Medtronic one I'm wearing has the capability to upwork with CGM. In the UK CGM is funded for those planning pregnancy and as such I used mine when carrying my son. As I had some sensors left over I'm still using them up but as soon as my son was born funding was revoked. I think this is quite dangerous as you become reliant upon it to an extent and as such it can be quite a shock to go back to nothing. As they're so expensive self funding isn't really an option and we don't have any other funding options at present. So yes in essence the costs can be great in more ways than one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbiRK7R9fHaCeD3TBt5r9yCswElWfInS9N-EX0xmbTYpFKU8ITNm2-nRYbMubDlkjfM_hajYmJUHEXMdgUxOTnvAFn5q9abMa8yqfw7banbE16U2JGmSLWX-SgSNESKw-3HVdPaj8Zwg/s1600/IMG_1296.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbiRK7R9fHaCeD3TBt5r9yCswElWfInS9N-EX0xmbTYpFKU8ITNm2-nRYbMubDlkjfM_hajYmJUHEXMdgUxOTnvAFn5q9abMa8yqfw7banbE16U2JGmSLWX-SgSNESKw-3HVdPaj8Zwg/s1600/IMG_1296.GIF" /></a>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-46166862819352278002017-05-15T12:56:00.001-07:002017-05-15T13:21:24.653-07:00Diabetes and the unexpected!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">Diabetes can sometimes seem to play by a rulebook that makes no sense, tossing out unexpected challenges at random. What are your best tips for being prepared when the unexpected happens? Or, take this topic another way and tell us about some good things diabetes has brought into your, or your loved one’s, life that you never could have expected? (Thank you, </span><a href="http://jazzyted.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #888888; font-size: 15.84000015258789px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Heather</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">, for inspiring this topic!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;"><img src="webkit-fake-url://cb2fcd75-f55d-4e04-be0f-d5939087ccfc/imagegif" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">So when I suggested this topic I had a direction in mind for my post but today's events have thrown that off course! With that in mind it seems fitting to use today's blog to talk about today. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">Last night we had a plan - this morning I'd get up and go to work and daddy would get Owen ready and take him to nursery. Problem number one, Owen got up in the middle if the night wide awake and wanted to play. Eventually daddy took him downstairs but not before we'd done enough playing to lower mummy's BM. Emergency bedtime routine -check! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">As daddy had been up most of the night mummy had to take Owen to nursery and Jasper too Nanna so I was already running late, as per the madness of course I forgot breakfast bolus and ended up doing it halfway to work! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">Any way everyone delivered to the right locations and I was hoping the plan might slide back into place...no! BM started to slide down so I grabbed an extra bite to eat which then caused a nice spike and so the morning went on in the pattern up and down. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">I hoped that lunchtime would allow me to grab some control back and so did a bm, calibrated the pump and had my dinner. All looked promising until I arrived at the exam I was invigilating and I got the dreaded double down arrow. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 15.84000015258789px;">So now I'm sat here with a pump showing a good bm but with three, THREE, downward arrows. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So to revisit the topic Diabetes and the unexpected, what I've learnt over time is that there are some days you've got to let go and put down to the butterfly effect! </span><br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://7f692bd5-9088-466f-a929-59cff47d12c0/imagejpeg" />Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-65243557938402937552016-05-19T15:44:00.001-07:002016-05-19T15:44:23.684-07:00The Healthcare Experience - Thursday - Diabetes Blog Week<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Most people who live with a chronic illness end up with a lot of experience when it comes to dealing with healthcare. How would you improve or change your healthcare experience? What would you like to see happening during medical visits with your healthcare team? How about when dealing with your health insurance companies? What's your Healthcare Wish List or Biggest Frustration? Today is the day to share it all!</span><br style="color: rgb(117, 90, 42); font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is straight forward - my healthcare team are the best. There's not much else to it, my consultant is fantastic. He listens to me, explains things so I understand them, supports my decision even if he disagrees and helps me with pretty much everything I need. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My DSN is my go to. Even when I'm not venting about something diabetes related. She gets me. She understands I'm not perfect and takes on board that I'm doing my best and that's good enough. She's supportive, straight talking, compassionate and best of all calm when I'm having a meltdown. Even the DSN she's training to take vet when she retires is fabulous. She's great. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The rest of the team are exactly the same give or take the odd personality clash. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">However healthcare outside of specialists I think could be improved. I think people who don't understand type one find it very difficult to advise. When I was in hospital having my baby I was asked to self manage which we agreed to but when I was feeling unwell post surgery I was told I was being over reactive to my blood sugars. Being that I was on a pump and knew if I hadn't treated then I'd be massively off target later I ignored her. But I felt they were always quick to blame my diabetes. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I always wonder at appointments why they measure my height? At my age I'm not getting any taller...! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also get annoyed when I go to an aappointment at say 2 o'clock and they come out and weight me/take height/hba1c and then leave me in a waiting room for an hour. Then when I ask why they're keeping me waiting they say well you were seen at 2...! I feel like they're suggesting my time isn't important. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My biggest rant I suppose is funding - CGM is funded during pregnancy or in trying to get pregnant. Whilst I think this is great it needs to be extended. Following trying for a baby, getting a good Hba1c and delivering a baby it's unrealistic to think that it'll just drop back into place! You need a least six months postnatal sensors to achieve this. On the flip side of this - if you don't want children does that make you any less entitled to CGM? I've also heard CGM IS </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">often funded for people who've abused their condition and so have no hypo awareness. It seems unfair to not give someone who wants to improve there care funding but to give it to someone who doesn't care! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I suppose to be honest I don't have much to moan about from a diabetes healthcare point of view. To be honest I'm pretty pleased about that. </span></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-1422634006908423612016-05-17T15:55:00.001-07:002016-05-18T11:05:39.433-07:00Language and diabetes - Wednesday - Diabetes Blog Week<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NThere is an old saying that states “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. I'm willing to bet we've all disagreed with this at some point, and especially when it comes to diabetes. Many advocate for the importance of using non-stigmatizing, inclusive and non-judgmental language when speaking about or to people with diabetes. For some, they don't care, others care passionately. Where do you stand when it comes to “person with diabetes” versus “diabetic”, or “checking” blood sugar versus “testing”, or any of the tons of other examples? Let's explore the power of words, but please remember to keep things respectful.</span><br style="color: rgb(117, 90, 42); font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Hmmmm I'm stuck... This is a bit of a two edged sword in that I really don't care about 'language' that relates to diabetes in the sense of whether they call me diabetic, a person with diabetes or even someone 'suffering' with diabetes. I don't care if we call it blood testing, checking bloods or just testing. I don't mind whether we're injecting, jabbing, stabbing or pricking. So really it would seem that language doesn't bother me but it does. The flip side of the sword is I've been on the receiving end of some diabetes targeted abuse, bullying I suppose. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I've never hidden my condition, it's part of me. Like the colour of my hair, my height and my temper. So when I meet new people it's not normally long before my diabetes enters the relationship. As always this happened with a group of people I called friends, some of who are still on my FB friends list and so may even read this. They accepted my blood sugars and condition or so it seemed, I'd test at meals and inject as and when necessary. I then moved to my pump, these people seemed to be there for that too. My freedom seemed to sore so I was happy to bolus in front of them and even on one or two occasions do a set change. If they asked questions I was happy to share. So how does this relate to language? Well one of these people decided it was unacceptable that I didn't do as instructed, that I dared to challenge what they had decided. The easiest target to upset me - diabetes. Apparently all of a sudden my insulin pump made people uncomfortable. My blood sugar testing kit offended people. Apparently testing my blood sugar at the table was dirty! It'd be better if I went to the toilet...erm no. So you'd think that other people would be supportive, point out such comments are wrong and that behaving in this way was unfair. Nope. The rest of the group accepted it by default that this person was right, one even suggested I was in the wrong for testing in public. I never forced these people to watch, I don't go round randomly finger pricking people. So now we don't speak and so yes, in this way yes language hurt me. But I won't be a sheep and I won't be ashamed of who I am. On this occasion I learnt to stand up for myself, as no one else did. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So yes, language can be hurtful, but I always try to look at what the intent behind a comment was before I respond to it. I suppose the answer is to use language positively to educate and to try and ignore the negatives or at least not respond to it. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">If you're one of the people responsible for this experience I can't say I forgive you, I don't but I also can't say I understand you. Feel free to explain yourself.</span></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-55412019992719889792016-05-17T14:57:00.001-07:002016-05-17T15:30:18.000-07:00The Other Half of Diabetes - Tuesday - Diabetes Blog Week<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLltoKihyphenhyphenPlaLia-8vsRqcLvKyDUxH_kacvNgoia_hJVHNVHXyyoGn_UoSLwO5XohUZP58z0D9IqMpUw1GewQSBdu9jOAyy0pkvV4vLnTSvxStz_ufdEH44eGw8G_ZOwMJFXXAU-sZKWo/s640/blogger-image--1830758007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLltoKihyphenhyphenPlaLia-8vsRqcLvKyDUxH_kacvNgoia_hJVHNVHXyyoGn_UoSLwO5XohUZP58z0D9IqMpUw1GewQSBdu9jOAyy0pkvV4vLnTSvxStz_ufdEH44eGw8G_ZOwMJFXXAU-sZKWo/s640/blogger-image--1830758007.jpg"></a></div><br>We think a lot about the physical component of diabetes, but the mental component is just as significant. How does diabetes affect you or your loved one mentally or emotionally? How have you learned to deal with the mental aspect of the condition? Any tips, positive phrases, mantras, or ideas to share on getting out of a diabetes funk? (If you are a caregiver to a person with diabetes, write about yourself or your loved one or both!)</span><br style="color: rgb(117, 90, 42); font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What a consideration, the mental component of diabetes. It's like a small buzzing noise in your brain that you can't switch off. It's always there. Always. Let's consider the impact of the average day - the mental component kicks in before I get out of bed, blood sugar. What is it? Do I need to do anything with the number I get? Am I happy with the number? Breakfast? How many carbs? Bolus? How much? Straight in? Over half an hour? An hour? 50/50? Am I exercising this morning? What time will I eat lunch? Am I going out? What should I pack? Do I need snacks? At lunch time the blood sugar and bolus vs carbs debate kicks off again and then again at tea time. We also have those lovely set change days just to add some variety to the mix. This doesn't even consider blocked infusion sets, stress, illness, unexpected exercise or when someone eats your lunch! On top of all this recently I really also had the experiences of pregnancy hormones and the impact of post natal alterations! All this inside my head on top of the everyday stuff. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So how do I cope? </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm lucky in the sense that I have people to offload to. Depending on what I need though depends on who I chose as often it's other complications having an impact on my condition and causing waves. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Firstly I have the best DSN going. I mean my diabetic nurse is amazing. She is exceptionally supportive, she doesn't tell me off or judge and yet somehow she makes me realise what I need to be doing. She helps me be the better person I know I need and want to be. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My family. My husband has learnt the art of 'yes dear'. If I need to vent and I just want someone to listen (or appear to be listening) he's the man for the job. He also knows when to back off and say nothing. When not to pull the Tigers tail, very often this is when the tiger has a low blood sugar. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I also have a very straight talking sister who is good at listening but also very blunt in giving you the bottom line of how things are. No sugar coating just the truth. My mum is also a rock, I can tell her literally anything and often I'm sure share to much information. But she always knows what to say. How to calm me down. Once I'm calm it's easier to deal with problems. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So family and professional aside what's the best option? My friends. I have two amazing friends who will know she they are if and when they read this. They listen, don't judge and ask questions which help me work through whatever situation I've worked myself into. They make good brews (or know where to find one) and give good hugs. They could probably finish most of my stories for me now and yet they don't. They listen as the same crisis rears its head for the fifth time! Over the past few months they've listened as I've laughed, cried and felt like my world was darker than I've ever known. They've listened and helped me far more than they realise. Meeting for breakfast or sitting talking late at night when I'm panicking is helping more than they know. I may not see or speak to them everyday but when we do it's like we're never apart.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So how do I cope? </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYdyRdcvokNsEp6VS-hLQiBj10xLyzc-vr7jWAAApY_u4TesVT1p0NnTrqq9bCogSrioqTtdTus9yZg3ayR2cuS5HsdhJO-XrmV_o9TfeELuMqirY2rWJACEam7RG7Rr5meF663GdTII/s640/blogger-image-1327530376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYdyRdcvokNsEp6VS-hLQiBj10xLyzc-vr7jWAAApY_u4TesVT1p0NnTrqq9bCogSrioqTtdTus9yZg3ayR2cuS5HsdhJO-XrmV_o9TfeELuMqirY2rWJACEam7RG7Rr5meF663GdTII/s640/blogger-image-1327530376.jpg"></a></div> Don't focus on your own flaws either</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Don't be told what to do, be part of the decision</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Don't be mean to yourself. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> 🙈🙉🙊</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Always focus on what you've done right that day</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Remember no one else is perfect</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Be kind to yourself, and let others help you. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Find something to do where you can get peace (I like a walk in the rain as the dog is a fab listener). This brings me to the important point</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> TALK. Talk to people you're comfortable with. People who don't mind hearing the same problem over and over. People who can advise without judging. Remember you can handle whatever gets thrown at you with the right skills, sometimes you need your team to have all the skills. I like to think of my friends and family as a deck of cards, I've got kings, queens, sixes and sevens that come in red or black, we even have a joker or two but when one of theme missing my deck doesn't work. ❤️</span></div><div><br></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-74661971921713693132016-05-16T15:28:00.001-07:002016-05-16T15:32:16.087-07:00Message Monday - Diabetes Blog Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sPy-uEnKXouxTsrUE2wZSeZ_FmkqOmUzv1QbYP2NzvoVqSQwCBGfKjePUNo0w-mZO5RYGBD5R3iOYrMZA0Nvg9AXFz3GNNfP2VKq7Cp9NN1AcC8Cz8-9kFq0CtXISeSU1yoSfF13Oks/s640/blogger-image--1167712622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sPy-uEnKXouxTsrUE2wZSeZ_FmkqOmUzv1QbYP2NzvoVqSQwCBGfKjePUNo0w-mZO5RYGBD5R3iOYrMZA0Nvg9AXFz3GNNfP2VKq7Cp9NN1AcC8Cz8-9kFq0CtXISeSU1yoSfF13Oks/s640/blogger-image--1167712622.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Welcome to the first day of the seventh <a href="http://www.bittersweetdiabetes.com/search/label/Diabetes%20Blog%20Week" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;">Diabetes Blog Week</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today’s topic is Message Monday. <i>Lets kick off the week by talking about why we are here, in the diabetes blog space. What is the most important diabetes awareness message to you? Why is that message important for you, and what are you trying to accomplish by sharing it on your blog? (Thank you, </i><a href="https://thechronicscholar.com/" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Heather Gabel</i></a><i>, for this topic suggestion.)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So it's the start of Diabetes Blig Week and to be honest when I first read the suggestion I was a little confused - message Monday? Am I telling people <i>what </i>diabetes is? Am I explaining <i>how </i>it impacts on my life? Am I talking about the <i>different types </i>of diabetes? Do I try and <i>educate </i>people? But then I read it again, <b>Message Monday</b> - what's my message about my condition. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That seems an odd thing to write 'my condition' because I think a common assumption is that everyone with diabetes is the same. I get fed up of hearing people comment on conditions they don't understand or even know much about. I'd never ever dream of advising someone who had type two diabetes as I know very little about it. Gestational diabetes? What the heck?! I have had type one for mist of my life and to be honest don't remember not having it. I can think of ten other type ones that I know off the top of my head, we all take insulin, yes, we all are entitled to the same check ups, yes, our conditions are the same, erm NO! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Maybe that's harsh but it's true, what causes me to hypo might not have any impact on someone else. Stress - makes me fly high for about half an hour normally, then I crash. Some diabetics I know would be high until the following day. Hospital visits, guaranteed I'll have a hypo that night. Why? No idea but it happens. So as you probably guessed I HATE when people roll their eyes and sigh when something happens out of the blue. I hate when people expect you to conform to something that pretty much could be described as having its own identity. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I also find it infuriating when people make the common assumptions;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> - Oh did you get it because you ate too much sugar? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b> > No my pancreas packed up and went on vacation! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> - You can't eat that! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b>> Watch me</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> - If you do some exercise and eat better you'll be cured. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b>> Do you promise? I think I'll probably still need insulin</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> - So you inject every day? And prick your finger?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b> > Nope only on the days I don't want to go to hospital</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> - Are you allowed to do that?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b>> Are you? </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b> </b>- Are you going to test here? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b>></b> <b>No I got my blood kit out as I thought it would make an interesting centre piece!! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> - I hate blood/needles </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> <b> > Don't look</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><br></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>* there are many more but I'm sure you get the picture</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So my first blog appears as a rant but it's not. My message is this - To those non diabetics out there, think before you speak. Some of us are connected to our lovely pumps all day whilst others inject (sometimes several times a day) we don't need loads of unnecessary questions and looks of contempt. If you don't like it don't look! To all of my diabetic friends and bloggers you are all amazing people who inspire me with your confidence, passion and stories. Let's do this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <img src="webkit-fake-url://5c7b0891-ccf3-49c5-b386-bc2a628be867/imagegif"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-79573109931638439582015-05-16T10:29:00.001-07:002015-05-16T10:29:27.786-07:00Favourites & Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylBPBgBtZM1gjFPtTqBw_h_tkCE7P6HUVXtItLu1qTCRy0v7N9PoRWEQU-eIcnGY-UElO2g2K-u1O7TpJL2fDM09Ja41C-Q0jjYMyWbNimIaLWXBYoFBIQyPaLsQCPzJQ_bPVbEe2s_U/s640/blogger-image-1524729304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylBPBgBtZM1gjFPtTqBw_h_tkCE7P6HUVXtItLu1qTCRy0v7N9PoRWEQU-eIcnGY-UElO2g2K-u1O7TpJL2fDM09Ja41C-Q0jjYMyWbNimIaLWXBYoFBIQyPaLsQCPzJQ_bPVbEe2s_U/s640/blogger-image-1524729304.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So today's options are to talk about your favourites and motivations, blog related, diabetes related, or not and if you don't have a favourite then share your motivation as to why you started writing a blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well I suppose my blogs are as the title suggests Random. I write when I feel like it and I write about anything. Apart from Diabetes Blog week I find it difficult to stick to a schedule. I tend to not have favourites in relation to diabetes blogs because I'm always finding new ones. I do however have a handful of phrases that I like to come back to that make me think and help keep me on track. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So here they are; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuLlzIpJ5-wuUho2nMz1S7OdON6Km5E6GZTOpIBGt0aTdmcqDpFhoVmCVMLdacttHv5M-TtHDmtZjyV8Nn4cMHqeTc_y7Tq1lRGAlLznAzygu-siBaD21GuQUFkTkFrRYMeRrFW64I6o/s640/blogger-image--2145255876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuLlzIpJ5-wuUho2nMz1S7OdON6Km5E6GZTOpIBGt0aTdmcqDpFhoVmCVMLdacttHv5M-TtHDmtZjyV8Nn4cMHqeTc_y7Tq1lRGAlLznAzygu-siBaD21GuQUFkTkFrRYMeRrFW64I6o/s640/blogger-image--2145255876.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We all have different talents and abilities. Once you learn to embrace your own life opens up to a whole host of wonderful experiences. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfGU7N8sLqNdDJ8QBkIFLxngaE-y4zjblFoPXZthLyeLwf4ATIiXN9E9FDSYpTBhRFM260BIfhPJNoCzcd8b-GPTUwI1KwSBn5b5vgvWBaBM4z0C3MA2Sq06ecOBzAL-8TBsCjYLS5Lg/s640/blogger-image--263770254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfGU7N8sLqNdDJ8QBkIFLxngaE-y4zjblFoPXZthLyeLwf4ATIiXN9E9FDSYpTBhRFM260BIfhPJNoCzcd8b-GPTUwI1KwSBn5b5vgvWBaBM4z0C3MA2Sq06ecOBzAL-8TBsCjYLS5Lg/s640/blogger-image--263770254.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make the most of everyday and enjoy yourself along the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-B8wrktRRxO6qFb5DEFfzW1Mk_LDgcJsbTyu8Lw3C0yqNOj9TmE5gpAp_GRedmK8_GMN-BErUcIgYUxqg6CJMNh5aKwjtHT6BDXc5QJwE8ec9R0fJeWg7uI3WPW6Cwu7c-BF9VEVETU/s640/blogger-image--370489367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-B8wrktRRxO6qFb5DEFfzW1Mk_LDgcJsbTyu8Lw3C0yqNOj9TmE5gpAp_GRedmK8_GMN-BErUcIgYUxqg6CJMNh5aKwjtHT6BDXc5QJwE8ec9R0fJeWg7uI3WPW6Cwu7c-BF9VEVETU/s640/blogger-image--370489367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another make the most of it thought but a thought provoking one. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U_QhXy-nSqAUukGIxR6_x38MTFsqk_M-ZrLv-8R64_GTaW0Xu_8_0KPSNp4myN8DGZO_uLhS_HxwzUdYBlw2hTZYaA3SF2K3GnvXCqul0ZtyAyGL3fYvWnLJ-R_tZuI7TePdNKE2YCk/s640/blogger-image-847155132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U_QhXy-nSqAUukGIxR6_x38MTFsqk_M-ZrLv-8R64_GTaW0Xu_8_0KPSNp4myN8DGZO_uLhS_HxwzUdYBlw2hTZYaA3SF2K3GnvXCqul0ZtyAyGL3fYvWnLJ-R_tZuI7TePdNKE2YCk/s640/blogger-image-847155132.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">People are human. They make mistakes. Sometimes these have a ripple affect on your life and you barely notice it. Other days it's like a huge crashing wave that feels like it can rip everything from you. Hold on to the stable things, those life rafts of family, friends will bring you safely back to shore. It may take time but if you let them they'll bring you home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4qMsDazaUVxN25lfVEZtGMdV9qCP-IZDpMTxd5bSb4kJSkc5wjGL8uhWvauIACDxv7qcyZS-GIzvnz_QMBuuHrHtkmkR1ivzmQJuxDmitbZVNDYAYOqBgJaB-fn-WMsoH61KgIBGDAI/s640/blogger-image-1602518255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4qMsDazaUVxN25lfVEZtGMdV9qCP-IZDpMTxd5bSb4kJSkc5wjGL8uhWvauIACDxv7qcyZS-GIzvnz_QMBuuHrHtkmkR1ivzmQJuxDmitbZVNDYAYOqBgJaB-fn-WMsoH61KgIBGDAI/s640/blogger-image-1602518255.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my favourite because if you embraces life's storms physical or metaphorical you can learn to find something positive in it to appreciate. I love the rain (literal) there's nothing quite like splashing in puddles in your wellies even if you are 30+ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now the original topic asked for favourites. I've managed to read a few blogs over the week but I've got loads more still to go. However <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">over the last week I have found some blogs I really like. They're honest and funny. They both came from Bec at Sweet & Sour and I've (hopefully) linked below as I think they're fantastic! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://adiabeticsrollercoaster.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/macbeth-diabetic-edition.html" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://adiabeticsrollercoaster.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/macbeth-diabetic-edition.html</a> </font><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://adiabeticsrollercoaster.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/macbeth-diabetic-edition.html" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://adiabeticsrollercoaster.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/macbeth-diabetic-edition.html</a> </font></div></div><br>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-28254073739824350242015-05-15T13:50:00.001-07:002015-05-15T13:50:24.818-07:00Wildcard option - Diabetes personified<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStrkFxaXq0tWqTDds72K6nYC863SWCVXUZ9-buRI4Y3HXNwS7WKcJeVuUUBCGzmA5TyIU_S67FE3isHcOr7xCft-br2tkZ-cXmhHkq-u_bq9IxW_8_HzXuhnb8mW2SpPgQn9QYVxWL74/s640/blogger-image--286697382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStrkFxaXq0tWqTDds72K6nYC863SWCVXUZ9-buRI4Y3HXNwS7WKcJeVuUUBCGzmA5TyIU_S67FE3isHcOr7xCft-br2tkZ-cXmhHkq-u_bq9IxW_8_HzXuhnb8mW2SpPgQn9QYVxWL74/s640/blogger-image--286697382.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>So today's topic was Food on Friday but it didn't inspire me to write anything I was happy with so I decided to grab a wildcard. It took me a while to think about this but I decided to go fictional and pick someone I think I'd like to spend time with. <div><br></div><div>So my diabetes personified is Supernaturals Dean Winchester! </div><div><br></div><div>Why Dean I know people will be asking? Well if I have to be linked with it for the rest of my life I may as well think of it as being good looking =) But if you look at the qualities of my diabetes I feel Dean replicates these attributes perfectly. I've picked five which I think are the most important at this point. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umqpi_YJnd6QDyHJAO7kwy1X3bF0imKVUWU972E1uWZWZUe4ecjb_nBRdW_5tZYM08Z9viH7nfKzrogpaI09lrBophwNxFVQC34nFIH5O5wDJMkzQz2xNZPoDPW7yLaPJGsdzu-Z7TY/s640/blogger-image--1997984699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umqpi_YJnd6QDyHJAO7kwy1X3bF0imKVUWU972E1uWZWZUe4ecjb_nBRdW_5tZYM08Z9viH7nfKzrogpaI09lrBophwNxFVQC34nFIH5O5wDJMkzQz2xNZPoDPW7yLaPJGsdzu-Z7TY/s640/blogger-image--1997984699.jpg"></a></div><div>So it takes a lot of contemplating - how many carbs? How much insulin? Is it worth the bonus? Dean spends a lot of time contemplating 'evil' </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHunx0lxEOAJE3FwTAU8B1ZM4Vvx_8t7eQAVpTIxcJ4dUL0RBJFt-NCycL6EQm9dDdkXvCRKzl5W3bzmaWFSNQFEUOxiTEqrL5OQ3YNhSZTq1jDGkZflkma8y5J7o_NoTIRE7Getnshw/s640/blogger-image-1791333986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHunx0lxEOAJE3FwTAU8B1ZM4Vvx_8t7eQAVpTIxcJ4dUL0RBJFt-NCycL6EQm9dDdkXvCRKzl5W3bzmaWFSNQFEUOxiTEqrL5OQ3YNhSZTq1jDGkZflkma8y5J7o_NoTIRE7Getnshw/s640/blogger-image-1791333986.jpg"></a></div></div><div>But the top and bottom of it is WE LIKE PIE!! It's always worth contemplating it because we're hungry and want to be normal. Dean likes pie and seems to get mad when he's hungry. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMVjKJ1hvJixHeb2egoJTn9lCgB3Jv47xhylQmxPrITG4m7ZWcmLFI01Gcjt23DGO0YgdnoyabFHKJqLMYsVbBzEI5suOYzdcchmkb2mzQ97YGLNipxe_IIpYPaoIPoXSMCSDsUHweM8/s640/blogger-image-404935403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMVjKJ1hvJixHeb2egoJTn9lCgB3Jv47xhylQmxPrITG4m7ZWcmLFI01Gcjt23DGO0YgdnoyabFHKJqLMYsVbBzEI5suOYzdcchmkb2mzQ97YGLNipxe_IIpYPaoIPoXSMCSDsUHweM8/s640/blogger-image-404935403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some days we get the pie (or other food) bolus wrong. It's a bit rubbish because then you feel ugh for the day. However you know that you might use the same bolus over the same time on a different day and it'll work. Confusing!! Like poor Dean when he realises he's hunting the wrong demon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSCwa4gbWb7b2dQVZBFQ-fjaYNMzkZhCiv8Rm9cUC2Whd0LQclm1GpXkLaac0DCVTN6lbyY5FYWTIX7YKmRpavrEXSlFHTH-q_DOCLbrY7dz0WeCCM-kXLZyjqvHv-07hJWf7waZz1PE/s640/blogger-image--261234360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSCwa4gbWb7b2dQVZBFQ-fjaYNMzkZhCiv8Rm9cUC2Whd0LQclm1GpXkLaac0DCVTN6lbyY5FYWTIX7YKmRpavrEXSlFHTH-q_DOCLbrY7dz0WeCCM-kXLZyjqvHv-07hJWf7waZz1PE/s640/blogger-image--261234360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some days we hypo and then one of our other personalities unearths itself. Either the loveable, playful side arrives or the crazy mad side. When the first arrives, we to think we're adorable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaGm7-8aV17jeGQCVK15DolkR9eBizdV0Lh1as5Ixzlq8GnY_9PLty_feH3ZHHiZKIEI7Gl7RfiiZLVSqHqO0S8a6z6M4MyRN1eeUAomWmkVXeJpWm3-vmazbSv3gY49ThGj2CA9-NJw/s640/blogger-image-1217217838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaGm7-8aV17jeGQCVK15DolkR9eBizdV0Lh1as5Ixzlq8GnY_9PLty_feH3ZHHiZKIEI7Gl7RfiiZLVSqHqO0S8a6z6M4MyRN1eeUAomWmkVXeJpWm3-vmazbSv3gY49ThGj2CA9-NJw/s640/blogger-image-1217217838.jpg"></a></div>Then there are some days when you just get so damn mad that you want to explode and scream and shout because even though you know it'll do no good you know that at the end of it you'll feel better! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So yes if my diabetes was personified and had to walk alongside me in my eyes it would be Dean. </div><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umqpi_YJnd6QDyHJAO7kwy1X3bF0imKVUWU972E1uWZWZUe4ecjb_nBRdW_5tZYM08Z9viH7nfKzrogpaI09lrBophwNxFVQC34nFIH5O5wDJMkzQz2xNZPoDPW7yLaPJGsdzu-Z7TY/s640/blogger-image--1997984699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umqpi_YJnd6QDyHJAO7kwy1X3bF0imKVUWU972E1uWZWZUe4ecjb_nBRdW_5tZYM08Z9viH7nfKzrogpaI09lrBophwNxFVQC34nFIH5O5wDJMkzQz2xNZPoDPW7yLaPJGsdzu-Z7TY/s640/blogger-image--1997984699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umqpi_YJnd6QDyHJAO7kwy1X3bF0imKVUWU972E1uWZWZUe4ecjb_nBRdW_5tZYM08Z9viH7nfKzrogpaI09lrBophwNxFVQC34nFIH5O5wDJMkzQz2xNZPoDPW7yLaPJGsdzu-Z7TY/s640/blogger-image--1997984699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><br></div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198101316372796.post-55758631215762610322015-05-15T13:10:00.001-07:002015-05-15T13:30:16.494-07:00Changes<div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Day four from Diabetes Blog Week is Changes. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Changes - there are two ways to look at this either its a fluid condition in which changes, updates and developments however small are happening all the time. Or you can complain about how slowly things get done and how little help there is.</span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm a fan of view one. </span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My mum tells me horror stories of my grandad boiling glass syringes after injecting. About how hypos were frequent and help was there but only in emergencies. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div>When I was a baby they were disposable syringes and a finger pricker that sounded like a gun! </div><div><br></div><div>Then when I was little the hospital gave me an injector gun that was horrible looking back, but made life easier. Blood meter was new but was huge in comparison to today's. </div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_20hk09WvTUZse7S_bs9B0PlNtdt1q4ScZS8pvAotIbrUGkRN27741dp39Gl6bASt27Rlqw67lpd9_Am0adMUbVW4EyGMzUG9NAqmige2LAgX73Y6AeGGBs2ZNRGGIlX2au5E05qV5I/s1600/100_2826.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; outline: rgb(0, 0, 0) solid 1px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 1070px; height: 803px;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWlp9uUAwOD1EcvQBKblu-bkdzsuIKo26L794x_hBeNx9zgjc5UKaUs6JBZQ9rmEcEJMZXXpngL6pU9fGd1KmRIdwjUO6bxxdOqMhthhnDKfGG8FmH65dpfppz-ebvXZYiraZYedtuAM/s1600/100_2827.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; outline: rgb(0, 0, 0) solid 1px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 969px; height: 1292px;"></span></div><div><br></div><div>Then we moved onto a smaller injector that was quieter and less intrusive. The blood meters where getting small and more compact. </div><div><br></div><div>Then we discovered pens. They took a lot of getting used to. But it was a step in the right direction. </div><div><br></div><div>Then the pump arrived...what a discovery. No more stabbing myself five or six times a day. Better control was getting easier and I could eat when and what I wanted. The blood meter is amazing it links to the pump and charges via a USB!! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-0_Iqk3fvHeHqsZaih1fhaLSObNqM6NcOl35xJKjEcNWNri6KvYV8nSxoVbHTywsq7oSWLaFjkNhtXfHNH4dcrFjL0Cjn7W6AWqGLx724CfSP3o8oI3xCuc9hagiEt4TIA4284nPWb4/s640/blogger-image-722532445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-0_Iqk3fvHeHqsZaih1fhaLSObNqM6NcOl35xJKjEcNWNri6KvYV8nSxoVbHTywsq7oSWLaFjkNhtXfHNH4dcrFjL0Cjn7W6AWqGLx724CfSP3o8oI3xCuc9hagiEt4TIA4284nPWb4/s640/blogger-image-722532445.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Things seemed perfect and then sensors where introduced. They tell me whether I'm high or low, help detect patterns and have made control much easier. </div><div><br></div><div>So I suppose a short and simple post because whilst sometimes it seems like life is tough I'm greatful for the changes that have allowed me to get to this point. </div>Ramblings http://www.blogger.com/profile/00966248171643715647noreply@blogger.com0