Living With Diabetes

Man, I've never had anything freak my kids out so. I wore my pump out -- must of you recall that I have a pocket sown in my bras that holds my pump.

Well, today, i was too lazy to go downstairs and get a clean, pocket bra, and my old bras without pockets were left in my drawer, and were the right size AND fit, so I wore that. Plus I was wearing a jean skirt so had pockets.

As the day progressed -- and this is weird, my skirts get tighter as the day goes on, but my bras get bigger -- I went from wearing the pump in my pocket with only the clip out, to the pump outside my pocket. The two classes I had with it out freaked.

"What is that Miss?" etc. and would NOT settle until I explained it. I ended up showing how it was attached, since the set is at my waist band today.

Very odd.

On the good news front, since the principal announced we could jeans, I looked through my closet and found a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear for 5 or 6 years, and tried them on. That's what I am wearing tomorrow, though I might change my set first, since it is right at the waist band.

Posted by at 6:11 PM | Permalink

Went to the CDE this afternoon. A1C is 6.0. Because of my student's background (especially the new to the country), doctor and CDE decided on both the flu and the pnuemonia shot, so I have those done.

The best news: 36 pounds since I started seeing them in March 2004. I've lost 15 pounds since Symlin (June -- new medication).

A1C of 6.0 is exceptionally good. It is my best. The ADA goal is 7.0, the doctor office's goal is 6.5 so the doctor is VERY VERY happy. That's also without any treatable lows.

We did some tweaking of basals -- I am having some excusions (high 180-240) and they usually cause food cravings. Hopefully that will stop as a result.

Posted by at 5:17 PM | Permalink

For the longest time, I didn't post ANY thing that wasn't diabetes related. I even started another blog for other stuff, but I just never seemed to get around to posting to it. You're going to start seeing even more non-diabetes stuff in the future.

Alwin's post on integrity has gotten to me a bit today. You see, for a while, I was associating with the wrong person, mainly because I was completely fooled by him.

I won't post much of the details, but basically I was involved in an organization that was doing some really good things from an under-represented group. Unfortunately the person who put the original organization together had a severely rotten core and fooled much better people than I. In fact, he managed to obtain a peace officer's license fraudently and was an employee of a police department at the time I met him and associated with him.

It took several incidents to convince me that he wasn't what he represented himself to me. Unfortunately as a result, I am out about $5,000 -- which is a drop in the bucket as to what happened to other people -- but the good news, is that most of that $5,000 actually went to help the right people.

The end result, is that I am extremely careful about who I associate with, and what groups I associate with. I haven't even joined a dog club since that happened, and I avoid doing any type of volunteering or contributing money until I know a lot about the group. I don't even trust background checks anymore since this episode in my life, since this guy managed to pass police academy and police department background checks.

Part of the issue, was that it was my own reputation for integrity that got others pulled into the mess.

Posted by at 10:30 AM | Permalink

Alwin is someone I have run across in the medical blogs and also runs a blog I admire. I think he blogs for many of the same reasons I do, and I find many of his posts interesting.

He definately makes some good points here.

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Posted by at 10:30 AM | Permalink

I've got my backup power charging just in case and we got all the loose stuff picked up in the yard.

I have plenty of supplies, medication, insulin, and symlin. Also have a full tank of gas.

We're in Dallas and should be fairly okay but worried a bit by supplies especially 90-day as Medco has been very slow shipping.

On the weight front, I had a pleasant surprise this morning. The scales showed a two pound loss. I suspect its true as my insuilin use remains low. The scales have been 'stuck' all week just at 270.x

I am anxious to see my CDE on Wednesday. I am predicting a 10 to 15 pound loss since Symlin.

Posted by at 7:47 AM | Permalink

I have a love-hate relationship with Symlin. I've been on it almost 4 months.

I hate it because I have to deal with a vial and syringes again. I hate it because I have to inject again, but at least I have the short needles. I also hate it because it works best if I take it 30 minutes before meals.

I love it, because I've been losing weight, and I don't have the constant hunger with it. I eat a lot less since I've been on it. I'm not sure exactly how much as I haven't been tracking food closely lately. I am starting to though.

What would really make things better would be to have it in a pen needle. I'm going to start a campaign of complaining about that this week. I plan to call their 1-800 number and ask. And their rep is coming to an interest group meeting, I think this Tuesday.

Posted by at 2:58 PM | Permalink

Right now, things are a bit unmanagable. I have approximately 30 students in each class. The good news, is that on any given day, 1/3 of the Algebra I repeaters are not that. Well, that is not really good news, because it takes forever to take roll, and I'm never sure I have it right.

The non-English speakers are very good attenders.

The good news, is that they are supposed to be relieving my schedule. I am hoping they will take away at least 1 of the repeaters class, but not all, because I'm afraid if they take all, they will take my Infocus machine and my Agilemind account. But if they do, maybe the ESL department will get me one.

I can actually teach the non-repeaters without it, but I'd rather not. I think they need the visuals.

I don't want to lose the non-English speakers though. I am really enjoying teaching them.

Yes, I teach non-English speakers Algebra. My dog training years are paying off. Here's the thing, dogs don't speak English either. To teach a dog a task, you have to break down as small as possible, rewarding every little bit. The non-English speakers are the same way. Something I'd do in one class period with normal Algebra I students, I might take 2-3 days with the non-English speakers and only teach them one thing. We really ought to do that with the normal kids too, but oh, well, no one asked me.

I draw lots of picture and give lots of feedback. The feedback is almost impossible though with 30 students. I really need 15 in each class, to teach these kids right. That means finding another teacher AND another classroom, both of which might be impossible.

I am trying not to think hard about any of that though. Getting though each day can be challenge enough.

Posted by at 2:53 PM | Permalink

The good news, is that I am starting to adjust to the new teaching schedule. Last week, I was able to do at least 25 minutes of cardio each day. I was also able to do my scheduled weight training each day.

Even better news is the weight loss. According to my scales, I've lost 10-15 pounds since school started and I'm starting to see a new decade. I'll confess. I was seeing 28x on the scales for a LONG LONG time. Lately I see 269.x once in a while. When I weighed in this morning I was at 270.2 pounds.

Again, big hint -- use scales that show the 10th if you are trying to maintain a slow weight loss. That's helped me more than anything.

In other related good news, my insulin usage has continued to stay low. It's the combination of weight loss, symlin, teaching schedule, and exercise. The last two days, I've been under 32 units a day. That's from a high of 120 units a day! My average insulin usage right now is 36 units a day.

I've had to titrate down my boluses and corrections again, and have to keep a close watch on my blood sugar so I don't go low.

My body fat percentage hasn't changed much, but I am okay with that.

I am starting to see some improvements -- yesterday I did an agility demo, didn't bring out my chair and was able to stay on my feet longer without pain (foot and back). Again, that's something I've been seeing every day.

I'm still not seeing much in the reduction of gastric reflux disease, and I really wish that would dimenish. Part of the problem, is that it is worse when I am low carbing, and I've been doing a lot of that lately.

Posted by at 9:45 AM | Permalink

You really need to get a new CPAP mask from time to time. I got my last one, last spring, and I called the doctor's office and asked for a new one last week.

Thankfully, the doctor did not require me to come in this trip, though I would have, just would have put it off until the end of the month.

The DME came by yesterday and delivered it. Good news! They have changed the model I like slightly -- which is the Fisker-Paykel HC431A. It used to come with two sizers, medium and large. The medium wasn't bad but now they have three in the box, and the small is pretty close to perfect.

It might even be perfect.

Of course, any little change, plus probably eating a bit later than usual last night, made me wake up twice -- but I managed to stay in bed. I do see a bit of difference in how I felt this morning, and I suspect I'll see more as I get used to it and I actualy sleep all night.

Posted by at 6:39 AM | Permalink

I've always loved the Temperance Brennan books, but so far I'm not impressed with the new TV show Bones. I am DVRing it, just in case I change my mind, but first of all, the actress playing her is way too young. She should at least look to be in her 30s.

Posted by at 7:05 PM | Permalink

For Dry Eye Sufferers, Lots of Tears Bring Major Relief - New York Times

I had a major problem with dry eye last year, not sure why, but a few months of Restatis cleared it up. I had a bout with an eye lash infection before the dry eye. Of course, that could have been caused by the dry eye.

Anyway, I posted this because it was well written and because a friend of mine needs it.

Posted by at 11:15 PM | Permalink

I'm starting to get a handle on things though -- I took ownership of my classroom -- I have felt like I was borrowing my room, which is just silly. Part of the reason, was that I didn't make a lot of changes -- and I rearranged things on Friday afternoon, and I can already find things easier. I'm still rearranging AND arranging, but I actually got through 7th period with everything I wanted at hand. I was spending 7th period searching for things.

Here's part of the reason -- I teach the same subject 1st and 2nd, and then teach a different subject, 3rd, 4th, and 6th. (I'm off 5th). By 7th, I've misplaced everything I used 1st and 2nd.

If I could just get internet access, I'd be fine, but I can operate with the Bluetooth.

Posted by at 8:42 PM | Permalink

Diabetes Mine - a blog about diabetes

Good links for information on both Symlin and Byette -- mostly Symlin.

Remember, I went on Symlin back in June, and have a love-hate relationship. Love the results, hate the vial, hate the needle. I would have a love-dislike relationship if they had a pen! (I'd still hate the needle).

Posted by at 8:13 PM | Permalink

The 'betes: an hour of orange juice

Very scary story -- glad you are okay now!

Posted by at 8:06 PM | Permalink

Did a one day workshop today, and tried the 50% basal setting -- it worked better than most, but my timing was off with the Symlin, etc. and the after lunch slug hit me. The weird part, is that I tested when I felt the worse and was at 180, but later when I was actually feeling better was at 230. I am sure part of that is due to forearm testing, but man, I hate finger testing.

It was a good workshop -- it was on teaching English for Math. The presenter was very good, and she was very nice to us. She cleaned out her garage, and gave us a bunch of posters, etc.

We let the evacuee from New Orleans take most of the stuff. She got hired on Friday and sent to the workshop today. I did get urked because she took a bunch of math related posters but kept saying that she was going to go back and tell them that she wanted an English post instead of English for Math.

I'm going to have to work hard tomorrow, so I'm taking this evening to take care of me.

Posted by at 7:32 PM | Permalink

It's been a rough week -- though it is getting better. Still can't get up in the morning, and I may have to give that up as a lost cause.

I have gotten quite a few hurrican evacuees. Even one in my non-English speaking class, which surprised me. All of my classes are approaching 30.

I am steadily losing weight -- one major hint -- get a scale that ways in .10 of a pound. It makes a huge difference in your morale when you are trying to lose weight the right way. I did lose weight the wrong way once -- Which was to lose 10 pounds in a week. If your scale weighs in .1's though, you can lose a pound and it looks likes 10. Seriously.

I just don't have the time and energy to eat during the school week, so I am having to make up a bit for it on the weekends. The Symlin is sure affecting my apetite. Which is a good thing.

My activity level is extremely high too, which is also making a difference. My feet are killing me at the end of the day, but I did get a new pair last night, and may break down and get some ugly orthepedic.

Posted by at 10:52 PM | Permalink

Good post, Amy!

I'm lucky. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO through the Texas Teacher's insurance. This is the first time I haven't beeon on an HMO, and I really really like it. I don't have to go through the primary care physician anymore, though I often ask his advice.

I haven't tried our mental health since we moved over, but every other service has been great.

Posted by at 6:30 PM | Permalink

I keep trying to have vanilla days, and it isn't happening.

This week, my food service switched menus. I actually welcome a menu switch, BUT they didn't include the carb counts on the labels. I had to call today before lunch and ask, and I need to just make a list of ones they don't have listed, but finding the time....

The good news, is that some of the foods are "old" foods, and I can just look them up. That happened last night and tonight. And some are actually on the list.

I am also beginning to think I just can't exercise in the morning. That makes days like today rough. Meeting after school, and then dentist appointment, so I didn't get home until 6:30, and didn't get off the treadmill until 7:30. I don't feel like I have an evening when it is that long.

Good news, is that I got everything graded and in the book before I left, but mainly because I didn't take up anything for three classes.

The last weird thing is my dogs. Okay, it is expected that Maggie is fairly independent, but Marcie has been driving my husband nuts. Apparently when he comes home and I'm not home she won't do ANYTHING, she won't go in the yard, she won't play with him, or even drink water. I suspect she does but he gives up and doesn't see it.

She was at the door waiting for me when I came home, greeted me in her normal way -- oh, you here? and then went off and did her own thing. If he had not told me, I would have never guessed she had been waiting on me.

Posted by at 7:39 PM | Permalink

It's been a very weird week.

First, I understand why the hurricane efforts have been slow. I had the same mindset.

My family, mother and sister, live in Jackson, Mississippi. I went to work on Monday, with no idea they were going to have any problems at all, other than getting some badly needed rain.

Got home Monday, tried to call and the circuits were down.

Well, they spent the day with someone with a generator and portable A/C unit. They are fine, the houses are all fine, but they were without power on Tuesday.

I think the whole rest of the US, went to work the same way on Monday, not thinking things would be bad.

As to the rest of the week, we had "Meet the Teacher" night on Tuesday, which made for a very long day. I met quite a few parents. Most of which don't speak English. Next parent night, we get me a translator for the evening.

There was a fight outside my room on Tuesday -- my kids. My kids keep wandering off from where they are supposed to be and I keep having to intervene. Friday, their 5th period teacher disappeared, and I still don't know what was up with that.

I am mostly just tired. I have been losing weight but have slowed that effort down on purpose. I don't want to put my body in starvation mode. However, I started exercising again yesterday. I have been making a major effort in caring for myself this week -- got a massage on Wednesday, a pedicure on Friday evening and this afternoon, I'm going to get something done with my hair.

Posted by at 9:51 AM | Permalink