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July 31, 2007

Dexcom Seven - Day 5

I sweated off my insertion set last night and figured I had sweated off the transmitter too, but it is still on and still giving good data.

I did too much yesterday, got out of the truck really really stiff, but I'm really no worse today than I usually am after dog agility.

Ran into my endo while I was getting my blood drawn and showed him the Dexcom. He was impressed.

July 30, 2007

Synvist

The Synvist shots DO hurt.

The weight lecture wasn't any fun either. that is what I hate about some groups of doctors.

They don't do weight loss thing well.

Dexcom Seven - Day 4

Nothing new to report on the Dexcom.  Trends are accurate though I am not confident in the numbers to dose.  I did notice that I tested blood sugar less often yesterday.

I'm getting my blood drawn today for my endo appointment next Monday, so I'll have a new A1C.

I'm also doing the first Synvist injection today. 

It's also good to be back at my data logging routine.  I still haven't figured out how to incorporate Dexcom data into EzManager.  I figure a full export will be overwhelming and am thinking about pulling data every hour first, then every half hour, until I have something that looks good.

July 29, 2007

Dexcom - Day 3

I'm still not happy with the numbers -- however, the trends are definitely accurate, which is what they advertising.

However, the numbers are getting closer as I go along.

July 28, 2007

Ezmanager back...

Well, not really, but the Animas IR1250 arrived this morning and it was SO nice to be able to set up my pump using the software, rather than having to rely on the screens.

I still had to do the basal settings by hand but everything else is good.

Now I'm trying to figure out the best way to log. 

Also trying to figure out how much data from Dexcom to import into EzManager.  I'm thinking every 15 minutes, but haven't decided.

Dexcom - Day 2

The longer I wear this sensor (and more I calibrate), the more accurate it gets.  The trend is still correct, but the numbers were either 10% high or 10% low.  I can't help to wonder if it is a function of the meter -- and sure wish they would upgrade the meter to the Ultra II.

No problem with using either the hot tub or shower, but I also saw that with the STS-3.

Still very happy.

July 27, 2007

EzManager - Solution

First, she told me that I should receive EzManager by August 31.  Sorry, I giggled.  I've heard that every month.

However, they are shipping me an IR1250 and I am keeping it as a loaner until the software ships.  I have two weeks after I receive EzManager until I have to return it.

I wish they had given me that solution months ago. 

Oh well....

Changing Schedules

I'm using Wingman's post as a catalyst to do some thinking about this of my own. 

Have others of you noticed the dramatic effects a chaotic change to your normal routine can have on your bs?

Ring The Bolus: Sleep & Blood Sugar

Yes, changes in normal routine DO very much affect my blood sugar.  It's been a huge problem since diagnosis.  Even more so, since I'm a teacher and have frequent changes in schedule.

I do a really good job of controlling blood sugar during normal teaching days.  It does take frequent checking of blood sugar (Dexcom Seven is going to be invaluable for that).  If they change my lunch during the year, I have to tweak things differently.  Typically I have "C" lunch, but they have changed me around a few times and even 1/2 hour can make a huge difference.

One of my toughest challenges are workshops -- as I have blogged extensively about that.  Workshops alone are stressful -- you are in a room full of people and it is worse for me when I know quite a few of them.  Oh, by the way, giving workshops is really no different than teaching.  It's the sitting still that bugs me. 

I typically use up to 50% more insulin on a workshop day than I do on a normal teaching day.  I typically use about 20% more insulin on a non-teaching day.

Agility days can be even worse.  Again, they take about 50% more insulin, and sometimes even more.

One thing I'm going to have to look at during my next endo's visit is adjusting basal insulin, especially at night because I've been going high and have been whining about that for months, even though we've made a few changes.

EzManager - Getting Madder.

Seriously, I just keep getting madder and madder over the EzManager situation.  I've had my pump for 4 months and have not been able to use any of the software features.

The last answer I got from the Ezmanager support guy named Jack was right everything down.  Well, hell, if I wanted to do that, I'd wouldn't have actually BOUGHT Ezmanager.  And if they go back and look, I purchased EzManager LONG before I purchased the pump (yeah, I think that's even on this blog!).

Can you tell I'm mad.

So I called and talked with tech support and said, I either want EzManager by the end of next week, or I want an IR1250 until EzManager ships.

She's going to call me back.

Fitness 4 Diabetics

I did finish my first program last week. I lost 11 pounds with them, which wasn't part of the plan.  I've increased exercise from about 15 minutes a day to 60 minutes, but it's not really the same since I started the program while I was teaching.

I do think dog agility is going better.

Lately I've been having problems with food again, had quite a bit of stressing events this summer, but I've learned to eat "better" foods when I'm stressed.  More salads and I've added dried fruit to my foods.  Everything prepackaged, which makes it easier to dose, and makes it less likely I'll completely lose track of what I've eaten.

I'm extended the fitness portion of my plan for another 4 months.

Dexcom Seven - Day 1

It hasn't been as accurate as my last STS-3 sensor.  I do believe the trend is accurate, but the numbers have been quite a bit different.  For example, it said I was in the 120's this morning, when I was really in the 140's.  If you account for 10% error for each device, it's not bad.

July 26, 2007

Dexcom Seven

I "installed" my first Dexcom Seven sensor. 

Hint:  I'm keeping the whole assembly at least this round until I know everything is working okay.  Makes it easier if you have a sensor failure to return things.

My last STS-3 sensor failed in the shower today.  It was working fine, and I think that the weatherproofing finally went away.  I could try drying everything out and resetting but I just don't think it's worth it.  This sensor did last more than a week.  And I do think it's time to send the system back.  One less thing to keep up with.  I'm doing my last download of data now.

There lots to like about the Dexcom Seven.  One really big plus is the warm-up progress screen.  I was never really sure that the old system was warming up, and couldn't remember when I started it exactly. 

Insertion is a bit harder.  I think that is to insure waterproofing.

July 25, 2007

Diabetic and Determined - New York Times

Great article -- and enough some information on Fitness4Diabetics 

Today athletes with Type 1 diabetes are blasting out of the starting gate in full force. Because of new technology, the emergence of companies that help them manage their illness, the rise of successful role models and sheer determination, they are running marathons, doing 100-mile bike rides, completing Ironmen — many with their doctor’s blessing.

Diabetic and Determined - New York Times

Diabetes Mine: Seven Days with DexCom SEVEN

Amy has been trying the DexCom SEVEN and writes about it: 

It's just that I'm still a little disgruntled from my first experience. 

Diabetes Mine: Seven Days with DexCom SEVEN

Funny, but I'm had a completely opposite experience with the 3-day system.  In fact, this sensor I have in right now is working so well, I'm just not ready to go to SEVEN.

First, I haven't needed the shower caps -- I use them sometimes when I soak in the hot tub but haven't needed to, in fact, I just got out of the shower, and while I missed the readings while I was in the shower, I am getting readings again, and they are within 5 points of the Dexcom.

I've even left a shower cover on over night -- forgot to take it off, with no adverse results. 

The only reason I missed the readings in the shower, is because I left the receiver here in my office.

One other thing -- i am just not as body conscious as Amy is.  I wear a one piece suit and get over it.  Occasionally someone else ask questions, and it's often a good educational moment.  In fact, we had a lot of fun with it at my teacher workshop -- but then we're all computer teachers and are into geek things.

In other words, I still think Dexcom is very very cool.

July 24, 2007

Bad Girl Yesterday

After seeing 2 readings right on the money between the CGMS and the meter, I decided to stop finger testing and dosing off of CGMS.  Note:  I don't recommend it.

It was a nice break from finger testing. 

At the end of the day and the next morning, I didn't see any difference.

However, when I calibrated I did see that I had a "drift" in the high direction.  The CGMS said I was going up while I had obviously gone down.

That's the biggest issue I've seen with the Dexcom meter -- drift, either a drift to the low where the CGMS says I'm still low but the meter says I'm not, OR  a high drift.  They are fairly easy to stop and calibrating usually solves the problem.

I'm still on the three day system and I've just reset this sensor for the third time.

I love data, and I hate those two hours where I don't have it.  Yes, I'm hooked.

July 22, 2007

Dexcom has been invaluable

I just can't express how having the Dexcom made a difference this week.

I would not have been able to search for Marcie the way I did if I did not have the Dexcom to rely on. 

I really can't wait to try the Seven system, as I really feel that it will be more accurate since the regular system has been.

July 20, 2007

Petfinder

The website that I used to find Marcie is http://www.petfinder.com -- I would have found her the next morning because of the shelter, but I did get some peace of mind.

Marcie is home and out of jail

The dog listed in Petfinders WAS Marcie.  The good news is that the Farmers Branch Animal Control was trying to reach me while I was dealing with Carrollton AND let me know they sent her to Carrollton (Carrollton is a nicer, bigger facility -- though they said we were getting a new one).

Medpundit writes about restless leg

 Okay, I was diagnosed with restless leg during a sleep study and I thought the doctor made it up.  That's what the leg electrodes are.  Oh, that and no one will sleep with me including my husband of 20 years (though is it the CPAP, the insulin pump, Dexcom OR the fact that I sleep totally different hours than he does).

"Often disregarded as a fake illness."

Medpundit

I even went on Mirapex, even though the pharmacy inserts freaked me out since it said it was a Parkinson's drug.  Funny, she just wrote how computer generated pharmacy notes freak out patients too ....

I didn't believe until I went on Requip -- and fortunately neither has made me gamble though I wonder about my husband....

Since I've been on Requip, I do sleep better, when my dog isn't sleeping in jail.

Oh, and I almost forgot -- I was listening to Dr Dean Udell (sp), and he told some idiot woman than her mother-in-law's restless leg was all her mother-in-law's head.

Can't sleep -- Marcie is in jail -- I hope

We got new telephone / Internet service today.

I am not going to blame anyone person, especially both my husband and I are also responsible.  As the U-Verse tech was leaving, the Orkin guy came by, so it could be him too.

After the install, I let the girls out and then back in.  Then I loaded up and took the boxes back to Time Warner.

Husband came in while I was out and let the girls out too.  When we let them back in, there were only two beagles.  The best beagle, oldest, best trained and most wonderful was missing.  Marcie.  http://www.kweaver.org/photos if anyone cares.

We walked up and down the street and through the neighborhood.  Couldn't find her.  Finally at 8:00 pm I came home and looked her up on petfinders and found:

I found a sweet older female beagle playing on Josey Ln between Valwood & Valley View. The poor thing nearly got hit during 5:00 traffic, so I stopped & picked her up. I drove around trying to see if anyone was looking for her...no luck so I brought her home. She was wearing a yellow collar with a black & white checkered pattern on it. I had to take her to the Carrollton Shelter...I hope you find her!

That has to be her.  Just has to.   I'm going to bail her out of jail in the morning and probably can't sleep until she's in my bedroom.

July 18, 2007

Animas - Ezmanager Frustrations

I am really upset with Animas right now.  The good news for them, is that I hate Minimed and Smith is out of network, but if I were getting a new pump today, I wouldn't be happy buying from them.

Here's the deal.  When I got my IR1250 (back when they first shipped), they had a software issue in the food database and had to recall the pump.

So I upgraded to the IR2020 last spring when I could get the chance.  I believe I was the first upgrade, if not, certainly one of the first.

However, EzManager doesn't work with the IR2020, so every since I got it, I've been stuck with their food database.  Plus I haven't been able to upload data.  Okay, I can get bolus history and basal history, but I can't upload and save pump settings, etc.  Nor do I have it in hard copy to double check. 

Every time I've asked they have said they were shipping soon.  In June I called and they said July.  I finally called yesterday and now they at least gave a date, August 1.

Yeah, two weeks away.  I really wish they had told me when they shipped the pump that EzManager wasn't ready.  I am pretty sure I would have said -- fine, wait and ship the pump when the software ready.  In fact, I asked that they switch pumps until the software was ready yesterday and they refused. 

If I don't see it on August 1st, I think I'm going to start getting real hard to get along with.

Dexcom - STS - Working again

This one IS working again!  I'm probably going to play some games with it later one, but I want to get at least three days out of it before I do.

Dexcom Sensor -- the 5th one is acting bad

I've already called tech support, and they had me give it two more blood drops and I'm waiting for it to restart.  Still not seeing any data.

This might mean that I get to use Dexcom 7 today.

Dexcom Sensor -- 3 day only lasted 3 days

First, I don't really mind as I looking forward to using the Dexcom Seven.  I have my last sensor in.

However, the sensor I put in on Sunday failed on the reset.  It was working fine until I reset it. 

Several things about it, the adhesive was coming up early.  It was on the right side of my body, and the edges to the sensor were cutting into my skin.  Very strange.

The latest sensor is on the left side, where I prefer it.  I'm currently waiting for the calibration period.

July 17, 2007

Health Blog : For Diabetes Drugs, Old and Cheap Are Good

Interesting 

Old, cheap diabetes drugs — especially a generic called metformin — are as good as or better than newer, more expensive drugs at lowering blood sugar.

Health Blog : For Diabetes Drugs, Old and Cheap Are Good

July 16, 2007

Dexcom 7 - New System

I can't return the sensor <pout>.

I could use the sensor with the new receiver and transmitter but there is no guarantee that it would be accurate.

More pout.  I did put this sensor in yesterday, so I'll just use up these two and then send everything back. 

I am going to charge up the receiver though.

Dexcom 7 is here - Data Manager first

My Dexcom 7 arrived today along with 4 sensors. 

The software also came.  I am downloading data as I type.

The install of the Data Manager was slow but smooth.  That also describes the download of the data. 

The first thing I did was look at the charts, and I'll admit, I don't get all of them.

The second thing I did was export data.  I have lots of data now, here's a sample of raw data:

DisplayTime InternalTime SensorValue
2007-06-15 15:39:11.010 2007-06-15 20:39:11.010 177
2007-06-15 15:44:11.010 2007-06-15 20:44:11.010 170
2007-06-15 15:49:11.010 2007-06-15 20:49:11.010 166
2007-06-15 15:54:11.010 2007-06-15 20:54:11.010 154
2007-06-15 15:59:11.010 2007-06-15 20:59:11.010 151
2007-06-15 16:04:11.010 2007-06-15 21:04:11.010 150
2007-06-15 16:14:11.020 2007-06-15 21:14:11.020 139
2007-06-15 16:19:11.010 2007-06-15 21:19:11.010 155
2007-06-15 16:24:11.010 2007-06-15 21:24:11.010 165
2007-06-15 16:29:11.010 2007-06-15 21:29:11.010 175
2007-06-15 16:34:11.010 2007-06-15 21:34:11.010 180
2007-06-15 16:39:11.010 2007-06-15 21:39:11.010 183

Next I imported the data into an excel spreadsheet.  It worked out just fine. 

Hmmm, now that I have this lovely data, I'm not sure what to do with it.

Dexcom 7 is here

July 15, 2007

Home!

I should have posted this first.

All in all, I did well diabetes wise on the trip. 

I drove from Dallas to Brandon Mississippi in the RAIN!  Then I drove to Virginia and stopped at Chilhowie.  I also stopped for an afternoon in West Virginia to get my car maintenance done.  That's done, so I don't have to worry about it for a time.  Then I drove to Pittsburgh.

I was in Pittsburgh for a teacher workshop that started Saturday night, and ran all day Sunday through Thursday.  Then it was a half day on Friday.

I drove to Effingham Illinois, spent the night with family, and then yesterday drove from Effingham to Dallas.  Yeah, that as a far piece.  I left at 10:00 am and arrived about 11:00 pm.

I'm really glad to be home and am finally able to start summer.  I don't have to work or do any more staff development until school starts.

Dexcom

My Dexcom Seven is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.  I emailed them last week when I saw Bernard's post that it was on backorder.  Apparently that was new customers.

I do have two 3 day sensors left.  I went ahead and pulled my sensor last night, even though it was working because I wanted to give my self and my skin a break.

I'll confess, I did some dosing based on the Dexcom yesterday rather than finger sticks.  However, I think it's best to wait until Seven is come and I understand it AND I'm on a stable schedule.

I am still pleased with the original Dexcom system.  And I love their technical support.

July 12, 2007

Going home

I'm going home after the first workshop tomorrow and I am SO happy.  I have loaded everything in the truck I don't need tomorrow or tonight, except for my cooler, and that will be my last load tomorrow.  I should be on the road by noon.

I am SO happy.

And I'm also getting the Dexcom Seven on Tuesday.

Go home or stay?

The workshop I am in, ends tomorrow.  Another workshop that I've signed up for starts tomorrow evening.

I'm trying to decide if I want to go home or stay.

The other workshop cost only $25.00 and includes everything for the three days.  So if I leave I don't lose anything. In fact, I could leave at any point.

I miss my dogs and I miss my house.  It would be nice to be home to do dog agility on Monday.  However, Elizabeth might be able to work one or more dogs in next week.

I've done 2 1/2 days of web mastering staff development.  The AP Workshop gives me 5 1/2 days of computer science workshop.  I'm doing an online workshop that should also give me credit.  I'm supposed to do 3 days of staff development in my content area this year.  If anyone thinks I haven't done enough staff development, and wants me to do more, I'll find ways to be very evil to them.

I have my room until Monday noon.  It doesn't cost any more or less to leave earlier.

There are some really good things in the next workshop.  I'd like to see it.

Can't decide.  In a way, it's easier to stay.  But I really want to go home and have a normal life again.

I almost forgot -- the person who ruined summer in June will be at the workshop, most probably.

July 11, 2007

My favorite sensor so far...

The sensor I have in right now is my favorite.  Last sensor was good but would go off and drift, especially high.  I did find calibrating would stop the drift.

This sensor has not drifted, and when I've checked, it's been within 10% of the One Touch.  I still wouldn't dose off the sensor, but maybe sometime day, and maybe with Dexcom7. 

Right now I have one sensor left and I'm praying that it lasts until at least Friday.  I think I put it in on Monday -- remember, I only think today is Wednesday, I'm not sure.

July 10, 2007

Traveling - Food at CMU

The problem with the food here at CMU is the amount and the cost.  For example, I paid $8.00 for a baked Ziti, coke and a salad.  I kind of have it ingrained that I need/want to eat more than one things, and one of them should be some kind of salad.  I would have been happy with half of the Ziti, all was a bit too much, but there wasn't any thing to do with the half.

Yesterday's lunch was better, half a sandwich for $4.50.  It was a big half of a sandwich and was good.

We have a cafeteria in our dorm.  It's $6.00 for breakfast, $8.00 for dinner and all you can eat.  I don't want to eat all you can eat.  I want to pay $3.00 for a couple of orders of scrambled eggs and an order for bacon like I do ate home at Grandy's.

I have food in my dorm room, but I have to walk there to get there.  I should run by the grocery store and get sandwich bags and why did I take them out of the truck?  Oh I usually use them for dog stuff and this wasn't a dog trip.

Can you tell I'm a bit bored.

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Shows No Effect on Glucose Control

Here's more already -- The fun part is that they used the Glucowatch (Biographer by Animas) versus the Minimed.  I assuming they were using Dexcom.  Guess what, I think that the Dexcom is more accurate.  PLUS, who wants to use the Biographer!  I hope they paid them well. 

A comparison of 2 minimally invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring (CBGM) devices indicates that neither machine is significantly better than either controls or the other device in helping to achieve long-term glucose control in insulin-treated patients with diabetes mellitus.

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Shows No Effect on Glucose Control

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Shows No Effect on Glucose Control

This doesn't look good for insurance coverage.  I do however, think it might help.  More later. 

A comparison of 2 minimally invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring (CBGM) devices indicates that neither machine is significantly better than either controls or the other device in helping to achieve long-term glucose control in insulin-treated patients with diabetes mellitus.

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Shows No Effect on Glucose Control

July 9, 2007

DREW SHARP: Golfer Verplank an inspiration to fellow diabetics

Great article on Verplank, but I sure wish they would have emphasized wining the Byron Nelson more.  That's is definitely the highlight of his career. 

Verplank doesn't consider himself a role model. He categorizes himself as just a regular guy. Everybody faces obstacles, and he's merely managing the challenges of everyday life just like everybody else.

DREW SHARP: Golfer Verplank an inspiration to fellow diabetics

Dexcom -- more adventures

Yesterday was a perfect Dexcom day.  All day, I had data that made sense and data that kept me from doing stupid stuff.   Stupid stuff like walking across CMU campus to get food to eat without eating something.

This morning was yikes!  No data, and no data since about 2 in the morning.  Took a shower, got dressed, still not data.  Transmitter was wet.  Dried it, waited a while, no data.

Reset it, waited two hours, started it, no data.  Did that twice.

Finally bit the bullet and put in a new sensor.  I feel so much happier, I have data now. 

Odd how you get hooked on something so fast. 

I love data.

July 8, 2007

Pizza - Workshops - Dexcom

So today I have experienced some coolness between the workshop I'm in, the pizza they fed us, and the Dexcom.

As most diabetics know, pizza is hard.  Sitting still all day is also hard when it come to diabetes.

We were fed Papa John's pizza today.  I was good, I had two pieces of "The Works".  I looked up the carb count and got 38 (I think).  Did a Symlin shot, and did an extended bolus -- 50% now and 50% over 4 hours.  I've never gotten this thing right.

Here's the cool part, Dexcom so far is showing a nice steady rise peaking about an hour ago, and now showing a nice steady fall.

Onetouch is matching Dexcom within 20%.

IS THAT COOL OR WHAT?

And I haven't fallen asleep yet, even on about 3 hours of sleep!

Traveling -- Pittsburgh

I got to Pittsburgh, though a weird thing happened on the way, I was sitting in the truck trying to change my set and insulin out as I was running out of insulin and the set was itching.  I swear to god, I filled a reservoir and put it where I could find it -- got distracted by something else and cannot find it.  Seriously, there is a black hole in my car.  Still haven't found it, and it is dead, I'm sure because it was sunny and in the low 90s here.

I have everything else, enough sensor, enough test strips, enough insulin, sets, reservoirs, etc for two of me. 

I'm really glad I drove.  Didn't need the two pillows but having decent towels and my comforter are nice and also have a choice of clothing, though will have to do laundry by Wednesday.

Didn't sleep well last night, took forever to get to sleep, and woke up early.  I finally got up at 5:00 am and got the last couple of things out of the truck (wonder how many times I'll think that?).

I also have some food.  By the way, does anyone reading this think $8.00 for breakfast is reasonable?  Yeah, it's all you can eat, but a) who wants to, and b) who eats $8.00 of breakfast.  Especially a college dorm.  Maybe once, I'll try it.

I did find a good new breakfast food -- Panera Bread souffle -- it was very kind to my blood sugar and was only 36 carbs.

Adventures with Comrade Dex

Website blogging about Dexcom 7 

A couple people have asked if I am blogging about my new Dexcom 7 continuous glucose monitor system (CGMS).

Adventures with Comrade Dex

Google Reader (100+)

Bernard has some information on Dexcom 7 

I see some traffic on various mailing groups and I've spoken with Dexcom service/sales about the new device. So I now have a little additional information that I wanted to share (because there's so little out there in webland).

Google Reader (100+)

July 6, 2007

Mother

It's really sad, because we almost had a good visit.  She obviously did not like what I wore out of the house today but she didn't say why.

She also didn't like what I was wearing last night either.  Funny thing, she gave me the top.

Actually I don't think it was WHAT I was wearing but the body under it.  Hey, I don't like it much either, and I am doing all I can to change it. 

I may a point today to say something very nice to every person I came in contact with.  Even the very noisy child at the table next to me at Cracker Barrel.  When I finished eating, I said, "you sure are a cutie, and to her parents said, hope you have a nice trip,"  By the way, after the depo failure I've been in two situations that have reminded me why to make sure I'm on depo.

I've made it to Virginia, and hope to spend a few minutes with my Aunt in Pittsburgh.

Trip - dinner stop

Stopped at a Krystal's in Trenton, Georgia.  It's cool here, both temperature wise and scenery.  Two reasons for the Krystal's stop -- I worked at several in Mississippi and I love them, plus a chance to get an internet fix, as they have free wireless.

I got a bit of a stare from a fellow patron as I injected Symlin, she'll get over it.

The pleasantness of the visit with my mother soon ended <sigh>  I called her to tell her I made it to I-20, and she asked me if I was at my heaviest.

I called her later in the afternoon and she said something about not dressing professionally and other snarkie comments about my weight.  I read her the riot act.  Told her that she was adding negative energy -- and that negative energy was what made me gain weight.  I told her she wasn't helping anyone in her family about talking to them or about them in a negative way.  She could see that I was making good choices while I was there.  Hopefully she'll listen but she is 70.  She has always been about negative energy.

We'll blame the french fries on her.

Ring The Bolus: My Purple Pancreas

Good reading -- he's a new diabetic and a new pumper.  He expresses a lot about how I feel about pumping and not being on injections -- however, I was on Humalog 75/25 -- I fondly call it dog insulin. 

Best of all I know that the chemical that is keeping me alive is constantly attached to me and can be altered to better fit my activity alot of weight was lifted off my shoulders yesterday and I can't express how happy I am to be pumping.

Ring The Bolus: My Purple Pancreas

Travedling

Yesterday was hard. Rained the trip with little visibility. Saw 4 semis in the mud and broken cars around each one but all but one were west bound and I was east bound.

My visit with my family was good. My neice just graduated nursing school, just passed her license test and is a surgical ICU nurse. We are proud of her. And she just got married.

I am in Alabama now. Dexcom is working well. I just reset it and it is on the third day.

Yesterday was able to my bloodsugar below 130 until I ate. Doing the same so far today. Exercise has been bad. I kept hoping to drive out of the rain and did not manage it. Tried to get a family member to walk after dinner but did not manage that either.

I am pushung it today, but need to stop at a Walmart for distelled water and maybe snacks. I would like more cheese.

Food was good yesterday. Ate a sandwich, Triscuit to go and psuedo fruit on the trip. Mom made corn, hamburgers, green beans, and blueberry crumble.

Today I had had 2 scrambled eggs and turkey bacon.

Miss my stuff already: husband dogs and computers. Tired of rain.

July 5, 2007

More on Depo

Good news, doctors office was open. the nurse called in a script for depo generic which the pharmacy down the street had. Got it, got to the doctors officed and...

the nurse goes to give me the shot and it jams just like the shot I did!

She changed needles and it went fine.

Nice to know it wasn't just me.

July 4, 2007

Depo Prevera Problem

This is not my week.  Today was my day to take my depo prevera SubQ.  So I pull it out, try to follow the directions and then have problems when I go to push the plunger in.  Medication ended up all over instead of in me.

Of course, it's the Fourth of July and the doctor's office is closed.  Also, I'm leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow.  ARGH!  And will be gone for two weeks.

So I call the manufacturer.  They tell me to save everything but can't give me any answers (trust me, I'll call them tomorrow).  The answer I want is that they will send me a new Depo Prevera so I'm not out that dose.

Next I call Medco, as the Depo Prevera number suggest they should refund it.  I also want to make sure I won't have any pharmacy problems.

Finally, I take a chance and call the doctor's office.  Hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 -- that is good -- in fact, I might go back to them to get injections as I can do that at 7:30.

So right now, the plan is to call the doctor's office at 7:30 and see if they have Depo in stock.  If not, I'll have them call the Walgreens around the corner and order it, I'll pick it up and let the nurse give it to me.

Dexcom - Second and Third Sensor

I am not sure why I wasn't happy with my second sensor, but I will say that every time I shut it down and restarted it, it became more accurate.  I got a lot of calibration errors with it and I don't know if it was the sensor, the situation (dog agility trial), or the meter.  It finally stopped working on day 8.  Yes, I stopped getting data from it.  I tried several restarts, but couldn't get it to budge.

I had the same problem with my third sensor.  Come to find out, I did not insert it correctly.  Dexcom gave me a credit for it, which I'll be able to receive with my next order.  They are also sending me a return kit for it. 

Needless to say, I am definitely going to call tech support and have them walk me through inserting the next few.  I skipped a step and maybe I'll remember next time, but a) tech support is very nice and patient, and b) it doesn't cost me anything to use their resources.

The fourth sensor, which I put in last night is working as well, if not better than the first sensor.  That's good because I'm driving to Pittsburgh tomorrow.