Living With Diabetes

I reported a week ago last Monday.  As always, during reporting week I had blood sugar problems.  It's such a drastic change from summer -- even though this summer was full of workshops. This time I kept going low, partly because they had separated the meetings into three places, and those three places were as far a part as possible.  And the restrooms were far too.  Plus my room. 

The worst part, is that I'd get settled in a meeting and the powers that be would decide that I needed to fix something.  Broke projector, broke notebook, broke connection etc. So I'd have to walk from one far place to another, fix the broke then, then walk back.  I was getting in over 10,000 steps a day.

This week has been interesting and I've been getting in about half the number of steps.  I like the calmer though.  Kids started back Monday, and they pulled the seniors out for 2 days, then the freshmen for two days.  Very odd.  And I found out that I'm practically a freshman teacher.

But I do have great news.  My insulin usage has gone from about 120 average to 90 average.  My weight has also dropped, at least 5 pounds, maybe 10.  I'm playing with a new Beta device -- I am not sure how much I can say about it, but it looks like a useful tool.

Next blog post is going to be the Dexcom and happen in a few minutes.

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My luggage and packing cubes have arrived.  I've started packing.

I've put my medicatoin in packets and am trying to get some documentation for it. I am going to ask my doctor today (Have an appointment in a few minutes) and might go by the local pharmacy to get some help.

I've got my formal clothing, shoes, and bag packed -- won't need that until the cruise.  Also have a new pair of walking shoes, same as the ones I own, ready.  Also have spares of all my medical stuff ready to go.  That's going to go in the checked bag.

I'm planning that the medication, one outfit, nightgown, CPAP and spare pump goes in the carry on.  That's another thing -- I've got a loaner pump coming.

Posted by at 8:13 AM | Permalink

I had one good run today.  Unforunately still have high blood sugar so still exhausted, can't see, etc.

However, I got a LOT done.  I'm strating to get ready for my trip.  I have been researching the plane trip and discovered the TSA are now letting us put our CPAP machines in plastic bags, so I stopped by Walmart and got two sizes.  The 2 1/2 gallon size worked well for my Responics, and a 2 gallon might work, but I'm happy with it.  Wrote my name, phone number and address on it, and MEDIzCAL DEVICE.

Got new shoes, love the current treadmill shoes, New Balance is still carrying them so bought a pair.

Hot new skirts.  That's been a huge problem, as I  didn't have any winter skirts that fit.  I'm down to two heavy skirts that I am swapping out a lot.  Avenue has really cute cargo style skits with lots of pockets.  I picked up 2 in black, olive and khaki. They are a good weight for the whole year, so I'm good.  I have plenty of summer weight, but just can't wear them this time of year.

I've also packed my medication -- but that was mostly to make sure I have enough of everything I need -- since I do most mail order, it's at least 1 week before it's in my possession after i ordered, two if the doctor has to get involved.

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Knowing that I'm schedule for dog agility trials for the next 3 weekends and knowing that I spent the last working, I took today for me.  I found a really good special at a Day Spa (a package deal of massage, facial, pedi and manicure), and took advantage of it.  It was very good.  I like the place and hope to go back someday. 

I do almost do too much.  I ate just before 9:00 am, started at the spa at 10:00 am and finished just as my Dexcom was going off because I had hit "low". I had a good plan for lunch though, which worked out fine, and I'm ready for an evening of dog agility training!  Boy do I hope we're in the building.

Posted by at 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've been feeling guilty about the cleaning service until I remembered something.  We've had landscaping service for years, and Rich hasn't lifted a finger on anything.  We got it, because he drove me nuts.  I think that the grass has to be mowed every week. Unfortunately I can't do it, because I am allergic to most of the pollen in Texas (both grass and trees).

They came Tuesday -- I got to be home, and they did a terrific job.  It's very nice to have a clean house and not have to do it yourself.

Please it frees me up for other projects.  Like my office.  i can actually work in here now, and I have room in the closet for storage again.  Speaking of which, if I put computer equipment out for the trash, I swear it's gone in 5 minutes.  It['s really a hoot. 

We've also had the handyman over, and he's got my new TV mounted on the wall so it's comfortable to watch on the treadmill.

Posted by at 6:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm back to "normal" days, so I am working on adjusting my pump again.  I'm focusing on breakfast right now -- my blood sugar was 207 after breakfast, so I had to do a correction.  Therefore, I'm going to up my carb to insulin ratio.  I just changed it from 7 to 6.

As to Dexcom -- I've decided to give my skin a rest -- the entire area where I have been using the Dexcom is raw and scratched up.  I think I've been doing quite a bit of itching.  It will be interesting to go back to the old way of doing things.

Posted by at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This IS cool.  Last night I ran across a blog post by Alfred Thompson about teacher workshop in February.  It's on the Celebrity Century and I am SO excited.  Microsoft is footing half the bill. 

I have NEVER been on a cruise, so feel free to give me diabetic and CPAP hints. I already know to take a loaner pump. I'm going to check to see if that is possible or if there are other better arrangements.

It's not like they can FedEx something to a ship.

It's a short one -- 5 days, and we stop at Key West and Cousomel. 

Posted by at 8:14 PM | Permalink

I put my latest sensor in on Monday morning, which should get me through to the beginning of next week and past the dog show.

Dummy me forgets the cable so I had to come back home and get it.  And went a few extra sets of hours without numbers <smile>

And the numbers since in have been very close to the meter.

I will say that I've lost my discipline to test since Dexcom.  I missed a lot of tests on the weekend and my blood sugar did get out of control.

Posted by at 7:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, it isn't that bad, but this school year is more difficult than last year and I've falling into a common teacher trap.  The trap?  Next week, life will get normal.

Well, it's been 9 weeks and life still isn't normal, why?  I have more students and I have more responsibilities.

First the responsibility part, though I freely admit I have taken more of a role than I needed to. 

We're required to do staff development before school, and instead of taking two courses of staff development, I'm leading two.  This "trimester" I have been leading a group who have been exploring behavior management, a big hobby of mine.  Next "trimester" I'm leading a group on teaching with technology.  I should have sat back and let someone else lead the first one, and darn it, I opened my mouth.  The good news, is that it will help my pay by a few dollars, but probably less than $50.00

I've also signed up to do a task force -- Reinventing Hillcrest.  Our current superintendent is on a kick to make all the high schools academies and do away with comprehensive high schools.   So not only am I over achieving on the staff development but I'm also doing more than I have with the task force -- because if we do a task force, we don't have to do one of the staff developments.

To put it in a point system (which we are using), we have to have 3 points.  I get 2 points for each of the staff development things I'm doing and I get 2 points for doing the Task force.  That means I'm doing double the required points.

The next craziness is FAC, Faculty Advisor Committee which I love doing.  We meet about once a month and solve problems.  I'm the recording secretary which means assisting the chairman with gathering requests, recording them and organizing them and helping to create the agenda.

So that means I am doing at least one morning meeting a week and often two or three, especially if we have a faculty meeting.  It also means one afternoon meeting a month that usually lasts until 5:30 (we get out at 4:00).  Then the random parent conference, ARD, or other extra assignment.  Plus co-sponsoring chess club.

Now to the teaching assignment.  I'm still teaching the same preps, but I have more students.  Last year I had 4 AP Students, this year I have 6.  I had 7 web mastering students and this year I have about 40.  I think I have the same number of CS and PreAP students though, but maybe around 5 more of each.  So I'm estimating that I have 50 more students this year.  That means every assignment adds 50 more to grade!  With the internet being super sluggish, my grading time has really expanded.  I've come up with some tricks that help.  I'd like to grade in the evening, but the kids really need feedback in the same class period if possible.

All of this means, I've been operating in a mode of:  it will be better next week.  So far, next week hasn't come. 

Thus I'm changing my mode to "here's how it is", figure out how to have a life.  Hopefully that means I'll be blogging regularly again.

Posted by at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Yep, I'm finally losing weight again.  Found myself going low a lot last week and have been able to lower my bolus rates.  Lower bolus rates always results in weight loss as long as I am controlling my blood sugar.  In fact, my TDD has gone down from an average of 55 units to an average of 50 units, maybe less.

The school year has been hectic -- I have a lot more students.

My schedule helps a lot though -- I'm busy every class period and they usually go by fast.  In fact, the students really give me time to do anything BUT grade their work (they are a tad slow today in 7th period and I've got everything else caught up).  So I haven't been eating during the school day. 

I've also been able to keep up with the cardio portion of my program, but not with the weight lifting as much.  I want to get back to it, but I have to get back to weave pole training with the dogs.

I've tried seeing a social worker, but after getting nutrional advice from him twice.  I've also found myself eating candy after seeing him, so I'm firing him.

Here's what has really helped (besides Delaine from Fitness for Diabetes), and that is Shrink Youself at http://www.shrinkyourself.com   I found it on one of the Doctor's sites, don't remember which one, but HE was participating in it.

It's been really good so far.

Posted by at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Not only is the Dexcom doing a great time most of the time (right now I'm wearing an wonky sensor), but it is also does a lot of other good things.

First, it is an interesting feed back loop.  One thing I've noticed, and I'm not the only one, is that the better you manage your diabetes, the better the Dexcom works.  Thus, just by using the Dexcom alone, you tend to manage your blood sugar better.  Someone needs to do a clinical trial and see if we're right.

Second, it opens up some interesting conversations.  Mostly on the line of, is your diabetes THAT bad.  No, it isn't.  I just like to see the data and manage it better.

Remember, it opened up a conversation between my self and my student I've posted about.

Posted by at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think it is finally fixed, though I need to upgrade it one more time as it takes forever to rebuild.

Because school had gotten started and I have much more students than I am used to, it took a while for me to get it fixed.  I just haven't felt like doing constructive computer stuff since I spend so many more hours on the computer grading.

Last year, my largest class was 20.  This year, I'm right at 26 in four classes and around 20 in the other two.  As I usually say, my seating charts are full.

Hopefully I can get back in the blogging mode.

Posted by at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My pump just went off -- post breakfast.  Checked Dexcom -- 104 with a nice steady downward trend.  Three hours after breakfast.  I probably will make it until lunch, but I will probably eat something to be safe.

At the same time, I did an increase on my bolus rate.  Was using a 1:4 ratio and went to a 1:6 ratio since my pre 8:00 am was slow, and my after 8:00 was at 1:6.  Plus I've gone low a bunch in the mornings lately.

Posted by at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, it's the first week of school.  The kiddos reported on Monday.

I am sure I would have survived without Dexcom but it's sure made a huge difference.  I don't have to stop and finger stick during class.  Just pull out Dexcom and dose.  Yes, I'm dosing completely off of Dexcom now and only finger sticking when it tells me to.

I just did a reset after 7 days.  I've got an extra sensor in my emergency pack just in case.

I also have plenty of test strips and my meter, again, just in case.

My class size is much larger this year.  It's a good and a bad thing.  So far, my 5th and 6th classes are the fullest. 

Also my AP program is really different.  I told the Dean that she could combine my PreAP and AP classes.  Well, she also combined a few students into my CS.  I'm definitely going to take a look at 6th period since the room is full of regular students and it looks like I have only one AP student and he didn't take PreAP.  I'd like to move him into 2nd or 3rd period.

I'm also working hard to get rid of all the 9th graders from Web Mastering.  We cover way too much material for 9th graders.  And this year, I'm going to be evil and push very hard to get everything done.

All in all a very busy week so far, but thank goodness for Dexcom.

Posted by at 6:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just removed Sensor 2.  Or did it remove itself?  Basically the adhesive failed.

It lasted for 12 days.  Costing $5.00 a day for those of you keeping up.  Worth the cost.  Yep!

It was extremely accurate.  I'm very pleased with the results I've been having.  In fact, I'm doing to finger sticking only when the Dexcom  SeVen asks for one.

I actually would have liked this sensor to last one more day -- I'm doing an agility trial this weekend, BUT the good news is that my Friday, Dexcom should be extremely accurate again.

Posted by at 6:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

So I put this sensor in on 8/10.  I was a bit disconcerted to see that it was running a tad off of the One Touch but put it out of my head.  Had a lot of other stuff going on.

So tonight, I did dog agility (yeah in this heat), and our instructor brought us Italian chocolate (well, chocolate purchased in Italy).  I are one piece during Maggie's class and one during Marcie's -- a bit after, Dexcom goes off.  Which freaked my instructor out, and sure enough I'm running high.

I go ahead and keep going without a correction, because I'm doing a fair amount of running.  Check afterwards, and Dexcom said I was at 258.  One Touch said I was at 253.  Can't get much better than that.

And yes, I've been dosing off of Dexcom most of the time, have cut down my finger sticks drastically, but do check if Dexcom doesn't feel right.  I've also been extremely aggressive on my control, I've set my pump to alarm at 1 hour.  I eat, reset my pump with a 0 bolus at 1 hour, then check every hour and correct off of Dexcom.  That has been helping to solve the problem where I've been going off on high excursions -- causing the high A1C.

I've also made another change.  I was not bolusing for meals and then walking on the treadmill.  It did prevent lows but was causing the escalating highs.  Now, I bolus for half the carbs, and then correct.  I'm not having to correct as much (often not at all), and no more of the excursions.

Of course, I'll have to find another plan in a few months.

Posted by at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I woke up this morning, checked my receiver and it had the "no sensor" display on it. Looked at my transmitter/sensor, and sure enough it had come off in the night.

So I managed to make my first sensor last 15 days. Not bad. Makes the cost come to $4.33 per day.

Also Dexcom saved my butt twice from lows yesterday, so I'm doubly pleased.

Posted by at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've just gotten my worst A1C since pumping.  7.7.  Man that sucks.

Doctor is attributing the travel and related stress.  I hope he is right.

He also noticed, without me pointing it out, that I've been high a lot of evenings and am still high in the morning.  We tweaked some bolus settings.  I've working on better strategies -- I was going low a lot in the evenings when I first started working out with Fitness4Diabetics but as I shift my walking to earlier in the day, I'm not doing that any more.

I also got "approval" to use the Dexcom rather than finger sticks.  Okay, I've been using the Dexcom to decide if I was in range, and then used the One Touch to get the actually reading to calculate the correction.  I'm going to start skipping that step when the Dexcom is looking good.

Some other medical news -- had my second Synvist shot today.  And my knees passed the school stair test -- I went down the stairs the best I've had in years.  Man those are steep stair cases.

I have also managed to walk for 60 minutes per day every day for almost two weeks.  I'm slowly moving my schedule towards a school schedule since I report in 2 weeks.

The good news is that the rest of my values were good.

Posted by at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by at 4:44 PM | Permalink

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.

Posted by at 7:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by at 10:48 AM | Permalink

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.

Posted by at 10:56 AM | Permalink

Things I learned traveling this week.

Dexcom rocks.  The first day or two, not so much which means if it really was a 3 day sensor life would really suck.

When I drive, my blood sugar goes high.  I suspect I need the same setting as if I were in a workshop.  I need to work on this.

When I do agility, my blood sugar goes high.  Also, right before I go into the ring, I spike high.  It causes a surreal feeling.

I need my comforter.  I've talked to CPAP users and we all have the same problem, no matter the room temperature we get cold from the air on our face.  I cocoon, I completely wrap myself in my comforter, in fact, I might as well have a sleeping bag, the kind for arctic weather.  Well take that to Pittsburgh next week.

Taking three dogs was a mistake.

I feel bad for my husband, as I am leaving him with three for about 2 weeks.  Depends on how fast I get home.

Posted by at 8:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I went over to the Expo Center, ran my first class, decided to leave, packed, and on my way home.

Wish it were that simple and this is going to be a rough draft of a letter I am sending to the AKC, each of the trial chairs, and the Monroe Expo Center.

I suppose the first sign that these trials were not organized was the difficulty in getting a hotel room at a reasonable price. may be getting email confirnations only but I had an odd feeling.

I got into monroe at 3:00 on Wednesday and set up. There were no signs of the impending disaster.

The next morning did reveal the first clue. Marcie entry was available in self check in but Maggie's were not and she has been entered and competed at this show everytime Marcie has been. The trial secretary did not know what we needed to do to check in when I could not find my height cards. Huh? That is your job!

While this was on, the second clue that things were not right was also starting. my instructor had a handful of broken glass in her hand.

Quick background. I went through the windshield of a car years ago and as a result I have a paralyzing fear of glass.

Due to my fear, I shut out what Elizabeth was complaining about. I should have listened. Heck, I should have picked up and left at that point.

Each time I walked course, I found glass. I honestly tried to help and pick it up. I couldn't but I could ask someone else to and did.

the final straw was having the parking lot blocked off so the roof could be painted. As a result I could not park any where close to my set up. The trial committee refused to help, both on getting thevenue to change their mind or to help me get my truck near my setup so I could leave.

I wnt back to my truck, drove to the closed lot and moved the barriers so I could get my dogs and equipment. Then I left.

I will not be going back to their venue and i'll urge others not to go either in the future.

The total disregard for dog safety by purchasing glass filled dirt is unbelievable. Even my mother was appalled.

Posted by at 2:44 PM | Permalink

Dexcom is still working well. 

Weight is going well. 

Exercise with Fitness for Diabetics is going well.

 However ... apparently it hit the whole city -- no storm, but the power kept going out.  It would go out, then back on for a few minutes than out again.

First, that's a huge problem with the CPAP, because all of a sudden I don't get any air and I start strangling.  Needless to say, the mask comes off.

I did grab my emergency battery and use it.

However, I need a cool room to sleep and the humidifier on the cpap, neither of which was happening.

I'm hoping to finish the major project I was whining about this week.  Hopefully tomorrow.

Dog classes have been completely rescheduled -- those of you who read the real news would have seen we had major flooding in north Texas which flooded the agility barn.  Not a major problem since our school is the only school that has been able to hold classes on a regular basis.

Posted by at 12:21 PM | Permalink

Still working well -- however again at night,  I am missing lots of data points.  I'm going to try keeping the receiver closer to the transmitter tonight, I'm not sure head of the bed is working.

Used an IV3000 during my shower this morning and haven't lost contact because of it.  I'm too superstitious to try doing it without.

I have to be up in McKinney at 6:45, so this will be short, the group I train agility with is putting on a fun match.

Posted by at 6:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Still getting good readings -- the Dexcom has been within 10 points of my meter every finger stick so far.  It would be very tempting to rely on it.

Guess I should add -- I'm not super surprised that the Dexcom is working so well for me.  I actually had extremely good luck with the Glucowatch even though it did burn the heck out of me.

I did have a few hours of missing data last night.  However, what is there is a good trend. 

It is the EASIEST medical device to sleep with I've ever dealt with, and this is a lady who sleeps with both a pump and a CPAP machine.

So yes, still happy.

Posted by at 6:59 AM | Permalink

Seriously -- I've been within 10 points between the meter and the Dexcom when I've checked.  That is SO cool! 

Of course, I'm only an few hours in (4 1/2 hours to be exact).

Posted by at 8:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Well, I did have the first week off and got some progress made on my projects.

The second week was staff development AND two afternoons of working on one of two test.

This week has felt like all I did was work on test BUT at least we have fall turned in.  We're supposed to work on Spring next week and I want to have it turned in by Thursday afternoon, IF I work on it.  It's been hard working on it and there are things I want to say but won't in a public form, so that's why I haven't been blogging.

It's hard to blog when most of what you want to say, you shouldn't.

Posted by at 5:46 PM | Permalink

I finally got released from school.  It's been a rough week with lots of meetings.  I've actually never had such a touch last week.

This weekend has been all about recovery and getting some rest.  I go to the sleep doctor on Tuesday, have dog classes -- they are getting rescheduled, and that's it this week.

Also playing with my convertible notebook.  I really love it, and I need to get my old notebooks organized to sell.

Posted by at 11:31 AM | Permalink

 I go to the school board on Thursday to be recognized.  I'm very excited!

Texas Instruments Innovations in STEM Teaching Award 2007

Source: Dallas Education Foundation-Programs

Posted by at 6:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

No one I've talked to or emailed at Animas has a ship date for the new EzManager.  I'm really hooked on downloading my pump and analyzing what is going on, so not having a full picture is extremely annoying and disappointing.

I'd love to know what the hold up is, because they DID get FDA approval for a new version last month.

Posted by at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The last two weekends were about increasing my aerobic ability and dropping my TDD.  This weekend, because I wasn't sleeping well last week, has been about catching up on sleep.  I'm also focusing on getting my house back together.

I only got 2 20 minute sessions done on the treadmill, yesterday, but my TDD was still around 40 units. 

I also have good news.  I saw a new low weight yesterday for a weight loss of 7 pounds!  I didn't see it again today, but that's normal for me.  I'll see a 2-3 pound fluxation from day to day.  Some of that is due to water retention.

All in all, I'm still very very happy with fitness for diabetics and even planning to sign up for another intensive 4 month session.

Posted by at 9:34 AM | Permalink

Yesterday I finished my 5th week of working out with Fitness4Diabetics.

Things are going well.  My TDD has gone from 80 units a day to just about 45 units a day.  I have increased my walking from 10 minutes straight to 20 minutes.  I think I've lost about 5 pounds.

My average blood sugar accoding to my meter went from 171 to 148.

All in all not bad.

And I really didn't expect to lose any weight.

Posted by at 9:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My new Animas pump should be arriving tomorrow.  It's the 2020.  It will be interesting -- I hear that the EzManager software is behind the pump when it comes to current release.  It will be interesting to see what that means.

Posted by at 6:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I had several people come out to the house, and I found someone who could replace the entire system for $4800.  I'm going to have someone cover my class from 12:00 pm on tomorrow and meet them at the house.  I want to make sure they do replace what I think I am paying for.

I don't trust my husband making sure of that.  We had problems before with workers when I made the arrangements and he let them in.

I can't wait.  Yesterday we didn't get TOO hot, but I have trouble sleeping with the street noise.

Posted by at 9:45 AM | Permalink

I did 80 minutes today -- about 20 minutes every time I ate something plus 20 minutes. It's the most I've walked in a long time. I still do the Symlin, but that means no bolus insulin. Or at least very little. My blood sugar has stayed between 135 and 180 all day.

I'm looking forward to my TDD going down some more -- it did last week after last week's experiment. Not a lot, but a nice steady pace. I'm definately at 50 units average TDD right now, and often see a TDD in the low 40s.

I'm also doing lasix, though I don't see the weight loss like I did before (though I'll see tomorrow).

Right now, I'm waiting for a guy to come and give me a second quote on A/C. I got one this morning which we can do, but I'm hoping this one is more doable and hoping he can get it done on Monday.

Thankfully we've had slow rain and overcast all day so we can have the windows open though it is VERY noisy. And humid.

Posted by at 6:04 PM | Permalink

To begin with, I may be canceling my pump upgrade on Monday.  Going to give myself time to digest everything.

Had some stuff going on at school today, that just left me drained a bit more than usual.  Normal end of the year stuff, and getting ready for next year, plus something else that just added on to it.  Unfortunately nothing I feel free to talk about -- but basically it's kind of hard when you get what you want and the people around you aren't.  Especially when I was there for a couple of years -- and I'm not entirely sure I'm getting what I want this year.  Remember the old saying about be careful for what you ask for.

That being said -- came home and started on my Fitness4Diabetes workout, but before I actually got started, I noticed the house was a bit warm, looked at the thermostat, saw it was 80 but attributed that to outside being hot and muggy.

After I finished, I realized I was REALLY hot.  Looked at the thermostat, and saw 81.  Like blood sugar, it was supposed be going down, not up, so took a look at the circuit breaking thinking with the storms we have had, maybe the breaker was off.  It wasn't off, but it wasn't on either.

So I lifted them and they stayed in the same state.  Went back to the A/C, turned it on, flipped the breakers, and waited a while.  Checked the outside unit and it wasn't on.

Called the people I have a maintenance agreement with, they came out (eventually), and said that the compressor was grounded and said he needed to write a estimate for a new compressor.

Well, I immediately got sick to my stomach.  This spring hasn't been good with an unexpected tax bill of over $4000.  Which shouldn't have been unexpected, though we'd fixed it but then my husband discovered payroll did do what we asked them to do last year -- hopefully it's fixed now, on my paycheck end instead of his, because it's easier -- I just had to fill out a page on a website.

Well, the estimate was for over $5000 but he said we really needed to get one of their "comfort experts" out and get the whole system evaluated.  We both agree but I want A/C now.

My plan right now is to get a second opinion and do some shopping around.  Also get them to come out and do an estimate on Monday with Rich.  My next early week is full -- Marcie needs phenobartibal levels checked on Monday, and I have some field testing I have to do on Tuesday and Thursday.

So the house is not, but at least we have power, which not everyone in the region has.

The whole A/C thing though reminds me of diabetes.  You go through life, making it each day one at a time, and everything is going okay.  Then all of a sudden, something unexpected comes alone and throws you for a complete loop.

I battling a bit of depression -- something I've been fighting ever since we got the tax bill. 

Oh and some anxiety -- which the seniors are giving me.  We do the WEIRDEST thing.  We still have three weeks of school, but next week is the last week for the seniors.  It's gets weird.  First AP Tests starts on Monday.  Second, we have a MANDATORY Senior meeting on Monday -- yeah, it was on the schedule that way.

Yeah, it gets weirder.

So Tuesday is the last day for 5th, 6th, and 7th period -- they meet 1st through 4th, but have finals 5th, 6th, and 7th -- the good news, is my kids get their room, so they can still do the final.

After that it gets fuzzy, but basically their last day is Thursday.  Then graduation is the weekend after.  One reason we do this, is that if a kid hasn't met graduation requirements, they can make up work.  I've had seniors holed up in my room for 2 days in the past, making up assignments.

Seriously, isn't this weird? 

So I've got a senior who I can NG.  Means she has more than 10 absenses.  And she hasn't done all of her work.  It gets better -- she doesn't have a passing grade.  It gets even better -- she came to class yesterday and asked to go to the restroom.  I told her she could, but she had to wait for the pass to come back.  Two minutes later she gets up and walks out.  AND SHE NEVER CAME BACK.  She's even gone today.  And I went looking for her yesterday. 

Who wants to bet she's going to be holed up in my room at the end of the week -- or next week.

As she wouldn't be back in my room this year if she didn't need a technology credit to graduation.

Yeah, and the Mavericks suck too.

Posted by at 1:01 AM | Permalink

Not the greatest -- 6.9

Posted by at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I was a bit disappointed -- I had reduced my TDD on Saturday by 10 units, but on Sunday only by 5 units.  However, that's still quite a bit of a reduction considering that bolus insulin is about 20 units a day for me right now.

Actually that's a lot of insulin.

I also think my blood sugar was trying to elevate from the Lasix yesterday.  My blood sugar was a bit high this morning, though I'm hoping part of that was from being disconnected from the pump.

I also didn't see as much weight loss from the Lasix this weekend.  On the other hand, I have ankles again, which is always good.

This week I'm focusing on getting enough sleep -- both Saturday and Sunday I slept in fairly late and then went to bed at 9:30 last night.  I'm hoping that will get me through the week.  This is my last week before the AP exam -- my major stressor of the year.

Posted by at 6:54 AM | Permalink

The five pounds I lost are still missing.  I really bounce around on the scales though.  My friend edema.

I screwed up last night's meal -- gave myself 10 units instead of 5.  Didn't sleep well, but I don't think it was gastric reflux as I have not been coughing as much today.  I tend to have trouble sleeping on Monday's as I get home from dog agility late.  Blood sugar was beautiful yesterday evening.

Got yesterday scripts off to Medco.  Decided to go ahead and ship off the new blood pressure pills, may even switch to them instead of waiting.

Wish there was a place to take good but no longer needed medication to.  I've had the same problem with contacts.

More good news, since I've decided to limit my calories (but way higher than fitness4diabetes has suggested), I've been able to do it.  And still off the carbonated drinks.  In fact, haven't touched one today.  Though that doesn't seem to influence the GERD.

Posted by at 11:14 AM | Permalink

The weight I lost from the lasix is back --- and so are the thick ankles. Next weekend I'll try two days and see what happens.

I may just be cursed with edema for a while.

I"m seeing my Endo today and am going to ask his opinion too.

Posted by at 8:18 AM | Permalink

Well, that type of testing too -- but we're doing the TAKS test.  State mandated tests, some for Exit Level, some for NCLB. 

First of all who ever came up with the idea of giving teenagers an untimed test needs to be shot.  Though today wasn't too bad.  I think I finished directions at 9:15 and I believe the first test was turned in around 1:00.  That's for the "hardest" of the tests -- 11th grade Math.

But here's the deal.  I was supposed to be the test administrator's go-fer.  I didn't really want to do it but decided I didn't want to make a fuss.  I ran a few errands for him at 7:30, then opened the lab for my early kids, then kicked them out and started running errands again at 8:30.  Well my first errand was to go get a missing test proctor.  When I got back and reported that she said she wasn't supposed to test today, they said, yeah we figured that out and you're replacing her.

This at 8:40 and we are supposed to start at 8:40.  They got someone to carry the materials upstairs for me, I ran by my room to pick up my directions, and I got going by 8:45. This is a tough test because not only do you have to keep up with tests and answer sheets, but you have to keep up with graphing calculators.  Never my favorite thing.

I get everything started, start watching the kiddos and take my first break.  Come back to find the state test monitor in the room (argh!), and am followed in by one of our runners who needs the money for lunch.  Whoops -- I forgot to collect money for lunch.  (Hey, not bad), and they needed $2.90.  I handled $3.00 to the runner without taking my eyes off the kids (okay, I had to look down twice), the whole time the monitor is watching.

Oh, and because surely we have to be cheating, proctors have to keep their eyes on the students at all time.  We're supposed to talk around but the room I was in was so tight, I can take maybe 5 steps max.  Oh and then my phone starts vibrating and vibrating.  I forgot to turn it off.

So finally the monitor leaves -- and the phone stops buzzing but now the pump is buzzing.  Check blood sugar and I'm at 290! 

My high was a 341.  But it finally started dropping. 

I never got sick -- like I did on Monday -- another story, and made it without getting the munchies.

I talked to a union rep afterwards -- and in the future I need to be insistant that I have a set schedule and it not be changed without a 2 hour notice.  It's for THEIR benefit as much as mine -- if they "kill" a proctor, it will be hard to replace one.

At least it ended well.

Posted by at 10:23 PM | Permalink

Won't know the full results for several days but the sonogram found one very large gall stone. It could be causing the GERD or contributing to it.

There were polyps in the esophages and I think lesions which were removed and sent for biopsy. I'll know in 5-10 days.

My protonix is on the way.

Posted by at 11:27 AM | Permalink

Last night was a scale of 4 -- work up some but not bad.  Not at all as bad as the night before, thinking of a scale of 8.

Posted by at 10:41 AM | Permalink

Good visit. She gave me an aggressive plan of medication, scheduled a scope, and a sonagram of my gall bladder.

Posted by at 3:36 PM | Permalink

I was looking for Bowflexes on Craigslist and found a Weider Max. Got a hold of the guy this afternoon and got him to agree to bring it to the house for me. I snagged it for $120 -- he wanted $110 and I gave him an extra $10 for bringing it over.

Sports Authority had one on clearance for $350 so I think I got myself a good deal. It works out well in the room, though things are a bit crowded. It folds out of the way of the murphy bed fine, will have to move the treadmill out of the way, but it works.

For those who don't know, I have a study downstairs (i'm in there typing now), that is my folding room. It has a cabinet that has a murphy bed built in. I can fold it down for guests. My treadmill folds up and out of the way, and now so does the weight machine. I have an extra weight bench now that I ought to put up for sell on Craigslist.

I've been real lucky with internet purchases, ever since I bought a hard drive after I first got married. In fact, I found all three dogs on the internet!

Still waiting on paper work for fitness4diabetics. Actually I haven't heard from them since Thursday.

Posted by at 5:16 PM | Permalink

Right now, my paperwork is hung up somewhere between my doctor's office and fitness4diabetics.  Last I heard it was still on my doctor's desk on Thursday.

Working out is going well, though I did miss a strength workout on Thursday.  I was able to shuffle the aerobics to Friday, though I really don't want that day as an off day.  iShape has been scheduling it that way.

I was just too tired, and sadly, most of what I did was sitting at a desk that day.

I did call into the fitness4diabetics webinair on Wednesday and did enjoy it.  The speaker okayed my idea of getting a bowflex, though I am still putting that off a bit.

Posted by at 10:25 AM | Permalink

Yeah, I have my ankles back BUT my blood sugar is out of control which is making controlling eating difficult.

Fun, fun.

I did get another week of exercise in.  Not bad, I haven't counted weeks in a long time, and should start counting months, but I've only missed 2 strength and 1 cardio workout and they were for dog agility classes.

Posted by at 7:32 PM | Permalink

Back at the beginning of the school year, I got a mammogram.  They didn't like something on the xray on my left bresat, and insisted on doing it over.

Then they wanted a 6 month follow up.

I did it today.

No big deal, come back in 6 months for your regular mammogram.

Don't worry -- I never did.

Posted by at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I weighed after I took a shower and after spending most of 2 hours in the bathroom and I weigh 9 lbs less than I did yesterday.

Not bad.

Clothing fits better too!

Posted by at 11:45 AM | Permalink

It was good. Very good.

I knew my weight was really high and I wouldn't look at the scale, but finally did record it. But the good news, for once I didn't get fussed at -- I had already complained about edema and was already exhibiting it. So bad, the nurse practioner wrote a script for Lasix on the spot.

She said take it until I stop losing weight -- though I might have to stop it sooner -- good thing I am on spring break as I have spent a great deal of time in the bathroom already today.

They said everything looked good and not to bother with a stress test until next year. That will sure make the insurance people happy! And me too as they are a pain in the butt.

Oh, and the blood pressure was 128 over 74. Not too shabby!

Posted by at 8:21 AM | Permalink

I lost track, but I've been exercising regularly for several months.  Last week I sort of switched.  I've been trying to get to 10,000 steps each day with at least one aerobic session except for dog agility days.

Right now, I have averaged 10074 steps per day for the past week.  I have also averaged 1648 aerobic steps.  I want to increase by 10% a day, which would give me 11081 steps per day and 1812 aerobic steps per day.  We'll see.

Posted by at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I dropped my pump hard Saturday. I checked it and I looked okay but I was wrong. It no longer vibrates.
I was in a semi-panic this morning shen I called nimas but they calmed me down. They shipped a new pump this evening and it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I am watching close as I don't always trust our front office. They already know it is coming though.

Posted by at 7:26 PM | Permalink

First, I got another week of exercise in.

Second, especially after Wednesday, I realized that the exercise program I 'm doing now, isn't entirely working.

I use iShape, which I like -- and I should ask their support this question. I either get a program that is too light -- the one I have now -- of a program that is too much -- the program I had last week. I'd like a program in between the two.

So I'm going to use that as a basis, but I'm also going to use the pedometer. I am going to shoot for 10,000 steps each day, and at the beginning getting 10 minutes of aerobic steps in. That's 10 minutes straight. I'm having trouble with that today as my shoe laces keep coming untied, and I have to restart.

Posted by at 6:56 PM | Permalink

It took all day.  First, for some dumb reason, I thought I had to be there at 8:00.  Nope, 8:30.  That's okay, because I got a really really good parking space.

It was a case I just couldn't serve on.  My husband thinks they probably already pulled me from the beginning since I'm a teacher.

Aggravated sexual assault of a minor under 14.  Two counts, one of oral and one of manual penetration. 

As it was, I was at the court house until 4:50.  Yeah, much longer day than I'm used to.

I was able to keep my blood sugar until control while there.  Poured the insulin on, with a 50% basal rate, just like I do for teacher workshops.

I did have to eat something in the afternoon, but I think that was more psychlogical than physical, but I was getting a headache.

The biggest impression I got?  None of the speakers would survive a high school classroom, but the defense lawyer was the worse.  He not only couldn't get to the point, he couldn't make a point.

Posted by at 8:57 PM | Permalink

I am on Jury duty today. I was a bit stress as I was afraid my "friend" the Cingular 8125 woulfd not be allowed and also my Treo since both recordx and have built in cameras. My syringes aren't allowed but since I use the Accu-chek Multiclick that would be okay. Tossed my bag into the xray machine and walked through the metal detector without a peep.

However I ended up here in the Central Jury room about an hour early.

But some fun news - in the middle of this post I received an email telling me I'd won a $20 gift certificate from Amazon. That's one of my favorite places to shop!

Posted by at 7:56 AM | Permalink

I've turned the commenting off -- the server has been hit by the spammers pretty hard. I'm researching how to get it fixed, but it might take several days.

Sorry. If you do have something you want me to see or put on the blog, send to kathleenw at gmail

Posted by at 10:41 PM | Permalink