Finding the d-bloggers

Way back when… Not really but… When following blogs on a daily basis…

I saved each blog – and there were LOTS of ’em – as a favorite in/on? my browser. And each morning I would click on EACH one to see if that blogger had posted something new in the last day or so.

It was tedious.

Then, it was Amy over at Diabetes Mine who wrote about Google Reader (don’t look for it, it’s gone) and wowee, zowee, it was a miracle. I set up my Reader page and it would do the hard work and let me know when there was a new post on one of my favorite blogs!

And life was much simpler. And I got to read a bunch of d-blogs. And made new friends!

Yay!

Then it (Google Reader) was gone.

I’m not sure how I found Feedly – but I did a couple of years ago. Haven’t used it in awhile but decided it was time to get back to reading and writing blogs. I’ve set it up – again.

Using Karen’s list of participating bloggers for the 8th Annual D-Blog Week!, I’m finding some old friends and some new friends. Have added those to my new Feedly list and am hoping I can keep up with the reading of the blogs.

Especially during D-Blog Week!

Dusting this off…

Karen posted that it’s almost time for Blog Week. I gasped.

Then I had to find my password to my blog – this one.

Then I had to remember how to post…

I can do this! Eight years of DBW? Wow!

See ya next week!

Lucky me!

Had an endo appointment today.

I was sure the A1c was going to be the worst ever.

I was sure she’d look at me like I had two heads when she examined my Dexcom and Ping Pump graphs.

As I sat with her- looking at the graphs – the assistant came in with the magic piece of paper, handed it to my doctor who then laughed as she handed it to me.

I felt it was going to be my HIGHEST ever. It wasn’t. I don’t do numbers here but I’m fine. The number was better than usual. I guess I’m not killing myself with Diabetes.

We went over some strategies. We changed two basals. We changed an I-C ratio.

And – I got my flu shot. As an “over 65” person, I get the high test shot.

The Dexcom Clarity thing now goes to them automatically once I sign up. She asked me to use it regularly and just email her if I need some help.

I got in the car – heading north on the interstate and feeling so very lucky to have a physician who gives a rat’s ass about me. Called Moffett who made appropriate “Yippee” responses. The radio was on – The Four Tops-I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) (released in 1965) – and I giggled.

I’m not a perfect Diabetic – but with the help of d-friends, I can do this.

PS – Thanks Kim Hislop for meeting me for lunch. We’ll have to do that more regularly.

PPS – Charli – Yes, you may ask, “Who are the Four Tops?”

Try to remember…

Here’s the big question. Do I even remember how to do this blog thing?

I’m going to make this one short and sweet. Well, no. I guess it won’t be sweet cuz then I’d have to take insulin and I don’t consider blogging as being Bolus Worthy.

Endo appointment this week. The office is just over an hour away and it should be a not so bad drive. (Fall in NH. People pay big bucks to ride around on buses and check out the “foliage.”) Nicest part? Kim Hislop is going to meet me for lunch before my appointment. I met Kim in Las Vegas at the first Diabetes UnConference. And last month my husband and I both did the JDRF walk with her team in Manchester, NH.

I’m trying to get back on the D-Wagon. Today I did my first Big Blue Test. Number plummeted and as usual I said to myself, “Self – why don’t you do this more often?”

Here’s hoping I get back on the stupid treadmill tomorrow morning before work!

Oh – here’s the photo I used on our Thank You notes that I sent to my JDRF donors!

2016 Diabetes Blog Week – Friday

Hurray – D-Blog Week is just five days this year!

Click for the Tips and Tricks – Friday 5/20 Link List.
Let’s round out the week by sharing our best diabetes tips and diabetes tricks. From how you organize supplies to how you manage gear on the go/vacation (beach, or skiing, or whatever). From how you keep track of prescription numbers to how you remember to get your orders refilled. How about any “unconventional” diabetes practices, or ways to make diabetes work for YOU (not necessarily how the doctors say to do it!). There’s always something we can learn from each other. (Remember though, please no medical advice or dangerous suggestions.)

Old photo over there on the left, but I still do the same thing. As soon as a new order comes in, I mark it with the expiration date(s), empty out my supply shelf and redo it with the new stuff in the back. And yes, I know the expiration dates are on the package but when I’m in the middle of an inset/cartridge/insulin change for my pump, I don’t want to be squinting at tiny little print.

 

 

 

This one’s pretty cool, if I might say so myself. This is an el cheapo child’s back pack that I bought on sale. When we travel, I try to put all the d-stuff in this annoyingly pink back pack. When flying, it goes in the top of my carry-on so if I end up checking my bag, I can take it out and keep it with me.
BUT – when we went to Denver in April, I didn’t bring it (I thought our seat assignments were good enough – not…), and both flights were threatening to take our bags as the planes were crowded. My Virginia Gentleman husband with his Virginia accent and  silver hair spoke with the employees at the gates telling them that I had insulin that could not go in the baggage hold. Both times it was, “Oh my, you will both pre-board. Just come on up when we announce it.” Awesome!
AND – this works great for road trips with hotels and/or visiting friends. The pink bag is not left in the car when it’s too hot or too cold. I can always see it easily (it’s hard to miss!). I grab it to take along if we’re going away from our hotel or where we’re visiting. For a cheap find, it’s been great!

And finally, I date the Dexcom sensor package each time. That way, if there’s a problem – I know when I inserted it and I have the lot number. And, I  get to see how long it lasted – I’m lucky when/if I get 10 days.

Have a great weekend!

2016 Diabetes Blog Week – Thursday

I’ve been reading and commenting and then – oh no, tomorrow’s Thursday. I have to do this again. M asked, “What’s tomorrow’s topic?” I answered, “I don’t have a clue.” So I went to Karen’s page and saw – Healthcare Experience. Oh sh**, I could be writing for hours.

Click for the The Healthcare Experience – Thursday 5/19 Link List.
Most people who live with a chronic illness end up with a lot of experience when it comes to dealing with healthcare. How would you improve or change your healthcare experience? What would you like to see happening during medical visits with your healthcare team? How about when dealing with your health insurance companies? What’s your Healthcare Wish List or Biggest Frustration? Today is the day to share it all!

How I learned to advocate for myself and my family in the healthcare zoo.

So – I wrote a very involved blog post about advocating for yourself.

It was boring. It’s deleted.

But – YOU are the consumer, the customer, the person who is paying your physician.
Make sure you ask your questions.
Make sure you get your answers.
Make sure your physician listens to you.
Make sure you are doing the very best you can for yourself.

Most importantly – don’t waste your time and your physician’s time.
Show up with your questions. Write down the answers.

Be the advocate for yourself.

And remember, none of us is perfect. Try the best you can and tomorrow, try it again.

One wish – that insurance companies would shut off the DAMN music when I’m on hold.

 

 

2016 Diabetes Blog Week – Wednesday

Click for the Language and Diabetes – Wednesday 5/18 Link List.
There is an old saying that states “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. I’m willing to bet we’ve all disagreed with this at some point, and especially when it comes to diabetes. Many advocate for the importance of using non-stigmatizing, inclusive and non-judgmental language when speaking about or to people with diabetes. For some, they don’t care, others care passionately. Where do you stand when it comes to “person with diabetes” versus “diabetic”, or “checking” blood sugar versus “testing”, or any of the tons of other examples? Let’s explore the power of words, but please remember to keep things respectful.

I used to worry about the words. I’m old enough now that most of the words don’t bother me.

So for today, I’m going to go spend some time reading and commenting!

Oh wait! Medicare & CGMS
Those two words (ok – those five words) are on my mind every single day.
Have you contacted your state government officials to let them know that it’s VERY important that Medicare approve CGMS’s?
Please take the time to do that. Please?

It’s easy!

Follow this link. And thank you!

http://jdrf.org/take-action/advocacy/cgm-medicare-coverage/

And – as much as I love comments – given a choice, please follow the link and contact your state’s government officials and SKIP leaving me a comment.

Thanks, again!

Colleen

 

2016 Diabetes Blog Week – Tuesday

Click for the Link List:
The Other Half of Diabetes – Tuesday 5/17
We think a lot about the physical component of diabetes, but the mental component is just as significant. How does diabetes affect you or your loved one mentally or emotionally? How have you learned to deal with the mental aspect of the condition? Any tips, positive phrases, mantras, or ideas to share on getting out of a diabetes funk?

The mental part? Like with any chronic disease, there are good and bad and even some “blah, who cares?” days. And some days I truly begin to doubt myself and my ability to treat my own diabetes. And other days I think I’m the queen of d-care.

The rest of the days? I think I’m probably nuts.

The love of my life – my husband – is my rock, and God only knows how he puts up with my bitching and moaning some days. (And Karen, he just brought a slice of lime for my drink!) After collapsing and falling sound asleep some nights, he’s the one who will stay up and watch the Dexcom numbers if there’s an issue. I hate, hate, hate that he has to do that. I know that he doesn’t have to do that. But he does. And it makes me sad and it makes me angry. But mostly, it makes me happy. I won’t mention the guilt…

No tips – well, one tip. Become active in the DOC. Connect on FB, create your own blog, do the Twitter thing (I still don’t know how…). Join a support group if you have one. When I first started pumping I attended a great group. I drove over an hour to meet them. It was worth it and I’m so grateful that I had that opportunity. They don’t meet any longer. Wish they did. It was sponsored by Animas and I loved being able to meet other d-people and pumper people.

Just do something so you won’t feel so alone.

2016 Blog Week – Monday

Wow, it’s still here! My blog – the one I used to be so faithful about writing posts!

Thanks to Karen and the 7th Annual Diabetes Blog Week, I’m back here trying to blog, again.

Well – – –

Today’s topic: Why Am I Here?
Let’s kick off the week by talking about why we are here, in the diabetes blog space. What is the most important diabetes awareness message to you? Why is that message important for you, and what are you trying to accomplish by sharing it on your blog?

That’s too funny!
Simple answer – because Karen encouraged all of us to participate in this 7th Annual Blog Week. Just like she’s done for the past six years. She’s very encouraging!
Short answer – because I probably would be a very confused and angry and sick and lonely person with diabetes if I hadn’t found the d-blogs, and the d-bloggers, and the gazillion people who make up the DOC, Diabetes Online Community.

The most important message for me. I am not alone.

Which also means – You are not alone.

I need to share my not alone thoughts more often, so that some other d-newby, especially those of us with LADA who are being diagnosed when we are long past the juvenile ages, will find me and know that they’re not the only one.

A whole week of blogging? This will be good for me. This will get me back in the swing of blogging on a regular basis.

Um – let’s hope I do better at this than the treadmill.

Still blogging after all these years…

I’m going to do the bullet thing because…

I can!

• We each got a Fitbit for Christmas. When you’re older and there’s no you know who, you go to the store together and buy the presents. (BB&B Coupons!) He is way ahead of me when it comes to the steps. I’m even on the treadmill (yes, again) (I dusted it off) and he’s still ahead.
• Sigh…
• We still do a couple of surprise gifts for each other but don’t go overboard. (We do not need more STUFF!)
• I just heat sealed/bagged 4 dozen plus cookies. I don’t want them to go bad and I’m sure they’ll be a yummy treat in the greyness of February.

• Shoveling snow is good for my blood sugar.
• Eating the most incredible chocolate chip cookie – which I’ve decided might be around 35/40 carbs – destroyed the joy of shoveling. But it was worth it.
• Sigh…
• I’m looking forward to a quiet New Year’s Dinner with friends. It’s an early dinner and in all likelihood – we’ll be asleep long before midnight.
• I like using Dexcom G5.
• I like using the iPhone as my receiver because – if I misplace it, I just have to call it.
• I silence the iPhone at night and use the Dexcom receiver to beep and do the “shake, rattle, and roll” thing.
• My new car does the Bluetooth thing with my phone – WHY can’t it show my BG on the car screen? (That would be nifty!)
• If my parents were still alive, today would be their 67th wedding anniversary. They were pretty awesome parents!

My grandmothers and my parents.

My grandmother on the right probably was a Type 1 Lada, before there was such a thing. She was diagnosed in her 20’s with “adult” diabetes.