High carb hospital food for diabetic patients? Get with the times!!

I usually am not picky about hospital food.  I guess I am one of those rare people.  I eat, therefore I am.  Not so with a recent stay at a community hospital in Cornwall, Ontario. 

If I could have sprinted out the door after surgery, knowing this … I would.  Luckily, I escaped on Day 3 … I had served my time, but not without having some of the hospital admins visit me, and I’m wondering if it’s due to my going public about how the surgery went (you can read about what happened at this link).

What really got to me was that being a diabetic, on insulin, I need to know what the carbs are in the food I am ingesting.  Yes, many of us guesstimate, but in my case, after talking to the dietician that day afterwards, what I was being served was the diabetic meal plan.  If I had gone with my estimate of what chocolate pudding was worth … I would have ended up in hypo fairy land.  Luckily, due to having abit of an issue with high blood sugars, and spewing my guts (I had not been asked about my ketones at this point by the RN, just a disgusted look from her as I spewed … oops … hope you are not reading this at meal time … if you are … this is it for the head rolling Linda Blair of Exorcist fame spewing).

Okay, now to the serious stuff on …. high carb food content in diabetics meals served to patients in hospitals.  I had a good talk with the dietician, who led me to believe that she understood diabetic diets, but it still left me scratching my head with the following:

72 grams of carbs for breakfast

Yuppers, that is over half of what I eat in carbs for a whole day!!!  Luckily, this meal never arrived, something else did in its place of similar carb count – but again, nothing showing carb count on containers except for “diabetic meal”).  I had asked the dietician the day before, why the regular Boost was being given to a diabetic, when there is a diabetic version of Boost available (I kept on getting the 36 gram version for some reason .... and no ... I did not touch it with a 10' pole). .  

She managed to find a diabetic Boost to help me at least get something into me (my appetite has taken awhile to return since surgery ,... and losing weight has been a bonus for me because of this). She said they didn’t stock much of and believe it or not, the 16 grams of carbs and 16 grams of protein according to the label ...  I spiked so high (yes … think of someone with a lot of gel in their hair), and stayed high, even with proper insulin coverage.  

I think where the food plan for diabetics in this hospital rests due to them following the ADA/CDA food plan which tends to be high carbs and aimed at the population of Type 2.  Sadly, even the CDE’s had questioned me when viewing my Diasend results a few months earlier  that I do not eat enough carbs and therefore my body can’t function properly.  It’s like, excuse moi, I’ve been eating this way for years … do I look unhealthy ... I rarely get sick except for as blue moon year?  Hullo!!!  I function well and know of many others that are the same  (no – not the Dr. Bernstein regime of 30 grams / day … I’m more like 120 grams / day … sometime more when I have a sinful slice of chocolate layer cake).

So perhaps dieticians, CDE’s of hospitals if they would take into consideration that not EVERY diabetic has the same eating habits as the rest – and perhaps be allowed to choose their meal plan while staying in hospital – then great.  In the 3 days I was in hospital, there was no protein (do budget constraints mean that a simple hard-boiled egg, slice of cheese, peanut butter aren’t possible for the patient?).  What was funny, my DH was bringing me my morning coffee from the in-hospital Tim Horton’s that actually sold hard boiled eggs.  He said it didn’t dawn on him to buy me a few …. Duhhhh … you can see who cooks in our house. 

So, next time, if there is ever another time at this hospital (or any hospital – I have a feeling they are all the same due to budgets, etc.)  I’m bringing my own cooler full of cheese, hard boiled eggs, sliced meats, etc.  And perhaps if you are reading this, and going in for surgery, hopefully you have a diabetic team at your hospital that will ensure you get the proper food plan, or at least listens to you.  Somehow, in my case, I think I slipped through the cracks …. it’s okay, I’m alive and writing about my experience so others can learn from my mistake!

NB:  Incase you’re wondering, if I had stayed longer … my lunch was ringing in at only 70 grams and dinner was 62 grams … and none of those meals contained any protein.  

At least he got some protein to slow down the carbs!!!

Falling through the cracks of a small town hospital

Falling through the cracks of the Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) system … that’s the only way I can come up with an explanation of what happened with my insulin coverage last week during a 4-5 hour period when I was asked to stop my insulin pump from delivery insulin during surgery.  I put Ziggy into 0% basal rate for 4 hours – but now think I should have lied and just left him on. 

The Womb With A View

I think due to the diagnosis 2 weeks after my initial visit to ER for heavy bleeding and I was in menopause stage of life, along with the fast turnaround of 2 weeks after that for a spot on the slice and dice table this may have resulted in mistakes being made in what occurred that day with Pre-Op / miscommunication with the CDE’s / gas woman aka anesthesiologist, etc.  

Was pre-op done to close to the surgery date?

In past surgeries (e.g. mastectomy done in 2007 for diabetic mastopathy ), the Pre-Op, meeting up with endo team, was all done within 2 or more weeks of the surgery date.  In my case at CCH, pre-op was done 2 days before the surgery day  ( DH came along ).  The RN didn’t say anything about whether pump would be allowed or not, but took down that I wore an insulin pump,along with my total basal rate, average basal rate (this same information was given to the Pharmacist from the CCH the next day who said it was unusual for them to be left out of the loop for pre-op).   The RN was fully aware that I was being seen by the Diabetic Clinic within CCH and I “assumed” they would be contacted for any help (they were already aware of my upcoming surgery by an email I’d sent to them).    

Was any blood sugar testing taken during the surgery and didn’t

my CGMS alarms make them aware?

Sadly, I didn’t think of the CDE statement from an email earlier during the week when I’d asked her about wearing the insulin pump during the surgery …  

“do you have a protocol for not wearing pump during surgery”

Her response to my query, with no suggestions,  made it obviously clear to me I was on my own with handling my diabetes control in the hospital (I have since learned she expected me to respond back with my answer). 

I assumed that when the anesthesiologist (gas woman) firmly told me that she would not continue if I kept the pump on, that insulin would be at least provided in the drip.  This was told to me as I was already being strapped down to go to la la land of no pain and she meant business (she wasn’t happy with where the RN had set up the drip, but my veins are sparse and RN didn’t go to my hand which has LOTS of plump veins and has been used in the past by the blood takers).  So, basically, I had no time to say, “ let me get my overnight bag and shoot up with Lantus “.   Yes, I was in a tough position at that point, trying not to panic.  I had come prepared, but not at the last minute when the surgeon’s clock is ticking for his other scheduled patients that were behind me!!  Gulp!!

My hospital gown had the washy washy instructions to ensure no evil germs develop!

Granted this was my first major operation using an insulin pump.  Previously, I was on MDI, and with pre-op it was always determined that I do my regular long acting insulin shot and that after surgery that I took over my diabetes control.  Did my being on an insulin pump throw off the pre-op and pharmacist?  This is where both my husband and I wonder …

was any insulin drip given during the 4-5 hours I was under their care?

My darling husband (DH) had been contacted at noon time as I was being wheeled into my room after being in recovery (surgery had started between 0730 – 0800 ) and he arrived about an hour later to hear my story about the blood sugar reading of 22 mmol/l (396 mg/dl) and how the staff had determined I should be given 10 units of rapid insulin.  I vaguely remember all this happening, and again, have no time reference.  I hope I didn’t yell, but I told them it was too much.  I remember being asked what they should give me and in my state of mind was calculating 1 unit of insulin would be lower me down 3.5 mmol/l (63 mg/dl) and told them to give me 3.5 units (if I’d been more with it I should have said 5 units).  I don’t even recall them giving me the injection. 

I was having to rely on someone else to take care of my diabetic care at this point that

had wanted to inject me with 10 units of insulin

My DH at that point looked at Bowie my CGMS and it was alarming like crazy (we are wondering now if the trainee RN who was holding him during surgery noticed this).    Bowie does not like being high, and was still registering at 22 mmol/l (395 mg/dl).  At this point, having my DH by my side, I was more with it and did my own finger stick test which showed I was around 14 mmol/l (252 mg/dl).  Obviously the insulin was working (maybe they did an intramuscular injection (IM) into my arm to make the insulin work faster … which is what I do when my BG is that high – but due to no time frame of injection I’m unable to figure it out). 

With insulin coverage for a T1D it’s all about what TIME insulin is giving … 

method of injection ... site it`s injected into …

This is where even more confusion starts is that the RN that was speaking with my husband didn’t realise that my pump was functioning.  Again, either I did not explain myself properly to the gas woman / RN when turning my basal rate off for the 4 hour surgery time.

So, even now as I compose this blog, trying to put together what occurred, it seems like a dream

So, DiabetesMine ( @samanthachan at Instagram)  … I told you the true story would come  with the picture that you asked permission to use at the Diabetes Innovations Summit at Stanford in November.  Even though the trainee RN who held Bowie during surgery had been warned about what would occur if my BG’s went up or down with him alarming.  I think he was ignored OR even worse case scenario when he was finally looked at, they assumed that that was the correct blood sugar number.  That is even after I  had told her and various staff earlier and during my 2 day stay that the CGMS reading HAS TO BE verified by a blood meter.  The fingertip NEVER LIES when it comes to real time blood sugar number. 

Victorious thinking I`d be allowed to use pump during OR ... NOT

It’ll always be a mystery to me … and personally I will not return to CCH for any surgical performance if I cannot go another route (see note below).  This is after speaking to other residents where I live, they avoid it at all costs.  Though if it’s a situation where I’m not able to drive to the next closest hospital ( Winchester District Memorial Hospital has been recommended to me by many people in Cornwall ), I just hope/pray that I have someone on my side (my DH or another T1D) able to ensure that my diabetes health care does not get lost in the cracks like it did with this hospital experience.

NOTE:  The one thing I have learned out of this experience is that hospitals in Ontario have different ratings (and probably in other provinces of Canada).  A few members from the CCH Diabetic Clinic came to speak to me due to what had occurred the day before with surgery.  They had stated that CCH is a #1 hospital (I have tried to find anything pertaining to what they had told me online but have come up empty handed so this is “my version” of the “rating system”).  If my surgery had been performed at either Kingston or Ottawa, which are larger populated areas, then  insulin pumps would be more accepted and understood by the medical staff members, and perhaps allowed to remain on in the OR. 

Day after the surgery - attempting to drink a Timmy`s

When life is just a bowl of hormonal chocolate cherries!

I haven’t had much time lately to blog.  Life has been crazy with the move in June,   recent death of my little Mia the black cat (aka my hypo awareness cat ... sigh).   Dealing with diabetes has been the easy thing, especially with the assistance of Bowie aka my Dexcom CGMS.  He’s actually singing away right now as I compose this … telling me I’m low … urrrhh … silly hormones that are going wacky lately (menopause, thyroid, lack of sleep, etc.) making life abit of a roller coaster ride.

What’s going on right now with me is from a recent trip to the ER in the new town I live in the province of Ontario (alot of folks from Quebec come here since the wait time in less – found that interesting).

It all started off with a visit to the CDE’s (Certified Diabetes Educator) team end of August.  They have knowledge of insulin pumping since Ontario has the insulin pump program (I think I qualify – but I just bought a new pump – on my credit card to get 5 years warranty instead of the 4 years Animas offers - having supplies covered would be nice until I need a new pump).  I do have a feeling though that I maybe the first CGMS user they've come across, after meeting up with another T1D pumper the other day, he was wearing a Medtronic pump and didn't know what it was along with Sure-T infusion sets (stainless steel ones) - or what an A1C test meant.   Out came my calling card, and hopefully I can get him to discover the #DOC .

I’ve been in menopause for over a year, hot flashes, emotions up/down/all around (combine that with thyroid that has once again wacky wacky … but no doctor to review TSH levels means I’m on my own until I find a doctor who I can convince I need help).  Well, maybe due to stress of move, etc.  I started to no longer experience those lovely symptoms, and instead, started to bleed heavy like I had during peri-menopause period.  That had lead my gyno in Quebec to decide the fibroids were too big and surgery was to be done (I opted out as you can see by this blog post).

The CDE’s were worried about my blood loss and exhaustion I was experiencing, so told me to go to the walk in clinic next door to the hospital.  I did, but after a 2 hour wait, seeing the head surgeon from the hospital that was doing his stint in the walk in clinic … he told me to go to ER … STAT.  He didn’t like the way things were in the nether regions and my history.

ER … ultrasound … gyno … biopsies … and just 2 weeks ago I got the results that things weren’t right.  We are not sure if the ovaries can be saved.  I am hoping so, but gyno is not sure until he can get to them.  I know at present I have what I call an “Igor” in my left side along with some little stragglers, I feel pregnant and ready to pop.  Dull pain is something I can handle, but it’s getting tiring along with now going back to menopause symptoms again.  Ovey … I feel like a woman!!!

So, really, diabetes is the least of my problems right now.  Being on the insulin pump, along with the CGMS aka Bowie (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System) I am managing to sort of keep things okay in that area of my health.  The rest is crap, but I know it’ll get better.

Pre-op is this Tuesday with surgery scheduled a few days later (yeah – no 6-12 month wait like Quebec).  I am hoping that I’ll be allowed to wear both my pump and CGMS during the operation (LAVH or Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy will be performed – less recovery time – yippee!!).  So cross your fingers for me.  I’m hoping that due to the high amount of pump users here in Ontario, that more hospital staff will be familiar with how they work, unlike where I was in Quebec. 

Random thoughts during a heat wave from a diabetic on legal drugs

This is a long intro … the diabetes stuff comes in a afterwards …. I normally post at Diabetes1.org ... but wanted to take a break from that ... and post here for a change of pace (and bigger screen to read my words on as well ).

I’m temporarily a bachelorette; while my DH (darling husband) goes off on a last minute work trip that cut our holiday’s abit short where finally we were getting things unpacked from our move back at the end of June.   I had him take Sock Monkey (SM) with him … so at least SM can enjoy the various “ports of call” that the Challenger 650 is taking them to across the pond.  You can check out the whereabouts of SM at my Flickr account!

Sock Monkey hanging out on the wing of the Challenger 650 he's travelling in

 While I am missing my DH, especially while coping with my little black cat Mia, who underwent a large cyst from her tummy (who I just discovered now is pulling on one her 20 stitches … she made a strange cry … and I leaped out of my chair to see what she was up to).  She now will be forced to wear her Elizabeth collar for the remaining 10 days … sorry kitty kat … but I didn’t fork out almost $800 to bring save you from using 1 of your 9 lives.   Between giving her meds, and like just now, watching/listening to her (I’m a wanna be Cat Whisperer did you know that?) – things are pretty busy.  I am now realising that handling both diabetes and motherhood and everything else that entails having “kids” … I’m not sure if I could have done it.  You were right Mum to tell me to “never have children” … no wonder you started going grey before your time!! I caused it.  Waaaahhhh.

Don't I look cute in my Elizabethan collar or what?

(WARNING - the above paragraph contains A LOT of fun You Tube videos besides silly dribbles of info that is coming out of my adult company starved brain.  Please watch at home in case you are at work … I don’t want you to get the boot out the door).

Now to get onto my main reason for putting my thinking cap on and getting around to a dblogging again since life will eventually settle down in new town, pussycat, etc.  

Yesterday, on a hot and humid day (we currently have a high heat warning) … I ventured out, not by bicycle/foot as I normally do, but via stinky machine … 4 wheel car.  I’m lucky that I don’t really need a car to get around, that was one of the reasons for moving here.  Everything can be walked to / cycled / skateboarded – the benefits of living in a small town.

Now you think you’d see a lot of fit people here? Right?  Sadly, not so.  It’s kind of scary coming from Montreal where I lived it wasn’t something I saw much of.

Of course, where do I go, to escape abit of the heat and humid and duties at home?  WalMart.  The place I swear I hate to frequent if I don’t really have to since they’re forcing a lot of the local businesses to close up.  Sigh.  So, in this case, no malls to walk around in that aren’t an hour’s drive away means … I have to do my “window shopping” in a big box store.

I wonder up and down isles, looking at things to pass the time (hey I need a break from the "kitties").  Talk to a woman who moved from BC to here, and her distaste of the water we have here where we both live (I was looking at the SodaStream at the time, and asked her and her sons about it … the things a question can blossom into).  The water here is highly chlorinated / fluorinated (but I’m researching that with no answers to ascertain oui/non/maybe so).

I then proceeded to look at the various foods contained behind the freezer doors.  Remember, I do not eat prepared/mass produced food too often.  It’s a novelty for me to look at the percentages of fat/carbs/salt in these foods.  I was amazed at what I saw, and thought “OMG … no wonder some folks here are the way they are … this food is EVIL).  The one thing is, food costs here are less expensive than in Montreal … so I don’t really get it.  Even worse, I am seeing so many overweight people or folks using electric scooters, etc.  Some of it is due to the aging population here or perhaps health reasons that mean they cannot walk properly, but I see young folks using them, scary stuff.

Next it was the baking isle.  I still haven’t found the time again to bake my own bread since moving, and the cost of a nice baguette is $1.00 (we go thru’ 1 a week – we aren’t big bread eaters) and is actually a lot less than in Montreal … so factoring in my time, electricity to bake the bread, it’s sadly cheaper to buy mass produced. 

I noticed a woman, probably about my age, looking at baked goods.  Like her, I was overwhelmed by the choices.  I was looking at the carb count and just about fainting.

I said to her, “There’s too much to choose from!” (my mind whirling at Red Velvet cupcakes)

Her reply, “I know, and I’m a diabetic”.

And I said, “So am I, but I can cheat, I’m on insulin!”

From there, I found out she is on insulin.  She only takes it when she has to so she doesn’t go low.  Her doctor told her to keep her blood sugar (#BGNow) levels between 10-13 mmol/l (180-234 mg/dl) and she was used to having readings in the 30’s (540).

I tried to stay calm, as I told her about my CGMS (and the cost just made her eyes go HUGE when I told her along with my 5.1 / 92 #BGNow reading … too low for her) and also showed her Ziggy my insulin pump.  She had never heard/seen these devices.  I started to think a) how long has she been diagnosed; b) who the heck is her flipping doctor; c) I wish I could take everyone I meet into my home and help them. Sigh.

It’s really tough for many of us, when we come across folks like this.  And where this really hits me today, was reading David Edelman’s latest dblog promoting the book “Thriving With Diabetes” that he’s co-written with Dr. Paul Rosman .  If I could hand out this book to everyone I see that needs to take action with their diabetes health … I would (in my dream world I’d be a philanthropist and a CDE and a ….).  

So?  My next book I'm putting into my reference library here at home?  Need I say more!!!

Is Facebook becoming like the Gestapo?

Recently, I experienced something I never thought would happen.

I came back from a very emotional meet up with 89 diabetics in Las Vegas for the 1st Diabetes unConference (#duncon) – and had not been on Facebook (FB) for close to a week.  I logged in, to catch up on all the latest and greatest among the many diabetic groups that I belong to there, that I also run as an administrator.  

My first greeting when logging in, was that someone from the state of Texas had attempted to log into my account.  I sorted that out with a simple yes/no … and on I went merrily to play catch up, especially with the gang from the conference.  We were all feeling much like myself … like they’d lost their left foot due to not being with the rest of the “family” (who all got each other thru’ the roller coaster ride of life that we lead with diabetes).

Four hours later, when checking back in, I discovered that I could not gain access due to my ... WTF? - not having a legit name.  They demanded government issued documentation, with a picture to prove who I was in order to consider allowing me back into the fold.  Something similar had happened back in December last year, and I had changed my name at that time to one that they “allowed”.  I did not have to go thru’ the ID demand that they were doing this time around.

Whether someone had snitched on me that I wasn't blue eyed, blonde haired (sorry – I felt like Facebook was acting like the Gestapo with my not conforming - and I apologise to those who felt it was a horrible word to use) – I’ll never know.  Since it was occurring again, in such a short timeframe, was a great puzzle that I didn't quite understand due to the amount of "legit" people who contact me on FB for friendship (and in the end - turn out to be promoting sexual things, or wanting to a new woman in their life).  Uhhhmmm,  like FB .... those are the people YOU should be tracking down!!!  Get with the program!!!!

Depression set in … I felt it was highly un-American that I be asked to supply personal info over the bandwidth to the “offices” of Facebook.  I dug in my paws heels, and figured I could survive without going to get my daily quota of gossip, lurking, etc. on Facebook.  I turned instead to Google+ but found that many people are die hard addicts of Facebook, and not only use it for all their communication, but also use Messenger (that does not work if you are shut out from your FB account).   What has happened to mankind that they have to resort to only using FB for communicating to others? 

Depressed Cat by Angel Tarantella 

The sad part was, most of my diabetic contacts I only knew through FB.  Very few I knew via personal email or telephone/SKYPE.  Being shut out of FB, not being able to let anyone know what had happened …. it was difficult ... I attempted meditation - moved on with life ....

Advance 2 weeks later - April 1st … after sending multitudes (3) government issued ID’s to prove who I was (each time I had sent something – I was told it was not enough to identify that I was legit).  Informing them of what I do for a living - giving them my work place info to contact my bosses for confirmation of who I was – the explanation for my ``other`` name of FatCatAnna (which I’d always used as a Nickname – which is permitted by Facebook)  .....

I finally was given the go ahead to gain access to my account by “Barry”  … except … his  reply was odd …

“Hi,

Thanks for your response. It looks like your name on Facebook doesn't match the name on the ID(s) you submitted.

To help us confirm that you're using your authentic name:

1. Log into your Facebook account
2. Follow the on-screen instructions
3. If you still can't update your name, you'll be able to fill out a contact form “

I logged in … held my breath … and viola … I was back in - no updating required … even despite what they were saying above.  The weird thing?  The name they have me being allowed to use? It is the same friggin' name I had been using all these years, that was questioned back in December.  WTF??

I've had quite the discussion on my wall post from April 1^st, with my use of “Gestapo” – I do realise to some this is a harsh word to use … but at the time I was feeling very emotional – and with the recent problems that Native Americans have also been having that an article was written up about back in February at Business Insider … something just is not right.

So, for now, while I’m still permitted to use Facebook, before I’m reported again for some reason or another (maybe the person reporting me is a cat hater?) – you will find me posting still - though not as frequently as I used to, as this has left a stale taste in my mouth.

The good thing, when it comes to diabetes advocacy, you can find me at many places that are not associated with Facebook ….  Such as Blogger, Instagram, Twitter, Tudiabetes, and of course, the original website that started me off with diabetic blogging/advocacy back in 2008 … Diabetes1.org .  

No, I won’t disappear completely …. yet .... I'm not a fraidy cat!

My Grandmothers fear of becoming a diabetic

I just found out today from a conversation with my Mum, something that was abit sad about my Grandmother, my Dad's Mum who died I believe when she was in her mid 90’s. She lived a full and good life!  I wish I had pictures, but sadly, with my moving, what ones I took, are packed, and my Dad hasn't kept many pictures from the past to share with the family.

The first time I remember seeing my Grandmother was when she came to visit us in Canada, about 10 years after we had immigrated.  It was her first time travelling by air abroad.  She came with my Aunt, and my parents who didn't normally like visitors to stay at our house, kicked my brother and myself out of our rooms for the guests (yee!haa!).

Oma en kleinkind an online colouring book  from Kinderlines 

I'd only been diabetic for about 8 years at the time just about to enter teenage life, and I really didn't think too much of it at the time since I'd had it since such an early stage of life.  Sometimes I think I'm blessed since I didn't know any other way of living other than being a diabetic, and it wasn't all that bad, even with injections, etc.  I was just what my life was like, and still is (but made easier now with newer technology).  I did the urine testing, injected (once a day then), and ate like a little soldier on a schedule since that was the way insulins worked in our bodies in those days. 

I always remember my Aunt criticise my Mum's choice on having a take-out pizza (from a great pizza joint in the west end of Ottawa called El Toro's - they made the best crust and toppings EVER).   My Aunt felt it was "junk food" and I think she thought Canadians must be savages at that point in time as we crammed dripping, gooey pizza into our mouths.  Whether she enjoyed it or not, I will never know.  I just dug in, with whatever my Mum dished out to me according to the diet the dietician had set out for my growing body.  I was a happy camper!

The next time I saw my Grandmother was when she was placed in the hospital in the UK during her 80's about 15 years later.  My Dad at the time couldn't take time off work, and I was temporarily without a job. He paid for year open flight for me to go overseas (not cheap in those days), to make sure my Grandmother was okay.  When I'd arrived, she was already back home from the hospital, doing her own thing.  I really didn't need to help her at all (this woman had the flexibility of a gymnast), and I think I was more of a hindrance being with her as I was disrupting her life.  I found a job, moved out quickly to a bedsit in the village.  Life was good (if only back then I'd appreciated beer the way I do now).

86 year old Johanna Quaas from Halle, Saxony - see her in this fantastic video

What my Mum relayed to me today, after talking to my Dad's brother, and obviously this was disturbing him for many years since her passing away  ….

she was afraid of being like me, a diabetic giving injections for the rest of her life

I'm wondering while she came to visit Canada, if I'd had some hissy fit about giving an injection or a bad urine test (I don't recall doing that - but maybe I did).  I wonder did the glass syringe and 18 gauge stainless steel needle that could be sharpened on a stone scare her when I was living with her in the UK?

I'm really not sure what made her make that comment to my Uncle, but it saddens me to think she felt this way about my having diabetes but know that others today probably have that same feeling when they are faced with the diagnosis of having diabetes.  

That's why I do what I do today with having diabetes for most of my life ....  

Educate 

Blog 

Laugh 

Cry  

Advocate

Find a Cure

My take on the Diabetes unConference in Sin City

Since discovering the #DOC back in 2008  (my first #dblog was at Diabetes1.org) when I was trying to figure out how to use an insulin pump after 41 years of being a human dart board  ... life has changed so much for the better.

Before that time, I didn't know many diabetics that I could chat with, especially on insulin pumps, In order to get the answers I needed for my burning questions on how to use my pump, I went to various online groups based in America such as Tudiabetes.org, Insulinpumpers.org .

It was amazing how much help I got from these various sites, and despite not being in person with everyone, I no longer felt alone dealing with this roller coaster ride.  It was like a breath of fresh air (ahhh - the smell of a hunky hairy chested dude bathing in  Irish Spring!!! PG13)

Spring forward (and we have changed our clocks) .... and we come to the weekend of March 13th, 2015 ... Sin City ... land of make believe and OMG ... 90 diabetics all grouped together at the 1st Diabetes unConference!!! Combined together - we little guinea pigs  running on the big blue wheel - calculated that we have almost ......

2,000 years of the roller coaster ride of diabetes!!!! 

The above 4-legged creature maybe a rat - sorry - the wheel is BLUE ... okay - I'm an artzy fartzy gal!!!

Wow - back off the wheel - phew - I'm out of shape .... that is ALOT of years of diabetes all in one room!!!

Over the period of 3 days we talked / drank / screamed / laughed / farted (sorry - I dropped a rose ) / cried ... alot of emotions/thoughts that had only been retained in our sponge brains were shared within the group discussions that were held at 10 tables within the conference room.  It was frigging amazing!!!!!

Even better was that no one was allowed to use their mobiles for Tweeter / Facebook / picture taking (good thing - since being a Canadian - I couldn't afford a data plan for the USA).  It was really nice ... having everyone not hunched over their little machines.

I think the most important thing for me was meeting up with other diabetics that are new to the #DOC - and I am hoping that they are now encouraged to spread the word about this event - perhaps get into writing their own blogs (and as I  told one attendee - who was wanting to start blogging and worried about "who will read my blog?")......

It does NOT matter

  

You do NOT have to be one of the "famous" American bloggers that were at this event!   Whatever words you put down - in dealing with your diabetes is the most IMPORTANT thing. That is how it is for me .... blogging / advocating for many of us is a way of creating what we hope is a better educated world for others to understand what diabetes is all about.  And for me, it's almost like talking to a head shrink!

So, if you are hoping to attend the next #Duncon event (rumour is it will be held in Sin City again for 2016) .... check for updates on the Facebook ** page or via Twitter (where I haven't been banned from .... yet).

Meanwhile, the Glee episode on the 13th of March with their version of "Come Sail Away" originally performed by Styx (oh oh  - aging myself here)  is the purrfect music that will make me remember how strong all of us are with our battle of the roller coaster ride of diabetes every day!!!

** Please note - due to Facebook complaining that I am not a legit person - they have shut down my page until further notice (they are like Gestapo agents!! ) - so I'm slightly cut off from the #DOC at the moment that posts there alot.  It is abit difficult since I'm still coming down from the high of being with all of these great diabetics last week.  I perhaps feel like some of the diabetics who could either not afford  to attend, or did not find out about the event until it was too late to register .... like an outsider ....  bu the main thing ... you can find me posting more at Tudiabetes again!!!