Tag Archives: Diabetes

Mexico Recap V.3 – Hoping to Survive to the Next Day

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Part of having diabetes is experiencing low blood sugars. As hard as I try to avoid them, sometimes they sneak up on me when I least expect it; some not so bad, others, bad. The first Sunday we were in Mexico (of course we were on vacation!), I experienced a low blood sugar like I’ve never experienced before-that’s still on my mind. It was by far the worst low blood sugar I’ve had since I was diagnosed 7 1/2 years ago. I was honestly fearful that I would not live to see the light of the next day.

We were walking back to our room from another area of the resort, and my Dexcom alarmed telling me I was low, I thought, that’s funny I sure don’t feel low. I tested and sure enough, I was in the upper 60’s-totally manageable I thought! When I got back to the room, I sat down and treated with Glucolift tablets (YUM). Then I started to sweat profusely and shake. I sat, in a puddle of sweat, and I waited. Then I started to feel really bad. I got up, got the glucagon out of my supply bag, and handed it to Seth, I said, “if things get bad, here’s the glucagon.” I sat back down, trying to harness what was left of any cognitive function to will this horrible feeling away, and then all of a sudden I was reduced to a puddle of tears. I couldn’t take it. It was awful. All that was going through my head was, please, please, let me survive this. Let it be okay. Test, 44, arrow down, re-test, still down, 48. A terrifying eternity. I ate chocolate, I also ate a whole lot more Glucolift tablets. I ate, and ate, and cried, and cried. IMG_5559[1] IMG_5558[1] IMG_5561[1] IMG_5563[1]

I have never in my life cried during a low blood sugar. I sure as hell hope I never do again. I’m so thankful I survived, but the emotional and psychological ramifications of that low are still very present and raw. Hopefully with time they’ll heal.

Mexico Recap V.2 – Progress through Baby Steps

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I can count on two hands the number of times I’ve publicly worn shorts or a short skirt, in my entire life. I’m 33. I’ve always wanted to hide behind fabric because my legs looked and felt different (not knowing then, why).

Once I received my diagnosis of Lipedema (stage 1), I understood better. Not sure what it is about lipedema that scares the living hell out of me, but it does. It’s a fear that is ever present for me, that I work to manage regularly. A cut on my calf – will that turn into cellulitis? Sprained ankle/contusion – how long will it take that deep lump/bruise to heal? Why are my legs covered in bruises and why do I bruise with the slight touch of a finger or a bump into something? Why are my legs so tender and painful? Will the added stress on my vascular system have diabetes implications in the future? Why do my legs feel so “heavy” and “thick” today? Why is the lymphatic buildup so bad right now – my insulin pump sites won’t work.

You get the idea.

I’ve worked really hard to change the way that my legs look and feel, and my mental thoughts. The last few years have been transformative in all areas and some have asked if it’s possible that I’ve put my lipedema into remission (don’t know if that’s an option?). They’ve changed shape, become lean, toned, and I’ve almost mentally arrived. Our trip to Mexico played a huge role in this. For the first time in my life, I wore nothing but shorts and skirts! And I felt completely comfortable in my own skin. For the first time, I thought, “hey! I’ve got real, visible ankles – look at all of my hard work!” Mexico was empowering for me, and it’s been many baby steps to get to this point, but here I am!

First two pics, are after flying/dehydration – they were extra puffy!

Puffiness! 2 Puffiness!

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Guest Post on Joslin Diabetes Center Blog

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Today, I’m honored to have a guest post appear on the Joslin Diabetes Center Blog, about following a Paleo lifestyle living with type 1 diabetes. I still receive a lot of questions, so I hope this touches on some of them.

I’m so grateful for this opportunity to reach a much more broad audience on this topic!

Guest Blog Post: Paleo and Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes Blog Week Day 3 – What Brings me Down

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Our topic for today is What Brings Me Down.  May is Mental Health Month so now seems like a great time to explore the emotional side of living with, or caring for someone with, diabetes. What things can make dealing with diabetes an emotional issue for you and / or your loved one, and how do you cope? (Thanks go out to Scott of Strangely Diabetic for coordinating this topic.)

What brings me down with regard to diabetes? Honestly? Quite a few things, but probably not what most would first think.

One: Diabetes drama in different groups/clubs/networks, etc. It isn’t about what kind of diabetes you have, how you manage it, how involved you are, we all have diabetes, can’t we all just support one another? Why is it a competition? I absolutely hate the finger pointing, the negativity, attacking. Quite frankly, it’s discouraging to me.

Two: I get really fired up, once or twice a year, when I get stuck in the “my disease is a business” mindset. It’s a very unique position to be in when you’re diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 25, are very involved with JDRF (in many capacities), work in the diabetes industry, and try to navigate the intricacies of DoD insurance. I continue to devote time, effort and money to varying organizations that are helping to improve technologies, and ultimately, find a cure. However, diabetes is one of the BIGGEST businesses in this country, and when our society continues to be reactive with regard to health, rather than proactive, I get very discouraged that a cure will be found at any point, because our economy would take a huge hit. Sad, but really, true. Again, this only crosses my mind on occasion and it’s usually short lived, but still. Ugh.

Three: I do not get depressed from the physical aspect of having diabetes. What I do get depressed about, is the mental and psychological aspect that we as individuals with diabetes live with on a non-stop basis, and will for the rest of our lives. Nobody really sees or understands diabetes, a very big portion of the time. It’s carrying that constant burden of such demand that really is just fucking depressing! My numbers, are great. I know how to manage my stress, fine. But my brain? It takes a beating.

Diabetes Blog Week Day 2 – Poetry

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Our topic today is Poetry Tuesday.  This year, Diabetes Blog Week and TuDiabetes are teaming up to bring out the poet in you! Write a poem, rhyme, ballad, haiku, or any other form of poetry about diabetes. After you’ve posted it on your blog, share it on the No Sugar Added® Poetry page on TuDiabetes, and read what others have shared there as well!

I wrote a haiku inspired by a couple traumatic low blood sugars I’ve had – when the air was so heavy I couldn’t breathe, and sat in a puddle of sweat wondering if I’d make it through to the other side:

Confusion sets in.
Air is heavy on my shoulders.
Blood sugar 39.