Drea and her ever trusty CGMS

Good news for Canadian Mac users with Carelink!

2011-09-13T23:47:00.002-03:00

Medtronic Carelink now works on the MAC operating system.....YEAHOOO!!

Airline troubles?

2011-08-19T21:38:00.002-03:00

Has anyone ever had this happen?? This is an interesting article.

From the flight deck: diabetics, watch your insulin

I use small doses of insulin, compared to most people. When I fly, I can count on a decrease in my blood glucose values, I wonder if this is why? I should disconnect next flight and see if my trend continues. I figured it was a psychosomatic reaction to flying, maybe not!?

I see some trial and error in the future.......

I love the fog!

2011-05-27T20:22:00.002-03:00

It has been a solid month of fog......every day....a luxury of living on the ocean, in the month of May. I am ok with the fog, it allows me to hide from the world for a short period of time. I look out the window, I see a grey haze, that is it.
That being said, I feel good.....I had a great run in the Bluenose Marathon the weekend past (Great BGL's the whole race!!!). Last evening we had a monthly gathering of the "diabetes group". Life is good.

I enjoy travelling, and thought it was ok to go through the "full body scanners" at the airports, until I read this article by Medtronic. TSA Screenings Update for People with Diabetes Have a read, could be important information! This won't stop me from venturing......just allows me to be a little more educated along the way.

A blue and green christmas......

2010-12-24T23:31:00.002-04:00

We've been having storm after storm after storm here on the East coast of Canada, resulting in a wet and green christmas. I am ok with the lack of snow, but it really does not feel like Christmas......feels like something is missing......this year, something is missing. Ah well, hold on cause the waves are rolling and the earth is turning....is this a permanent change? I hope not.

Merry Christmas everyone, enjoy this time when life slows down and we can take a few days to rest with family.

Happy no-D day!

2010-10-07T18:39:00.003-03:00

If you get a chance to visit Iceland, DO IT!!

STAR 3 trial clinically validates the Medtronic integrated system

2010-07-14T10:54:00.000-03:00

STAR 3 trial clinically validates the Medtronic integrated system

Jelly Bellys were on sale at Costco......

2010-07-03T15:38:00.002-03:00

Last week, I visited Coscto with my parents. This is where this story starts!

The night before, I had emptied the candy jar that I keep hidden under my bed. It was a nice midnight feast (that I vaguely remember). I recalled this event when we were browsing the isles of Costco, and I saw an extra large bag of "Jelly Belly's" on sale! "ok", I thought to myself "lets try something different.....all sorts of great flavours!"

The large bag of beans came home with me, and filled my midnight candy jar.

Let's fast forward to the other night. I had an excellent "bootcamp" workout, but it left me a tad low around 2am. I reached for the candy jar, knowing I only needed a few of these magic beans. I stuck my hand in the jar, grabbed 6 beans, and started chomping.

For a mere second I thought I was going to gag! What the heck happened?

GROSS. That is all I can say about that. Individually, Jelly Belly's carry unique jelly bean flavours and are quite tasty. Coffee, watermelon, lemon, popcorn, coconut, berry, chocolate.....but when you take 6 incompatible flavours, and throw them in your mouth at the same time, it is not tasty. Resembled barf.....

Rude awakening! Lesson learned!

Eating those tiny jelly beans one at a time, is about the same as trying to eat KD one noodle at a time :)

Just went I thought I knew everything about my pump......

2010-04-27T18:22:00.002-03:00

Late last night, I woke to my pump asking for a calibration. In my haste to get to sleep after work last night, I forgot to test before going to sleep.

After my test, I was scrolling through the pump screens to get to my "daily totals". I don't usually look at this number, but for the past few weeks I have been watching my daily totals (.....just curious). Being dark, I was using the backlight to illuminate the pump screen.

When the screen light timed out, I pressed the button to reactivate the light, but I did not realize that I has missed button, and pressed ACT while I was looking at a daily total.

I looked at the pump, and I had no idea what I was now looking at......what was this breakdown? I had no idea that I could see the breakdown of my daily total by pressing ACT, while on a certain day's total.

I was looking at my %daily total basal versus %daily total bolus, and many other summary features. This was amazing, and I had no idea.

Funny how you think you know something inside and out.....and in the wee hours of the morning, you find yourself under the covers scrolling through daily totals for the past week looking at in depth details......what a neat discovery.....took awhile to fall back asleep!!

Traveling with diabetes is USUALLY easy......

2010-03-19T07:54:00.002-03:00

Back and rested from a great vacation abroad.

I enjoy traveling.....learning about different cultures, people, environments and food.

I always pack my diabetes supplies in my carry on luggage, as the guidelines for airport security request. This trip, I took the time to research the guidelines for the areas I would be traveling, to ensure I had accurate information on the handling of my diabetes supplies. Using an insulin pump requires a lot of "strange" looking items to take through airport security.

My usual routine is to tell the airport security agent that I have diabetes, and I wear an insulin pump. I explain that my medical supplies are in my carry on baggage if they have concern. I have paper documentation from my physician, and documentation from my insulin pump company.

(side note, only once, in New York, was I actually given a hard time about my insulin pump and CGMS. Even the documentation I carried did not help in that situation. It took an hour to work through that process, but it all resolved once they were able to inspect my bags in great detail and swab everything for traces of anything "harmful")

This trip, I learned the appropriate wording in the appropriate language to explain "diabetes", "insulin pump", "medical supplies".....but I was not prepared for what happened.

I flew through airport security in Halifax and in London. No issues.

When I arrived in the Athens airport a few days later, there was a major issue with my insulin syringes and my glucagon. The airport security agents understood when I explained I had diabetes and those were my insulin syringes (I carry 10 syringes in case I have a pump issue and need to return to injections). I explained the glucagon kit was in case of emergency. This information was all understood, but still the airport personal did not know what to do with the "injectables". There was fear that I would attack the crew with my diabetes supplies while in flight.

Being a person with diabetes, I have syringes everywheres. It is not easy to find them all. I have a few in my "bathroom" bag, a few in my purse "emergency kit", along with several in various places in my "diabetes kit". Add to that, my two glucagon kits in two separate places....I began to quickly realize this airport security visit was going to be complicated.

After a long wait while the airport security spoke with their supervisors, along with reps from the airline and even up as far as speaking with the pilot, I was left to travel with no syringes or glucagon. My supplies were taken from me, and sealed in a container in the front of the plane until we arrived at the destination. The whole process was chaotic and confusing to all persons involved.

I asked if I was the first person to ever travel through this airport with insulin dependent diabetes. I understand their reasoning (reference Northwest Airlines Flight 253 / Syringe attack) about crew safety. I had proper documentation and prescription labels, but that did not help in this situation.

My concern: if there is a rule that no "injectables" can be taken on an airline, should there not be a plan in place for people with insulin dependent diabetes, and persons with severe allergies requiring an EPI pen, or any medical condition requiring the use of a syringe to deliver medication. It is not an uncommon issue......and airlines advocate for persons to take all medications in their carry on luggage. Why is this "rule" about injectables not imposed consistently? I have travelled through many airports, and many during this last journey, and only the airlines in Greece gave me any issue (and even then, one airport security agent in one airport in Greece let me go through with my glucagon and said there was no issue with it). The airport security had imposed this new rule, but do not have a consistent plan in place to deal with the situation when it arises.

I am home now, and lost 10 syringes and a glucagon emergency kit. Their process failed me, as I had a chaotic crossover at an airport mid journey and had to switch planes. My parcel of medications did not make this switch.

This is not a deal breaker. I will continue to travel, but will pack all my syringes in 1 bag and place it at the top of my carry on. As I did with my latter flights, when i sit on the plane, I call the flight attendant over and tell them I had a parcel of medications that were taken from me, and I needed to ensure they were on board before departure. I ask the attendant to let me know when they have been places on the plane. When I leave the plane, I exit as usual, and when at the front of the plane I ask for my parcel, and it is returned to me.

This is not a huge hassle using an insulin pump for my insulin, but if I relied syringes all of the time, I would need to call the attendant, and ask for a syringe in order to take my insulin....and even then, would they let you inject in your seat?? I am also not a fan of leaving my personal medication with other persons I do not know or trust. I handed my syringes and glucagon over to a stranger, who walked away with them. Call me strange, but now I do not trust any of those items which left my sight. They are "garbage" to me.

Good information to know. At this point, I only encountered this in Greece and no wheres else in the world. I hope they iron out the process as it was a hassle. I am going to contact the airline and ask they develop a process that can be consistently utilized, and make it publicly known.

Where to start?

2010-02-17T21:05:00.002-04:00

I went to sleep last night at 11pm. There was a slight flurry of snow in the air.......when I woke at 7am, there was 35 cm of snow on the ground. Why do these storms always happen at night when I can not watch the beauty of the DUMP? Last night I could see grass on the lawn, the morning.....a winter wonderland.

When I crawled out of bed, my blood sugar was 4.0mmol/L. That was a good morning blood sugar, but not good enough for snow shoveling. I peered out the bedroom window, at the neighbor in the distance. He has a plow on his truck, and was having trouble getting through the heavy, deep snow.

I knew I needed to "stock the furnace", in the words of my dear mother.

I went to the kitchen, and drank two full glasses of orange juice.

I went to the cupboard, and ate two small granola bars.

I did not bolus at all for the food I ate. It was easily 80 grams of carbohydrates, which would typically be 4 units of novorapid for my ratios.

I bundled up and headed out to shovel the driveway. I did not realize it was so warm outside. It was only -1 Celsius, so it was not long before I started shedding layers. I started at the end of the long driveway, and shoveled for 2.5 hours. I moved mountains of snow. My arms were tired, my back was tired....I was tired.

After I was done, I looked at my pump.....6,3 mmol/L. How's that for carb burning! I lucked out, or shall we say I calculated correctly!?

Let's be honest. I guessed, and won.

I am going to have sore arms tomorrow!!

2009-08-17T08:45:00.003-03:00

The weeee hours of the morning I heard a fly buzz by my ear.....I grabbed the sheet, and threw it over my head. AH HA fly, I will outsmart you.

It is summer in Nova Scotia, and it is toasty warm. It took only a few minutes and I began to cook under the sheet. I needed fresh air, so off went the sheet, and in came the fly.

Dang you fly, why are you bothering me while I try to sleep?

I rolled over, and grabbed my tester. I had turned my sensor off last night before going to bed. The sensor was on day 6 and I knew in the middle of the night it would end and wake me. If I started a "new sensor" it would wake me as well for a calibration. Rather then fooling around with double calibrations before going to bed, I just turned the sensor off for the night.

Soooo, here I am early in the morning with a fly buzzing around my head, starting up my sensor. I tested, and was alarmed at the higher then normal BGL in the morning. Hmmmm, maybe that is why the fly was buzzing me, for my sweet blood.

I searched through the sheets to find my pump. I could not find it. This is not abnormal, it tends to travel while I am dreaming. I usually start at my pump site and follow the tubing ..... this morning, I could not find either. HUH? I stood up, and found my pump in the sheets, disconnected. During the night, my pump pulled right out of my stomach. I have never had this happen!

I remember the day before saying "During these hot days I have to change my pump site more often, I should do that tonight"

I should have listened to myself! Isn't that always the way!!

Halifax's Bluenose Marathon

2009-05-18T12:14:00.006-03:00

May 17th is one of my favorite days of the year in Halifax. This day marks the beginning of spring in my opinion. Haligonians come together for the start of the running season to host and participate in the annual Bluenose Marathon.

I woke yesterday morning to a rainy and cool morning. "GIDDY UP", I said to myself when my alarm went off "LET"S GO GET 'EM!". Off to the races I went....literally!

I met up with my running buddies, and we headed for the race. What a blast! I thank Halifax for the intertia.......keeping all of the runners going through a beautiful race that took us all through many km's of historic streets, through the greenery of the Point Pleasant Park, along the waterfront and dockyards.

I had 3 goals with my race yesterday, and I am happy to say I made them all.

1. First and foremost, make it through the race alive. DONE, that one was easy. My wonderful Medtronic glucose sensor and insulin pump combo allowed me to know at all times where my blood glucose level was at.....I was able to approach each water station and know with confidence if I should drink gatorade or water, if I should take a carbo gel, if I needed a bolus or a stop....... It was such an ease to not have to worry about what my blood sugar was doing during a long race. I could actually focus on my running like all the other racers!

2. Finish in under 2hr30minutes. I ran the half marathon, so that equals 21.1km / 13 miles. I finished in 2hr21 minutes. Not a stellar time, I certainly did not win the race, but I met my goal of under 2hr30 minutes. My time result made me very happy, and later in the summer I will set a goal to shave a few minutes off that time, aim for less then 2hr15minutes!

3. My third, and most important goal, was to finish the half marathon before any of the full marathoners finished their race (How do they run that fast!?!?! They obviously are not short like I am!!!). The lead marathon runner finished in 2hr35minutes.....which is an amazing time (WOW), but still more then my time.

A success! Felt great!

Thanks Halifax!

Giving my carelink username and password?!

2009-03-26T13:55:00.002-03:00

What a dilemma. I have an endo appointment monday morning. This is a good thing - my previous endo moved across the country, and after 14 years in this endo clinic, I had to go back to my GP to re-refereed for a new endo. I have had endo's leave in the past, and my case was always handed over to a new physician. Well, this time was different. My Ha1c was not great, but it was good enough to triage in to a 2+ year wait list to be assigned a new endo........now the wait is over.

I have been emailing back and forth with my education nurse, who thanks to the small number of patients on pumps, she remembers me by name. She said, if I gave her my username and password for carelink, she would print all of the data off for the Dr.

This is very helpful - and I agreed.....but now I sit and think about how my views of my diabetes control have changed over the years, especially over the past years since I ventured in to "adulthood". Take this scenario when I was 15 years old, and I would have been hiding all of the bad readings in order to avoid the "lectures". Now, I am laying it all out there.

There is a part of the health care system that is steering away from the "lecture" technique to encourage proper diabetes care....and allowing persons to step back and accept that their control may not be perfect, but small changes and small steps will make a big difference. Maybe adding a bit of realism?

I do feel vulnerable allowing people in to my secret diabetes world. All of the data that is secretly stored in my pump will be examined and critiqued by my diabetes health team......my goodness I don't even like people to see my meter screen when I test!

This is my first appointment with no carelink limitations. Last time, I took in the printouts I wanted the Dr to see. This time........

Cozmo exits the pump scene

2009-03-25T23:06:00.000-03:00

Yahoo Canada News

I'm watching the snow blow horizontally across the beach....

2009-01-18T19:25:00.004-04:00

Over the holidays, I was up in Ontario visiting family.

I flew out of Halifax, during the January 1st winter storm. We were experiencing an extreme blizzard, and the flight I was scheduled on was cancelled........and re-cancelled......cancelled again......and again......and then after multiple stand-by flights, I did made it to Ontario.

No surprise, but during this process, my luggage was lost.

Thankfully, I had my life packed in my carry on .... with the exception of clothes for the week. Easy enough.

I spent the week in Ontario with no luggage. No winter clothes, no gifts for the people I was going to visit (I am going to rewrap them in Easter wrapping paper!!), but still had a WONDERFUL time.

I received my bag back, a week later, on the day I was returning to Halifax.

When I arrived at the check-in terminal at the airport, with my bag, I was asked "Has this bag been in your possession the entire time?".

I looked at the agent who was waiting to take my bag, and I said "Well actually no. It has not been".

She stopped, and looked at me, waiting further explanation.

"Well??", she said, "where has it been that it was out of your possession? We need to know for security purposes"

"Funny that", I said, "the bag has been with Air Canada for the past seven days. I just received it back. For once, I can not answer yes to this question"

I asked if she wanted to take a look in the bag. She seemed unimpressed, said no, and the bag was checked through.

Funny that..............

Almost to the new year.....so close.....

2008-12-28T20:35:00.003-04:00

2009 is almost days away, which means I need to compile my "to do" list for the year......

Places I want to go, people I want to see, things I want to do.....stay tuned :)

The list-making queen is at work!

Brrrr that was fast....

2008-12-17T19:17:00.003-04:00

I have no doubt that Purolator is FAST, in terms of their $hipping. I also have no doubt that Medtronic is fast with their order processing. Combine these two and you result in top notch customer service. I have never been let down by either.

Something changed recently, with the shipping process for the Medtronic glucose sensors. I was not aware .... hence this posting.

I enjoy ordering online, rather then speaking in person to someone in a call centre. No offense to the actual human interactions, but I enjoy the simplicity of the "click and ship" process. No dialing, no voice prompted menus, no waiting!

I booted up the Medtronic website the other night to order my glucose sensors. I have been without sensors for awhile now, but made the realization these little gems are the key to my diabetes control. I dusted off the credit card, and ... click click click, they were on their way.

I went on to the Medtronic website the next day to track my order. Another technological advance we have all grown to love, the ability to track every move our parcels make along the way. "oh look, the truck just hit a bump outside of Montreal. Oh look, the driver has stopped for a pee". Play by play, 24 hours a day.

When I checked the status of the order 24 hours after it was placed, I saw no update. "Ok, no problem, likely a Christmas delay. I am sure Glucose Sensors are a hot item on everyone's Christmas Wish list......what, no?". The next day, I was off to work. I started my work day at noon, and worked through until midnight. I was very tired when I pulled in to the driveway ..... put out the garbage, and then crawled in to bed.

Before closing my eyes, I pulled out the laptop to check the status of my Northern Vagabond. I saw my web browser still open to the Medtronic tracking page, so I clicked refresh to see the play by play updates! I was taken back when I read the following line "Item delivered to residence at 13:25".

"WHAT?". No one was here.....I saw not box on the kitchen table....no sticky on the door....what does this mean?

I jumped out of bed, ran down the stairs an opened the front door.

There is front of me, on the front steps, was a very chilly box from Medtronic. Sitting on the front door step like a dog waiting to come in the house.

I looked at the clock, 02:15. I looked at the thermometer, -10 degrees.

My box of 4 glucose sensors, that cost $220.00, sat on the front steps of my house, for over 13 hours at sub zero temperatures. I had to literally scrape the ice off the box to open and inspect the contents.

I called to Medtronic in the morning, to see why this happened. Typically I have to sign for the parcel, to keep it safe. It seems enough people complained about missing their deliveries that Medtronic took away the need for a signature on arrival. Wow, the internet site did not mention this during the ordering process!

Medtronic states they have tested and can confirm the sensors are good to -20. I am not comfortable that my sensors spent over 13 hours in the subzero temperatures. I asked the rep at Medtronic if I could store them in the freezer from now on (yes, I was a LITTLE sarcastic). I was advised the sensors do not even need to be refrigerated anymore. I had heard this rumor, but I have also heard the fragility of the chemical compounds on the sensor itself. I have heard the sensors are sensitive to "movement", and now I wonder how extreme temperature fluctuations would affect these sensor chemicals.

The sensors are sitting in my closet now, at a toasty 20 degree temperature.

We will see how these sensors will pan out. I will start one up in the morning and get back online. I know for next time to expect Purolator to drop the parcel anywhere and anytime. I do have the ability to request a signature on the parcel when ordering, to avoid this from happening. If I had not checked that webpage in the wee hours, I can guarantee those sensors would still be on my front door step. I only check those steps on Saturday and Sunday.....when the weekend newspapers arrive! By tonight, they would have been under a foot of freshly fallen snow.

Well, truth be told, I am very happy to have my little friends back. Merry Christmas to me!

Still Running.....bundle up!

2008-12-05T09:07:00.004-04:00

Winter came to Nova Scotia, for a short period. We had 2+ feet of snow. We shoveled driveways, slid in our cars on the road, waited in line up to get snow tires and sat by roaring wood fires.

Less then a week later, we were back to 10 degree temperatures, wading through the slush and now back to seeing the grass on the lawns and the leaves waiting to be raked. What a climate we have....

This year I am determined to keep running outside during the winter. Typically I transition to the treadmill, and start up again in the spring. Running inside is not even close to "the real thing" for myself.....so I have enlisted the help of my running buddy Wyatt to keep me on the roads. We headed out in -7 degree temperature for a 9km run around the city, and that went well. I slid a few times, but nothing major. Last weekend, I participated in a 10km road race around the city, and that went well.....so far, I should be ok.

I am learning I tend to overdress, as I watch other runners in shorts and t'shirts, while I am wearing lined leggings, two shirts, mittens and a hat....and wondering why I am so HOT at the end of the run! This will come with time and more sub zero experience.

On the good side - the cold temperatures will keep me running, that is for sure. I would not want my pump to freeze, so I keep it close to my skin....so as long as I am warm, it is warm. I stop running and cool down, it could freeze....so keep those feet moving girl! Not a problem today, as we sit at 4.2 degrees and rain. The cold temperatures have gone away for awhile....but I know they will return!

Snow Help Needed...

2008-11-23T12:52:00.002-04:00

Anyone willing to get the newspaper for me?

.....never far.......

2008-11-15T20:07:00.002-04:00

When you have diabetes, you get used to the "quirks" that are part of your daily life. It is not until someone from the "outside" world looks in, and questions, that you notice things just may not be normal.

Little things I do not notice anymore. The test strips on the floor of the car, in every backpack I own. Stashes of sugar in jacket pockets, parcels of infusion sets and AAA batteries in my house, my car, my workplace, my garage, my friends' houses....where people would have nail-polish and makeup in their bathroom cupboards, I have lancets and alcohol swabs. This is my normal.

I realized the humor when my parents were over the weekend. I was talking to my mother in my bedroom, and she looked under the head of me bed. She was confused, and could not figure out what she was looking at. To me, it was easy.....a jar of jelly beans. She said "why do you have a jar of jelly beans under your bed???". I was amazed at the question. Why does this seem strange? The pure simplicity of treating a low without having to get out of bed! No stumbling down the stairs.....no fumbling for food....and best of all, it keeps me from eating the entire box of cereal at 3am :)

Those jelly beans are rarely visited, and often end up stale and hard as little stones, but they are my normal. It is interesting to see my world through someone elses eyes.....

2008-11-14T00:53:00.002-04:00

Scott - the leaves of Nova Scotia.......but not for long!!

Fall Colors

2008-11-13T09:26:00.002-04:00

Well fall is going to be over soon. I am seeing the evidence of winter slowly approaching. I had a great fall - travels all over North America, many great hikes and walks on the beach.....drives to see the colors....the only task left is to rake the leaves in the yard! Any takers? I love the yard full of maple trees........the one downfall (no pun intended!)

My mother asked me what I wanted to Christmas. That was the real indication winter was near......she laughed when I told her "Glucose sensors". I am 100% true with that request. Anyone without medical coverage for their sensors would agree that sensors would be the ultimate Christmas gift. It is hard to squeeze them in to the budget, but worth every penny......

Happy world diabetes day tomorrow ..........

Twin Cities Marathon Weekend! Medtronic Global Heros....

2008-10-05T19:46:00.005-03:00

What an amazing experience.....what more can I say.

I encourage anyone who thought they would never be able to run long distances, but can now, thanks to any Medtronic development......apply for the Global Heros program.

I can easily say, this weekend was one I will never forget, and I am extremely appreciative for this experience.

24 people from around the world came together this weekend in St. Paul, MN, to run the Twin Cities Marathon. I was one of these 24 people, hailing from Nova Scotia Canada. There were people from Denmark, the UK, Finland, and all over the United States. Each person brought a different story of how Medtronic allowed them to run distances, that they were not able to run prior in their life. Most of us were told we would never be able to run a marathon.....some of the people were wheelchair bound before their Medtronic intervention, some people were in cardiac arrest.....everyone has a unique story.

I was there with my Medtronic Insulin Pump, and my Continuous Glucose Sensing system. It was amazing to hear the stories from the other people....to hear what people had gone through to get to the point they are now. Inspiring...

We were treated with the utmost of respect by Medtronic. It was great to see the scientists behind the scenes in the research facility, the faces and friendly handshakes to go with the names we read about, see an overall picture of the many facets that make up Medtronic, and experience the high level of organization and perfectionism within this company.

Early next year, the applications will open for the 2009 Medtronic Global Heros. If you benefit from a Medtronic device, and you run....please do apply! I hope to have pictures to follow soon.....

....and to top it off, an amazing meeting with Scott! Thanks for meeting me for coffee, was great to meet you face to face! Cheers!

Thunder!!!

2008-08-31T15:08:00.006-03:00

I am sitting, looking out over the ocean, listening to what has turned out to be one of the loudest and most vibrant thunder storms of the year. It sounds like the bedrock is moving underneath the earth. I can only imagine what a person would think during an earthquake! I can feel the rumble of the thunder through my bones, and can see the house moving...i am thankful to be inside, looking out.....even the birds have retreated to the safety of the spruce trees in the back yard. Their little yellow bodies don't stand a chance against the pounding hail. Is this really the way summer is leaving?

Tomorrow is September 1st. I will be phasing out the sandles....and welcoming in fall. Certainly my favorite time of year. I weathered summer, tried new things, save new places....travelled throughout the Maritimes by foot, car, motorcycle, bicycle, truck..... This fall I am gearing up for camping, hiking, traveling to places I have never been, trying things I have never tried.....I have high hopes and tickets booked :)

Incidentally enough, my Minilink is still up and running. I have been reading more and more these days where people are starting to see their Minilinks reach the end of their precious lives. It has been over a year since Medtronic has had something "new" to offer it's loyal customers. I feel we need something new, something for us pumpers to focus on and marvel over. The Minilink is great technology (even though the insurance coverage does not exist for most people....) but it is time for an upgrade!? New features? I can only change my pump skin so many times....I need something new!!

Keep Running!!

2008-08-16T21:44:00.002-03:00

Well, tonight ... I found out an easy to keep running....to keep the feet moving quickly, when out for a training run.

Tonight was a 10km run. I started out well, good form and speed. The run felt good.

About 8km in to the run, I felt my sugars dropping. I walked, at a few candies...and knew I was fine to keep running. My mind just wanted to walk. Such a nice evening walking along the oceanside. No traffic, no people....flat road....until I looked behind me, and saw a huge cloud of mosquitos!! There must have been about 20 on my back, and a cloud quickly forming behind me! Yup....there is my sure fire way to keep on running!!

Seems it has been rather damp lately, lots of rain in Nova Scotia! Those little buggers got me home in record time!

Waiting....

2008-06-23T14:42:00.002-03:00

I should be ok with waiting....or should I?

I had blood taken on Wednesday. A lot of blood.....more then I think was necessary, but only because it made me squeamish! This is highly ironic, as I work in the health care field, and have seen enough blood and gore to desensitize a whole health care team....but watching those small vials, pulsate full with my bright red blood, still brings me down!!

Either way, it will take a week for those results to make it to my doctors desk....but I know, right now, the results are known....just not to me.....ohhhhh the suspense!!

It is not a major issue.....inconvenient, but not major (everything is relevant....!!!). No more gluten? Sure....it can't be that hard (sarcastic) It all started with those famed words "we found some abnormalities in your blood work". I joked and said "My HbA1c out of normal range? I may have diabetes".....sigh, no laughter in return. Come on Doc, I attempt to lighten the mood with a joke!

2 more days, hopefully.....I will do as usual, and keep busy!!

Exhausting!

2008-06-16T00:48:00.003-03:00

To be quite honest, life has been exhausting over the past while. It seems every little task requires such effort and thought! I am in a phase of change, looking for a safe place to fall and exist, and feel at home....it is truly Drea, against the world. The familiarity of this simplistic safety......but at the same time crunching down HARD with my diabetes control. I had sub-optimal lab results last week. Initially it was frustrating, and I did dwell a few days....but I talked it over in my mind, gave the 'ol internal slap, and got it back on track. That stint was a short lived diabetes vacation....well not really a true diabetes vacation, I simply allowed other factors (grrrrr) in my life to cloud my own self care! Not a positive choice! Lesson learned.....I knew better. What was I thinking?

Waterproof case - for my dear pump!

2008-06-05T19:44:00.002-03:00

Well my search is on for a waterproof case for my pump.....as i spoke about earlier. I am geared up for the summer water season, but also want to be able to use my CGMS! I have a habit of ignoring my Blood Sugars when I am out for a day in the boat, and often end up "High as a kite"! This year....I will avoid that....it is my mission.....but in order to do this, the perfect waterproof case is my goal!

I found a flyer from last year, from Medtronic, introducing the Medtronic Seal. I was rather excited when I read about this...and watched the website for a year awaiting the arrival of this great looking creating! I waited....and waited.....and waited. A few weeks ago, I called Minimed, to ask about this case. No one had any idea.....so I am not counting on this case in 2008!

Onwards to the web. I was given a website for the Aquapak (thanks Dave) case. This looks like it may be the best bet.....but I wish I could see it in person before buying!!

I have the Medtronic waterproof case now. I bought it last week off the website. The rep at Minimed advised it would fit my 522......so I purchased, and awaited its arrival. I have a guarantee from Minimed, that this case will be waterproof for my paradigm pump. Not bad.....but bulky. It will work, but my quest is not stopping here. I want smaller, and easier to use!!!

The search continues!!

...Beep Beep Beep...........

2008-06-04T22:32:00.002-03:00

As a pumper, I am in tune to all the sounds my pump makes......this is often tricky at work. My daily sidekick also wears a pump which has the same beep beep beep as mine!!

Tonight, we had a meeting after work. I was in the middle of a presentation, when I heard my coworkers pump alarming. You see, I felt smart having my pump on vibrate, that beeping sound would not interrupt me!

The pump alarmed again....I looked at my fellow pumper, and he was smirking. I whispered said "your plastic pancreas is calling you!"

He shook his head no.

I said "Yeah it is, I can hear it!!"

He smiled, and shook his head again.

Ohh noooo way....sure enough, it was me. I did not feel the vibrations!

I pulled my pump out, just enough to see the screen, cleared the alarm and stuck the pump back in its hiding place...thinking no one would see. I heard a few snickers from those who saw the entire event unfold.....especially from a co-worker on the other side of the room who has a girlfriend on a pump....

Ahh a quirky pump moment for those who understand!!

DMV Medical....yet again

2008-05-29T19:10:00.002-03:00

Being a paramedic in Nova Scotia, I am required to have and maintain a class 4 drivers license. This is not an issue for most people, but the government is very particular about people with any sort of medical abnormalities.

Anything cardiac, neurological, metabolic, physiological etc requires advanced medical forms. You can only imagine having type 1 diabetes, especially for the number of years I have, the number of forms I have to fill out every two years to maintain the right to drive!

I came home yesterday to find the letter, from DMV, full of forms for various doctors to fill out. A form for my opthamologist, one for my GP and one for the endo.....after yet another round of blood work. I understand why they are asking for this information. I have been to wayyyy too many car accidents caused by many different medical conditions, but it is still a pain in my BUTT to chase after doctors, spend my money, every two years for the same medical form. Even though our provincial health coverage does cover the cost of the Dr visit, I still have to pay the doctor $$ for the form, as it is not considered a necessity!! OK rant over.....

A beautiful, sunny day in Nova Scotia today. I went for a 10km run in the sun.......and tonight I am heading to see Sara Slean on concert....so a good day all around!!

Enjoying the new Contour Link Meter!

2008-05-28T22:29:00.003-03:00

When I hear Medtronic was pairing up with Bayer, I assumed it would based on the new Contour meter. With this in mind, I started using the Bayer Contour a year ago....in hope....and sure enough, last month the Contour Link was released.

I was never a huge fan of the old BD Link meter. I found it clunky, and ugly. I know those are petty reasons, but seeing and handling the same ugly clunky meter many times a day, every day, grows old.

Now my new contour meter, with its matching skin to the pump, is a part of my daily life. The case is a little more user friendly with the meter angled at 90 degrees to the old case. I like that......but the lancet device is terrible. I have also disliked the microlet device, but continue to use it due to its small size! What a dilemma :)

I am prepping for kayak season, and an upcoming day of canoe races. I purchased Medtronic's waterproof pump case. It looks like the pump case from the 500 series (507/508) - and the website states it does not work with the paradigm. I spoke with a customer rep on the helpline, who assured me this waterproof case had been altered to fit the 522 pump, but the website had not been updated. It looks the same as the old waterproof case......and has the same old web description....it will be interesting to see how it works. There were a lot of different case options on the market that looked smaller and easier to use, but I like the guarantee this case carries! If water gets in and harms the pump, Medtronic covers! I'll let you know how it goes! I may do a test run in the bathtub!!

On a softer note, I am craving some peace and relaxation.......so the idea of going out on the water is appealing.......

Training!

2008-05-08T00:34:00.002-03:00

My brother does not ask for much.....but as he has been listening to my plans for training for the Medtronic Marathon in October...he has asked that I blog this adventure! I do not think he realizes I already blog, but I am going to add in training information just for him :) Here you go bro!

I find when I run, and my blood sugar is higher then normal (tisk tisk, not good....I know.....but I really wanted to get out and run!!!) the run feels long and tiring. I feel like I am fighting to keep going! Thankfully this does not happen often, but what a difference a good blood sugar makes when going out for a run!

6km run this morning, in the beautiful sunshine! I wish all days could be this nice!!

.......

2008-04-27T11:23:00.000-03:00

Medtronic Global Hero?

2008-04-27T11:02:00.002-03:00

I was very surprised the other day to receive an email from Medtronic, offering me a spot as a Medtronic Global Hero! They would like to send me to Minneapolis to run a marathon. I did not even think twice about this adventure, and said YES INDEED! I did apply a few months back, but with most applications I submit, I did not expect to hear back. My philosophy is to apply, and decide if or when I am called. Maybe I am just trying to avoid disappointment that way :)

Either way, I was pleasantly surprised .... after that....a little anxiety and panic, but now I am continuing my training and ready to go!

I was out for a lovely hike yesterday. It was a cool day, with overcast skys. I headed out to the coast and hiked the Duncans Cover trail. This is a very beautiful trail, with wartime ruins along the coast. These were watch out shelters during the war. Now, they are refugee shelters for hikers, and open canvas for creative graffiti artists.

Grumble Grumble

2008-04-04T00:34:00.002-03:00

Oh who's idea was it to share this gastrointestinal bug?

Don't listen to your mother, it is not nice to share!

Here is a neat little link for all those awaiting the arrival of their new contour meters.....check out the Ascensia website where they are giving out matching meter and pump skin combos!

I am so easily swayed .....

CONTOUR LINK

2008-03-20T14:03:00.004-03:00

A letter from Medtronic was waiting for me when I arrived home today.

Seems Bayer and Medtronic have joined forces, and created the "Contour Link, Wireless Blood Glucose Monitoring System". It looks like a Contour, but has the Medtronic symbol on the face of the meter.

Bayer has had this on their website for quite some time SEE HERE, but that article was released in Amsterdam. I have been watching the Canadian site for both Bayer and Medtronic, with no mention of this new meter.

Either way, this is great news as I have been using the Contour meter for a year now and did not want to have to buy new strips! Medtronic will be mailing these meters out in the next few weeks.....just when I had said I had not heard anything from Medtronic in quite some time. They must have heard me talking!

I do not use the wireless feature on the meter. I find if I do, it causes too many calibrations for my glucose sensor!! I do not test that often when I have the sensor up and running, but once I notice the sensor "lagging", I tend to test a few times a day to make sure the sensor is still online with my values! I found when I first started using the sensor, the frequent calibrations during fluctuations caused calibration errors!! I am ready for the BD Link meter to be gone from my meter collection. The meter I have is old and clunky, and I am in need of this change! I am eager to see what features this meter will have.....

This news on the Contour meter is a nice surprise on this rainy and icy day in Nova Scotia!

BRRR Winter is COLD!

2008-03-16T10:15:00.002-03:00

We have been spoiled this year in Nova Scotia. Winter has been a bit of a breeze (no pun intended!). We have had spring like temperatures most of the time....but yesterday reminded us that mother nature is still in control, and it is indeed still mid March. We has a good 'ol Atlantic Canada storm. I am now sitting down to a cup of coffee before I head out to shovel the driveway!

Does anyone else find we are in a "hurry up and wait" phase? I am waiting on two big tickets items.

1. Clinical guidelines for Medtronic's CGMS, so that my insurance company will consider coverage. It is getting hard to afford the $50 a week I am averaging. I was told "fall 2007", but am yet to see....I will continue to wait.

2. Medtronic's new meter!? Does anyone know what the delay is for this new creature heading our way? This is more a curiosity!! '

Hmmm there has been a bit of a lull in the Medtronic pump world....wonder what they are working on now!?

I'm off to shovel show! Take care!

Various Rambles...

2008-02-27T07:27:00.001-04:00

Well I gave several of the Sure'T's to Jenn to try.....seems she likes them! They are a good set, and very under-utilized I feel! Even though I do say this, I have not used a Sure-T since my last post. I have found my body sensitive over the past month. I reacted poorly to several Sure-T's, and even to a few of my glucose sensors.....so I am trying to give my body a little rest to heal!!

This is what Jenn said about the Sure-T sets

1. You can sort of pry up the clear plastic on top of the adhesive and use it as a "handle" while you are inserting. Sort of neat.

2. The silhouette connectory bit's adhesive pad is just *slightly larger* than the site's adhesive pad. I just turned the extra tubing coming from the site around the actual site, and then stuck the silhouette connector adhesive pad right on top of it, so the actual site is hidden. Also sort of neat! :-) It seems much more managable that way.

I agree 100% with both these points...and two reason I like these sets. I wish the tubing was longer - so I have been known to take one of my silhouette sets and use that tubing. Rather wasteful, but in the right situation it works!!

Ahhh I am still waiting for my insurance company to get on line and offer coverage for the glucose sensors! It is getting rather expensive.......so I find I am not using them all of the time. I will be the first to admit my glucose control is much better with the sensors.....so maybe it is time to rethink the household budget and find more money :) Ahhhhh maybe the fight with the insurance company would be easier!!

.............

Sure-T Saga......

2008-01-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

I was in love with the Sure-T infusion sets....but have they turned on me?

The past 4 sets have been painful and resulted in bruising! Not a small bruise, but an ugly bruise with all the typical bruise-rainbow-colors, and the size of 2 quarters. What!!?!?!?! My faithful Sure-T sets, why are they doing this to me?

Maybe I am inserting differently? One set was on the side of my thigh, the other was on my stomach. Both areas that are well accustomed to the Sure-T. This is very strange! I am not willing to give up on these sets, I enjoy that they do not leave a mark on my skin....well they didn't, until now!

I will keep you all posted about this strange occurrence!

The Real Test.....

2008-01-28T12:23:00.000-04:00

2008 has started out as an excellent year! My mind is blown away.....and it is only 27 days in to this life-altering year of the frog!

I am surrounded by very positive kindred spirits, who are encouraging and nurturing my mind, body and soul. I took a large leap and stepped out of my comfort zone at my workplace, and accepted a promotion. This ascension within my work company has caused me to think long and hard about my life's 5 year plan. Funny that, I never had a firm 5 year plan.....I merely floated day by day, week by week (but I did enjoy myself....!!!).....now I find myself actually thinking about where I want to be. Not in general terms, but serious "life" thoughts! Maybe this is a good push out of my rut. Who is it that says "Don't confuse the horizon with the edge of the rut you are stuck in" ....... !? I will admit, it is nerve racking to take on new challenges! Reminds a person they are alive.......

Now my real test. Can I maintain my health through all of these changes? I worked very hard over the past 6 months to obtain a certain level of health. My mind feels healthy. My body feels healthy....I must maintain!

On a good note....my new job means NO NIGHTS! Can you believe that! 8+ years of shift work, working nights.....and now, the latest I will typically work is midnight. THAT is going to be good for my body!!

Diabetes visibility

2008-01-15T20:10:00.000-04:00

I do not hide the fact that I have diabetes. Yes I did deny it for MANY years, but I do not hide it.

I will not meet a person and say "Hello, I am a person with diabetes". You have to meet me first.....meet who I am, what I am about....and along that journey my pump will fall into visual sight, or I will check my blood sugar, treat a low, twirl my tubing with my fingers....and that generally is the sign that I am ok to let you know.

I am not ashamed of having diabetes....why would I be? It was not my choice 23 years ago, and it was not my fault.....but for some reason I want people to meet me first, before they meet my diabetes.

BUT, ever since my life's journey included my amazing insulin pump, I find my diabetes is less visible to the public eye, and less visible in my daily thoughts. I am more vocal about my diabetes, but in turn my diabetes has become less visible.

When I started using the continuous glucose sensor system, the visibility of my diabetes reduced even further, to the point that I realize the people closest to me in my life are rarely aware of my diabetes (except for when the good 'ol pump pops out to say hello!). I calibrate twice a day, and that is usually when I wake and when I go to sleep. I eat generally what I want when I want (thank you carb counting)....have random meal times, a sporadic lifestyle......

Is my life......wait for it........normal!? Could it be? All of these years hating the word normal, as I felt it defined my life into a feeling of being wrong. Of course I know my life now is not normal, I have a pump hanging on for dear life 24/7, but being a person with diabetes......the mere fact that people around me forget I have diabetes is an amazing feeling. They are not thinking of me in terms of my disease.

They are thinking of me as a person first.......oh yeah, and a touch of diabetes :)

2008 thus far.....

2008-01-05T10:19:00.001-04:00

Well, we are officially 5 days into 2008, and I am enjoying the year! My favorite year thus far.....but I am also a person who lives for the present, so why wouldn't this be the best thus far!?

There are a lot of changes going on in my life these days, but for the first time that I can remember, the swirling world around me does not even phase my mind. Maybe I feel control over my own chaos, that the changes around me are all part of the journey, and I am accepting......quite a nice feeling. Other then this cold that decided to visit, I am starting 2008 with a healthy mind and a healthy body. I really think it is going to be a good year.......

Now diabetes.....I have stopped using the BD link meter. I stopped buying the strips when Medtronic made their announcement that they would no longer be using that product. I finished up the last of the strips, and am now using the Bayer Contour. Being in Canada, I was not involved in the strip recall, but it certainly caught my attention in the news.

I'm still using the Minimed Sure-T sets as well. I enjoy how they do not irritate my skin, and do not leave a mark when they are removed. I wish they had longer tubing options! I know they were created for children, but I know quite a few adults who are using them! Anyone know the best venue to have suggestions heard by Medtronic? I would love to see a feedback section on their website to allow users to make suggestions!! We all have so many, it would be nice to have them heard!!

I have a gym buddy!

2007-12-29T18:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I had tea with a good friend. This is not uncommon, but yesterday I went to the gym before our tea-meet. This is out of the ordinary, but I had time and was craving the clarity after a demanding run.

She arrived, and we started right in with the chatting! She noticed my gym bag, patiently waiting for me by my chair.

She curiously said "Is that a gym bag? Did you just go to the gym?"

"Why yes I did....." I answered. "You should have come with me!"

***DING, the light bulb illuminated**

Instantly, we both looked at each other and said "Lets be gym buddies!"

I have never had a gym buddy before, this is a whole new world!

Typically the gym is somewheres I go to "zone-out" and sort through thoughts in my head, and listen to music (if I ever went to the gym and my ipod was not working, I would turn around and leave.....no question!). It is a game for the mind as I push myself further then I think I could....

I think I am ready to spice it up with a gym buddy! Exciting!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

2007-12-25T12:18:00.001-04:00

In the rush of the whole season, I forgot to do a site change before the holidays! I had to leave work yesterday on my lunch break to make sure I had enough juice for the Christmas day feasts! (plural, as my family is having a dinner and then there will be a second at work tonight....and they expect me to stay awake during my night shift!!!!)

I am still using the Minimed Sure-T (metal set). Yesterday I decided to use my lower right stomach area...I have never put a metal set in that area. I was in a hurry, and did not think through my process well enough. I put the set in a lean area, not a lot of cushion between the set....and well, the internal workings of me! Several times over the past 24 hours, I have had painful pinches.....I am assuming the metal set pushing where it should not! I am going to have to pull the set when I am home later today....I fear I would not be able to sleep on my stomach :) My first such experience with a metal set, I have learned to use the teflon sets in areas that do not have a layer of.....cushioning......

This certainly does not turn me against the metal sets, they are still by far my favorite (lovely no tic tac toe scars...although I was trying to spell my name....) just a lesson learned!

Happy Holidays one and all! Be Safe!

Cheers

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-22T03:12:00.000-04:00

The joy of the holidays is here!!

Merry Christmas to one and all.

I will be enjoying the festivities from work (sigh). Don't feel bad, I am there so those with kids can be home celebrating. I think of it as having Christmas with my work family!

Have to love the glucose sensors over the holidays (well for that matter love it all the time!). I was at a party last night and there was a HUGE table of food. You would think that I pigged out, but I was not able, too busy chatting!! I guess that worked to my favor. I will remember to add that as a tip next year for people....don't eat, just keep talking! I could make millions selling that holiday waist line saver!

There has not been any big news or breakthroughs from Medtronic for quite awhile now. I think since the release of the Minilink in August. If I had to predict, I don't think we will hear too much until the new meter is introduced in 2008.....but I think everyone would agree we are up for an upgrade soon!

On my, I almost forgot to share my scarry pump experience last night! At the party (Thanks Gary for the great party!), I looked down to check my sugar reading. I felt all smart to have the pump totally out of view as I was dolled up for the party! I reached (like a lady) into the waist of my leotards to check...and the pump face was blank! Ohhh my heart sank....I gave my party-hosts a quick hug, and took off homewards. That was a long drive home, as I tried and tried to wake the pump up. NOTHING! This was really strange....and might I add, not fun. Before I was going to pick up the phone to call the hotline, I decided to try a new battery. FEUF, that worked and the pump came back to life and was chugging away like nothing ever happened.

What the heck happened? I was sitting strong at 2 battery lines before this all happened? I may have knocked it around, but that is normal for the pump and it's daily adventure. I can not explain why this happened, and I know Medtronic will not be able to explain why this happened.....so I will be getting a new pump for Christmas! Should I wrap it under the tree? Maybe the delivery person will be dressed up like Santa! What a strange occurrence, but what a great sigh of relief when it came back to life......

Merry Christmas to one and all! Happy Holidays!! Stay warm!

Winter Storm!

2007-12-16T21:26:00.000-04:00

Well we had our first winter storm.......and a good storm it was (well is, I am sitting watching the snow fall HARD!!!)....alas winter came with a vengeance earlier then all of the past years! Last year at this time it was fall temperatures....now we are buried in snow! snow! snow!

I love bundling up...lots of layers. It makes me feel cozy!
Going out for walks....feeling the crisp cold on my face. Refreshing!
Crawling into a crisp bed at night and piling on the layers of cozy quits. Warm!
Listening to the wind howl outside. Awakening!
Warm coffee by the fire. Delicious!
Curling up in a blanket with a good book. Comfort!
Sliding down snowy hills. Laughter!

Take in the beauty of winter....and keep your pumps warm :) I keep my pump close to my body to help it from getting cold! The opposite of summer, my poor pump gets confused!

Peace!

2007-12-10T07:14:00.001-04:00

I have been making great strides towards my goal of inner peace. Will I ever reach this point? Likely not, but every step I take provides more comfort within my life.

It feels good. It feels refreshing!

Peace of mind is associated with happiness. This is not to say my past was miserable, rather the peace of mind I needed was not obtainable due to factors outside of my control.

I took each of these factors and did one of two actions. I either eliminated the factor, or obtained control over the factor. This was a time consuming process.I would honestly say it was about 6 months ago I reached a low point knowing I needed changes......

The other night I was out for dinner with my friend Jenn. I felt excited for the future....Wow, what a feeling. There are moments like these in my life that I will never forget. That moment, sitting with Jenn and talking, I will never forget the inner light.

I felt peace!

Last day of November...and I almost forgot!

2007-11-30T19:52:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot to post! I am getting ready to head out with a friend and realized YIKES! I won't be home until December!! WOOOA, that was close!!

Running

2007-11-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

As usual, after work today I went to the gym.

My co-workers think I am nuts. Working a strenuous 12 hours shift and then going to the gym.

Tonight my sugar was at 9.9 mmol/L before starting.

I completed about 25 minutes of weights. No change in the sugar.....

I did a hard 30 minutes on the EFX.....no change in the sugar......

I went for a 20 minute run and my sugar could hang on no longer.....

........I dropped down to 5.1 ..........PERFECT!

....and stayed there......

Affirmation of good health......

2007-11-28T19:16:00.001-04:00

Today was a very positive day in terms of my health, and the changes I have made over the past few months!

YIPPIE!

Ohhh I bet you want details!! Please do read on!

I was in to see my dietitian this morning. Always a little bit of stress as I allow that silly number on the scale dictate my success. I tell myself my evaluation of my success should be HOW I feel, but every time I allow my success to be gauged by the digits that stare back at me. I feel good, there is no doubt about that, and every visit I see positive changes.

Excellent!

Later today I went to my doctor, to see how the blood numbers faired out! My doctor greeted me with a smile (and a blood pressure cuff). Pressure PREFECT. Cholesterol PERFECT. HA1C Not too bad....better then before and WITHIN THE RANGE!!!!

A-OK!!

I topped off my day with a visit to my personal trainer, Devin, who gave me an excellent butt-kicking. Great end to the day!

Refreshing!

The power of touch

2007-11-27T20:53:00.000-04:00

My body loves that I visit my massage therapist twice a month. My muscles and joints feel better! Ahhhhhhh yes......

More importantly, my mind feels better. I really like the connection with my massage therapist. I have been seeing her for the past 7 or so years I think. She has seen me through good times, and bad times. Through good health, and through bad health. I call my massage session "therapy for the mind and body".

She is an unbias outlook on every situation in my life, and I value her opinion. She has the ability to reach deep into my muscles and deep into my mind leaving a clarity when I walk out of her office....

This is one of the most proactive health choices I have ever made.

Letting the Sensor Sit.....

2007-11-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

I just inserted a fresh new sensor.....and here I sit with the introducer kneedle still inside....waiting to avoid a bleeder!

This is my routine. I insert, and then wait. I charge my transmitter. When the transmitter is done charging, I remove the needle, and the sensor never bleeds.

This is not a bad thing, it forces me to sit and relax for at least 20 minutes!

I still stand by my word, these sensors are worth their weight in gold! I sleep easy at night. I work out at the gym with no worries.....I hope some day soon my insurance will see their value as well!

Tired meditation

2007-11-25T16:53:00.000-04:00

Today I am tired.......

tired from work and lack of sleep.....

and it really makes me crave some time off. I think about traveling, adventures, seeing friends.....and I think about it more when I actually stop to catch my breath!

Often life is so busy I just keep going and going without stopping to....shall we say....smell the flowers!

I think my coping mechanism is to keep busy....

I think we all wish for this time off :)

Secrets......

2007-11-24T14:45:00.000-04:00

Anyone else find they do not like to share their BG readings???

I often test in public, and people will always look and ask. Every time it is a show for all to see. I understand that, and have to accept that fact.

People will ask:

"You have the sensor thing, I thought you did not have to test"

"Bet that hurts eh"

or even better

"What are ya?"

For the most part, it drives me nuts when someone asks me what my sugar is. Why does a stranger to my diabetes care need to know what my sugar value is? Am I acting crazy? Why are they suddenly concerned, and when I tell my sugar they walk away? Are they just trying to make small talk?

I don't mind if, for sake of an example, my sister would ask me. She is involved in my life and has invested interest, and concern. A person at my work whom I speak with once a week does not have invested concern in my heath, rather a general curiosity and does not realize I get asked that question every time I test my sugar :)

People are curious by nature....or feel awkward and need small talk, but I am a private person....and don't need to be lectured by strangers every time my sugar is outside of the desired 4-6mmol/L range......unless they are doctors :)

Happy Birthday Sandra!!!

2007-11-23T11:48:00.000-04:00

I just tried three phone numbers to contact my sister, and she is not answering - so I decided to write here, knowing she will read it :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANDRA!!!

The world's best sister :)

TOOOO BUSY!!!

2007-11-22T20:53:00.001-04:00

Mold in my Soy Milk?

2007-11-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Gross. Mold in my soy milk. GROSS!

I took this soy milk, before I knew it was moldy - and made low-fat vanilla pudding.

I was very excited to have my pudding, a little treat!!

I could not figure out why it tasted moldy....I figured it was something in the dish. GROSS.

This morning I poured some of the soy milk to take to work. I was very good in packing up my lunch....including cereal with this soy milk, and a bowl of pudding.

I poured the cereal and dug right in.

YUK! Mold!

It all clicked then...the MILK was bad!! Sure enough, a ring of mold on the top of the carton.

Anyone know how to bolus for mold?

HA!

I've had my first tagging!!

2007-11-20T19:25:00.000-04:00

Well well well, my first tag and I was tagged TWICE!! Excellent!!

Thanks Donna and Adjoa!

Let the fun begin!!

So the rules,

1. Link to the person's blog who tagged you.

2. Post these rules on your blog

3. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself

4. Tag seven people on their blogs

5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

My 7 Random and Weird facts

1. I once went really low, in a friend's house. I did not know where my sugar stash was (being in a strange house) and I was found in the spice cabinet with a mouth full of basil.

2. I love ketchup and tofu. Each on their own, or together!

3. I drive a smart car and am only 5 feet tall. Very fitting eh.

4. I crave adventure.

5. I crave laughter.

6. I am a freak about being organized....like almost needing an intervention.

7. I love shopping at second hand clothing stores!!

I TAG :

Taking Care of You.

2007-11-19T23:23:00.000-04:00

Did I mention how much I love my CGMS? I just wish the clinical guidelines were produced for the sensors so I could fight for insurance coverage!!

The original date for the clinical guidelines for the usage of the sensors was October 2007.

My good pumping friend Jen saw Dr Ian Blumer at a recent conference and she asked how these clinical guidelines were going. He stated Spring 2008 they would be ready.

.....and so I wait.....my insurance company will not even consider discussing any sort of coverage until these clinical guidelines are produced.

So my plight for coverage is still on hold. I have taken this fight as far as I can go for the time being....I must continue to pick up overtime to afford this amazing technology - but the work is worth the reward.

I had bloodwork today.....lets see how the ol' A1c is doing!! :)

Needing Others.....

2007-11-18T18:07:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I had a very refreshing dosage of pump-friend-therapy! Jen called me up mid morning to say herself and another pumper were getting together for brunch. Excellent, I love pump lunch!

2 Minimed's and a Cozmo had a very tasty brunch......lots of chit chat, stories, advice....

Thanks Jen! Thanks Chris!

I love my pump friends.......

Busy Busy weekend

2007-11-17T11:35:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot to post!

I am on my 4 days off, which are so busy I know they are going to fly right by.

I'm off to rake more leaves.....:)

The Gym :)

2007-11-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

I'm loving the gym again. Maybe it's because I see results, but it is back in my schedule!

I am fighting hard to fend off the winter weight :) Snow is coming soon!!

I am working nights right now, so this will be short....!! I have only a few hours of daylight before work tonight!!

Basal Rate Down Again

2007-11-15T10:59:00.000-04:00

I can not believe that I need to reduce my night basal again!

My body is loving this new healthy living, and I feel great!

Last night I went to bed at 8.2 mmol/L. I took 0.2U of insulin and went to sleep. I woke this morning at 3.8 mmol/L. Hard to believe a little healthy eating and some weight loss would have such a drastic result. I am not minding !!!

Yesterday was world diabetes day. I was at work, and my co-worker Gary brought in 2 large bags of left over Halloween candy. Every single one of my co-workers were chowing down on the candy. I figured since it was World Diabetes Day we should take blood glucoses at the end of the day to see how people were fairing out with all of the candy. Not a single person would offer up their finger.....I think they were all scared! No candy for me....Gary brought in rockets.....I use rockets to treat my lows....so there was no desire to eat any of that candy HA!

The rockets, much like Orange juice....after being forced to consume it so many times when low, turns my stomach! Bad association......

2007-11-14T21:06:00.000-04:00

Interrupted Sleep.....and a long day at work!

2007-11-13T19:20:00.000-04:00

I must say 12 hour shifts make for a LONG day! I do not mind being up and on the go early (5:30am wake) but by 4pm, I want to leave work for the day!!! My shifts go from 6:30am - 6:30pm, but the luxury is that I work 4 out of 8 days. 4 days on, 4 days off...... a little vacation every 4 days!!

Today's shift seemed extra long, my sleep last night was interrupted by yet another night time low. I am truly realizing the effect of the "snacking" on my night glucoses! I never felt I had control over the night sugars....but I feel now that I am very close to what I think is the best control over my night sugars!! Excellent!

I did reduce my basal rate last night by 0.5 mmol/L. I went peacefully to sleep at 5.8mmol/L. At 3:30am I woke at 3.6. DOH, just starting to feel low. Ah well, tiny snack and back to sleep. I woke at 5:30 at 5.5mmol/L. Not bad, I feel I am really close. Tonight I am going to try another 0.5 unit/hr reduction in my night basal and see how that fairs out!

Every mystery high morning sugar I ever had in the past can be contributed to what I ate for supper/snacks the night before. This has become very clear to me! Eye opening ... yet so simple!

As I continue to trade body fat for more muscle (going very well!!!), my insulin requirements will continue to decrease. I feel so wonderful with a good morning sugar....well for that matter I feel wonderful with any good blood sugar.....it's a control thing :)

....Basal Reduction.......

2007-11-12T17:34:00.000-04:00

I finally clued in after going low 3 nights in the past week, I need to reduce my overnight basal rate.

Seems when I am not snacking at night, I do not need the extra basal over night. Now I can see that my extra basal was merely covering for the extra snacking I was enjoying throughout those nasty evening hours!

I reduced my rate by 0.50 units/hr throughout the entire night. Tonight will show now this goes!

I have stopped eating after supper. I enjoy a later supper (lets say around 6:30pm-7:30pm) and find I am not wanting to eat before I go to bed.

My morning blood sugars have been amazing!

Those nasty late night snacks are proving to be bad for me :)

Obsessive?

2007-11-11T11:41:00.000-04:00

Do you think that diabetes creates obsessive tendencies for a person?

I have been told by every health care professional that I need to be in control. I am talking overall control of my life to predict the control of my diabetes. I need to allow my life to follow a direction that is indicative of healthy diabetes control, and with that will come positive results.

After 22 years, 7 months of hearing I need to be in control of my life, I can honestly say I am a control freak. I am obsessive about things in my life that I can control. My diabetes, my food, anything to do with my pump, cleanliness, money, work. I like to know I have control over all of these items. Maybe I do this to reduce stress, knowing if these things are all in line I am ok.....or perceived to be ok. Either way, it brings comfort to my mind to have this control.

Others can just "let things go". I can not. I need to know where my next paycheck is coming from. I need to know my blood sugar at almost all times. I need to know if my sister popped in at any moment the toilet would be clean (HA!).

I am convinced the need for these areas of control have stemmed from my diabetes. Being trained all those years to BE IN CONTROL has warped me into a control freak. Get me in a group, and I will lead. Put me in front of people, and I will talk. Ask me at any moment what my sugar is, I will know.

You have to find positive in every situation....sometimes you need to dig deep. Others may not agree, but in my life this is a positive trait from my diabetes.

WOW

2007-11-10T12:50:00.000-04:00

I put on a pair of pants today I have not worn in 3 years......and people ask why I don't throw them away :) HA!

It's Cold!!

2007-11-09T21:28:00.001-04:00

The temperature right now is sitting at zero and the weather is calling for SNOW tomorrow. Ohhh my the start of winter. I have my snow tires on, I feel prepared :) It is November, so I should expect snow, but it is the start of cold mornings.......scraping the ice off the car........frozen fingers......SKIING!

Infusion Sets......something good!

2007-11-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

I am forever trying new infusion sets. For about 5 years I used the same type of set, the silhouette. This set worked fine, but one day I woke up and realized I wanted more!! I wanted to explore my options!!

One of the main web sites I refer to it: Diabetes Mall. When I first heard about this website I figured it was a shopping area. I was wrong! This pages is an excellent resource of information! I think this is where my infusion set sampling crave began!

Tiffany offers up a very details journey through her infusion set sampling as well on her blog, Candid Diabetes. Excellent details!!

As it stands now, I am enjoying the metal infusion sets. I never thought this would be the case, as I felt the metal sets were "Old School".......but I was wrong!! These sets leave minimal to no mark on my skin! The adhesive does not cause me to itch at the site for days on end.....I am impressed.

I am using the Minimed Sure-T. When I asked my rep for a sample I was told they do not stock these. They were created for children and not popular!!! It took me a little work to find them but it was worth the trouble!

BUT the tubing is short. I would like to see 31 inch tubing, or even 43. Some people will take the tubing from another set and connect. Good idea, but seems like a waste!

So for now, my infusion search is over. I am a metal set girl for the time being.......but I will never stop exploring!!

Exercise.....whoops....busy!

2007-11-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to keep active, through this busy time in my life......and I am not finding enough time.....or am I avoiding it??

I think I need to make the time because there will always be a reason or excuse to not go to the gym :)

Last night, my friend Kerry wanted to go to Costco after work. She is moving away soon to the Yukon, so I want to spend as much time as possible. There was my reason. The night before I worked until 7pm and then needed to prepare for a friend's visit. There was my reason that night. Always something !!

I know it is my choice to schedule in my activity, so I am going to make an effort to try harder. I was going really well before I came down with this cold......which is ALMOST gone (thankfully!!!)....again, there is an excuse. Always excuses :) I don't hate the gym, it's just the effort to get there!!

I will try harder......and stop making excuses.........tomorrow.

Taking A Break....

2007-11-06T21:56:00.000-04:00

I starting using the Minimed Real Time Glucose Sensing system in August 2006.

This was life changing. For 442 days straight I wore a glucose sensor. Every hour of every day I knew my blood sugar. I knew if I was dropping or rising, there was no surprise.

This morning, I decided to take the sensor off. I left the house for work this morning without the sensor. It felt weird, but I think I needed a day off.

I don't get obsessed with knowing what my blood sugar is, but today I just wanted to BE and stop looking at my pump all the time.

I think I felt comfortable to take off the sensor today thanks to the wonderful sugars I have been having lately. Now that I am not snacking all of the time I am avoiding the mystery spikes (which now I realize are not so mysterious!!! I snacked-up those spikes!)

Downfall, I am not used to manually testing - so I was not up to my pre-sensor level of testing, but I still made it through just fine.

Tomorrow morning I will put a new sensor in, but it was a refreshing day away from the sensor.....but I will be happy to have it back in the morning :)

I have power!

2007-11-05T18:51:00.000-04:00

I was very happy to have power again! Yippie....warmth!

Today was a very long day at work! At around 4pm I just wanted to go home, but I knew I had a few more hours to get through! My co-worker walked by my desk and dropped several halloween chocolate bars on my desk and said "this will get you through the hump"

.....I looked at the chocolate sitting there .....calling out to me......then my mind clicked....

Not worth the hassle. Not worth the headache. Not worth the time to push the buttons to deliver the bolus :)

Onwards and upwards! Another several great days. Good blood sugars and feeling good!

I made it!!

2007-11-04T12:16:00.001-04:00

Well Hurricane Noel passed by, and left quite a mess...and left me with no power.....so here I sit at Starbucks, with all the other powerless persons...drinking coffee and catching internet!

So yes, I did make my post for today.......and my power is expected to be back within the next few days :(

All I have to say is how thankful I am that the Minimed glucose sensors do not have to be refrigerated anymore!! I would be worried........now my insulin, it will be garbage by the end of the several days of no refrigeration, but insurance will cover that!!

Off to rake the leaves :) A LOT of them!!

Button down the hatches!

2007-11-03T08:06:00.000-03:00

Yes it seems it is going to be a nasty day today.

I went to the store last night to pick up a few bottles of water, there was not a flashlight or propane bottle to be had in the whole city I think. Last time a hurricane came through I was without power for a week (in a downtown city!!)....so good 'ol Noel could certainly have a bearing on my NaBloPoMo Success!

Hope this hurricane misses us!

2007-11-02T09:36:00.000-03:00

All of these leaves are soon going to be on my lawn asking to be raked up.......as hurricane Noel is heading right for Nova Scotia. The weather people say it will be a tropical storm, but either way these beautiful leaves to not stand a chance!! As it stands now, when I get to the bottom step at my back door I land into a foot deep pile of leaves.....every day a little bit of fun to jump and kick these leaves (yes my neighbors have accepted I am not normal....). What a mess it will be Sunday morning!

Amazing (for me) story from last night. I went to bed, my glucose was 4.8mmol/L. I knew it was stable as I had not eaten in several hours and no extra insulin. I rolled over knowing that if I dropped (for an unknown reason) my sensor would gently wake me as it always does. I slept like a baby, which will be good for this friendly cold that is loving to hang out with me. I woke in the morning, checked and I was sitting at 4.4mmol/L. WOW....this could happen every day and each day I would still be equally excited!

I cherish and value a good blood glucose reading as there is a lot of hard work behind every single one :)

Always a great way to start the day! Off to enjoy the leaves before they are all blown to the ground....

Do I need more stress? Apparently so!

2007-11-01T22:51:00.000-03:00

For the past few days I have been thinking about joining NaBloPoMo.

Today, the 1st of November I decided YES I would give it a try. I have a lot of things going on in my life right now, so there will be no shortage of my babbling!

The only trick is to remember EVERY day and have some sort of creativity!

Tomorrow, day 2 :)

GI Index

2007-11-01T17:08:00.000-03:00

I will give Dr Bernstein credit. He was right on when discussing the GI index with reference to diabetes control.

For the past week I have been eating foods that are low of the GI index scale, and what a profound benefit it has had on my glucose levels.

This was no surprise to me, I knew the tools I needed to use - but to actually do this is sometimes a hard change.

I decided one say just to do it, and instantly I changed. I felt better, and frankly have not had a large BG swing at all. I have had one low and that was minor. No high sugars.....and I feel good (other then this cold that is hanging on!!!).

Funny tho, with the reduction in refined sugars my insulin requirements have gone down drastically! I had to do a site change this morning before my reservoir was empty! I could have let it go on but I was not willing to risk an infection from leave it in too long!!

I am going to try to keep this up. It seems to be working well with my life!

It all started one night when I googled "GI index" after reading it in a magazine article.....that was all it took :)

Feelin' good, even with this cold!!

2007-10-29T21:13:00.000-03:00

Ohh welcome fall, and welcome a wonderful COLD (yes Sandra, I fell weak to the cold virus....argh....) but dang it, I am feelin' good.....(other then the head congestion)

I have honestly given up sugar and processed foods for awhile. It was not hard. One day I decided to stop eating refined sugar and processed. I was tired to feeling gross after salty high carb foods. I was tired of the glucose swings after eating something sweet. I was tired of the rollercoaster of glucose values!

It has been a week, and I feel good.

I have gone through phases like this in the past. My longest was a full year with minimal refined sugars and processed foods, but slowly they sneaked back into my life. I am not saying they are bad, but for my well being I need to keep them to a minimum!

This means more food prep.....finding time, but it seems to be going well :) I'll borrow some of my precious sleep time and trade it in for the good feeling ....

2007-10-27T20:35:00.001-03:00

2007-10-25T22:48:00.000-03:00

Good News.....or is it?

2007-10-23T17:45:00.000-03:00

Do you ever find it frustrating going to the doctor? I think sometimes I want my doctor to have diabetes, so they would understand what they ask of their patients. I think it is truly hard to understand if you are not experiencing.

Today I was in for a renal checkup. I do like my doctor, he tells it like it is. I like that! I did the ever-so-exciting 24hr urine collection and was told it was protein free. Excellent news!

BUT, I was then told that my HA1C could stand to be lower. I was proud of my 6.8% HA1C, but was told it needs to be lower. I was proud of my 113/68 blood pressure, but was told it was not consistently that low and needed to be closely monitored.

I will take all this advice and create positive changes in my lifestyle, but it was a lot of information to digest in one visit!

Bottom line, no protein in my urine :)

Finally I have internet back...

2007-10-19T22:17:00.000-03:00

Wow, I really feel disconnected from the world. I have been without internet for the past month but finally today I have been plugged back in. It is a nice feeling. I missed reading all my blogs, keeping up with info and chatting with friends.

I found when I was cut off from the internet world, I picked up the phone more often and actually PHONED people! I must say that was not a bad thing at all.

Today a hole was drilled through the wall of the room that will host my office area.....eel grass came out of the wall (insulation from 60 years ago)....and through that hole came this weeee internet cable from the outside world into mine. Why hello little cord, what knowledge do you have to share with me!!!

My friend is still in the hospital, but he is surrounded by a strong medical team....and it was that medical team who gathered around his bedside this afternoon and watched him do his pump site change, and asked 15 minutes worth of questions! More impressively, the nurse that came on duty in the evening knew all the pump lingo :)

I said we were pump buddies, as I pulled my pump into view of the staff. We stick together!

The New Girl in Town

2007-10-17T02:29:00.001-03:00

Well the new girl in town is settling in nicely.

No pump skin as of yet. First I have to learn her personality and then find a suitable match! We are getting along well, keeping things in line.....all and all the change from my old pump with the weird error circle to this new pump went smoothly.

I had to take one of my best friends to the ER by ambulance tonight. Time like these make me cherish my loved ones, seeing the sadness of people in the hospital. I work with these people day in and day out, but to step back and see them from an onlookers view, it is a gentle reminder to be grateful.

The Error Circle That Would Not Go Away!

2007-10-08T15:47:00.000-03:00

So last night I worked a night shift. Tiring......I got home in the morning and crawled right into bed......but first, a sensor calibration so I would be woken during my precious sleep!!

6:05 my pump alarmed that I needed to do a calibration soon.

7:05 I was not fast enough, I received a "calibrate now" alarm. The open circle showed on the pump face.

7:06 calibration entered, no problemo. Fell asleep, slept well until 13:00 when I woke.

13:00 totally missed thanksgiving dinner (canada) with my family. Slept right through. Whoops!! Got up hit the road.

14:00 figured I should at least look at my pump, see where I am at for BGL. All fine, but there is an open alarm circle. Strange, I had no recent alarms. Flipped through all the pump screens, no alarms showing active. Lots of units of insulin left. Hmmm....strange.

Changed the battery (I was at 1 line). Checked the alarm history, last alarm 7:05 with the calibration alarm. No temp basal, no pattern basal, no square or duel wave bolus on the go....NOTHING. Blood sugar 5.6, isig value is fine, sensor is fine. WHAT THE HECK? The open alarm circle is still there!!

I called the minimed hotline. I went through everything with the rep, neither of us could find why this was happening!! I was asking if there was some way to reset the pump.....reboot, but no. Not an option.

So, the US rep transferred me to the Canadian site and they processed an order for a replacement pump. I was told I could have a pump to me in 2 hours. WHAT! 2 hours...I need time to say goodbye to this one, 2 hours is not long enough! HA. I was shocked in the service, considering today is Thanksgiving in Canada. Someone's turkey dinner was being interrupted for my open alarm that would not go away. My pump was working fine.....I did not think this was URGENT!!

I told the rep the replacement could wait until tomorrow, let people have their family time!! He laughed....I laughed..

...then I had a brilliant idea. I entered a calibration that was WAYYYYY off. My isig was 5.7 and I entered a BGL reading of 14.0. There sensor, take that!! Lets see you alarm again ..... sure enough, within 10 minutes CAL ERROR. HA, I knew I could get an alarm out of ya!!

I cleared the CAL ERROR and as I thought may happen....the open mystery alarm circle disappeared.

Strange.

I entered the REAL BGL, and the sensor is happily back online, and the mystery circle is gone.

I told Minimed, and they still want to replace me pump. "Sure, that is ok.....but please do not replace until tomorrow....let people have their turkey and naps". They laughed, and said ok.

Tomorrow 9am a new pump......this is my last night with my faithful buddy who has been with my since aug/06. I had her serial number memorized, her pump skin in place.......we get along great. I have had many different Minimed pumps since I started 6.5 years ago, and each pump change is hard emotionally. She (the pump) is confused, the open alarm circle is gone - why must she go away? Oh it will be a sad night, but it is more then the initial 2 hours we thought we had left together. Why do I feel this emotion towards a piece of plastic with a motor? My sidekick for the past year......wow.......if this is how I feel towards a pump, I would hate to see my emotion if I were to have a kid and something happened......

Fast Delivery

2007-10-04T21:11:00.000-03:00

I certainly can not complain about the customer service with Medtronic Minimed.

Yesterday morning I went online, and placed an order for 4 sensors.

Less then 24 hours later, the sensors arrived to my door. Amazing!

Another cooler and freezer pack to add to the collection...the perks of CGMS. I always have lots of freezer packs and cool lunches at work!

I Love My Pump Buddies

2007-09-28T12:24:00.000-03:00

If you find pump buddies, hold on to them with all your might!

The other morning I had a low reservoir - but sadly had been a total idiot and left my extra insulin in the car throughout a hot day (ok give me a break, I was sky diving and my mind was rather distracted!!).

"No worries" my pump buddy said "There is a fresh bottle of Novorapid in the fridge, crack it open!"

My response "Giggle...this is not even your home!!!"

Problem solved....even when I was not at home - at a house that was totally strange to me, many km away from where I call home....my pump buddy was able to reach out and help. Even tho I was alone, I felt the connection and I knew he was there for me!

Thanks Clay :) HUGS!

The Beauty Of Greens

2007-09-26T14:10:00.000-03:00

Yesterday was my most nerve racking day of the year. I hate going to the eye specialist, as do most persons with diabetes. I was not even this nervous when I jumped out of an airplane last weekend (Oh that was such a rush, I can not even explain the feeling of free falling from 10,000 ft!!!!!! I am still waiting for the pictures to tell about that day).

Either way, I woke early knowing I had to walk to the clinic.....as I could not drive afterwards! It was a nice morning and I had an enjoyable walk to the office. I waited 1.5 hours in the waiting room. I read every magazine, texted every friend I could think of, tried to have a nap -anything to occupy this nervous time.

I finally went in, and had those dreaded drops. You all know what I mean....your vision slowly disappears until you are left in a fog. Once that fog was secure, I was called into the room by the Dr.

My eye specialist is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I see this man once a year, and he always knows who I am, and asks specific questions about my life - which shows me pays attention when I am talking with him. We laughed, we talked...and then he proceeed to look deep into my eyes. The blinding band of light passes slowly through all sections of my eye, deeply exposing what I hope are healthy blood vessels.

That 30 seconds waiting was the longest 30 seconds of the whole year. Waiting for what he is going to say. Good? Bad? Oh the suspense was killing me, and had me nervous enough to barf.

Once he was done, he sat back....and gave me a smile. He knows this freaks me out, and now from that smile I knew everything was ok. He pats me on the shoulder and says everything is looking good for another year, and I can carry along my way. We discuss the CGMS technology and part ways. I booked in to see him 12 months later, and I know he will remember out conversation from today. Amazing.

I left, and of course was as blind as a bat. I had my sunglasses on, but I could not even stand to have my eyes open. I walked as best I could - but could not get over how intense the colors of what I could see. The green of the grass is what I noticed, mostly because I was staring at the ground. Amazing intensity and looked like velvet. I was able to glance briefly up at the trees to the most intense green leaves I have ever seen.

A gentle reminder to enjoy the beauty around me.

Your favorite food?

2007-09-17T09:51:00.001-03:00

Last weekend I was having dinner with friends, and one of them asked me what my favorite food was........speechless.......

I thought about it, and I was not able to come up with a food that blew my mind away.....I just do not have an extreme likeness for food. I eat, don't get me wrong, and I like what I eat - but I never get intense cravings or desires for anything specific.

I think this all stems back to being a child with diabetes. Food was not fun, food was medicine.

This was back in the mid 1980's and there was no such thing as MDI's or pumps (where I was living). I took my Toronto and Lente insulin in the morning and headed off to school for the day. My mother has specific foods stashed to be eaten at specific times. No flexibility, end of story. (and no testing during the day, did not even take a meter to school! I freak if I leave home now without a meter!! Could not do it!!!)

Food was not a choice for me, it was part of my medical day by day plan.

My opinion of food stayed this way for a long time, when I moved out of home I moved into residence at university. I ate and it was social. All of my friends would go up to the meal hall together and we would hang out, and eat. Other then that, I would eat when I was low.....when I moved out on my own, I had no interest in preparing meals and planning food. I was on MDI's and I became a grazer! I would eat here and there when I was hungry, and there was no structure. Because of the MDI's, I was able to pull this off with no issues - and of course my BGL's stayed fine with the smaller meals.

Now I sit, several years later, trying to fix my bad habits. Once I started using an insulin pump, I was amazed the freedom away from food. If I did not want to eat, I did not have to. This was a very freeing experience that I can not say enough good things about. Amazing.....but it allowed me to have busy days where I would go from morning to evening without eating! People say "You need to eat, you are diabetic" and I think to myself "No I don't, my sugar level is fine and holding fine".....but I know for my BODY I need to eat!!

So this is my constant struggle with food. I could easily survive as I am, grazing throughout the day.....It is 10am, I have not had breakfast yet, but I am not hungry. There is nothing I want to eat, I would rather not eat, but I know I should, and I will - and then start my day. No structured meals today but I will grab things from time to time because I know my body needs fuel...

For the record, I am searching for a favorite food......maybe a 3-starch, 2-protein, 2 fruit, 2 milk and 1 fat based meal :)

Cherishing Life!

2007-09-15T00:04:00.000-03:00

I can only hope for a life as long as my Great Aunt. She passed away two days ago, at the age of 104. Can you believe that, 104 years old! Her brother is still alive, at 94 and drives around with me in my Smart car.

I have a great genetic basis, minus the whole diabetes thing. I figure the 104 year old life span factored against the diabetes, will leave me living to the average of most Canadians :) Do the math!!!

Wonderful night for a bike ride!

2007-09-06T22:21:00.000-03:00

After work the other night I felt like a bike ride! Hard to believe that after 12 hours of high stress work, following a 5am wake up, I wanted to hit the trails!

It was a beautiful evening for a bike ride, visible in the picture above! I started at 7.9 mmol/L. Seems anytime I am below 7 and embark on physical activity I will drop quickly. That extra 0.9 certainly helped and kept me stable the entire 15km bike ride! I was expecting a drop...every time I stopped for a drink of water I would peek at the sensor reading to watch for double down arrows.....but they did not happen! That fruit leather in my pocket did not see the light of day! Almost felt normal......

Not the smartest crayon in the box!

2007-09-01T09:33:00.000-03:00

Wow, what a windy day today on the East Coast of Canada!! It is nice, blew the humid air right out the window! Today I am heading to the Lawrencetown beach to catch a national surf competition! I am not a surfer.....heck I am willing to give it a try, but there are MAJOR waves crashing on my beach so I can only imagine the waves for the surfers! I will be sure to take my camera.......and a sweater....and sharp elbows to get through the crowds (joke, it is a VERY large beach!!)

Now back to the crayon comment. I have been saving my Minimed gift certificates to buy glucose sensors. Being smart, I have been gathering these so that I can buy a 10 pack of sensors. The other day I looked closely....and actually read the fine print (hint, always read the fine print). Seems I can use only 1 per purchase. Not a shock, I really should have though of that. Ah well, no biggie, still a great value to get $100 off a box of 4 sensors and then later $150 off another box of 4 sensors.....not a bad deal, and saves me a few hours of OT at work!

Have a great labour day weekend, I am off to the beach! (Sandra, if you see Faith Hill or Tim McGraw in Moncton, tell them I say hello. Maybe they'll go to the waterpark too! HA!)

Rain Rain Rain Rain

2007-08-24T22:03:00.000-03:00

Today the forecast said "40% chance of rain"

It rained heavy ALL day! At one point my nephew and I could not take it indoors any longer, and we were prancing around on the wet lawn....in the rain...in our bare feet! What a great visit from my family, including the lobster feast!

So my new sensor is not giving me any errors. That strange sensor resetting seems at this point to have been isolated to my last sensor. That was very strange, and yes very annoying!

Big news in Medtronic's world, they announced the new meters to be linked within their pump system. They announced for the US it will be a meter based on the One Touch system. They then announced the meter for everyone else outside of the US will be based on the Bayer Coutour system.

Being in Canada, I was very happy to hear Medtronic paired with Bayer. I use the Contour meter new. It is quite basic, but easy to use and I enjoy the meter....but I did find it strange that the choice of meters for Canada and US will be different WHY?

Minimed's announcement for customers OUTSIDE US

Minimed's announcement for customers INSIDE US

Sensor resetting? Strange!

2007-08-23T01:11:00.000-03:00

Well I had a little blog vacation, I'll blame it on Birthday season! I am so excited, my parents are up to visit for the week. That means fun times!! My parents are the best guests, they bring their own house (only thing better is my sister, she brings entertainment in the form of kiddies!!!). My father was talented enough to back their trailer up the twisty driveway right by the back patio.......so my days now include long walks along the beach, drinks on the patio....relaxing good times!

I have had strange sensor/transmitter resets over the past week. Very strange! Everything would be going fine .... then all the sudden my sensor reads "weak signal" and soon after shows the 3hr restart screen. 1 hour later a calibration, and the sensor is back online. This was happening at a more frequent rate as the sensor age increased. I called Minimed, they really had no idea. I pulled the sensor yesterday and so far all is good.

Every time this strange reset occurred I was in different places, so I have nothing specific to blame it on. Once I was on the beach, another time at work .... once driving in the car. I blame it on the age of the sensor. With all the other sensors I knew they had lived their lifespan when the readings were "off". This last sensor never stopped being accurate, it just had sporatic connection issues! It was hard to pull this sensor that was still accurate - but I was getting tired of this reset every 4 - 8 hours!! No thanks!!

All is well, I have a new little buddy on my left thigh who is loving her new life. We hope for a long and healthy relationship!

Side note, check out Allison's page Lemonade Life, she has a short survey on the idea for a conference specifically for Type-1 diabetes!! It is about time ..... this survey has good questions and I hope the result is an excellent conference!! I would travel from Nova Scotia for sure....anyone need a ride along the way? HA!!

Accountable to what I eat....hmmmm.....

2007-08-15T22:15:00.000-03:00

Well my trainer, Devin, is amazing. What more can I say!! We work out every two weeks - he keeps me inspired to take care of myself. I need his energy!

Today, we sat and talked. I wanted to talk about the poor state of my gym sneakers, he wanted to talk about the food I eat.

He won.

We talked about food - and I think he was concerned! Whoops.....He asked me to log my food for the next few days. Usually when I am asked to log I tend to eat SUPER-WELL! This time, I am being honest. He can see the slice of banana loaf and cup of party mix I ate while I watched TV. I will be 100% honest!!

True, unbias food record.

How do I set my oil budget on a HOT HOT summer day!

2007-08-07T17:58:00.000-03:00

Irving Oil called today....they wanted to set me oil budget for the next 12 months! What a laugh I had. My furnace has been off since May, and is actually downstairs sweating during this 30+ degree Celsius heat wave! We talked about snow......furnace maintenance....storm windows....all the things you would expect on a sunny August afternoon!

I ordered in my first box of the inset-II infusion sets....they are BLUE! I thought I ordered pink, but I am equally excited to have some sort of color to my infusion set. Small things amuze me, I enjoy that I will have a little bit of color! I will have to read the instructions as Clay said he had a hard time using these sets! I don't think it will be that bad....I told him it was "user error" HA! I feel so wrong using an Animas set for my Minimed pump, but come on....I want the color! I want the pump-bling!

Antibiotics....YUK

2007-08-03T12:53:00.000-03:00

So.....I am on my last day of a week of Antibiotics. YUK, that is all I have to say.

My BG's have been all over the place - my body is under stress....had a small surgical procedure yesterday....and more antibiotics. Doctors are really scared of infections in persons with diabetes. I trust my Doctor, and she does an excellent job, so I tend to follow what she says. I am lucky to have a good Doctor (big Doctor shortage in my area......if you get a GP and they are good...Hang on!!!)

Everytime I am on Antibiotics my BG's go all over the place. IT may be from the Antibiotics, or from the underlying cause. Either way, this week has been exhausting. I need a few days to sleep and recover...and some probiotics to get my belly bacteria family growing again!

When your body is under stress, take care of yourself!

New Medic Alert Bracelet!

2007-07-29T20:10:00.000-03:00

Finally! My new medic alert bracelet! Took a little longer, but I made the beads by hand!

Here is the final product:

Butterflies and Bees

2007-07-26T15:29:00.000-03:00

All around my house is full of wildlife and flowers! Blue Jays, Chickadees, Herons, Yellow Finches, Doves, Rabbits and recently: butterflies and bees! I love summer!

6 Years ago today....and Happy Birthday Dad!

2007-07-25T22:49:00.000-03:00

My first day with an insulin pump was exactly 6 years ago today. WOW where did the time go? I remember that day like it was yesterday. I wish I could go back to that point in my life again...but of course with the knowledge I have now!

To celebrate, I went out to dinner with one of my best friends and reflected! I think my pump anniversary is more to me then my own birthday! What a life changing experience. Thanks Kerry :)

My reflections:
I enjoy sleeping in
I work shift work, including night shifts
I do not eat set meals at set times
I have not been to an ER for diabetes emergencies in the past 6 years
I enjoy multi day hikes, without worries
I have reduced, and continue to reduce my HA1c
I feel almost normal
I have met many amazing friend who also use pumps
I enjoy always knowing what my BG is
No more high AM sugars

Food is fun, not medicinal

Life is easier.