tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42904269437941966502024-02-07T04:45:26.380+02:00Sugar & Spicejustmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-32935450795219744622007-05-16T09:31:00.000+02:002007-05-16T09:55:43.255+02:00i have a blogI hardly come here. N<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ot</span> there is not anything to talk about, but there really has not been anything significant...<br /><br />Work has been quite busy lately, and will be for the next few weeks. I am not complaining, as I like having <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">loads</span> to do, and the work is quite interesting too! Other than working, and chilling at home I have not done much lately...<br /><br />You would think after just over a year I would actually remember <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">every</span> night to take my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Levemir</span>. In a previous post I mentioned waking up high and realising that I had not taken it the night before. Now you would think that waking up feeling shitty would get me to remember it every night.... But since then I have forgotten twice! One morning clocking in at about 21<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mmol</span>/L, and this morning waking at about 04:00 and realising that I had once again forgotten the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Levemir</span>. Test - 16.7mmol/L. I corrected with some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Novorapid</span>, took some units of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Levemir</span> and lay in bed, angry at myself, trying to fall asleep...<br /><br />I have been having higher numbers lately too, but have adjusted my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">insulin</span> accordingly. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Things</span> seem to be going better now. Not sure what's been happening <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">really</span>, but at least I seem to have sorted out the problem. My morning number have also climbed a bit - I generally don't wake up below 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mmol</span>/L, and up to anything around 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">mmol</span>/L sometimes. I will need to really concentrate on fixing these now. I have done a few overnight tests, and it does seem as though I am rising after 2am, but I think more investigation is needed here....<br /><br />I have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Endo</span> appointment next week. In the first year of having diabetes I had my A1c done 3 times (excluding at diagnosis). I hope to be able to keep this to about 3 or 4 a year. I may have one done this week (my last one was on 1 March) - I am a bit nervous about this as I think I have most likely increased from my 6.9% at my last visit.<br /><br />My dad has had Type 2 diabetes for a number of years now, treating it with tablets. He also has high blood pressure and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cholesterol</span> (although his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">cholesterol</span> levels are much better now). He recently joined a new diabetes programme offered by his health insurance - he has to visit a diabetic nurse a certain number of times a year, gets a podiatrist visit once a year, an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ophthalmologist</span> visit once a year, a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">dietitian</span> (I think twice a year), and then his physician. The physician arranges the appointments with all these. Yesterday he had hours of medical appointment seeing all of these people... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">His</span> eyes were fine, except for some cataracts which will be removed toward the end of this year, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">dietitian</span> was happy with his diet and will be sending him some more tips and advice, feet were fine too. On blood works - the doctor was pleased with his cholesterol levels and everything else. His A1c come in at 7.2% - which I thought was actually quite good (although for some this may sound high....). I actually think that my next one may be worse than his! :) But overall I was really relieved and happy to hear that he is actually doing much better. I think I was expecting a bit worse...justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-17799697281061895662007-04-24T13:26:00.000+02:002007-04-24T13:41:53.121+02:00titbitsDiabetes has been good to me lately - with not too many highs, and very few lows. I have much fewer lows now than I did for months after my diagnosis, though I do think that on average I am running slightly higher. I hope to bring this down, but would prefer it not to be in exchange for more lows... I am still experiencing a bit of issues with my morning numbers. It has settled down a bit, but I think that my evening <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Levemir</span> dose is not sufficient. This dose was increased in February after an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Endo</span> visit (from 10 to 12 units), but I am still seeing a rise in numbers most mornings. I have done a few 2am tests - one which came in in range (with the morning reading being the same as this one), one in range with the morning reading being a bit higher, and one higher than my bed-time reading, and an even higher reading when I woke up. I think I need to do a few more of these before my next appointment at the end of May. I will do an A1C then also, but I am not banking on any <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">improvement</span> there.<br /><br />Gym has been okay. Nothing more really to say here, other than it is becoming increasingly difficult to drag myself there with the morning becoming darker and colder, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">making</span> my bed a hell of a lot more comfortable. Traffic also seems to get worse every week...<br /><br />On the pump front - I am yet to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">meet</span> with the Roche rep. Hopefully I will do that some time in May. It seems as though the only options available here are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Minimed</span> and Roche. Once I have met with Roche rep, I will decide. Costs are going to play a major role in my decision - not so much the cost of the pump, but the monthly consumables. They seem to be quite expensive, and I am not yet sure how my medical aid would cover these. I have been considering changing insurance companies, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">changing</span> mid-year is going to be more of a hassle - so I have decided to wait until the end of the year when we are given options to change to different plans or Schemes. If my insurance company refuses to pay, or does not cover enough I will consider changing to another and going onto the pump only then.<br /><br />Just after I was diagnosed I never would have thought about going onto the pump. I still have a few issues - sleeping with the pump <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">being</span> one of them, but I have been assured that this is not a problem at all. But everyday I realise more and more what the benefits of having a pump would have, and how much more convenient my life could actually be (although I don;t find <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MDI</span> to be that much of a convenience...). I also believe that if these morning number continue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">to</span> be higher than my bed-time numbers, and also if they increase, the pump will be the only real solution to solve that problem.<br /><br />And non-diabetes related - Friday is a holiday - yea!, and so too is Tuesday. I am still considering taking Monday off, to make it an even longer weekend...justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-38806427966391562372007-04-17T10:34:00.000+02:002007-04-17T10:53:53.493+02:00answersThis is way late. But things have been a bit hectic lately...<br /><br />Thanks <a href="http://sarahdiabeticmusings.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MileMasterSarah</span></a>!<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">1) What is the coolest way blogging has affected your life?</span><br /><br />I think I am more of a lurker than a blogger. After being diagnosed with diabetes, I felt very alone. I don't really know anyone that has it, and felt that nobody <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">could</span> really understand what I was going through. I started searching the net, and what I found I was not really expecting. There was this whole community out there, going through exactly the same!!<br /><br />So, blogging has made me feel less alone (that's a cool thing isn't it??!). And besides that, blogging has taught me a hell of a lot about this disease.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">2) What month is your least favourite and why?</span><br /><br />January - but not the first few days.... And a couple of simple reasons really - it gets too hot over here, the city becomes too busy, and I think too much of the things I wanted to do the previous year that I never got round to doing.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">3) Imagine you have been given the power to heal. If your power to heal were limited to only one person, and that person could not be a family member, whom would you choose? And why?</span><br /><br />I guess I could not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">heal</span> myself then either :)<br /><br />Sadly I cannot think of anyone. If I could cure just one disease, or part of a disease it would be cancer in kids.<br /><br />But if I could turn back time, I would heal my best friend's son.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">4) If you could change one thing about the year you were age 16, what would it be?</span><br /><br />To be more happy with myself, and more confident in my abilities. I think I carried a lot of that into adulthood, and wish I hadn't.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">5) Please tell us about a gesture a person or group of persons in your life has done that affected you very deeply, perhaps in a way they will never know.</span><br /><br />My best friend. She is far away, and lost her son. His life even touched me, although I did not get to meet him. He made me realise I wanted to be a mom, and to appreciate life more. In my friend I saw such strength. And she said that "I am only this strong because of all of you".justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-61638365081555377362007-04-13T14:11:00.001+02:002007-04-13T14:22:50.562+02:00where have all the minutes gone??I feel as though my weeks consist of Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. And weekends just seem to fly by. Work has been busy lately, and our division is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">currently</span> in the process of restructuring. Hopefully the dust will settle in a few weeks...<br /><br />Easter was spent at home. The upcoming long weekend will also be spent at home. Friday 27 April is a holiday, and then Tuesday 1 May. I am considering taking the Monday off work too, as it will probably be real quiet here anyway.<br /><br />We are planning a short trip in June - just for a few days. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">looking</span> forward to it - just to get out of Cape Town and away from it all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">for</span> a bit. We have also been discussing the possibility of taking a trip in November. We have not come to any final decisions yet, but I really hope it works out!!<br /><br />I intend leaving work <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">earlier</span> today, to miss traffic. The weekend is going to be chilled, though we do have a wedding to attend.<br /><br />And, I have questions, to answer, but did not get a chance this week. So will attempt them this weekend or early next week. Thanks <a href="http://sarahdiabeticmusings.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MileMasterSarah</span></a>!justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-28610172395896900692007-03-29T10:06:00.000+02:002007-03-29T10:40:09.168+02:00the flu jab and other bulletsThat time of year for me again. I had it done this morning, so as to get it over and done with. This is also a sign to me that winter is arriving. That, and the fact that when I wake up in the mornings now it is still dark. As I have probably <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mentioned</span> before I prefer colder weather...<br /><ul><li>Things have been getting busier at work. this is a good thing - the time goes by much quicker, and I don't get time to be bored at work. Some of the work that has been coming my way has been really exciting too!</li><li>Quite a few long weekends are on the horizon. Next weekend will be a four-day weekend (making for 2 4 day weeks). Then another holiday on Friday 27 April, and one on the Tuesday following (1 May). I was considering taking the Monday off too, to make it an even longer weekend.. But I have not yet made up my mind.</li><li>I have not plans for all these holidays.</li><li>I am trying to get my gym routine back to what it was. I am not sure what has happened, but I am not able to do what I could a couple of months ago. So in stead of complaining and trying to figure out why, I decided to start of slower and build up over the next few weeks. So far things are going okay. I hope to build my fitness up to what it was in the next 2 months.</li><li>I have religiously been taking my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vitamins</span> every day. Well, some weekends I do forget... I also started taking some Omega 3, 6, and 9. it tastes disgusting, but I gulp it down form a shot glass (table spoon) and follow it by a sip of juice.</li><li>My energy levels are improving! For a few weeks I was very tired in the evening, going to bed much to early some nights. I'm not really sure what I can attribute this to - the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vitamins</span>? Or perhaps the new tea I started drinking. It is a herb called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yerbe</span> Mate (South American), and is supposed to have some energising and rejuvenating properties.</li></ul><p>Oh, and diabetes. Well, it is still here, rearing it ugly head now and again. I must say that for the past few days my levels have been excellent! After my last <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Endo</span> visit my night time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Levemir</span> was increased from 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">units</span> to 12, because of the high reading I was having in the mornings. This has improved a little, but they are still not perfect. Last night a few hours after dinner I was 5.1mml/L (92) and woke this morning at 10.6mmol/L (191). If levels play along before bed tonight I will do the 2am testing to see what it is looking like then (in the past however, when I did this testing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">because</span> of the higher morning readings, it would be a normal reading and I would wake up with about the same reading...). I will continue to monitor this until my next appointment at the end of May.</p>justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-1439988095430558622007-03-08T12:45:00.000+02:002007-03-08T12:59:03.857+02:00the resultsI got my blood test results back yesterday afternoon. And things are okay! <br /><br />My A1c is slightly up from 6.1 in August last year to 6.9, but I am satisfied with it. I was expecting a higher reading, and this reading is actually much better than I expected. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hope</span> I can keep it under 7 for the next one too!<br /><br />Iron is looking good. I am on the border - so basically in the words of my doc, "if you wanted to donate blood they would say no, but that doesn't really matter because you have diabetes and wouldn't have been able to anyway..." I will try to keep that number up, maybe take a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">multi</span> vitamin which includes some iron.<br /><br />Thyroid looking good.<br /><br />Leaving the worst for last - cholesterol. It is still fine, but I need to keep an eye on it. So I have decided to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">re-look</span> at my diet a bit and cut out any unnecessary "treats" - which I seem to have been having lately. I am sure that should do the trick! And of course to continue my gym routine that has been suffering a bit lately..<br /><br />My new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Endo</span> works at one of the state hospitals (and university teaching hospital). I have thought about doing some type of volunteer work for a while now, but have never really looked into it. I have offered to help out in some way - not sure when, how etc., most likely with teenagers with diabetes, probably in the line of just basic educating or something. I just told her yesterday that I am willing and she should just let me know..justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-56304555882791012342007-03-07T07:24:00.000+02:002007-03-07T07:30:15.701+02:00did i forget something?I woke this morning before my alarm went off. I was thirsty and needed the loo. I went to the bathroom in the dark, did not want the light to wake me further, I felt I still needed some sleep. Back in bed I was wondering why I was so thirsty. I replayed last night in my head - dinner, then to a friend to say good bye before her move (now officially moving cities, she was down with baby C to finalise the lasts bits), back home, read - and then??? Well, I most likely went to sleep. Something missing from all that - where is the "take Levemir"? Alarm goes off about half an hour later, get up, wash hands, test. 18.8mmol/L (338). Great, just what I need. Was not sure if I should do gym, so skipped it for a bit later during the day (that inevitably then gets postponed, I get busy, and end up not going...). Oh well, it cannot always be perfect.justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-58957829852009422192007-03-02T13:04:00.000+02:002007-03-02T14:26:58.673+02:00one year ago today<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037302407920766978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqPT29ICJcMDbtfrCmykwWVpMsEgzWhHeiuOL3OAviEw9IhmugX2hNhoF2uHUNp2MdimUXjBBp20pj7aNoxTvuWMbwyAViILw-UyEhUqpCp9M5NSC9gpYQPeV6qSQSoSncTGzD0T_ZEhl/s320/11_07_91_web.jpg" border="0" /> <div>After nearly 2,000 insulin injections (WOW!!), and a little less finger pricks, I have had the big D for 365 days (well, more really, but "officially").</div><div></div><br /><div>It was one year ago today that the finger prick at the pharmacist changed my life forever. It feels like only yesterday, I remember it all very clearly. We were working on a big project at work which was taking up a lot of time. I woke the morning, with not much time for breakfast, so I picked up a vanilla flavoured drinking yoghurt on the way. I stayed at the office for an hour or two and went to the pharmacy. I have been planning on doing it (actually a friend had been nagging me for a few days to go...). She pricked my finger, got a surprised look on my face, wiped another finger and pricked again - wow 2 finger pricks in one day!! I immediately went to a GP, and an hour later I was in hospital.</div><div></div><br /><div>That all 1 year ago. It really feels like only yesterday, though in some ways diabetes has become such a part of my life that it feels as though I have been doing this for a very long time. In the past year I have learnt a hell of a lot - about the big D, but also other aspects of health. And most likely I have become a much healthier person because of it! I even quit smoking - cold turkey, just like that, in 1 day! That was nearly a year ago - and I can sit amongst other smokers and not want to smoke. I think that is probably one of the best things I have done during this past year!</div><br /><div>I have realised how amazing the human body is. And that I need to really take care of it. I must admit, that there were most likely times before all this that I used to think -I am still young blah blah, you know the rest. But the fact is, that the the way we look after ourselves now is probably the most important! I would not say that I am perfect, I take shortcuts, I cheat (it isn't really cheating anyway is it!), but mostly i am living a much healthier life than before.</div><div></div><br /><div>I had no idea what my life would be like when they told me. I did not really give it much thought. I think things turned out okay!</div>justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-9713205581255612472007-03-01T11:09:00.000+02:002007-03-01T11:23:00.802+02:00butterflies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyrJACu2LkGjO8HeiOZ5LljnCRvt-G02sqa_UDuwv0O-9xTbUrb6D7q-Jeqlty569AzyyaCTumsr_ze0Sxd9Obi58R2h-aq3L5jasZ3_IuBqP-__bOfr4tShZRH3QyJ7PD22vYFoqTNm_/s1600-h/butterfly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036883139582877330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyrJACu2LkGjO8HeiOZ5LljnCRvt-G02sqa_UDuwv0O-9xTbUrb6D7q-Jeqlty569AzyyaCTumsr_ze0Sxd9Obi58R2h-aq3L5jasZ3_IuBqP-__bOfr4tShZRH3QyJ7PD22vYFoqTNm_/s320/butterfly.jpg" border="0" /></a>No, not really. The butterfly needle is what was used to drain me this morning. I had blood drawn this morning (fasting blood) for the following: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HbA</span>1C, Cholesterol, Thyroid, Iron Studies and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ferritin</span>, and Full Blood Count. Not sure when the results will be available. I felt like they drained me completely! I then spoilt myself to a scone and cheese for breakfast - one of my favourites!<br /><div></div><br /><div>I met with the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Endo</span> yesterday, and really like her! We chatted about a few things, I did not have a full exam (just blood pressure), we spoke about my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">meds</span>, and she asked me to have the blood tests done some time (I decided that this morning was as good a time as ever, gives me less time to brood over it, I HATE drawing blood....). So I will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definitely</span> be seeing her from now on. Nothing against my old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Endo</span>, he was great. But she has a different way about her, a more of a caring attitude (not that I am saying my other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Endo</span> did not care...). I am actually not really sure whether I am supposed to tell my other one that I will no longer be seeing him or not?</div><div></div><br /><div>I spoke to her about the weight I have put on in the past year and that I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">struggling</span> to shake it. According to her I do not have to loose too much weight, and that the reason I have not lost it is that my control seems to be quite tight (yeah!). I expressed concern over my morning levels, and she suggested I up my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Levemir</span> dose and decrease my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Novorapid</span> at dinner time to prevent lows. I will start this tonight to see how it goes.</div>justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-17911097124330568822007-02-21T08:52:00.000+02:002007-02-21T09:06:03.895+02:00pump meetingI met with Ms <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Minimed</span> yesterday and it went very well. She showed me the three pumps they have available and the different features of them. She also showed me the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CGMS</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OMG</span> that needle!!! (Apparently this needle does not hurt...) We spoke about diabetes control, the pump etc. and I asked her a few questions. We also discussed the pricing and how to go about motivating to the medical scheme. I have my doubts... Not so much about them paying for the pump itself, but the monthly consumables. These are very expensive. I did some calculations on the amount the Scheme is currently spending on me on average on insulin, needles, glucose strips, and then made an estimate on what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">insulin</span> would costs should I change and added all the others. The amount they would have to pay is considerably larger. I will try contacting them today to see what they would cover. I would not mind a co-payment of say 10 - 20% on the pump consumables per month, but I doubt I would be able to afford paying the full amount every month...<br /><br />She also gave me contact details of a pumper working <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">close by</span>. So we met for coffee in the afternoon. I have never really contacted somebody I don't know and invited them for coffee, so I was actually a bit nervous about the meeting, but excited too. This was the first time I have actually met another Type 1 face to face (that I know of...). We spoke about the pump, she showed it to me, where it was inserted etc. She had done a site change in the morning, so I could actually see where the previous site was too. We spoke more about diabetes, and also about things other than diabetes. It was great meeting with somebody who is actually wearing it!<br /><br />My next step is to contact the Scheme to find out there policy on the monthly pump consumables. Hopefully by Monday afternoon I will meet with a rep from Roche to see the Spirit. I want to read up more about the differences between these two. It would really be great to be able to contact somebody who has actually used both..<br /><br />I must say, I am quite excited about it now! Still a bit apprehensive, but I really think that moving to the pump would be a good thing. In my chat with fellow Type 1 yesterday, we spoke about controlling thing now to the best of your abilities, and not trying to fix the problems and complications later in life that could have been prevented. And I think the pump is probably a very good start!justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-37422739430779001042007-02-19T17:23:00.000+02:002007-02-19T17:36:21.859+02:00LOHad my most scary Hypo experience this weekend. I had been lying on the couch watching TV or something and must have dozed off. He wakes me telling me to get up and go to bed. Within a few seconds a sort of familiar feeling sweeps across me. Only I was feeling much weaker than normal. I can hardly move. Grab my meter from the coffee table and test (with some difficulty). 5...4...3...2...1.... LO - Now feeling confused. I had not felt this coming... What does LO mean??? Take out the little explanation guide I have in my meter pouch - 1.1mmol/l is the lowest the meter reads. I ask for juice, I am starving, and I want something more. He brings juice, energade, a chocolate. I feel as though I am passing out - not fainting, but slowly "fading away". I am not really sure how to explain it. I ask him if he remembers how the glucagon works (have never needed it, tell him to use it should I pass out), and to call the ambulance should I pass out. I drink, eat, and he then makes me a sandwich. By then I am feeling 100% better, but he insists that I finish the sandwich too. I do.<br /><br />I never want to feel like that again.justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-37807544608318480152007-02-16T13:25:00.000+02:002007-02-16T13:31:20.013+02:00Tuesday 20/02/2007 09:00That is when I am meeting the pump rep! I spoke to her this week and made an appointment. I am really excited about seeing all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">different</span> components to the pump, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">of course</span> the pump itself. Hopefully things will then fall into place in the next few weeks - I will decide whether or not I want to go through with it, then arrange to maybe try it out before making my final decision, trying to get the medical aid to pay for it (which I think is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">going</span> to be near impossible), and then maybe finally getting my own one.<br /><br />Friday has come along (again) - they seem to come so quick! This weekend we are having a BBQ for his birthday (tomorrow). A friend who is in the process of relocating to another city may be here and able to come to the party (with my god daughter, who has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">apparently</span> grown a lot since I last saw her!).justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-79573328407873849682007-02-09T10:10:00.000+02:002007-02-06T13:57:33.009+02:00nearly 1 yearI need to take control.... I am still having difficulty with my gym routine. A few months ago this was all so easy for some reason, but now I have problems getting up in the morning to go. I still manage a few times a week - but sometimes I get there too late to be able to do anything worthwhile. Yesterday morning was a good session, and I pushed myself a little harder - and it felt good. I guess I just need to find the motivation again...<br /><br />My one year appointment is coming up soon. I have not yet made it. I am still considering changing endo's. I need to see someone in March - as my chronic medication will expire then (it needs to be renewed annually). I am a bit nervous about this appointment, as I know that my control has not been that good lately. I guess I have finally exiting the honeymoon period and it is time for some adjustments. It has been like this on and off since about November last year. So needless to say I am fearing the A1C the most... But this is also what is making me consider the pump even more. I have not called the rep again - hope to do that either today or early next week. I want to meet with her before my next endo appointment - so I can kind of know what I want and the questions I want to ask. I still doubt that my medical scheme will pay for the pump - but I guess if I can pay for it I should... The only other thing I am concerned about is that if I do get it (and pay for it myself), if the Scheme will cover all the monthly consumables. But first things first - I need to call her!! (I sometimes tend to put these things off....).<br /><br />This morning we woke up to a very cool city - it must have been raining most of the night, and there was still a slight drizzle. Still the temperatures are okay (minimum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius).<br /><br />Been having a problem with fruit lately - they seem to ripen way to quickly. Bananas are going completely mushy within 3 days, apples are too soft... I have tried buying at various different shops, but it is all pretty much the same. So tomorrow I am going to try out an organic market that is open every Saturday (at least this is the plan...). I am hoping that the fruit will be of better quality! I am dying for nice apples and bananas...<br /><br />but - so glad it is Friday!!justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-42489895238594694942007-02-06T13:52:00.001+02:002007-02-06T13:57:33.260+02:00randomI don;t really have much to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">say</span>..<br /><br />Went out with a friend for dinner and drinks last night. Had so much fun, as we have not seen each other in ages. I tend to loose touch with people easily - just getting wrapped up in work etc. I really need to make more of an effort to get out more!<br /><br />Nothing else planned for the rest of the week. As always looking forward to the weekend. No plans for that either, but hoping that it will be a cooler weekend! I cannot wait for summer to be over.....<br /><br />Got his birthday coming up soon. I have no idea what to get! So have been searching around online. Hopefully something will come to mind soon!<br /><br />Pasta for dinner tonight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">yummmm</span>, have not had in ages...justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-75605301351278451382007-01-31T12:22:00.000+02:002007-01-31T12:35:59.531+02:00getting back to normalThings have been completely crazy this month. I am glad all the craziness can now come to an end, and I can get on with life. <br /><br />I wrote my last exam on Monday, and it did not go that well. We have been having extremely hot weather, the weekend was real bad, and I could not concentrate on studying - though I cannot blame the weather alone, as I have had more than enough time for this... I am glad the weather seems to have past - I do not like the heat that much, and temperatures of 40 degrees celsius is unbearable to say the least. Opening windows and doors did not help. One of the days there was absolutely now wind either! But things seems to have cooled down now...<br /><br />On Saturday we are attending a wedding. His best friend is getting married... (I hope for their sake the weather stays as it is now!)<br /><br />I have been reading up more on the pump. Thanks Bettercell and Megan for your comments. I would never actually have thought about allergies - which I seem to be prone to sometimes. I have decided to maybe try the pump for a couple of days - but with saline or something, to see if I have any allergic reactions. this must sound real weird, having diabetes, but wanting to test it without insulin. My reasons are that in a few days of testing I will probably not be able to get perfect, or good for that matter, control. before making my final decision I want to be sure that I can actually wear it. Then I will go onto the next steps. Thinking about this is quite exciting, but I am nervous about it to! People without diabetes would probably think I am weird...<br /><br />Also now that things are not that crazy anymore I can get my gym routine back into shape. I went this morning, and managed to do some running. I had a toning session yesterday, and can still feel it in my legs when I walk after sitting for a period of time! <br /><br />I cannot believe that it will be one year soon! I was thinking about it recently, and realised that this time last year I already had it, but it was not yet official. Even though I new the symptoms, while I had them I never realised... <br /><br />This time last year I was visiting my best friend in the UK. It was terribly sad time for us, as her son had past away from congenital heart defects after having surgery. I cannot believe it has been a year already.justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-23186495709999005952007-01-25T13:11:00.000+02:002007-01-25T13:20:19.708+02:00contemplating<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwNasmrT8d0NoxLqS8K6RYwGZf1o0rP7aWfi2U9lTwAr_DzWb_FeVV4P8Z3wds21Zn860jJvQcq8U4VnD63ckc0c17_kp6kQ04w1FODNg4VCkIlZMCUZHtcU-pn7huqQvVSDUVgCYm5vQ/s1600-h/715pumps_225x180.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023926302258917970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwNasmrT8d0NoxLqS8K6RYwGZf1o0rP7aWfi2U9lTwAr_DzWb_FeVV4P8Z3wds21Zn860jJvQcq8U4VnD63ckc0c17_kp6kQ04w1FODNg4VCkIlZMCUZHtcU-pn7huqQvVSDUVgCYm5vQ/s320/715pumps_225x180.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>the pump.</div><div></div><br /><div>A few months ago this was the last thing I thought I wanted. I just could not imagine having something attached 24/7. But I am now....</div><div></div><br /><div>So I made a call. They are damn expensive, and I am not sure if my medical scheme will pay for it. I called them to find out what their policy is regarding insulin pumps, and was told that it is decided on a case-to-case basis and that you doctor needs to motivate for it. I spoke to a rep and got the price. I am still thinking... but the more I think the more I think I want to. Maybe I should find out if I can try one for a week or so. anyway... still thinking</div><br /><div></div><div>The one I am looking at getting is the Paradigm 722 - trying to find out about it and people's experiences with it.<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-42825662578522774562007-01-18T16:07:00.000+02:002007-01-18T16:20:47.775+02:00miscSo this past week has gone by quick!<br /><br />I studies real hard for my exam. Most of the weekend was spent in front of my books. I took Friday off also, and studied most of the day. Got through Monday and lived! It went okay - I don;t generally talk much about my exams once written. Rather wait for the results. With this one - all I can say is that I wrote a shit load - I have never written this much for an exam before! the next one is on Monday 29th - so just over a week to go...<br /><br />I have not yet been able to study for this one, because since finishing my exam on Monday I have been sick. Today is my first day back at work. Still feeling a bit under the weather, but hopefully this will pass real soon.<br /><br />This weekend is going to be spent studying again. Not looking forward to that. I should really start tonight with something, but that depends on how I feel when I get home. We are going to be experiencing some power cuts this week in some areas. They will be "load shedding" as one of the turbines at the nuclear plant tripped in the morning hours. Something similar happened a while back and it sucked big time. Though that one was much worse and lasted a long time.<br /><br />I saw his uncle this weekend - he is the one suggesting a new Endo for me. He said that the doctor has agreed to see me. I am now just waiting for a call to meet said new doctor - I think it is a woman.justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-82907661502494325312007-01-09T12:08:00.000+02:002007-01-09T12:37:31.672+02:00pros and consI keep thinking about it. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not. I have been trying to work, but every hour or so I search the net...<br /><br />The Pros and Cons:<br /><br />Pro: New challenges! I think I need new challenges in my life at the moment, both work-wise and personal. and taking the plunge and starting afresh somewhere else will provide just this.<br /><br />Pro: More experience in my field. Which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">could</span> create better opportunities for the future.<br /><br />Con: All the admin and stuff I would need to do - both before leaving, and also in order to apply for all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">relevant</span> stuff...<br /><br />Con: The flat - I have given this con some thought. Rent it out. Pay the difference..<br /><br />Con: Diabetes - I have access to great private care here. I can see an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">endo</span> whenever I want really. I would need to find new doctors, arrange the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">meds</span> etc. I am not sure how easy this is going to be for me. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">guess</span> I will have to ask some people about it... But I have even given this one some thought - in reality a once a year visit with an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">endo</span> should be fine. So I could do a trip home <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">annually</span> - and during my visit here see all the specialists I need to see. Besides, I could keep my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">endo</span> (I may be changing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">endo's</span> soon...) here, and still have regular contact should I have any questions or concerns.<br /><br />There is just so much else on my mind. I don't really know why, but for some reason I feel that this may be something I should do. I need to give this more thought...justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-19008654179033545232007-01-08T12:44:00.000+02:002007-01-08T12:54:16.558+02:00Just a week to go before my first exam.... I am a bit nervous already. I really want to get it over and done with. These are the only 2 papers I still need to write!<br /><br />I had a good weekend, though last night was not very good. My folks visited from Saturday and we had a lovely dinner on Saturday night. The restaurant we went to was great, excellent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">service</span>, and the most delicious food! And my blood sugar levels played along. It was my birthday on Sunday, but I did not do much. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Went</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shopping</span> in the morning, and spent the afternoon at home. During the evening I was feeling very anxious, I am not really sure why, and then I became a bit sad for no reason at all. Was still feeling it this morning, and woke up with the blood sugar to go with it... I am feeling much better now, but still feeling a bit down. It is really odd, as there is not really anything in specific I can think of that is causing me to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">feel</span> this way.<br /><br />the rest of this week is going to be quite busy. I will be studying as much as possible in the evenings, and over the coming weekend. I am also taking Friday off to study at home. Work is good, with most people having returned today. traffic is still a breeze as the schools only go back next week. I like this time of year for that!<br /><br />I have been giving this year a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">thought</span> lately. There is a part of me that wants to leave the company I am working for in the next few months. I don't hate my work or anything, but I feel in come ways that it is time to move on. And I have been considering looking for employment abroad... If I apply for a visa within the next year I would more likely get it than afterward. I don't want to move permanently, but think that I would enjoy doing it again. One thing holding me back is the fact that we (the guy and I) bought a flat last year, with lots of new appliances to go with it (this sounds so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">stupid</span> while typing it....). I think I should really give this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">more</span> thought. Maybe look at some opportunities and decide from there...justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-48471301907543262732007-01-05T09:43:00.000+02:002007-01-05T09:49:22.825+02:00So this is not really a new blog. I have just changed the address, for various reasons I am not going to go into...<br /><br />This year has started well. I have been back at work for a couple of days now. It is still real quiet in the office, so I can really ease into the new year. Traffic is also practically non-existent. I am not looking forward to Monday when things are back to normal again!<br /><br />I have two post graduate exams to write this month. It is real crap writing at this time of year - it is too hot, and most people are in a holiday mood. I only have these two left, so I really have to try hard!<br /><br />Christmas 2006 was good, and so was New Years Eve. for the first time in years we actually had plans for the evening! We attended a concert in the botanical garden. It got a little cold later in the evening, but we had loads of fun anyway!<br /><br />Well, it is Friday today, and I plan on leaving work a little early..justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4290426943794196650.post-20591157973731383492007-01-03T13:20:00.000+02:002007-01-03T14:29:16.015+02:00a new yearSo I have started a new blog!<br /><br />My 2007 resolutions:<br /><br />Firstly I have to say that I have never really been the "resolution-making" type of person. I think in the past my the idea of quiting smoking often came <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">across</span> my mind - it never really lasted though! But this year I can proudly say that I cannot make that resolution! It has been months (I stopped counting) since my last cigarette!! (So I can now pretend that I made that resolution last year, and that it worked!!).<br /><br />So for 2007... I have not really given it that much thought. But there are a few things I would like to accomplish this year.<br /><br />Firstly - I would like to get the "bad" numbers I have had these past couple of months under control. I have decided that I might meet with a new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Endo</span> in about a month or two.<br /><br />Secondly - I would like to continue going to gym regularly. I think I have slacked in the past couple of months, and especially over the festive season. I have considered buying a h<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">eart</span> rate monitor to use for my jogging - but I am still two minded about it. I think it may be a motivator to improve my fitness, but am also a bit afraid that I may buy the damn thing and end up not using it, stop exercising, and then I would feel that it was a lot of money wasted....<br /><br />Thirdly - I would like to shed a bit of kilos. Not much and not quick. I plan to improve my eating habits (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">which</span> should help with my first resolution too!), continue the gym-thing, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hopefully</span> then this one will also pay off. I have gained a bit of poundage since starting the insulin-regime...<br /><br />And on the diabetes front again - I have contacted a company for prices of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">CGMS</span>. They have not gotten back to me yet. But i hope to start this. And my previous feelings regarding the pump is changing, I may well even consider that this year...<br /><br />So here is to a great 2007, filled with lots of happiness, good health, and great friends!justmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207111632935407868noreply@blogger.com0