I have enjoyed participating in Diabetes Blog Week so much! I am new to the diabetes blogging world and I have loved finding all of these incredible diabetes blogs!
Click for the Spread the Love - Sunday 5/19 Link List
As another Diabetes Blog Week draws to a close, let’s reflect on some of the great bloggers we’ve found this week. Give some love to three blog posts you’ve read and loved during Diabetes Blog Week, and tell us why they’re worth reading. Or share three blogs you’ve found this week that are new to you. (Thanks to Pearlsa of A Girl's Reflections for inspiring this topic.)
I have way more than three blogs that I would like to mention.
Carlyn from one unit at a time I have really enjoyed her post's this week and will continue to follow her story! I feel like I can relate to so many things that she blogged about!
Michelle The Rockin' Ink Star I appreciated her sharing her story so much. It is also so interesting to read from the perspective of a parent of a diabetic.
Meredith from withasideofinsulin.com I loved her share and don't share post about the things we wish our dr could see. All those unexplained highs and lows.
Briley at indpendence.com I am glad that she commented on one of my posts so that I could go and find her blog! I especially enjoyed her memories post because I also talked about my pump day as my most memorable.
Melissa at sweetly voiced I actually just found her blog today and have enjoyed reading through her posts.
I also want to thank Karen from bittersweet diabetes who hosted this blog week. I have enjoyed reading her posts this week and am so excited about all the new blogs I have discovered and will follow.
There really have been so many other new blogs that I have found I wish I could list them all. I am also so grateful for readers who have found my blog. I am grateful for the encouragement to continue and for the sense of community. Thank you!
I know that I haven't had a chance to read all of the post that have been written this week and I plan on continuing to read them.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Diabetes Blog Week Day 6
Diabetes Blog Week is hosted by Karen from bittersweetdiabetes.com
Click for the Diabetes Art - Saturday 5/18 Link List
This year Diabetes Art moves up from the Wildcard choices as we all channel our creativity with art in the broadest sense. Do some “traditional” art like drawing, painting, collage or any other craft you enjoy. Or look to the literary arts and perhaps write a d-poem or share and discuss a favorite quote. Groove to some musical arts by sharing a song that inspires you diabetes-wise, reworking some song lyrics with a d-twist, or even writing your own song. Don’t forget dramatic arts too, perhaps you can create a diabetes reality show or play. These are just a starting point today – there are no right or wrong ways to get creative!
Art has never been a strength of mine so I was worried about this post. I ended up having a lot of fun with this though! I can't wait to check out everyone else's posts.
Have a great day! :)
Click for the Diabetes Art - Saturday 5/18 Link List
This year Diabetes Art moves up from the Wildcard choices as we all channel our creativity with art in the broadest sense. Do some “traditional” art like drawing, painting, collage or any other craft you enjoy. Or look to the literary arts and perhaps write a d-poem or share and discuss a favorite quote. Groove to some musical arts by sharing a song that inspires you diabetes-wise, reworking some song lyrics with a d-twist, or even writing your own song. Don’t forget dramatic arts too, perhaps you can create a diabetes reality show or play. These are just a starting point today – there are no right or wrong ways to get creative!
Art has never been a strength of mine so I was worried about this post. I ended up having a lot of fun with this though! I can't wait to check out everyone else's posts.
Have a great day! :)
Diabetes Blog Week Day 5
Today's question is a hard one...
Just like in the movie, today we’re doing a swap. If you could switch chronic diseases, which one would you choose to deal with instead of diabetes? And while we’re considering other chronic conditions, do you think your participation in the DOC has affected how you treat friends and acquaintances with other medical conditions? (Thanks to Jane of Jane K. Dickinson, RN, PhD, CDE and Bob of T Minus Two for this topic suggestion.)
I have thought about this question for a few days now and I still haven't come to any conclusion. I don't know enough about other chronic conditions to know what life would be like with that disease. I think I would stick with diabetes because it is what I know. I have dealt with it long enough that I know what to do. Yes, diabetes throws a curve ball usually as soon as you think you have got a handle on your blood sugars, but I feel comfortable with it.
I guess a disease that you didn't have to take shots or be stuck to an insulin pump FOREVER would be nice.... Or no chronic disease at all? That is too much to ask isn't it. I guess I will keep my diabetes :).
Just like in the movie, today we’re doing a swap. If you could switch chronic diseases, which one would you choose to deal with instead of diabetes? And while we’re considering other chronic conditions, do you think your participation in the DOC has affected how you treat friends and acquaintances with other medical conditions? (Thanks to Jane of Jane K. Dickinson, RN, PhD, CDE and Bob of T Minus Two for this topic suggestion.)
I have thought about this question for a few days now and I still haven't come to any conclusion. I don't know enough about other chronic conditions to know what life would be like with that disease. I think I would stick with diabetes because it is what I know. I have dealt with it long enough that I know what to do. Yes, diabetes throws a curve ball usually as soon as you think you have got a handle on your blood sugars, but I feel comfortable with it.
I guess a disease that you didn't have to take shots or be stuck to an insulin pump FOREVER would be nice.... Or no chronic disease at all? That is too much to ask isn't it. I guess I will keep my diabetes :).
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Diabetes Blog Week Day 4
Day 4
We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn't matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you've done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you've mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.).
I think one of my great accomplishments is this blog. It is out of my comfort zone for sure, and has been hard for me to open up and write about my diabetes. Now I don't even know if anyone actually reads what I write in this blog or if it is interesting to anyone but me... but that is OK. It has helped me personally in so many ways. This blog has helped me accept my life for what it is and embrace it. It's like therapy. My hope is that I may be able to meet other diabetics who have gone through some of the same experiences as me and find a community through blogging.
We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn't matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you've done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you've mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.).
I think one of my great accomplishments is this blog. It is out of my comfort zone for sure, and has been hard for me to open up and write about my diabetes. Now I don't even know if anyone actually reads what I write in this blog or if it is interesting to anyone but me... but that is OK. It has helped me personally in so many ways. This blog has helped me accept my life for what it is and embrace it. It's like therapy. My hope is that I may be able to meet other diabetics who have gone through some of the same experiences as me and find a community through blogging.
How I organize my diabetes bag
I use a cosmetic bag that I bought from Pier 1 Imports a few years ago to keep my diabetes supplies organized in my purse. I love the fact that it has so many pockets and then all zips up in to one bag. This is how I organize the supplies that I like to always have with me.
Here it is all zipped up
And it fits just great in my purse!
Now I am always prepared for my diabetes throws at me. Well almost always...
Diabetes Blog Week Day 3
I missed day 2... but on to day 3.
Today we’re going to share our most memorable diabetes day. You can take this anywhere.... your or your loved one's diagnosis, a bad low, a bad high, a big success, any day that you’d like to share.
This is a hard one. I have many good and bad memorable times with diabetes. One of my most memorable days was the day that I was diagnosed, but I have already written about that. The next memorable day that I can think of was the day that I got my insulin pump. I have a Medtronic Minimed Paradigm Insulin pump. I have had a pump for a little over 10 years. I have gone through about three of them since then I think? I remember the day that I got my first one. I was in 9th grade and I remember leaving my geography class to go meet with my diabetes educator at the hospital. She showed me a lot of the features of the pump and how it worked. She then had me insert my first site and I wore it for a couple of days with saline so that I could get used to wearing it before putting insulin in it. The first time I had to insert the site I was terrified! It took me like 20 minutes to push the injector button. It was amazing to be able to be so flexible about when and how much I ate. I also loved not having to schedule my life around taking my long acting insulin shot at 10 p.m. every night. It's funny how such a little machine can change my life so much. Now I still do get frustrated with my pump from time to time. It gets pretty annoying to be connected to something ALL THE TIME! In fact we call my pump "little brother" because it always seems to be in the way... But, I have to say that it is worth the bad times for sure!
Today we’re going to share our most memorable diabetes day. You can take this anywhere.... your or your loved one's diagnosis, a bad low, a bad high, a big success, any day that you’d like to share.
This is a hard one. I have many good and bad memorable times with diabetes. One of my most memorable days was the day that I was diagnosed, but I have already written about that. The next memorable day that I can think of was the day that I got my insulin pump. I have a Medtronic Minimed Paradigm Insulin pump. I have had a pump for a little over 10 years. I have gone through about three of them since then I think? I remember the day that I got my first one. I was in 9th grade and I remember leaving my geography class to go meet with my diabetes educator at the hospital. She showed me a lot of the features of the pump and how it worked. She then had me insert my first site and I wore it for a couple of days with saline so that I could get used to wearing it before putting insulin in it. The first time I had to insert the site I was terrified! It took me like 20 minutes to push the injector button. It was amazing to be able to be so flexible about when and how much I ate. I also loved not having to schedule my life around taking my long acting insulin shot at 10 p.m. every night. It's funny how such a little machine can change my life so much. Now I still do get frustrated with my pump from time to time. It gets pretty annoying to be connected to something ALL THE TIME! In fact we call my pump "little brother" because it always seems to be in the way... But, I have to say that it is worth the bad times for sure!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
HAGS (Have A Good Summer)
The school year is quickly coming to an end. My Kindergarten class is practicing for the end of year program and it hit me today! School is almost out! So I was thinking about what I want to accomplish this summer.
- First of all we are trying to buy a house. So I am hoping to to be moving in to our first home this summer! I can't wait for the paint projects and organization projects that I hopefully will be able to work on this summer!
- Finish my sewing projects. I have a quilt that is halfway done and a skirt all cut out that I need to finish. I love to sew but I kind of go through phases I guess you could say? I have big ideas but then they sometimes take FOREVER!
- Get a HbA1C of 6.5-7.0. This is a blood test that I am supposed to do every 3 months.
- I want to learn to make (good) bread in my bread machine. I bought a breadman machine from the D.I. (a local thrift store) a while ago for about $15. I have tried a few different recipes but they have just never quite worked out. Maybe I am doing something wrong?
- I have some pinterest projects that I have wanted to do but just haven't had the time!
- I also want to study my scriptures everyday. I am going to make a calendar to make sure I don't skip any days!
Well hopefully I will be able to accomplish all of these things and it will keep me busy!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Diabetes Blog Week Day 1
I have decided to participate in Diabetes Blog Week and I am excited about the topics that will be discussed. Today's question is
Often our health care team only sees us for about 15 minutes several times a year, and they might not have a sense of what our lives are really like. Today, let’s pretend our medical team is reading our blogs. What do you wish they could see about your and/or your loved one's daily life with diabetes? On the other hand, what do you hope they don't see?
I have been lucky to have a Doctor who understands what living with diabetes means because he has family members who live with the disease. So for the most part he understand what life is like with diabetes. On the other hand unless you have diabetes yourself you don't fully understand how it feels. You don't understand what it feels like to get low at the worst times. (like right after you brush your teeth and just want to go to bed... I hate that!) Or how frustrating it is to have a high number and have no idea why! So one thing that I wish doctors (and their staff) understood is that it is just not that easy to always take care of your diabetes and keep it in control. If I know that my A1c is not going to be good I just dread going into the Doctor's office because I know that it is not going to be what it should be and I just feel like a failure.
I am excited to participate in Diabetes Blog Week and read other diabetics thoughts on these questions.
Often our health care team only sees us for about 15 minutes several times a year, and they might not have a sense of what our lives are really like. Today, let’s pretend our medical team is reading our blogs. What do you wish they could see about your and/or your loved one's daily life with diabetes? On the other hand, what do you hope they don't see?
I have been lucky to have a Doctor who understands what living with diabetes means because he has family members who live with the disease. So for the most part he understand what life is like with diabetes. On the other hand unless you have diabetes yourself you don't fully understand how it feels. You don't understand what it feels like to get low at the worst times. (like right after you brush your teeth and just want to go to bed... I hate that!) Or how frustrating it is to have a high number and have no idea why! So one thing that I wish doctors (and their staff) understood is that it is just not that easy to always take care of your diabetes and keep it in control. If I know that my A1c is not going to be good I just dread going into the Doctor's office because I know that it is not going to be what it should be and I just feel like a failure.
I am excited to participate in Diabetes Blog Week and read other diabetics thoughts on these questions.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
half my life
12 years ago today I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was 12 years old and in 7th grade. I really did not know much about the disease and I had no idea how my life would change. I was lucky to have caught my diabetes before my blood sugar was so out of control. I didn't have to spend the night in the hospital but that also meant that they sent me on my way at dinner time with a syringe and insulin. I was terrified! All of the sudden mealtime wasn't so easy. I could only eat so much and I was starving all the time. I remember crying in the car a few days later because I was so hungry but I could only eat so many carbs and only at certain times. I was already sick of carrots and sugar free Jello (you can only eat so much sugar free Jello). I stayed home from school for a few days while I got used to taking shots and testing my blood sugar. I remember my first low blood sugar. My mom and I had just come home from the grocery store and I started feeling so strange. My diabetes educator had explained how a low would feel but it is honestly a feeling that is hard to explain. I remember dropping to the floor in our kitchen. I was laying on the floor telling my mom "I THINK I'M DYING" she grabbed my test kit and I checked my blood sugar I was low and I ate some glucose. Soon the "I THINK I'M DYING" feeling started to go away.
Now "what is my blood sugar?" is what I think about when I wake up in the morning and all day long....
That day 12 years ago I didn't realize all of the bad, no fun things that I was going to have to deal with the rest of my life. There were also some things I would have never experienced if I wasn't diabetic. I have fond memories of diabetes camp( I LOVED camp), snow cone fundraisers at the rodeo, and I know people now that I never would have met if it weren't for diabetes. So maybe there is a silver lining.
Now "what is my blood sugar?" is what I think about when I wake up in the morning and all day long....
That day 12 years ago I didn't realize all of the bad, no fun things that I was going to have to deal with the rest of my life. There were also some things I would have never experienced if I wasn't diabetic. I have fond memories of diabetes camp( I LOVED camp), snow cone fundraisers at the rodeo, and I know people now that I never would have met if it weren't for diabetes. So maybe there is a silver lining.
I am very thankful for my friends and family that have helped me and given me support. I know I couldn't do this without them!
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