November is Diabetes awareness month.
I thought maybe this would be a good time to try and restart or continue writing my blog. Never quit quitting right?
I often need to tell myself to never give up. Keep going. Tomorrow is a new day. Don't look back, look ahead. I've been trying to be a cheerleader to myself for a few weeks now. I believe I've had a bit of diabetes burnout. My blood sugars haven't been their best, I haven't been testing as often as I should, I haven't been wearing my CGM and going to the gym? Ha! I also feel like I have not been an active member of the DOC in months.
With a recent visit to the Endo office a few weeks ago I was recently motivated to get back on track. I've been testing more and taking a less carb approach when I can. (I do love carbs, but they don't love me back.) I haven't been inclined to wear my CGM yet, but I feel I may need it soon to attack the pesky highs in the morning. Alas, the gym part...I've attempted to start going back to our local YMCA and with a fresh new membership and all it should be easy and fun right? However, I find myself being very frustrated and annoyed. Yesterday I packed the Gatorade, turned off my insulin pump and had my Annie's organic fruit snacks readily available, my 90's pop music channel on Pandora and I was pumped and set to go!! I get 30 minutes in on a cardio bike and BAM! Blood glucose 54. WTH?! I still feel like I have mad skillz and the energy to finish the 60 minute cardio I pumped myself up for, plus, I hadn't heard any TLC yet! Just 30 minutes in and it feels like a wasted trip to the gym! I felt so defeated. I didn't want to go back...ever. Why bother?
When I arrived home that evening, after a 20 minute fruit snack party in my car, I vented my frustrations to the DOC. The feedback was that I did more than I gave myself credit for. I was there, I did what I could and tomorrow is a new day. I felt a bit more empowered after that. There are more people out there in the DOC cheering for me and I owe it to myself and to the DOC to try again tomorrow. I won't give up. I will never quit quitting.
Thank you DOC, without you I wouldn't be as strong as I am today, even at my weakest I'm stronger than I was before.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Celebrations!
Today I celebrated my 32nd birthday and celebrated successfully completing two challenges.
1. I walked my first official 5k. I came in 55th in my age bracket and over 4,000 people walked/ran. 955 overall. Go me!
2. I completed this walk in 20 degree weather and had NO bg drops. I had ample supplies loaded in my tally gear belt just Incase. That belt is amazing! (www.tallygear.com)
I'm proud of myself. It's not a super huge deal, but it's motivation to walk more and get ready for next year!
I must say, best birthday yet!
Oh, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
1. I walked my first official 5k. I came in 55th in my age bracket and over 4,000 people walked/ran. 955 overall. Go me!
2. I completed this walk in 20 degree weather and had NO bg drops. I had ample supplies loaded in my tally gear belt just Incase. That belt is amazing! (www.tallygear.com)
I'm proud of myself. It's not a super huge deal, but it's motivation to walk more and get ready for next year!
I must say, best birthday yet!
Oh, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
48 Things About Me
I learned of 48 questions from the Diabetes Social Media Advocacy. I follow them on Twitter. I thought I would give this a whirl in hopes to get myself out into the DOC a bit more. I am loving the support from everyone. It helps out so very much. So, DOC, I thank you. In keeping with the theme of January's "Getting to Know You" from DSMA...here it goes!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
--I think so, I recall my mother mentioning that there was a news reporter named "Kassie" and she liked it. However, my birth name is Kathryn. Always complicated.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
--I think so, I recall my mother mentioning that there was a news reporter named "Kassie" and she liked it. However, my birth name is Kathryn. Always complicated.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
--Probably a few weeks ago when I had to leave my husband in CCU after his open heart surgery. It was hard to have to go home by myself-plus he wasn't awake yet and that was hard.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
--Not really, but I change it up a bit depending on my mood. It's never really the same.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
--I don't have a favorite, love them all. Except roast beef.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
--No, however, we are trying!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
--Yes, I feel like I am a pretty good friend. I'm dependable that's for sure!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
--Yes, but my mother always thinks I'm being mean. I'm just always messing around.
--Yes, but my mother always thinks I'm being mean. I'm just always messing around.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
--Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
--Absolutely not.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
--That's easy...Captain Crunch with Crunch Berries. Must have the berries.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
--No.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
--Absolutely.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
--Scouts Honor. Mint ice cream with chocolate swirls and big chunks of thin mint cookies. To. Die. For.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
--I'm sure it sounds snotty, but I notice how they are put together. Nothing like meeting someone who looks like a hot mess!
15. RED OR PINK?
--Pink, all day long!
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
--I'm a pushover.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
--A guy friend from high school. We were BFF's and now we're not. It's complicated.
18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
--Being a better business person. I am a great daycare provider, but the business end I am lacking for sure.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
--I am wearing camel colored boot slippers.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
--Ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins! We brought dessert to dinner at a friends house!
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
--My husband rewinding a commercial he insisted I hear. Something about hairy legs...I think he is trying to tell me something?
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
--Grey. It's totally my color. Not a super fun color, but goes with everything.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
--Newborn babies, my husband, garlic and the smell of clean.
24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
--Not too important. I don't educate myself as much as I should...my sister in law does it for me!
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
--Beach house for sure!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
--The Real Housewives is a sport right?? I love to watch football for sure! Friday Night Lights!!
27. HAIR COLOR?
--Blonde forever!
28. EYE COLOR?
--Blue, but more like Navy.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
--No, but I do have glasses for reading and computers.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
--Italian and Mexican...it's a toss up!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
--Happy Endings.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
--Right now I am listening to Iron Man 2 with my hub, does that count?
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
--I am wearing my husbands BROWN hoodie. It's boring yet comfortable.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
--Summer, I live in Michigan!
35. FAVORITE DESSERT?
--Reeses Peanut Butter Cup?
36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
--Cardio.
37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
--I'm a TV junkie.
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
--The Help
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
--I don't have a mouse pad. Laptop.
40. FAVORITE SOUND?
--Children laughing and then after that...QUIET. LOL!
41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
--I generally love everything, but I tend to jam more Country than anything.
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
--Probably Mexico for our honeymoon.
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
--Not that I can think of...
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
--Bay City, Michigan
45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
--Still here, just the other end of town!
46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
--Yellow and White. Only because the front has new siding and the rest doesn't. Siding is expensive. I wish we could finish what the previous owners started.
47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
--Red, but I drive my husbands more and his is Grey.
48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
--Yes, yes I do! Thanks Cherise!!
Come and join the fun!!
Diabetes Social Media Advocacy is a program provided by DCAF. #DSMA
Chat: Wed 9 PM EST
DSMA Live: Thurs 9 PM EST.
Creator of the #bluefridays initiative
Monday, January 14, 2013
Monday Night Raw
I've spent the last few day posting about my story, but today I am just going to worry about today. I wanted to focus on today because my blood sugars have been on point today! If my CGM (continuous glucose monitor) was on- today would be considered a "flat line" for sure! I haven't had a good day like that in a while. I must have my mo-jo back. It's been a long few weeks with my husband undergoing open heart surgery, the holidays and work. All of that combined made it very hard to manage. I'm feeling more in control and having a good day like today makes it easier to have good vibes for tomorrow.
So tonight as I focus on the good for my day I sit here watching WWE's Monday Night Raw. It's something my friends and I used to do together in a friends basement before diabetes. Those are the days I miss for sure...
I don't miss watching wrestling per say, just the memories I have of not having to worry.
However, I nailed it today and I'm proud and not worried about tomorrow.
Now I just can't wait for The Rock to make his appearance. He was always my favorite. ;-)
So tonight as I focus on the good for my day I sit here watching WWE's Monday Night Raw. It's something my friends and I used to do together in a friends basement before diabetes. Those are the days I miss for sure...
I don't miss watching wrestling per say, just the memories I have of not having to worry.
However, I nailed it today and I'm proud and not worried about tomorrow.
Now I just can't wait for The Rock to make his appearance. He was always my favorite. ;-)
Sunday, January 13, 2013
A crash course in Needles and Carbs
I remember my first few days as a newly diagnosed diabetic. I really only remember a few things actually-- learning how to use a syringe for the first time is embedded in my head for life. It freaked me out to look at one and touching one because I had only associated syringes with drugs (street drugs). So naturally it scared me. I was never afraid of needles, but I was afraid of drugs. Knowing that I had to insert that little silver needle in my stomach or a squishy spot on my body was stressful. I had to do this myself? How do I even get brave enough to "just do it?" Thankfully during this crash course in diabetes I had my Dad. (Just an FYI, I have the BEST Dad in the universe. Yours might be awesome too, but mine is just simply the cats meow.) The nurse handed me a bottle of saline (no need to practice with insulin, didn't want to deal with an overdose!) and a syringe-- she told me to administer the correct dosage. I have to poke myself with this thing? I froze and my Dad grabbed it from me and did it himself. Holy shit! My Dad just took one for the team! He said "If I can do it, so can you!" Well, alrighty then Dad! I mustered up the strength to push that syringe in my stomach. I did it! And you know what? It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was terrified that this was my new normal, but I'm the type of girl who knows that if it's a necessity than it must be done. I spent the rest of the afternoon learning about insulin dosages, corrections, highs, lows, carbohydrates, checking blood sugars and keeping track of basically every move I made.
Counting carbohydrates (carbs) was a challenge at first. I consider myself a pro now. I can tell you the carbs in most foods without even thinking about it. I am also a pretty good guesser (is that even a word?) about a lot of carbs that don't come with a nutrition label. But the first few days I was totally afraid to eat a single carb. I lived off of vegetables and meat for like a week. When I went back to see the nurse so she could evaluate my progress she was concerned that I wasn't eating quite right. Well, I said, carbs make blood sugars go up! Why on earth would I bother? Then she said it, what most people don't know..."You can eat whatever you want." What? Eat whatever I want? Well, hell, I want a Big Mac! Of coarse, that was frowned upon, but the idea of being able to eat whatever I wanted sounded so amazing! Maybe I will still have that freedom I thought I lost. As long as I was taking the correct amount of insulin to cover the foods I wanted to eat- food was my friend again. Thank goodness because I LOVE food! Of coarse I struggled for a bit, but I sure did get the hang of it in no time. I still struggle, but now I know which foods to stay away from or have in moderation (like pizza) and I am currently trying to figure out the evil carb known as coffee creamer. Still working on that one and taking suggestions.
I'm thankful that I had my Dad, I am also thankful for a pretty good team to help me get through the first few days. Now the hard part...being a teenager and having Type 1 diabetes. How do I explain this to my friends? How do I have a social life and still take care of myself? Nope...it wasn't getting any easier.
Counting carbohydrates (carbs) was a challenge at first. I consider myself a pro now. I can tell you the carbs in most foods without even thinking about it. I am also a pretty good guesser (is that even a word?) about a lot of carbs that don't come with a nutrition label. But the first few days I was totally afraid to eat a single carb. I lived off of vegetables and meat for like a week. When I went back to see the nurse so she could evaluate my progress she was concerned that I wasn't eating quite right. Well, I said, carbs make blood sugars go up! Why on earth would I bother? Then she said it, what most people don't know..."You can eat whatever you want." What? Eat whatever I want? Well, hell, I want a Big Mac! Of coarse, that was frowned upon, but the idea of being able to eat whatever I wanted sounded so amazing! Maybe I will still have that freedom I thought I lost. As long as I was taking the correct amount of insulin to cover the foods I wanted to eat- food was my friend again. Thank goodness because I LOVE food! Of coarse I struggled for a bit, but I sure did get the hang of it in no time. I still struggle, but now I know which foods to stay away from or have in moderation (like pizza) and I am currently trying to figure out the evil carb known as coffee creamer. Still working on that one and taking suggestions.
I'm thankful that I had my Dad, I am also thankful for a pretty good team to help me get through the first few days. Now the hard part...being a teenager and having Type 1 diabetes. How do I explain this to my friends? How do I have a social life and still take care of myself? Nope...it wasn't getting any easier.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
2013 A new year, a new blog
I'm welcoming 2013 with a new and improved blog, I've started and quit them so many times that I've made it my new years resolution. I don't often make any because I never ever keep them, but this time I am changing that. The last few months I have been utilizing my twitter account @kassiedel and I have been introduced to an amazing group of people from the DOC (Diabetes Online Community). It's been difficult as a Type 1 diabetic to find people who "get it" I was diagnosed 12 years ago and only recently have I been able to find a group of people who totally understand. So with 2012 behind me and 2013 staring me right in the face it's time to get this blog rolling. I hope that I am able to meet more wonderful people along the way. I hope that my stories are relate-able, encouraging and fun.
Here's my story in a nutshell:
I was 19 years old, living at home and working at our local YMCA's daycare center. I was having fun, and living a life of freedom. I was no stranger to having health issues since I was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 7. I dealt with medications and doctors appointments often. I was a rebel patient as I got older and never wanted to take any medication to keep the seizures from happening. I drove my mother mad! So in the Fall of 2000 when my neurologist told me that I didn't have to take any more pills for my epilepsy I did a teenage happy dance. I was so excited that I had nothing to be responsible for anymore. I mean, none of my friends had things to worry about, why should I?
I enjoyed the Fall as any teenager would. Fall classes at the local community college, hanging with friends, bonfires, boys, shopping and working just enough to have money for gas and a coke. A real Coca-Cola.
I started noticing in the beginning of December that I was drinking more liquid than I was used too and using the bathroom more than ever before. My mom always said I was like a camel and could wait forever before I had to go. I lost some weight and napped after every 6 hour shift of work. Things just didn't seem right and I knew it. I mentioned it to my mom that I was experiencing these things and she reminded me that Diabetes was in our family. My uncle had it, but he never talked about it and I knew he never really took care of himself. I knew NOTHING about diabetes at all. I had nothing to go by.
I decided to make an appointment because these symptoms were really bringing me down. My friends were irritated that we had to stop every hour so I could get something to drink and use the bathroom. I on the other hand was excited to be fitting in a size 6 jean. I had always been a 10.
As I sat waiting for the doctor to come in I had prepared myself for the diagnosis. Everything fit and it made sense. I mean I'm no doctor, but I wasn't stupid either. She came in, I gave her the spiel and she poked my finger. 249 mg/dl. Oh boy. I had done a little research before the appointment and new that wasn't good. She told me I had diabetes, said she would give me a minute to process and left the room. I didn't freak out entirely-it's not really my nature. I sat there and cried for a minute because my freedom as I knew it had officially ended. Now what? My doctor returned with a plan, an appointment for an endocronologist, a diabetes nurse and a nutritionist. Overwhelmed to say the least...and then she gave me her cell phone number. Her personal cell. "Call me with any questions, concerns and blood sugars tonight." she said. She said I would be starting insulin first thing in the morning. "I have to start insulin now?" It was all happening so fast and I had to absorb my new life in a flash. The next few days were a whirlwind of information, learning how to use syringes, insulin doses and glucose meters, recording blood sugars, and counting carbohydrates. I adapted faster and better than I thought (I knew I had no choice) but I really had no idea what was up ahead of me for the future. After all, I was 19 years old.
Fast forward to now...12 years later (December of 2000 is my dia-versary. I don't recall the date because I was 19 and I honestly didn't want to remember the day my freedom was taken away from me.) I am happy, healthy and taking control of my diabetes like a boss every single day. I have good days and I have bad days but everyday I learn something new and try to embrace my life change the best I can. I am married to a wonderful man (Brent, I met him 2 weeks after my diagnosis) who could care less that I have diabetes battle scars all over my body and I successfully run a family home daycare (Busy Bee's Daycare Inc.) and the kids don't care about the insulin pump I wear under my shirt, they snuggle up anyways and they understand when I need a juice box and that there isn't one for them. I am a daughter, sister, wife, a super proud aunt, a friend, a provider and a diabetic. Welcome :-)
Here's my story in a nutshell:
I was 19 years old, living at home and working at our local YMCA's daycare center. I was having fun, and living a life of freedom. I was no stranger to having health issues since I was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 7. I dealt with medications and doctors appointments often. I was a rebel patient as I got older and never wanted to take any medication to keep the seizures from happening. I drove my mother mad! So in the Fall of 2000 when my neurologist told me that I didn't have to take any more pills for my epilepsy I did a teenage happy dance. I was so excited that I had nothing to be responsible for anymore. I mean, none of my friends had things to worry about, why should I?
I enjoyed the Fall as any teenager would. Fall classes at the local community college, hanging with friends, bonfires, boys, shopping and working just enough to have money for gas and a coke. A real Coca-Cola.
I started noticing in the beginning of December that I was drinking more liquid than I was used too and using the bathroom more than ever before. My mom always said I was like a camel and could wait forever before I had to go. I lost some weight and napped after every 6 hour shift of work. Things just didn't seem right and I knew it. I mentioned it to my mom that I was experiencing these things and she reminded me that Diabetes was in our family. My uncle had it, but he never talked about it and I knew he never really took care of himself. I knew NOTHING about diabetes at all. I had nothing to go by.
I decided to make an appointment because these symptoms were really bringing me down. My friends were irritated that we had to stop every hour so I could get something to drink and use the bathroom. I on the other hand was excited to be fitting in a size 6 jean. I had always been a 10.
As I sat waiting for the doctor to come in I had prepared myself for the diagnosis. Everything fit and it made sense. I mean I'm no doctor, but I wasn't stupid either. She came in, I gave her the spiel and she poked my finger. 249 mg/dl. Oh boy. I had done a little research before the appointment and new that wasn't good. She told me I had diabetes, said she would give me a minute to process and left the room. I didn't freak out entirely-it's not really my nature. I sat there and cried for a minute because my freedom as I knew it had officially ended. Now what? My doctor returned with a plan, an appointment for an endocronologist, a diabetes nurse and a nutritionist. Overwhelmed to say the least...and then she gave me her cell phone number. Her personal cell. "Call me with any questions, concerns and blood sugars tonight." she said. She said I would be starting insulin first thing in the morning. "I have to start insulin now?" It was all happening so fast and I had to absorb my new life in a flash. The next few days were a whirlwind of information, learning how to use syringes, insulin doses and glucose meters, recording blood sugars, and counting carbohydrates. I adapted faster and better than I thought (I knew I had no choice) but I really had no idea what was up ahead of me for the future. After all, I was 19 years old.
Fast forward to now...12 years later (December of 2000 is my dia-versary. I don't recall the date because I was 19 and I honestly didn't want to remember the day my freedom was taken away from me.) I am happy, healthy and taking control of my diabetes like a boss every single day. I have good days and I have bad days but everyday I learn something new and try to embrace my life change the best I can. I am married to a wonderful man (Brent, I met him 2 weeks after my diagnosis) who could care less that I have diabetes battle scars all over my body and I successfully run a family home daycare (Busy Bee's Daycare Inc.) and the kids don't care about the insulin pump I wear under my shirt, they snuggle up anyways and they understand when I need a juice box and that there isn't one for them. I am a daughter, sister, wife, a super proud aunt, a friend, a provider and a diabetic. Welcome :-)
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