Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Are You My Type?

Anyone who knows that I have diabetes also knows that I am Type 2.  I don't hide this fact. Actually I'm pretty vocal about it.  However, if you were to look at my contacts through the DOC, whether on Facebook, Twitter, or other places, a majority of those people have Type 1. 

Why is this?  I was thinking about this yesterday. Is it because there are more Type 1s online?  Since they are stereotypically younger, are the Type 2s just old and not tech savvy?  Are the Type 1s just more vocal?

Or are the Type 2s in hiding because of society's stereotypes?

That last question hit me hard.  Although I don't fit those stereotypes, I'm always looking out for the comments.  I'm always afraid of hearing the Type 2 jokes.  Calling people who have diabetes fat, lazy, over-eaters hurts.

The cartoon that mimics a math word problem is a good example of misinformation. "Billy had 32 candy bars. He ate 28. What does he have now? Diabetes. Billy has diabetes." No, he does not.  Sugar doesn't cause diabetes. What he has is a major stomach ache!

But back to my original thought.  Although most of the people I know with diabetes, online or in real life, have Type 1, most of the time that does not matter.  We may manage our disease a little differently, but our fears are the same.  Our complications are the same.  Our hope for a cure is the same!

When I meet someone with diabetes, I might ask them what type they have or what resources they use (diet, exercise, oral meds, injection, insulin pump).  However that's just small talk.  Once I've met someone with diabetes, there's a little connection there.  We're part of the same family.  It doesn't matter if we have Type 1, Type 2, LADA, or gestational diabetes.  Yes, I would love to meet more Type 2s my age, but that doesn't mean I can't feel supported by someone who doesn't fit that criteria.  I can still offer support to someone who wears an insulin pump even though I don't.

I still feel that Type 2s need to have a more visible role in the DOC and world in general.  Don't hide! We're all here to support you!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Cough, Cough - Go away!

I'm at home with a cold.  It's actually been developing for almost two weeks.  Last week we only had two days of school.  Since the cold was just at the "annoying" level, I went ahead and subbed those two days.  However, over the Thanksgiving break it got worse instead of better.  I almost called the doctor on Friday and Saturday mornings, but decided maybe all I needed was some rest.

Then Saturday night came and I started coughing.  Uncontrollably.  You know the type of cough where you get stuck in an exhale and can't get even a tiny inhale? Yeah, that type of cough.  I don't mind so much the coughing fits where you're able to inhale between coughs.  Those are annoying.  However the coughs where you're stuck in that cough and can't inhale - those are scary!  I was starting to regret not calling the doctor that morning.

Then Sunday night hit, and the cold hit my ears.  Yes, we were now in the dizzy and nauseous stage.  Of course I was still being stubborn and wondering if I could work the next day.  After a night full of coughing fits, I relented and told hubby that I would call the doctor in the morning.  Thankfully I didn't get a call to sub even though I promised him that I'd turn it down.  I called the doctor about 10 minutes after they opened.  Next available sick appointment?  4:50 p.m.  I made some sort of comment how they've been busy.  The receptionist replied that they had been swamped with calls.

A few times during the day I felt pretty good.  I even thought about calling back and cancelling my appointment.  Of course that would be about the time another coughing fit would start up again.  At lunch, hubby made me promise not to cancel.  That afternoon I took my temperature and had a fever (100.2).  Ok, I'll go.

Of course I already knew the doctor would say I have a sinus infection.  Bending over to pick up a toy on the floor told me that.  (OUCH!)  He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and some yummy cough syrup. Seriously, this cough syrup *is* yummy! I think it tastes like cotton candy.  Hubby says it tastes more like burnt marshmallows.  Either way, I like it and don't have to build up the courage to take it like I do for that icky cherry stuff.

So last night I took the antibiotic.  Unfortunately I forgot to take another dose of cough syrup before bed and spent half the night coughing.  Yes, I will admit here for everyone to read that I was too lazy to get up out of my warm toasty bed and walk two rooms over to take another dose.

I decided last night to take today off from subbing to give the meds time to kick in before facing a classroom of children.  I sent a text message to our awesome substitute coordinator.  She replied saying it was a good idea and hoping I was better soon. 

So yesterday and today are days of rest.  Pretty rare for a mama of five.  How has this cold affected my diabetes?  Well on Saturday my fasting glucose was 110 when I'm typically in the 120s or 130s.  Not bad!  I'm making sure to eat, but trying not to get into unnecessary snacking.  I admit I haven't checked my numbers like I should, but I'm working on taking care of myself.  It's hard to sit still, even when I'm sick.


Image credit: Found here.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Home Sweet Home

For the next five days, I have no other obligations but my family.  (Oh and that paper I need to work on for my graduate class, but I plan to have that done tomorrow.)  I am looking forward to focusing on the six people that mean the most in my life.  The people that bring me joy, even when I'm a little frustrated with them.  Like any wife and mother would admit if being truthful, they drive me up the wall at times, but I love them with all my heart.

Among my many blessings, I am grateful to have been blessed with a husband who is a wonderful cook.  I am looking forward to the amazing meals that he will prepare during out break.  I am looking forward to the help I will receive (and have already received) from the children as we catch up on housework.  I am also looking forward to decorating the house on Friday for my favorite holiday - Christmas!

For now, I want to enjoy the here and now - not rush into what tomorrow brings.  Right now I am enjoying a cup of tea from my Keurig.  Great for my cold and sore throat!  Hoping a few cups of tea before bed will help me feel better in the morning so I can knock out that paper I have to write!

It's really hard to keep in this moment.  As you see, I already started talking about tomorrow and my paper.  My kids are growing up way too fast.  I used to wish away the days, looking forward to their futures.  Now I know that those futures come quickly.  Over the next five days I am going to work on enjoying the moment while working on letting tomorrow worry about itself. (See Matthew 6:34)


Sunday, November 18, 2012

My Very Lonely Blog

Yes, I have neglected my blog lately. It really bothers me, because I do enjoy blogging. However, my outside life has taken away a lot of the free time I used to spend writing. Now most of my computer time is spent with my online graduate course or decompressing on Facebook or Pinterest. Oh, yes, I've gotten sucked in to Pinterest!

This week is Thanksgiving. My oldest, a sophomore at the university, has the week off. My other children only have school two days this week. I am really looking forward to some extra time with my husband and children. Even though I will have a project to work on for school, I will be home most of the week. My substitute teaching job follows the same schedule as my children.

Maybe during this time off (after I finish my homework), I can work on pre-writing some blog posts. In the mean time, I'm thinking of my blessings and all I have to be thankful for this year. It's been a tough year with all the business, but I am thankful nonetheless. My family is, of course, my biggest blessing.

Friday, November 2, 2012

A Funny Thing Happened... #dblog #NHBPM

I'm one of those people that finds the humor in just about anything. Yes, even a chronic illness such as diabetes.  For example:

* I love calling others with diabetes "sweetie"

* I ran to the store at 6:45 am to buy a blue shirt to wear today in honor of Blue Fridays (Google it. Too tired to figure out how to link on blog phone app)

* I have been known to claim to have low blood sugar as an excuse to eat a candy bar when someone is criticizing me (moderation of course!)

* I've also claimed high/low glucose levels as an excuse when I'm cranky

Hey, if you have to deal with it, might as well have fun!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thankful (#dblog)

Sometimes it's the little things that make me happy... Like some Diet Coke!