Stain Be Gone- Tide’s Formula for Ease

Julie to the rescue! My fully prepared girlfriend springs into action yesterday… saving my shorts.

On our way out the door, I took a thigh injection to do a small blood sugar correction. All was good and I was ready to continue with the day. A sharp annoyance, however, caused me to do a double-take on my recent site. With down-turned eyebrows and forcibly wrinkled lips, I lifted up the cuff of my shorts and inspected the perturbance. A smear of blood on my leg and wouldn’t ya know it… two small spots of blood had soaked through my shorts. Wonderful.

I wasn’t so much upset at the stain as I was the hindrance on my forward progress in the day. Diabetes had lassoed me in, forcing me to see who was really running the show.  

Making me deal with the situation at hand- both of us delay our planned venture. “Hold on, let me run this under cold water and clean up”, I tell Julie… already on my way to the sink. She stops me and suggests her own remedy. Tide pen to the rescue.

Out from the purse and poised for action, the stain removal pen was quickly activated for duty. I steadied the fabric with my hand pressed underneath. She quickly dotted the first blood spot.

A foamy chemical reaction occurred and it bubbled up in the shape of the to-be vanquished spot. A couple more dottings and a good swirl for safe measure. The spot seemed gone.

The next spot had time to watch, and knew it’s short lived life would also be ending soon. Sure enough, in under a minute of time, all the blood was gone from the fabric of my shorts.

What could have been a cold, wet, messy clean-up was rather quick and painless. Julie suggests we should go buy one for my own supply…stowing it somewhere in my truck for future “emergencies”. I quickly brush off the suggestion, in my head, and make some sort of manly pose. A stain removal pen… for cleaning laundry… stored in my truck? Wasn’t gonna happen.

The fact of the matter is… if I had my own stain remover I risk losing some of that personal attention that I so need now and then. Having someone there to look after me in my fleeting times of need sure is a comforting thought.

Thanks, Julie, for having my back.

Needles Anyone?

It would seem that I was the one responsible for not being able to hold on tight enough to that cumbersome Merry-Go-Round. However, after thorough CSI style investigation, it appears to have been sabotage after all.

I went to the pharmacy to pick up some more insulin pen needles and was greeted with bad news. “It appears to be too soon for pick-up on these-your insurance won’t cover them until four days from now”.

Par for the course-issues at the RX counter!

In need, I decided I would have to pay for them out of pocket. Thirty-Five dollars for a box of 100 novofine needles. “When did I have these filled last?”, I asked. Typity typity typity…… typity typity goes the pharm. tech into my account history. “It was a while ago, this can’t be right”, she says.

She continued talking, incoherently mumbling some sort of whodunit theory. ”I’ll call the insurance company, give me a minute”, she says.

<behind the counter>-rambling off prescription codes into the phone, and pharmacy store numbers, and her employee number and title…..then my name and date of birth and other necessary stats… I wander off.

Not two minutes later I make eye contact and see she has completed her investigatory stint.

Here’s the story:

My insurance lacks the ability to separate syringes and pen needles for my coverage. Even though they are two separate prescriptions and have different uses(for different insulin even), syringes and pen needles are one in the same on their end of the tug-o-war rope. The computer saw that I picked up syringes a week earlier and then concluded it was too early for more needles of any kind. Agreeably, they ok’d the coverage of pen needles for that day, under my usual fifteen dollar copay, and instructed for them to be called in the future every time I need pen needles within close proximity to syringes. Geesh! One more step in this game we play!

What kills me the most is their inability to just (Fix!) the problem. Instead, it is now on me to keep track and have the pharm. tech call the blasted insurance company (Every Time!) this scenario of prescription pick-ups occurs.

Hooray! Diabetes is fun!

Merry-Go-Rounds Are Fun…Usually

It’s only syringes I tell myself. They gave me twenty more to get me through until the shipment. I can go back next week and pick up the rest.

I don’t want to go back next week!

I feel like my schedule is ever revolving around my prescriptions. It’s like a merry-go-round that, when gripped properly, and given complete focus can be a smooth breezy ride. Don’t lose your grip though- or a future of tattered clothes, bruised  appendages, and mega grass stains will be in your future. 

-This was two weeks ago.

I ended up picking up my syringes refill (box of 100) last week. (A little delayed to post about… but today’s pharmacy excursion made it all relevant again!)- More on that in the next posting.

Why is this happening? The pharmacy tech fills me in that they “don’t have them”. That’s helpful. After some coercing and brief conversation I find out that the shipment they were supposed to receive did not come in. Why are they so under stocked- that they need to operate shipment to shipment? I deduce that tiny pill monsters hidden in the medicine bottles must have screwed with their inventory. I go with this theory because I don’t want to believe any other real world scenario.

One day when I move out of my apartment and into a house (with a safe porch for deliveries), I will bypass the pharmacy and get supplies delivered. Maybe this will help eliminate the back-and-forth needed to keep my drawers stocked.

Time will tell. Gotta deal with the present for now.

Reviewed: Hirsch

James S. Hirsch covers the spectrum in his book, “Cheating Destiny: Living with Diabetes, America’s Biggest Epidemic”.

I recently ended this book’s journey of diabetes. I will say- James Hirsch writes a compelling story/autobiography/scientific journal. Covering the gamut of diabetes related topics, from the history of diabetes and insulin… to intimate personal stories… to others’ stories… and to new technologies and the future of the disease.

I found myself looking for perfect locales to devour the pages. While on campus, sunny corners abound and give of themselves as a place to relax. A pyramidal concrete structure became my unfailing sit while reading. Above grade, a ledge allowed my left leg to hang down, and a patch of grass for my bag lay to the right. Even the trail of ants in the connecting concrete corners did not detour my readings. Save when a good flicking was needed to halt their climb on my bare toes.

Any person with diabetes can relate to this book. Unwelcome “HI” messages, and stories of unquenchable thirst are discussed in the pages. The unfortunate timing of Hirsch’s young son’s development of T1 wells up your eyes and makes you demand a cure-right along with the author. Any person without diabetes can embrace it also, obtaining insight on a whole new world.

James S. Hirsch skillfully shows his passion for the disease along with his expertise in creating superb literature. Former reporter for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, reading his words was a pleasure. 

The author’s outlook on diabetes can at times be grim, often cursing the lack of forward progression of a cure. As you read he will discuss a technology, a management technique, or the like, and write a sentence or two of his own thoughts-be it of support or criticism.

Lastly, be impressed by the extensive research and personal interviews he conducted. People touching the diabetic world are introduced all throughout the book- ending with researchers and doctors who offer insight on the future.

After hunting two local Barnes & Nobles and a Borders(to cover my bases), I ended up ordering the book in-store. After a quick phone number, home and e-mail address, I was in the system and contacted, shortly, days later. At $25.00 retail, and a 20% off customer card, I scored “..Destiny..” for a comfortable $20.00.

Many others have also read and reviewed “Cheating Destiny” and posted on their respective websites. Check out some other blogs to soak up more observations.

In part… Read this book

Huge Love

Q: Where would I be without family and loved ones?

A:”In a darker place, left without my positive outlook on life, and adversely obsessed with the chronic (disease that is).”

Huge love goes out to my family and girlfriend. It is these people that I hold most dear to my heart. They have loved me and supported me from day one.

While I may not be prone to openly spill my feelings out loud, they have been ever vigilant, and on board if I needed to talk. A kind word is never far to find.

Julie, you are a constant protective angel. Able to detect my lows and voice lovingly when it’s “time to eat”. Thank you for being on guard and actively willing to act fast in an, albeit rare, emergency. You are the Best!

Mom and Dad, you two flood me with supportive encouragement and overwhelming pride. From buying my first meter and sugar-free goodies, to help with insurance woes and money flow… you keep me above water and make me beam from the loving words you share.

To my sister, Saira, and my grandparents and friends, thank you for being there in my time of need and offering yourselves to soften the burden of my sometimes cumbersome plight. I know I can always turn to you for anything!

You all represent a strong link in my diabetes success story. Each of you personify an individual stone- each having it’s own extraordinary traits. Together, however, you come together and form the mountain of support that will keep me headstrong, happy, and healthy for years and years to come.

In the midst of it all, I am the one filled with that “big pride thing”, as you are all “truly my heros”!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Experiment

Whether trying a new insulin routine , a new blood testing site, or an updated cannula locale, it seems that we really like to experiment. Several Diabetes Blogospherians have written about their trials and tribulations when it comes to these self-tests.

• Scott at Scott’s Diabetes Journal writes about his new thigh site and first time fill-up with Novolog.
• Amy at Diabetes Mine previously writes about being ”armbanded” with her new Omni-pod stylishly occupying her arm.  
• Kerri at Six Until Me shares a “tricky little spot” for her “high-tech little buddy”, stashing her pump in sock while still looking fashionable.

It is a way of fine tuning the daily routine of self-care and, let’s face it, it can bring upon some very interesting results.

For three years I have used my Freestlye Flash glucometer and have openly praised it’s functionality. When first diagnosed, I was very averse to finger pricks. They stung like a bee, and left my bruised fingers floating high, like a butterfly, in the air to dry the weeping wound. Holding a pen, working a remote control, and especially typing, were all constant pains in the…Finger! I quickly grabbed hold of Freestyle’s self proclaimed “alternate site” testing. The Abbott Diabetes Care website, maker of the Freestyle Flash says, “a blood sample test can be performed on the fingertips, forearms, upper arms, thighs, calves, and hands”. I preferred the upper arm or forearm, and for three years that is where I tested.

Reading about other people with diabetes and their monitoring routine showed me how many people actually still test on the finger. I attribute this to the variety of meters at our fingertips… pun intended. Other meters still suggest fingertip testing for the highest accuracy. I took these proclamations to heart and decided to test out my meter’s accountability.  Here are the cold hard facts:

4/3/07 2:29pm 168 mg/dL (forearm)

                                133 mg/dL (finger)

4/4/07 9:59am 75 mg/dL (forearm)

                                63 mg/dL (finger)

4/4/07 7:10pm 37 mg/dL (forearm)

                                47 mg/dL (finger)

4/5/07 8:43am 164 mg/dL (forearm)

                                186 mg/dL (finger)

4/5/07 2:13pm 153 mg/dL (forearm)

                                162 mg/dL (finger)

4/6/07 3:07pm 65 mg/dL (forearm)

                                63 mg/dL (finger)

The numbers are, to say the least, unpredictable. There is no pattern. Sometimes forearm testing showed a higher reading, sometimes it was the finger. One time they were nearly exact. Limited resources (read: money) kept me from doing more tests as two strips per testing round runs me about two bucks. But I figured this data was sufficient.

So. This has led me to question my meters judgement. How can I trust an “alternate site”? I really can’t, definitively, which Abbott Diabetes Care acknowledges. The website suggests to “vigorously rub” alternate sites before testing to increase current blood flow to the area. Also postulating to “consult your health care professional for acceptable sites for your testing needs”. And warning to test for hypoglycemia only on the finger… especially important if hypoglycemia unaware.

Do I regret not finger testing for so long? No. And I don’t blame Abbott either. They merely improved their meter to give me an alternate/substitute, means for testing. Even if I can’t always use alternate sites, it can provide a much needed finger break… now and then.

I still stand behind my Freestyle Flash and revere in needing the worlds smallest blood sample size, .3 microliters, and having extremely fast results. But now I will put my dislike of bruised fingers aside and continue to have the most accurate results I can get.

Be strong, my thin skinned soldiers. For there are ten of you to share the load, and I promise to be gentle.

Exubera Clinical Trial Info

As I talked about before, I have considered entering a clinical trial that tests the effects of Exubera. The new “wonder drug” that lets people with diabetes inhale insulin instead of taking an injection.

I carefully researched the drug and it’s stigmas online and pawed through the trial info I was sent.

After debating it with myself and talking with my family, I decided it was not the right trial for me. Originally I had hoped they were testing insulin pumps or meters or continuous glucose monitors. Now those are the types of things I can lend my body to.

My parents even offered me a matching amount of money, that trial participants get, to NOT do the study. Their number one concern…. my health. After reading the warnings of lung function loss, who can blame them.

Along with the inherent risks involved, there were other reasons I decided this was not for me.

• I am currently without a doctor in my new city and have no professional to look after my best interests and discuss this with first
•  Changing insulin treatment routines can be troublesome and affect the body and with life as busy as ever, it’s not a good time to mess with what works.
• My current health insurance plan expires soon. I don’t want to rock the boat if a special need arises after the trial is over.

I have created this page with the trial info .doc for others to open and view.

It gives a good reference point to see how trials are conducted. The devil is in the details… read everything carefully when embarking on your own trial research.

Stripped

Gotta make them last… One, two, three, four. Four moments in time left to be able to record blood sugars until the refill comes in.

Almost out of test strips. I went to Longs.com per usual and plunked in my RX numbers and sent them away into www-refill land. Not an hour later, the pharmacy calls and assures me I will be getting no test strips for another two 1/2 days. This, per instructions from my abysmal health insurer and my agreed upon daily testing limit. When did I agree on that!? Oh, I didn’t, like it matters. So no strips for me, unless of course I want to pay the $104.99 cash price.

I decided I could watch my diet close the next two days and only test when necessary(a loose term for some). Necessary for me is at least 3 times a day.

One into the used section of my meter case first thing in the morning. Another before dinner… Way too long living in glycemia no-mans land.

One more used this morning and one left in the plastic Freestyle tube.

I suppose I will use it before bed to make one last check for the day. Tomorrow, first thing, it is too the pharmacy for me…. At Nine, not Eight like last time. 

I suppose I should ration my strips to prevent this in the future. That or pony up big bucks like some others and pay out of pocket. Because I don’t see insurance paying for 18 test strips a day. Very nice though… that is commitment to self.

No worries, tomorrow is a new batch of 100. Maybe more…..

Does blood wash off of test strips? Hmmm….

From Somewhat Cold… To Mold

Has anyone tried thee things?

They are advertised as “handy cooling wallets for people with diabetes”, and used  to “keep your insulin cool without refrigeration!”

I bought one. I used it. I threw it away.

They are designed with the same principle as the neck bandannas that are sold at craft fairs and such. They have absorbing little beads wrapped up inside some kind of breathable fabric. The Idea is to soak them in water, and let the slow evaporation of that water from the beads cool you down. Or in this case, your insulin. 

Good theory, but I would stop at cheap craft fair gimmick.

I took the pouch on an eight hour drive up to my folks house and followed all the instructions. It turned into a damp, slightly cool waste of money. My insulin did not heat up much during the drive but it was definitely not staying within the 36-46 degree range like it needed.

When I returned home from my trip I left the pouch out so it could dry. Days later, I noticed mold growing on the thing. Geesh, I should have left it in the desert on my way home. Maybe the absent humidity there would have been enough to properly dry it out.

Not willing to deal with the fuzzy mess growing on the pouch, it was round filed and will forever be punished… living in the local landfill.

What a waste.