Justin's Story

Sunday, May 18, 2014

My favorite things-Day 7 Diabetes Blog week

My favorite thing about blog week is finding new blogs to read!  When Justin was first diagnosed, I'm not even sure that we had left the hospital and I was searching for others with children about the same age going through the same thing.  I found comfort in reading others stories, knowing that I wasn't alone in my feelings.  I decided to start my own blog very soon after he was diagnosed.  My original reason to start blogging was I just needed a place to get my feelings out and tell our story, hoping maybe someone would read it and find comfort in the fact they aren't alone. 

There isn't a specific blog post from this week that stands out to me, I really enjoyed all of them that I've had time to read.  It will take me a while to get through them all!  I have met some great ladies through blogging, and I wouldn't have found those connections otherwise :)   

Can't wait until next years DBlog Week! 

Thanks for reading and following me!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Snapshot Saturday-Day 6 DBlog week


Back for another year, let’s show everyone what life with diabetes looks like!  With a nod to the Diabetes 365 project, let’s grab our cameras again and share some more d-related pictures.  Post as many or as few as you’d like.  Feel free to blog your thoughts on or explanations of your pictures, or leave out the written words and let the pictures speak for themselves.

I think I'll leave out the written words and just let the following photos speak for themselves..............I will say that I picked more positive photos, rather than finger sticks and shots....this is how were living with T1, trying to make the best of it! 

Friday, May 16, 2014

Tips & Tricks-Day 5 Diabetes Blog Week

Share the (non-medical) tips and tricks that help you in the day-to-day management of diabetes.  Tell us everything from clothing modifications, serving size/carb counting tricks to the tried and true Dexcom-in-a-glass trick or the “secret” to turning on a Medtronic pump’s backlight when not on the home-screen (scroll to the bottom of this post). Please remember to give non-medical advice only! (Thank you Rachel of Probably Rachel and Kelley of Below Seven for this topic suggestion.)



Were still fairly new at this, right at 1 1/2 years, although your pretty much forced to become an expert overnight or at least that's how it feels.  I'm not sure what I do that makes it easier other than the way we have things set up and do things works for us.  

I keep a paper on the side of the fridge right above the food scale with some of the most common food items and their carb factors, so I don't need to go searching for it.  

I still carry all of Justins things when were together, I have a nice big purse with 3 sections, one side is mine, one is for his stuff, that makes it easier for me so If he needs to check I'm not digging around a huge pit looking for the meter, or a bag of skittles if he's low.  

I also have the calorie king app on my phone to look up carb counts on the go.  A glucagon app, that will take you through the steps to practice, just in case you need it. And a BG log on my phone.

Not sure how helpful these tips are, pretty basic but it helps me out :)

I can't wait to read what others do!! 




Mantras and More-Day 4 Diabetes blog week

Today we are getting back to the positive with our topic Mantras and More. Yesterday we opened up about how diabetes can bring us down. Today let’s share what gets you through a hard day? Or, more specifically, a hard diabetes day? Something positive you tell yourself, or mantras, or what you fall back on to get you through. Maybe we've done that and we can help others do it too? (Thanks to Meri of Our Diabetic Life for suggesting this topic.)



What gets me through a hard day?  Knowing that I'm doing everything in my power to help Justin and sometimes diabetes is just a pain in the ass and has nothing to do with anything he or I did.  

Since he was diagnosed I just take it one number at a time, if its high correct, if its low treat....and move on.  Even though when I see a high number or a too low number I'm thinking dammit all I don't let on to Justin that I'm annoyed.  Because I don't want him thinking he's doing something wrong or I'm mad at him, I'm mad because diabetes is being a jerk to my kid. In the beginning he would get anxious when he seen a "bad" number and I had to keep telling him its ok, we have the insulin to bring it down, your fine. Now we both roll it off and move on.

I try to remember that were doing the best we can and its not easy to control T1D, And if it was a particularly rough day a good cry may be in order.   

That always helps me feel a little better..........

  

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

What brings you down-Diabetes blog week-day 3

The hardest part about caring for a child with type 1 is the constant worry.  Some days its enough to bring me to tears. 

I'm always worring even if it doesn't show....

Did I give right amount of insulin?
Did I pack him enough snacks?
Will he remember to eat the snacks when he should? 
If he's low will he notice in time to treat before passing out? 
Will he finish his lunch?
Dammit why is he high....or low?

And a million other thoughts that run through my head on a daily basis......its so mentally exhausting!!!  Justin worries about it I'm sure, but I dread the day he has to do everything on his own.  I hate that my sweet little boy will have to deal with the mental exhaustion as well as all the pokes everyday.   It just gives me one more thing to worry about.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Poetry Tuesday Diabetes blog week-day 2


This year, Diabetes Blog Week and TuDiabetes are teaming up to bring out the poet in you! Write a poem, rhyme, ballad, haiku, or any other form of poetry about diabetes. After you’ve posted it on your blog, share it on the No Sugar Added® Poetry page on TuDiabetes, and read what others have shared there as well!

                                       Diabetes stinks
                          The highs, lows and in between
                                    We want a cure now!

Ok so I wrote a haiku.......lol I'm not much of a poet, so you get what you get on this topic haha :)

Monday, May 12, 2014

Change the World-Diabetes Blog Week Day 1

I participated in the last year, and am super excited to do it again this year! 

Today's topic is-

Let’s kick off Diabetes Blog Week by talking about the diabetes causes and issues that really get us fired up. Are you passionate about 504 plans and school safety? Do diabetes misconceptions irk you? Do you fight for CGM coverage for Medicare patients, SDP funding, or test strip accuracy? Do you work hard at creating diabetes connections and bringing support? Whether or not you “formally” advocate for any cause, share the issues that are important to you. (Thanks go out to Kim of Texting my Pancreas for inspiring this topic.)



I would have to say that Diabetes Awareness is my thing....it really annoys me when people use diabetes as a joke.  Or just don't know anything about it, but try to tell you what to do anyway.  

I try hard to brush things off and most of the time I can, but It still bugs me and I think to myself how stupid can people be?!  I realize that before diabetes was part of our daily life I didn't know that much either.  But I wouldn't joke about it or tell someone with Type 1 what they should be doing.  I try hard to be understanding but I feel its the same as other diseases, if you don't know about it, you shouldn't say anything.  

I watched on youtube a recent SNL skit, that made fun at diabetes and needing an insulin pump.  I found it highly offensive.  There's nothing funny about my kid needing to poke his finger many times in a day and getting 3+ shots everyday.