You: Hi there, Rebecca! Whatcha doing today?
RT: Oh, just recording some blood sugars, carbs from breakfast/lunch/dinner and how much insulin I gave for each meal.
You: Sounds like fun!
RT: Oh boy, is it!
You: Hey! What are you reading there, Rebecca?
RT: Oh, hi. I’m reading up on the latest continuous glucose monitoring systems and doing internet research to determine which one might be best for me.
You: That sounds like fun! Wish I could do that, too!
RT: Doesn’t it?!
You: Hey, Tredway! What are your plans this week? Want to get coffee?
RT: Howdy. Sorry, no coffee for me. I have exciting plans to call my insurance company and see what kind of coverage they’ll offer me for great diabetes care! And after that, get this, I’m going to make appointments for eye exams and dental care. Woohoo!
Type 1 diabetes has been a constant companion since I was 16 years old. I’ve had years of ups and downs. Ironically perhaps, I cared more for myself when I was first diagnosed as a teenager. I’ve gotten really lazy, really bitter and really annoyed by diabetes in the past ten years or so. I’ve done enough just to get by, but it’s not enough to make the future look bright.
My new slogan is: Diabetes is my hobby.
Like any new challenge, I am going to give my attention to diabetes for awhile, at least long enough to ascertain patterns and carb counts and how much insulin is needed and when. And while those conversations above will never really happen, I need to work hard on caring for myself. It’s going to take time. It’s going to take encouragement. It’s going to take perseverance. But, if I can focus on what really matters, it’ll make all the difference in the longrun.
12 Comments
andy Aug 23, 2010 12:27 PM
I’ll try hard to learn enough about your hobby ask you questions about the latest continuous glucose monitoring systems next time I see you. That way you can gush about how much you know and look really cool. :-)
Sarah M Aug 23, 2010 1:32 PM
It seems I have missed a good week’s worth of posts here at the Prairie Box, I loved them all. If diabetes is yours, celiac (no gluten/flour/((cake, cookies, pasta)) for me) is mine.
Let’s be bravely un-bitter together. :)
S
Aubrey Aug 23, 2010 4:59 PM
I can only imagine how hard it is to have a chronic disease that requires as much thought as diabetes. But you ARE doing what’s best for yourself. Every day I deal with people who have neglected their diabetes, causing lots of health problems. So way to go – I wish I had more patients like you. You can do this.
joie Aug 23, 2010 5:17 PM
So, hopefully this isn’t too honest…can depression be mine? Sounds like a awful hobby…so maybe I should say Joy is my new hobby (no alcohol, limited caffine and sugar, routine, routine, routine, meaning saying no to abnormal bed times :(, daily exercise, journaling…)you know those things that for unstructured people like me kick my butt on a regular basis. humbling. Here’s to a revival of hobbies!
Jen Aug 23, 2010 7:47 PM
If I get a vote, I vote for you to take good care of yourself. I like you a lot.
Megan Aug 23, 2010 9:35 PM
:( Sorry for this thorn in your flesh among others. Glad you are taking it seriously now, but sorry that you have to. Really truly.
Laurie Aug 23, 2010 11:18 PM
That has to be hard, Rebecca. My only experience is with several preschoolers we have had, where we have to draw blood and check the glucose levels before snack time. It’s always scary to do, as a teacher….but….love those children..and what they will have to deal with forever…they were always so brave and matter-of-fact about their condition. Hugs to you!!!
Janna Aug 24, 2010 8:04 PM
Good job, friend! Hope you can stay motivated. Just keep looking into the eyes of that cute Kindergartener and remember that she wants her mommy around for a really LONG time. :)
tasha Aug 25, 2010 4:02 AM
i’d be very much in agree-ence with joie!! joy should be our new hobby!! good thinking joie!!
Rebecca Aug 25, 2010 10:16 PM
I like all these comments.
alina Aug 26, 2010 12:24 PM
Rebecca,
Wow, this sounds tough! I think it is super difficult to provide self-care as a busy mom. I hope you find some answers. On the bright side, look at all that free time you’ve got with Livia in school!…hope it doesn’t get eaten up entirely by your new hobby. :-)
Uncle Steve Aug 30, 2010 11:19 AM
How well I remember the call I got from my 16 year old niece, “if someone in my family had to get this disease, I am SO thankful it was me.” You made me cry. I know that sentiment is still there, if you scratch for it a bit. We trust that there will always be perfect providence, enough to make it through one day at a time. Much love, Steve and Cathy