Showing posts with label blood sugar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blood sugar. Show all posts

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Dilemmas and Bucket Loads

       Many of us feel overwhelmed in our daily lives at one point or another. I am no different. I've been facing a small dilemma of whether to blog about  issues I'm facing or keep quiet.  On one hand, if I blog I hope it does not change the mind of someone who is awaiting that precious Gift Of Life- an organ transplant. However. on the other hand it just may strike a chord  in someone facing a similar issue and help them feel they are not alone.

      I've been a little absent not only here but also on my FaceBook fan page, mainly due to the fact that my energy level for quite some time has seemed non-existent.  Of course, I did have to treat the lower left corner of my lip for pre- skin cancer, which in itself was no fun. A person never truly realizes how much actually touches your lips until it burns at the point of contact.. Oh and brushing your  teeth- well that was a major feat of gymnastics!. I'm an avid brusher, so I decided to bite the bullet and deal with the pain until I could get the toothpaste washed off.

  On a good note, I am still off Insulin.. YAY!!! My blood sugars are in range and I've even had a few lows. My HgbA1c  was 5.3 at my last visit so the endocrinologist is ecstatic. Why I stressed over telling him I was off insulin amazes me.

 I have however been having alot of pain. At first this was attributed to muscle and joint pain-but we now suspect that my Thyroid may have something to do with it also. I felt extremely stylish with an ace bandage wrapped around my ankle for 4 days! They found my thyroid to be enlarged and with cysts all over it via a sonogram. After the official reading we'll make a game plan. Adding to that, me the person who greets each day with a devilish grin and "hits the ground running" has lost her "get up and go" . Oh,I still greet each day with a devilish grin, but the energy level seems to be on vacation. This is completely not my style, so I am conducting an extensive search to find which tropical island my energy fairy has gone to. No more Pina coladas on the beach- honey time to come home!

    And this week has brought on a new development.  Remember how good it feels to stretch when you wake up?  Oh..me to...  Since Monday each morning I stretch it triggers my a-fib rapid heart rate.. No fun and it totally ruins that wonderful stretchy feeling.. I'm now taking extra meds for this-lucky me.. Just more to add to those little boxes to remind myself. I promised my cardiologist I'd call him if these "episodes" became more frequent than say.. 1-2 times a month. Think this falls into that category? I've had ablation for one form now I guess my heart is lonely and making itself known..

     I also know that these transplants won't last forever-but- this is not that time- trust me.  ( evil grin)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Insulin -Day One

So yesterday I chose to not take any insulin and work on modifying my eating and exercise habits.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my blood sugar readings were within range except at bedtime. This is where I'd had some yogurt as a snack so the reading was what it would have been on insulin too.
This morning I wasn't in the 70's to low 80's but at 92.  Lunch was 101..  so I'm attempting day 2 now.

I have developed a slight headache which I'm not sure is related or not. I may start taking the insulin again depending on how my numbers look. I've also ramped up my exercise program and water consumption. Both of which will benefit me in the long run.

Please understand this is not something that you should undertake because it's currently working for me. I have merely gone back to the severe controls that used to work for me before and gave up all the food I started eating and shouldn't have.

Should my blood sugar readings rise...I will be first in line for that shot. For the moment it's nice to have hunger pangs and not insulin entering my blood stream to work.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Insulin

I haven't posted in along while mainly due to a few health issues, but I didn't want to post them here and make anyone worry it might happen to them too. When I don't feel well  I normally go into seclusion so my body can regenerate and recuperate.

Todays posting has been on my mind for quite sometime now and this I need to get out there.

As many of you  know I voluntarily started using Insulin (long-acting) last year because I could read the writing on the wall. My blood sugar levels were rising and knowing that Prograf and Prednisone were the culprits I wanted to correct it before it got bad.
I started with 15 units a day and have finally settled at 8 IU.Well that's what my Doctor has me on. I've been using 6IU for the last 4 months. I am still having morning low readings and sometimes waking in the night with severe lows.
The one thing bothering me at the moment though, is the churning in my stomach all hours of the night. If you're on insulin you know this is when the time release is "releasing" the insulin into your system. Three times last night it woke  me up. As usual I lay there waiting for symptoms of low blood sugar to appear and when they didn't I knew it was  time release at the wrong time. This is happening alot lately and I would really like to get a full nights sleep without waking- waiting-then trying to go back to sleep after being on full alert.

I remember I had a radically self-motivated strict diet prior to insulin. I am considering going back to that diet.  One big issue I have with insulin is it gives me too much freedom. Freedom to eat things things I shouldn't; sweets, potatoes, bread-you know all those carbohydrates that love to raise our blood sugar. It also creates the mind set that I have insulin why exercise? It'll only lower my blood sugar and I'll have to eat to bring it back up. What a vicious cycle this insulin creates.

So we sit back, eat what we shouldn't and are afraid to exercise... Sorry, not why I got these 3 organ transplants. This is NOT honoring my donors and their families.

Monday, February 22, 2010

LabCorp continued

I've left a few online requests at LabCorp.com for someone to please contact me because I need to have an issue resolved... Nothing in a week.
Guess they don't respond via email either.

Anyway, since I am taking the Multaq I've reduced my Prograf from 3mg twice a day to 2 mg twice a day.
Might save a little money-until I find out how much the Multaq will cost me.
 I still feel my heart race for 10-15 seconds at a time, so I'll have to wait and see if it's really going to help me or not.
I have discovered that an elevated blood sugar will wreak havoc with my body along with the heart. So another reason for everyone to keep your blood sugar in control..
It took about 3 days to feel like really getting back to exercising after starting to take the Multaq, but now I'm bakc to my 2 miles in the morning with the boys, plus hitting the treadmill for another 30 minutes after dinner.
Next I hit the gym again.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Hearts-broken and otherwise

    Well this afternoon I get to wear a 24hour heart monitor. Yay :-(
This seems to be the thousandth time I've gotten one of these jewels and to date have shown nothing to be concerned about.  I do have a fast heart rate at times. I mean who wouldn't after open heart surgery and a double lung transplant, a single left lung transplant, a kidney transplant, and a pacemaker implant. Oh and please take into consideration all those meds we love to take. Originally in 1991 after my first transplant I did have to take time and recover from the heart surgery. I had an atrial septal defect which had to be closed surgically at the same time as my lung transplant to be effective. I took Procardia for 6 months and then all was fine for quite a few years.
    Then came time for the 2nd lung transplant and all the meds to curtail the chronic rejection. I was also very close to renal failure at the time. All this combined  with the fact I was getting progressively weaker by the minute and wasting away wreaked havoc on my poor tired heart. I was once again placed on meds to control and slow my heart rate. Well, after the kidney transplant it was felt I didn't need to take the meds anymore so they were slowly weaned off. It took all of 6 months to prove how I needed them.
   Being diabetic the first time my heart truly raced I was unsure if it was my blood sugar dropping or something else. I attritbute it to low blood sugar since I had the cold clammy sweat on the back of my neck, the horrible almost nauseaus feel in the pit of my stomeach, etc. We were at a Harley Davidson shop after enjoying a much needed bike ride. All at once I got these feelings and they were not abating. Seeing a small vending area with a few tables, I made a beeline for the coke machine and a table. I drank the coke and it didn't really help too much. By this time I was literally sweating bullets. I used evey napkin the little metal holder had on  my table and then another table too. I was speechless at the amount of sweating since I rarely sweat. I was also sitting directly in front of the AC vent. Well, another coke later and a hot dog, I began to feel better, not like myself but better. So with that off we went on the bike and home. I never truly attributed this to my heart rate. Just a freak blood sugar occurrence. I now know better.
   The next time was more vocal. I got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I did as normal, walked into the bath, sat down, and promplty woke up on the floor. Not usual. We finally caught the culprit. Dr. Baz immediately set me up with Cardiology to find the reason . What they found was when my heart rate rose if they pressed on my neck it would slow down to normal. Well since I can't walk around with my hand on my neck except maybe in a vampire movie, we made arrangements for ablation.  This ablation was for Ventricular tachycardia. It was for the lower chambers of my heart. Before this I also received a pacemaker, another story altogether, believe me.
      After the ablation all was perfect. That is up until now. Now it appears my issue is with the Atrium, thus A-fib. I've been told this is more difficult to control with ablation, wow lucky me. Anyway as the story goes, last Thursday I was getting out of the recliner and my heart rate jumped from 51 beats per minute to 101. This may not seem like much to you but those darned butterflies that got trapped in my chest were beating like crazy to get out. Not to mention the slight nausea I had too. I immediately took one of my Metoprolol PRN tablets. I continued with preparing dinner, sweeping, etc. hoping my heart rate would slow down. Well it didn't. I decided to take another tablet before I went to bed around 10:00PM. I got a little sleep and woke in the middle of the night not wanting to get up. My heart rate felt slower and I didn't want to do anything to push it into hyper drive. I could feel it rise, then slow, rise, then slow as if it were trying to correct itself. I got up, took another tablet, checked the blood sugar-low again, ate some yogurt and settled into the recliner for a few hours. Friday morning it was at 85 but holding steady. I called the doctor and he decided on the heart monitor. After taking another tablet I am happy to say I've been at 51-55 heart beats per minute ever since. But I did have to take it easy for all of Friday. If this keeps happening it will seriously impede my exercise routine. After all, I'm scared to death to hop on the treadmill when I'm almost at target heart rate without trying!
      Since this only happens about once a month I'm having trouble understanding why I need the monitor. I have a Pacemaker and it should show everything. At least I know it does when the nurse does a printout every 6 months. Why couldn't I just go into the office on Friday and them run a strip? I mean let's be serious if I only have this once a month, I've already had my turn, what's the monitor gonna show?  I guess all this stems from the fact I really dread getting this darned thing. I'm allowed this feeling after all these years... Geez, I've earned it right... Oh well, resigned to the fact... Off I go to get wired...
BTW... As I told a good friend when we talked about this yesterday... This is NOT cunducive to a night of great sex nor will it make me feel that way either:-)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Insulin results

Sorry no post yesterday, Hubby surprised me with a trip to the beach. Motor home, boys and me all on the road for a day.The beach at Nokomis was beautiful. A sunny 87 degrees and a beautiful Gulf breeze.
My blood sugar has been doing great in my experiment. The first day it was kinda wonky ( a  new word of mine) but still in range. As of yesterday it started to level off and stay where I wanted it :80-90 range.
   Now I actually feel hungry as the insulin starts lowering the blood sugar. My weight has started to decrease as well... YAY!! I'm able to eat the type of foods I like and keep my blood sugar in range.   I'm a healthy eater, love fish, chicken, veggies and fruit so this also helps keep everything ok. 
   We went out last Friday night for fish and Larry wanted to share a platter. I should  have known better. It was a fried platter and I even commented that it had too much batter and not enough seafood. This should have been my first clue. Three hours later my blood sugar reading at bedtime was a whopping 175!  This did not sit well with me. I decided there and then that I would take back control.

      Along with the diet, I've incorporated more exercise. I now walk more in the morning as well as the evening. Our days are less humid and we're now getting the Gulf trade winds so walking is enjoyable instead of a chore. My lil guy DB loves it too. He's a big concern with the heart problem, so he's getting his heart walks too. This along with writing down my calories/fat content at each meal and a final tally for the day help me understand just where I need to tighten the belt so to speak.

  I still have the pain in my left side, hopeful it's fractured ribs and not something more serious and today my right ankle is extremely painful.  I've said many times I live with some sort of pain each day, now I guess it'll be a few pains each day. Still walked, still did laundry and cooking. If I'm going to be in pain, I intend to have a darn good reason for it.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Ain't it nifty???

I've actually hit fifty! The big 5-0, book em Dano.  Oh No  50!
Yep I made it. Not bad for a southern girl predicted to die before she was 20.
I'd always rationalized an early death to ease the burden on my parents. "If I die old, no one remembers but, if I die young -no one forgets". " Just think I'll never get wrinkles!"  Well, now I have to rethink my rationalizations.  I discovered that I'm proud of each and ever wrinkle. Each and every grey hair, well I've earned them all. To be honest I've probably caused and earned a few more than I show.
Turning 50 is usually a bench mark for most people. Many stress about "the over the hill" stigma.
HEY, I kinda like the idea that it's a slow downhill slalom from here... Collective word there---slow...
    I decided to do like the "normal" folks and take better care of myself starting today. Larry walked the boys, left early and I race walked to catch up. We did a good 2.5 miles and a few extra tenths for good measure. I've had the feeling I was eating to please my insulin injections, so I'm trying to take it a lunch time now instead of in the morning. I seem to have a bad habit of dropping around 11:30. I end up eating even though I'm not really hungry. it's been this way for a few weeks, so I'm doing a little experimenting. Please, don't do this yourself because I am. I've been able to control my blood sugar without insulin for almost 8 years, so this is an old habit of mine. The start of insulin has also produced a few pounds on the scale, which is driving me nuts. I'm not sure how to lose it while on insulin. I'm afraid that if I reduce my portion size it will cause another blood sugar drop. And these I hate. If you've ever had one you know why.
The cold sweat on the back of your neck, shaky hands, etc... Not a great feeling. Plus the shock of seeing you blood sugar readings only make it worse as you try to grab food and stuff it in yout mouth. Remembering to not spike your blood sugar because you'll feel worse trying to get it back in range.
 So, this morning instead of taking 15IU at 8:00AM, I'll take it later.
I ate my breakfast: pineapple, orange slices and a raisin bran muffin. I then set out on a brisk 2.5 mile walk, met up with Larry and my boys and continued on. After getting home I watered plants, (gotta keep those grape tomatoes going) then on to grocery shopping.
     I used to take NPH insulin around lunch time because it caused to drastic a drop in the mornings for me, so this is my game plan again.  At lunchtime 12noon my blood sugar was 100. I took 12IU of Levemir and went to lunch. I split a tuna sub with Larry so we'll see how it goes. 
   I also have an appointment with my endocrinologist next week so this is a good week to start my game plan. Probably a bad day as i have no idea what Larry, Debbie, & Larry (her Larry) have planed for tonight.

    More tomorrow on how my theory is working.


Have a great day, I am and will... Stay safe....
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE AS LONG AS WE ARE ALIVE AND ABLE TO BE WITH FRIENDWS AND FAMILY.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Silence is golden

I realized this morning I've been lax on my updates.
I plan to change this now. I try to remind myself to sit down and make an entry each day, but get so busy.
First off, our computer is slower than cold molasses running uphill in January! A wonderful phrase my Mom used to say to me on school mornings.. Wow, how we become our parents over time.
Silence from a recipient or a candidate can mean one of two things. They are doing great, or they are doing terribly. One always wonders if they should call and find out, but human nature hates bad news. I've heard this many times over my lifetime. Take it from me, JUST CALL. Many times, especially with lung problems, it's easier to answer a phone call than to try and make one.
Physchologically it seems so energy consuming when you can't breathe. Plus the positive side is it will make that persons day.

My mom used to answer all my calls and if I could talk I would, if not well she is the bestest secretary in the universe. Nobody gets past Mom.

My last few weeks have been busier than usual. Clinic visits... Yeah good news... Now if I can keep it that way. I finally had students sign up for classes, and have been preparing for them and ordering suplies. Trying desperately to get my blood sugar under control.

Yes I am a diabetic. Mainly caused by Prednisone and Prograf. But I have to take the meds so I deal with the diabetes. I am a control freak about my blood sugar. This is one area of my health I can control and not have to leave in the hands of others. Being a recipient there are many facets of our health we cannot control, so when there is something I can control: I prefer to. My cholesterol is another are I can take control of.

Will post more soon. If you're a candidate waiting for a transplant- hang in there -it really does get better.
If your a recipient- get out there and enjoy the chance you've been given!