A small rememberance of something more solid

 James! Our Youngest Camper!

 First Night Counselors!

 LOVE THESE TWO!

 Driving to Camp.

 We have a TV!!!

 Our Dining area in the Cabin.

 Kitchenette

 It's like an infantry

 My Bed

 Indoor Plumbing Rocks

 Two showers for 18 Girls? Uh OK.

 Chantz & Parker

 Waiting for Counselors

 Welcome Cabin 8 Girls!

 Getting ready!

 I'm pretty!

 My Kick Ass Co-Counselor, Jana

 Cory thinks he's hot.

 Ashley, one of my favorite sassy girls

 Andrea, who's allerigc to everything.

 Molly. Boy CRAZY

 Hanging out first night.

 Pranks on the little boys.

 They were so mad. Apparently Cooties were on high alert.

 7 year olds hate this!

 Most likely to lose his shirt.

 My girls surrounding Mr. Peek-A-Boo.

 The Worst Volleyball Game. Ever.

 A Stupid Dare.

 Makeover.

 Makeover.

 They are so Pretty.

 We did a great job!

 They hated us.

 Still angry.

 me and Jana are hot.

 

 Cory and I.

 I like to feel up my ladies.

 G's.

 Cedz and I.

 Isn't he just the prettiest!?

 Our handsome Girls.

 I heart this kid.

 Diabetics get thirsty in the woods.

 Diet Soda Rocks.

 Pick Up Lines.

 Skits.

 Nothing Comes close to the Ones Who Dose!

 Diabetes Rap. <3 Jacob

 Cedz and Corey.

 I love my Cedric.

 Like lighters at a rock show. Pump lights.

Only at Diabetes Camp. These people are my heros. :)

You wanna be where you can see, Our Troubles Are all the Same, You wanna be where Everybody Knows Your Name

Sorry this has taken me so long. A month later and I still get chills thinking about it. D-Camp was an amazing experience and I recommend all Diabetics-no matter your type or age- go as a camper, a volunteer, a medic, or a counselor. As for me, I'll be shooting for Camp Director some day. ;)

Learning Experience

Driving to camp was somewhat unnerving. I had no idea what to expect, or even if I was going the right way. I get to Tall Oaks and I walk into a room full of younger adults who all seemed to know each other. I looked around and I saw medical supplies galore! What a perk! I was with my people!!! And my nerves started to settle. For the first time, I just felt like people understood. The kids wouldn't arrive until the next day, so it gave us some time to get acquainted.

After a long day of training and learning, we escaped!!!! We ended up in Lawrence at Silas & Maddy's- a homemade ice cream shop. Yep, that's right. The diabetics escaped for Ice Cream.

What was interesting about talking to all of the counselors: No one knew what I knew. Not that I am a genius, but these people wait ALL YEAR LONG to be with other diabetics. They hadn't heard of the You Can Do This Project, The Diabetic Online Community, DSMA, goMeals. I felt like I can make a difference here!!!! I told anyone who would listen about this important things that change my everyday life.

I know I'm in stage one of diabetes. And I have hope where some people do not. But Here are a few things I heard on that first day:

Morgan: No one is a good diabetic. I haven't met one that has it under control.
My response: A loose interpretation of something I heard from Ginger Veira goes a little like this: We all do the best we can every day. Our best today may be different than our best yesterday. But that's okay. It's going to be different every day.

MEALS

It all starts 20 minutes before actual meal time. We do blood sugar checks. Record them. Go to the dining hall and read a white board. The white board has on it the entire carb count for individual options at meal time! It was amazing. Took all the guess work out. Although I know some of it was incredibly off, it was nice to have a base of what we were looking at.

CARNIVAL

Legit rides. Snow Cones. Popcorn. And lots of laughing. It was amazing that this was done for the kids. So impressive.

ACTIVITIES

It was just like your summer camp. We had swimming. Horseback riding. Challenge Courses. Sing-a-longs. Down Time. Movie time. Nothing was different with exception of our pancreas' were worn on the outside. We all had a common bond of this challenging disease that affects us all differently.

TALENT SHOW!

How cool was this. We had skits. Songs. Break Dancing. All Kinds of Talents these kids showed. And they were all so proud. And for that, I'm proud.

People were using their pumps like lighters at a rock show. It. Was. Awesome.

Here's a special shout out to Jacob: He is Seven years old. Diabetic since he was 3. Pumping for two years. He wrote a rap and performed it! He was soooo cool. I wanted to take him home!

Do not wake me up with a  prick
To the Finger
No I'm not high or really low either.
I have to count carbs when I check my meter
My pumps going off I wonder whats the matter
Uh Oh better get better
Insulin shots are never much fun
But it's better than the glucagon gun
Oh no i have to get my site changed
That always causes me a lot of pain
Looks like I'm really high
Better check my ketones so I don't die.
This is the diabetes rap and it's time to say good-bye.

Rock Star.

Most-Likely:

I got voted most likely to run over the staff, hit them with a car, or try and take the camp director's job. Sounds like me.

My Girls

My co-counselor rocked! Jana is a type 1 diabetic. At the age of 20, she has more heart, confidence, and perspective than most people I have ever met. We were put in charge of girls 13-15, which is not for the weak of heart.

The campers started arriving my firstt thought: "I'm in Middle School Hell." But it got better very quickly. they were all so sweet and friendly! Some of them were incredibly sassy. But, those were my favorite ones. (Ashley and Emily B come to mind ;))

Right away-it was all about the boys. So funny. I thought it was going to be about Diabetes! These weren't diabetic kids. These were normal, run-of-the-mill teenagers with insulin pumps.

They all were crazy. And wonderful. And my teachers. They are all so brave and so marvelous for what they go through every day. They continued to teach me throughout the week. And for that, I will keep going back every year. Some, I have even friended on Social Media to stay in contact with.

Bed time was HORRIBLE. Imagine a sleepover of Sixteen 13-15 year old girls. Yea. I couldn't wait for 2 am blood sugar checks so I could stab them all. OK, so it wasn't a stab so much as a poke. But it was totally worth it.

Bad stuff for these girls was more than just Diabetes. Some of these girls had great lives with a lot of loving and supportive people. Some did not. Some girls shared stories privately with me that will rattle my bones forever. I had to make calls to authorities on some of these things. It just broke my heart. I'm so glad I came equipped with stuffed animals and kleenex because they (and myself at times) needed them. They are all the most brave people I have ever met.

Good-Bye

It was soooo difficult to say good-bye to these kids. They all changed my life. And hopefully, I helped change theirs.

*Pictures to come this weekend.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this. Nor did Kim Vlasnik hold me at knife point to tell all the campers and the people who read my blog about You Can Do This. The ADA paid me for my time at camp. But next year, I won't let them.

Yes, I'm Certain That It Happens All the Time

I received an email from a gentleman from DrugWatch about a week or two ago, asking if I ever accepted Guest Bloggers. I never had, but I told him that I would give it a shot as long as it was related to LADA, since this is my diagnosis, and that I had to approve it before posting. When I read it, I knew right away that I would post because it is so true. The medicines that I took because of a misdiagnosis as a Type 2 diabetic will affect me for the rest of my life. I have significant organ damage from it and want to warn people about the damages it can do. This is what I received from DrugWatch:

Type 2 Diabetes, LADA and Medications that Could Prove Harmful

Oral diabetes medications come with benefits and risks, and it's important for everyone — those with type 1, type 2 or what is known as type 1.5 — to understand them.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA) is often referred to as type 1.5 because it shares characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Patients with LADA are often misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About 10 percent of the diabetes population falls in the LADA camp. The American Diabetes Association defines LADA as a condition in which type 1 diabetes develops in adults.

LADA appears similar to type 2 diabetes in that it is typically not diagnosed until patients are 30 years old or older, and its initial diagnosis does not require insulin. LADA looks like type 1 diabetes because patients have antibodies in their blood that attack their pancreas, which eventually stops producing insulin. Also, LADA patients are generally slender.

All diabetes patients must monitor their condition closely and work with their doctors to make sure their medicine and/or insulin is working properly.  

Since LADA patients usually still produce insulin at diagnosis, there is debate over whether to begin insulin therapy right away. Studies have shown that insulin-treated diabetes patients possess better glycemic control and beta cell (pancreatic) function.

Some LADA patients use insulin briefly and then switch to oral medication until their bodies stop producing insulin. For those who choose to use pills, there are several considerations when choosing the right pill and avoiding potential risks like Actos side effects.

Most oral medications are designed for patients with type 2 diabetes, but doctors can choose to use them for LADA patients, as well.

LADA patients may be able to delay their need for insulin by taking medication that stimulates insulin production (sulfonylureas) or cuts glucose production by the liver (metformin).
Metformin can take time before exhibiting benefits, and if patients are near the point of needing insulin, metformin could put them at risk for lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs when too much lactate gathers in the blood, lowering blood pH, and can be life-threatening.

Some studies show that sulfonylureas and metformin increase the chances of developing severe metabolic syndrome, which can put patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Thiazolidinediones such as Actos improve insulin sensitivity and help to cut sugar production by the liver. Despite these benefits, Actos (pioglitazone) has been linked to vision, bone, heart, bladder and liver problems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a black-box warning to Actos to make patients aware of the risk of heart failure. The FDA has also issued a warning that Actos can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Thousands of patients have filed Actos lawsuits against Takeda, the manufacturer of Actos.  

It's important for people with any type of diabetes to talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of different medications. Together, they can choose the best path back to health.

Alanna Ritchie is a writer for Drugwatch.com. An English major, she is an accomplished technical and creative writer.

28 Things I've Learned in the Past Year

28. I have Diabetes Type 1.5 or LADA- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults. I am insulin dependent.

27. Diabetes does not control me: I control it. Even when it's out of whack, I can rationalize why it is out of control and cut myself my a little slack.

26. I can eat everything you can.

25. I believe in moderation, not limitation. If I eat McDonald's one day, it's fine. If I have a cupcake on that same day, I'm golden. But maybe fast food three times a day isn't the best thing I can do to my body.

24. I can do anything I want if I set my mind to it: give up regular soda, quit smoking, start a business, take me time, etc.

23. Shots of alcohol don't make the night. In fact, they just make the morning worse.

22. Being on insulin does not mean I failed.

21. My eating/exercise/lifestyle did not give me diabetes. It was just "luck" of the draw.

20. Doing something nice for someone is the best way to get over whatever you're mad at.

19. The people you don't expect to be important may be the best friends you've ever had.

18. Even when you think you've blown up the bridge, that person could still love you and wish the best for you. They may even be there with the kindest words you've ever heard and definitely need.

17. Just because some people are cut out of your life, doesn't mean you did everything wrong. It takes two to make any kind of relationship work. So forgive yourself.

16. Cooking is fun!!!! And delicious.

15. Pumping gas isn't so bad if you have hand sanitizer and money.

14. Overdrafts on your bank account are ridiculous and don't need to happen. Ever.

13. Living like you're fifty and well off doesn't work in your twenties.

12. Victoria Secret is mostly overrated. Except for their hair products.

11. A hug can change the worst day ever, into the best support you've ever had.

10. Some people will steal ANYTHING. From your dog, to a weed whacker, to a lawn mower, to a wedding ring.

09. There is so much support and education out there: you just have to search.

08. People always think they know more about your health than you do. And most of the time, they are just wrong.

07. Nannying is the only job I ever want to do: you get the perks of being their friend, their confidant, their caretaker, the one who kisses their booboos, their teacher, their everything. Then you get to give them back.

06. The people who you think you know the most about will surprise you. In good ways. And in bad.

05. Sundays are crappy days to plan anything productive. Because I won't get it done.

04. I have an amazing relationship with God. He carries me when I need him most and challenges me when I need to grow.

03. I am in charge of my health. Not my partner. Not my best friends. Not my parents. Not my CDE Not my doctor. Only me.

02. Mental Health and Physical Health go hand in hand. Take of both and you are going to be fine.

01. It doesn't matter what people decide is best for you. It doesn't matter if they think you are going to fail. It doesn't matter if they want you to do the exact opposite of what you want. What matters is you can handle being in your own skin. And the little moments that warm up your heart.

Blue on Black

Today let’s tackle an idea inspired by Bennet of Your Diabetes May Vary.  Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be?  Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other meds, magic carb counter, etc. etc. etc.  The sky is the limit – what would you love to see?

I look at my body in the mirror, and I see bruises and scars. I see site marks and places where the needle went into my skin, only to leave a red circle around a scar. I see bruises from my sensitive skin reacting to the needles and tubing. I see callused fingers from pricking them some times up to what feels like 100 times a day. I see marks that heal slowly and look God awful. I see a rash from  where my sensor was and bumps from sensitivity to tape. I see a red spot where my pump has been rubbing on my side.

I hate these things! 

So, I present to you: The Automatic Mark-Be-Gone. No, this isn't a way for you to get rid of your annoying neighbor, Mark. This is a way for all of your cuts and bruises to disappear instantaneously! You simply install the magic machine into your house (no radiation included,) step into it for 8 seconds, and all of those horrible marks will be gone in seconds! No more fear of wearing a bathing suit or that little black dress. No more scars, or Mederma or Neosporin purchases EVER again! AND, we can make your insurance cover it 100%, as well as all repairs and maintenance! 

Easy as that. 

I was cryin' when I met you, Now I'm tryin' to forget you

Yesterday we gave ourselves and our loved ones a big pat on the back for one thing we are great at.  Today let’s look at the flip-side.  We probably all have one thing we could try to do better.  Why not make today the day we start working on it.  No judgments, no scolding, just sharing one small thing we can improve so the DOC can cheer us on!


DAY 3:
I keep letting my insulin run out. I want to maximize my use of it-since it's one of the additions of monthly payments I've had to include. Well, that's all fine, but I need to make sure I have enough supplies with me to fill it! I work about thirty minutes from my house, and I nanny for two little girls. So you can imagine that's its extremely difficult to run home and get my supplies, should I run out. 


I need to figure out a way to remind myself when I'm running low. And then remind myself to remind myself. It's been such a  big adjustment just to remember my meter, my pump, my CGM, my everything. Then add making sure the insulin is in the pump and can get you through the day: Ugh, my memory hurts already. 


If you have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them. :) Although, I'll still probably figure out a way to forget. 

Love the One You're With

As our Tuesday commences, I see the topic for today's blog is: One thing you or a Loved one does spectacularly.

Well, mines a little different. I tend to forget when my pump is getting low. And I don't always check two hours after I eat. My A1C is better, but not perfect. My sensor, well, I am in between good and bad with that. But diabetes has changed me, for the better. BIG TIME.

On the 26 of this month, it will be five months since I quit smoking. I smoked for fifteen years and loved it. I loved the socialization, I loved the feel, I even loved the smell some times. But when I read all the complications with Diabetes that stem from smoking, I couldn't ignore it. Heart risk!? Circulation problems!? LIMB AMPUTATIONS!!!!???? No, thank you.

So, I started in October and gradually decreased how much I was smoking. I started at a pack and a half a day. Yes, I was smoking 30 cigarettes a day when I decided I didn't need to be any more. But I went to 10 immediately- a huge cutback. Then the next week, I smoked nine a day. Then 8. And so on and so on. I did have to do the 1 cigarette a day for two weeks. I just couldn't give it up right before Christmas. 

My last cigarette was December 26, 2011. I feel better. I don't get sick as often. My numbers are good. My circulation is better. And I don't smell like an ashtray. I think about smoking some days, but then I just remember how much I love my feet. 

I have to admit, some times I take deep breaths when a smoker is near by, but it will never be worth one more puff.