Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

So the last few visits with my endocrinologist have been amazing, my A1c has never been better.

However back in October he had mentioned my thyroid looks larger than normal. Seriously! He could tell by just looking at me something was wrong. He had mentioned including a TSH test on my lab req. Sure enough it was high at 7.4.

He suggested I do some more blood work to test a few other thyroid functions but that I would have to wait at least 6 weeks, because the thyroid sometimes corrects itself and that he didn't want to start me on another medication if it wasn't needed.

So what did I do next... Google anything and everything thyroid. I freaked myself out.
Every symptom listed I had- I am always cold, I have been feeling extremely tired, I have gained almost 30 pounds over the past couple of months, and my skin has been itchy and dry. Why I hadn't I told anyone how I had been feeling? because I really thought all these things were diabetes related. I knew when I decided to switch to an insulin pump I would gain a few pounds but not 30... I also thought the time of year had something to do with dry itchy skin since the heat is now on in my house. As for feeling tired all the damn time, I have been telling my doctors this for years!! So has my thyroid been a problem this whole time and no one ever though to check it out for me?

So when I had my appointment yesterday and my results were 9.0, I was really worried because I had gone an extra 6 weeks without treatment. First he congratulated me on my A1c of 6.3% as he always does then told me I have an underactive thyroid and had the perception ready. I started taking Synthroid this morning, and will have to do more blood work in 4 weeks. I have read that finding the right does of Synthroid can be difficult and take some time, but I really hope to see a better number in 4 weeks.

On the bright side of it all I already get blood work done so often, and see my endocrinologist regularly that it really wont be that much extra work.  I am feeling much more positive today then I have been feeling over that past 6 weeks. I really hope that I will finally have more energy!

Patiently Waiting..... For blood work results... Please be below 7

I have an appointment Thursday morning with my Endo and RN so went for blood work this morning and was amazed that the lab I go to now gives you an option to view your results online within 24 hours!!


Now I patiently wait for my results according to my CGM and meter it probably wont be the results I am hoping for. which is frustrating because I always feel that mother natures monthly gift always messes me up. Please be below 7, pretty pretty please!


I don't know if this makes my day easier or harder? Because I will probably check the website 101 times today knowing it takes 24 hours to update, just in case my results get uploaded sooner!

CGM on track

 

When my CGM and meter are the exact same there is not better feeling of being in control of my diabetes! Especially when your blood sugar is a number in target!

 

It hasn't happen often for me but truly makes me feel appreciative for how far technology has come to create such amazing devices to keep me alive and healthy. 

Naked!

When I had switched to pump... I loved every 3rd day, because that meant I would be able to take a bath NAKED! (Funny the little things you start to appreciate in life being diabetic!) In between site changes I was free, well free for about 30 mins.

So when I started using a CGM a few weeks ago, (I have become obsessed with watching my sugar levels rise and fall) those days were over. Don't get me wrong the benefits of wearing the CGM are amazing, and I don't think I will ever go a few days without one, but I sure missed my free 30 mins!

So last week on day 3 there was not much insulin left in the bottle, and when I filled my reservoir I noticed I  maybe had enough insulin for 2 and 1/2 days, when I remembered Medtroinc had sent me a sample of the Sure-T infusion set (which is recommend for 2 day use) PERFECT!!!

But it wasn't until last night when I realized OMG! I get to take a bath tonight CGM and infusion site FREE!! I get to take a bath NAKED!! I guess the 2 day Sure-T infusion set was exactly what I needed to get on track, which also lend me to realize if I change my infusion set every 3 days and my CGM every 6 days that means 2 infusion sets per CGM!!

So now every 6th day means a long hot bath NAKED! I am as excited as a pig in shit! Seriously, I love 2 things in life naps and baths!

A1c below 7

I feel like I am on cloud 9 this morning! I went for an A1c test yesterday and got the results this morning and WOW does hard work pay off!

Results- 6.8%, something I have been trying to do for the past 9 months and I am very proud I have achieved my goal! I set a new years resolution to take charge of my diabetes and not let it control my life. I hope to maintain this goal my whole life. I achieved an A1c below 7% because of the support system I have created for myself. I faced my fear of wearing an insulin pump and also added a CGM into the mix which was something I wish I had known about so much sooner.

Woohoo!!

My CGM



 

 

Two weeks ago I started blogging again, and I am so happy I did. I shared that I had made the switch to the pump, I really don't know why I didn't make the switch sooner. Last week I took the next step and added a CGM into my world. It hasn't even been a week but I am so happy to share my results after the past few days Saturday August 15th was a picture perfect day and I am overjoyed that this little sensor can provide this information. Sure it will take a little more time to get use to, and I am not going to lie its a little uncomfortable to wear an other device on my stomach, and I will probably never were a bikini again! But if it helps maintaining an A1C below 7 and living a healthier longer life I will take it!

CGM stands for continuous glucose monitoring switch is way to measure glucose levels during the day and night. An electrode called a glucose sensor is inserted under the skin and measures your glucose levels in your tissue fluid. The results are sent directly to my pump, which is awesome!

Here's what's posted on the Medtronic website on how to calibrate-

"Calibration is important for sensor performance. Calibrating 3-4 times per day can optimize sensor performance.

 

To calibrate, you must use a fingerstick blood sample to test your blood glucose (BG) on your meter and then enter that value into your pump. The pump will accept BG meter readings between 40 mg/dL to 400 mg/dL. And the minimum number of calibrations required is once every 12 hours (after the first day), but calibrating three to four times a day can optimize sensor accuracy.

When calibrating your sensors, remember to:

• Wash your hands before taking a fingerstick test.
• Enter the BG (blood glucose) readings into the pump/monitor right away.
• Don’t use old meter BG readings or previous sensor readings as a calibration.
• Wait at least 15 minutes between calibration entries. "

However I was also told that you should have no active insulin! Which I thought would make it difficult to calibrate the sensor 2- 4 times daily, but I have be able to calibrate most days so far 3 times a day which is awesome.

Here are my results

Prefect Blood Sugars

Last night I rushed home after work to walk the dogs before going to the 42nd Annual Potatoe Festival Parade. Alliston is potatoe land and we sure are proud of it! Since I was rushed and my sister in law mentioned they would be grabbing something to eat at the parade and that they were walking into town I decided to do the same.  I am so proud that I had a good blood sugar after walking the pups and walking into town (somethings after walking my sugar tends to drop since making the switch to the pump)  so when I checked before eating I was very happy to see 7.3,  I was even happier to see 4.6 when I got home.  I wasn't comfortable going to bed at 4.6. Especially with all the walking I had done and I ended up racing my nephews home,  I had a snack... I knew it might mean waking up a bit higher but a bit higher is better then a low in my books any day.  So waking up at 6.8 was an amazing feeling! There is nothing like spending time with my family and eating out and having perfect readings!  Something I wish happened more often!

Pregnancy

So over the past few weeks 3 people at work have asked me if I was pregnant. I totally understand that yes I got married last year and bought a house and of course my husband and I have discussed starting a family. Making the switch to a pump was the first step to starting that process but a long with that came a few extra pounds, and I mean just a few (less than 10 for sure)... so the fact that 3 people asked if I was expecting was a little offensive. Did they NOT get the memo that its not okay to ask that??

My pancreas runs on AAA batteries!

As most of my family and friends know I made the switch from needles to the pump back in June, but what they don't know is now its truly created a quality of life I never expected after being diagnosed back in 2008.

Back in December I decided to get my life back and control my illness and not let it control me.
I was terrified to do my first A1C test is over a year a half because I knew how bad it was going to be and how hard the doctors would be on me for not taking care of myself. For those who do not know an A1C test is a common blood test used to show how well you're managing your diabetes. It's basically a test to see what you average blood sugar if over the past 3 months.

The first doctor I seen at the clinic I am going to was awful and yes my A1C was very high at 9.9%, but I do not feel that was any reason to tell someone that pregnancy was not on option and that I would have to conceder abortion when I didn't even say anything about trying to or wanting to get pregnant. Then I meet Laura the RD I see at the clinic who has really helped guide me in the right direction. She offered for me switch doctors and I do so. I am so happy with the support system I have the LMC clinic. I did my second A1C test in April and the results were 8.3% must better than 9.9% but not exactly something to celebrate. Then the decision was made to make the switch to the pump which meant I would need to do one more A1C test the following month with hopes for better results, and that's exactly what I go 7.6% which was a number I had never seen and when Laura told me the results I think she was just as happy as I was which was seriously exactly what I needed!

After being on the pump for just over a month I had a follow up appointment with my endocrinologist and got the best news of all my A1C was 7.1% something I never thought possible. I can not tell you how hard I worked to achieve this goal and will continue to work to make sure I maintain and A1C below 7% (the goal for all Type 1 Diabetics).

The feeling of achieving a good A1C result is unbelievable.

 

Wow! Its been almost 3 months since my last post... what happen?

Wow! Its been almost 3 months since my last post... what happen? I started my blog to help keep myself connected and motivated to live a healthy life with Type 1 Diabetes and to share my story in hopes to help others and  seriously help myself.

So why did I stop? I guess I found it time consuming and maybe a bit intimidating since some bloggers have been doing it for years and write so well. but if I give up then I will never become better. I missed the little community I felt I was becoming a part of.

Time to break down those walls of fear of not being a good blogger and become one!
Time to get back on track!

Day Five #DBlogWeek- Food on Friday

Day Five
Topic- Food on Friday

Taking a cue from Adam Brown's recent post, write a post documenting what you eat in a day!  Feel free to add links to recommended recipes/shops/whatever.  Make it an ideal day or a come-as-you-are day – no judgments either way.  (Thank you, Katy of  Bigfoot Child Have Diabetes for this topic.)

I think its safe to say that all diabetics have a LOVE-HATE relationship with food, who doesn't LOVE food. When I sometimes have high blood sugars and panic I always tell my husband just that... I love to eat every food but hate what it does to me sugars.  I was so excited when I read todays topic and have actually been thinking about what I would share all week... I swear I never knew how to cook until I got married and we purchased our first house... I guess I had to learn because my mom did not live with us to cook for me anymore.

I have become addicted to Pintrest after planning my wedding last year, so I get most of my ideas from things friends or family members post and reaching for low carb meal ideas.

My favourite breakfast- Beacon, egg, cheese and salsa on roman lettuce wrap.

My favourite lunch- Grilled chicken with tabouli salad on a lettuce wrap

My Favourite dinner- I have 2 favourites Stuffed green peppers with turkey and couscous and chicken stir-fry with rice noodles, chicken, broccoli and carrots

 

My favourite dessert- even though I hardly eat it, again love hate relationship is a homemade apple pie

 

 

 

 

Happy Fri-YAY!!



Day Three #DBlogWeek- Clean it out

Day Three
Topic- Clean it out

Yesterday we kept stuff in, so today let's clear stuff out.  What is in your diabetic closet that needs to be cleaned out?  This can be an actual physical belonging, or it can be something you're mentally or emotionally hanging on to.  Why are you keeping it and why do you need to get rid of it?  (Thank you Rick of RA Diabetes for this topic suggestion.)


Since I started my blog I truly feel that I have started to clean out my emotional diabetic closet. I have been keeping all my emotions to myself and final found a way to share them. I am sure I could dig a little deeper... I really didn't expect it to be this rewarding.  I am very thankful for all those who read my posts and comment with such positive feedback and how you are able to relate and look forward to reading more of my posts. I final feel like I belong somewhere.

I feel like this is a new start for me, and with that being said I am sure my collection of diabetic supplies could be  cleaned out again I moved about 5 months ago and cleaned out a bunch of stuff I had been holding on to since first being diagnosed... but I think a part of me thinks I might need them as back up but seriously some of this stuff is expired.

Lets turn Type ONE into Type NONE

Day Four #DBlogWeek- Changes

Day Four
Topic- Changes

Today let's talk about changes, in one of two ways.  Either tell us what you'd most like to see change about diabetes, in any way.  This can be management tools, devices, medications, people's perceptions, your own feelings – anything at all that you feel could use changing.  OR reflect back on some changes you or your loved one has seen or been through since being diagnosed with diabetes.  Were they expected or did they surprise you?


Todays topic could not be more suited for exactly what I have on mind today. Not really related to what I would like to see or have seen changed, but this a big change for me. I woke up extra early this morning for 7:00am appointment with Laura my amazing dietitian and diabetes educator. Who makes me feel so confident that I am on the track and I can really see how she cares about her patients... I cant say the same about my endocrinologist but I only see him 4 times a year the most.

Over my last few appointments we have discussed the use of a insulin pump... when I was first diagnosed I was terrified of needles always have been and always will be. I hate getting any kind of vaccination, but know I need to do my insulin needles to live and so had to get over my fear. My needles are not painful, its just annoying that I have to take an extra 5 mins every time I eat and to find a hiding spot to do so. My hiding spot is the bathroom but still why do I feel the need to "hide"... simply because me being me, I need to avoid any questions about my diabetes.

So now to face the biggest fear of all... the pump!

I finally got comfortable doing my 4 needles a day a few years back when they first mentioned the pump to me and I thought to myself yeah right?! I will never walk around with that thing. Sounds pretty shallow but I was truly just fearful for what other would think. I am much more concerned of what other think of me sometime then I should be. I have often felt that my diabetes is a failure because of comments others have made regarding it, most of the time not understanding and really not willing to understand. But I know I didn't do this to myself and its sure not my parents fault and has nothing to do with my diet because I have always eaten healthy.

So today I have decided to make the BIGGEST change of my life to use an insulin pump :)
I am happy with my decision to move forward and try something new. Most diabetics would say it is the best change they have ever made. My first step was filling out the forms today, and I will get my blood work done early next week and then decide which pump will best fit my needs, I have decided I want to use an insulin pump with continuous glucose monitoring. I am a women who is recently married and wanting to start a family in the near future I feel the continuous glucose monitoring will really help me to better understand and treat my diabetes.

Change is good!!

I have a choice between the AnimasVibe insulin pump or Medtronic MiniMed Paradigm Veo insulin pump, any diabetics who have feedback on these pumps, it would be greatly appreciated!!

                       VS




Lets turn Type ONE into Type NONE