My first Saturday in a year to have nothing to do, what happens? I feel weird. My sugars are so off today. At one point it was 356 after eating NOTHING. I'm not sure what happened there. I mowed the lawn today and that's when it happened. Hubby thinks it could be a weird freaky adverse reaction or something. I don't know. All I know is I took 12 units of Afrezza and I've felt off ever since.
I have learned that I need more than 4 units to have a "normal" supper. Breakfast and lunch aren't a big deal, but my supper seems to be. Maybe I'm getting sick or something. I don't know. Thankfully, Afrezza works within a few minutes, which means I don't have the normal side effects.
Sunday is here and I'm already looking at my jam packed upcoming schedule. I was a little concerned this morning since I forgot my Afrezza when I was at church. Now, see, I go to a Pentecostal Church, so you never know what to expect. Sometimes my sugars go high, sometimes they go low. Not today. I was so worried. We got home around 1pm. Perfect levels once again. I have stayed amazed at this stuff. Why aren't more diabetics on it??????
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Day 5/Day 6
I didn't really have time to post yesterday. I was so busy shopping and sewing. Levels were fantastic. I didn't actually get to eat lunch until 2:30 yesterday. I didn't have any lows. Not one time! I can't believe the energy that I have from the evenness of my levels.
Down side-the last few days I have noticed a harder cough and a "weirdness" in my chest. It's as though I can feel the medicine in there. So odd. Not odd enough, though, to keep me away.
Since I was out and about yesterday, I have really learned to make sure I take 8 units with breads. I love bread. Ok who's kidding whom. I love food. Oh the fresh aroma of bread baking....ahhhhhhh.....so I am willing I think now to take 8 units and have 1/2 a roll. Sometimes a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.
I have so much energy lately that I've been waking up ridiculously early. I'm talking 4:30. I am an early riser anyway but come on! It's a great time to get things done before the household wakes up I suppose. By 10pm, I am ready for bed.
Now that it's been almost a week, I've vacationed with Afreeza, done some shopping, had later lunches and a few other things, I've come to realize I need a new way of carrying it all. I'm using an old hard shelled glucometer case from medtronic (I don't recommend the case but it's serving the purpose). So, if you know of a great small hard shelled case that's approximately 4x3 and about an inch in height, let me know. The mouth piece and insulin has to all fit in it.
So, Day 5 & 6 went and are going strong. Still no major issues. I'm so glad I dumped the pump. Freedom!!!!!!!!!!
Down side-the last few days I have noticed a harder cough and a "weirdness" in my chest. It's as though I can feel the medicine in there. So odd. Not odd enough, though, to keep me away.
Since I was out and about yesterday, I have really learned to make sure I take 8 units with breads. I love bread. Ok who's kidding whom. I love food. Oh the fresh aroma of bread baking....ahhhhhhh.....so I am willing I think now to take 8 units and have 1/2 a roll. Sometimes a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.
I have so much energy lately that I've been waking up ridiculously early. I'm talking 4:30. I am an early riser anyway but come on! It's a great time to get things done before the household wakes up I suppose. By 10pm, I am ready for bed.
Now that it's been almost a week, I've vacationed with Afreeza, done some shopping, had later lunches and a few other things, I've come to realize I need a new way of carrying it all. I'm using an old hard shelled glucometer case from medtronic (I don't recommend the case but it's serving the purpose). So, if you know of a great small hard shelled case that's approximately 4x3 and about an inch in height, let me know. The mouth piece and insulin has to all fit in it.
So, Day 5 & 6 went and are going strong. Still no major issues. I'm so glad I dumped the pump. Freedom!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Day 4
What a day. Today is the first day of ups and downs. The morning started like every other one except my fasting was a little high. It was 176. Still within my normal range though, so I felt safe. I took my meds and went on with my morning. Lunch time rolled around and it was 190. After lunch, it was 208. By the time 3pm came along, it was 255. I take blame. Again, I'm learning how much to take.
I ate literally 2 tablespoons of mac and cheese with my salad for lunch. 2 tablespoons!!!!!!!! I could not believe it raised my levels that much. I can't blame anyone or any thing but me. Finally, I thought I was in the clear when it was finally dinner time. I had a great dinner with my sister. My sugar level was 138.
YES finally, I'm getting back to normal. Boy was I wrong. 2 hours later, it's 61. SERIOUSLY. I ate a burger and steamed broccoli. I even took the bun off the burger and took 3 small bites of it to ensure I had a few carbs since I did take the Afrezza. UGH. What a day. Now it's 8:30 at night, my level is 121.
One thing I've found out. If you're eating anything other than a bite or two of carbs you'll need more, IMHO (I'm NOT a doctor and I'm not giving medical advice, just my opinion), than 4 units. 4 units doesn't cover very much but if you're eating healthy anyway like you should be as a diabetic, you'll be fine! I really wish Afrezza came in 2 units. I've even called the company and asked when 2 units would be coming out. Currently there are no plans. :(
Hopefully everything will be back to normal in the morning. One thing is for sure. I won't be eating any more mac and cheese. Yes, I could take more insulin and eat it. But it's not healthy, so why bother?!
Day 4 down......
I ate literally 2 tablespoons of mac and cheese with my salad for lunch. 2 tablespoons!!!!!!!! I could not believe it raised my levels that much. I can't blame anyone or any thing but me. Finally, I thought I was in the clear when it was finally dinner time. I had a great dinner with my sister. My sugar level was 138.
YES finally, I'm getting back to normal. Boy was I wrong. 2 hours later, it's 61. SERIOUSLY. I ate a burger and steamed broccoli. I even took the bun off the burger and took 3 small bites of it to ensure I had a few carbs since I did take the Afrezza. UGH. What a day. Now it's 8:30 at night, my level is 121.
One thing I've found out. If you're eating anything other than a bite or two of carbs you'll need more, IMHO (I'm NOT a doctor and I'm not giving medical advice, just my opinion), than 4 units. 4 units doesn't cover very much but if you're eating healthy anyway like you should be as a diabetic, you'll be fine! I really wish Afrezza came in 2 units. I've even called the company and asked when 2 units would be coming out. Currently there are no plans. :(
Hopefully everything will be back to normal in the morning. One thing is for sure. I won't be eating any more mac and cheese. Yes, I could take more insulin and eat it. But it's not healthy, so why bother?!
Day 4 down......
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Day 3 and going strong
Well, this morning I had a dentist appointment. My hygienist was excited to hear about the new meds especially the Afrezza as her hubby has diabetes. She was also excited to hear how great my levels have been.
My fasting was 97. I ate then it was 87. I took my usual 10 units of Tresiba and my usual 4 units of Afrezza. All was well UNTIL the "incident" at the dentist with my youngest child (16 years old). Without going into too many personal details about my kiddo, they gave her a medication I'm 100% against due to severe jaw inflammation. I'm "going as holistic as possible" type of gal, and there was no reason for her to give this medication without my knowledge. My daughter's jaw was hurting, so she took it. Anyway, I say all of that to say that due to the adrenaline rushing through my veins, my level by lunch time was 173. Still within the range my doctor had given me. He wants me to stay within 80-180.
Now it's after lunch, the household is calm, and I'm still hungry. I'm a huge snacker. HUGE. GIGANTIC. ENORMOUS. I'm careful though what I snack on. I usually eat peanuts or almonds. Yep. They raise my sugar levels (doesn't everything?! I mean seriously, I think air would raise my sugar some days!). So anyway, this is Day 1 of usual snacking for me. We shall see. Current level is 141. I've eaten 4oz of Aldi's salted peanuts. They have 6 grams of carbs for a 1/4 cup. I'll check my level again in a hour to see how it's responding. So far so good. It is 187. Yes a little past my range, but it's still good.
Since I did great with the peanuts, I think I've become a little more daring now. I'm going to have some coffee with creamer. Sounds pretty dumb, right? Well, when you're trying to figure out insulin, it's not. Everything counts. OK so, that did it. My 187 within minutes of taking my first few sips of coffee went to 212. I figured it would. I took 4 units of Afrezza. Within 10 minutes, my level is back down to 182. Have I mentioned I LOVE AFREZZA??????
Only diabetics watching every carb will understand this.......I decided since it was a day of new food adventures that I would have a few crackers with chicken salad for supper. Oh mercy. I want crunchy food and very few crunchy foods are carb free, so I had to give somewhere. Again, most will think eating a cracker and caring about eating it is ridiculous. No way! Huge big deal in my world. I was a little scared about taking 4 more units of Afrezza since I took it just a few hours ago with my snack. Then I remembered it's only in my system for 2 hours. This meant I was safe. So my level was 180 to start. I ate. After eating 8 ritz crackers, it's 175.
Taking the Afrezza is becoming so much easier. I haven't gagged or chocked at all today. The cough is still there, but I am used to it now I guess. I don't know! When I first started this, I said there was a slight weird taste. I remember thinking and believing there was a taste, but now I don't taste anything.
Another successful day. Surely this perfection can't last forever, can it??????
My fasting was 97. I ate then it was 87. I took my usual 10 units of Tresiba and my usual 4 units of Afrezza. All was well UNTIL the "incident" at the dentist with my youngest child (16 years old). Without going into too many personal details about my kiddo, they gave her a medication I'm 100% against due to severe jaw inflammation. I'm "going as holistic as possible" type of gal, and there was no reason for her to give this medication without my knowledge. My daughter's jaw was hurting, so she took it. Anyway, I say all of that to say that due to the adrenaline rushing through my veins, my level by lunch time was 173. Still within the range my doctor had given me. He wants me to stay within 80-180.
Now it's after lunch, the household is calm, and I'm still hungry. I'm a huge snacker. HUGE. GIGANTIC. ENORMOUS. I'm careful though what I snack on. I usually eat peanuts or almonds. Yep. They raise my sugar levels (doesn't everything?! I mean seriously, I think air would raise my sugar some days!). So anyway, this is Day 1 of usual snacking for me. We shall see. Current level is 141. I've eaten 4oz of Aldi's salted peanuts. They have 6 grams of carbs for a 1/4 cup. I'll check my level again in a hour to see how it's responding. So far so good. It is 187. Yes a little past my range, but it's still good.
Since I did great with the peanuts, I think I've become a little more daring now. I'm going to have some coffee with creamer. Sounds pretty dumb, right? Well, when you're trying to figure out insulin, it's not. Everything counts. OK so, that did it. My 187 within minutes of taking my first few sips of coffee went to 212. I figured it would. I took 4 units of Afrezza. Within 10 minutes, my level is back down to 182. Have I mentioned I LOVE AFREZZA??????
Only diabetics watching every carb will understand this.......I decided since it was a day of new food adventures that I would have a few crackers with chicken salad for supper. Oh mercy. I want crunchy food and very few crunchy foods are carb free, so I had to give somewhere. Again, most will think eating a cracker and caring about eating it is ridiculous. No way! Huge big deal in my world. I was a little scared about taking 4 more units of Afrezza since I took it just a few hours ago with my snack. Then I remembered it's only in my system for 2 hours. This meant I was safe. So my level was 180 to start. I ate. After eating 8 ritz crackers, it's 175.
Taking the Afrezza is becoming so much easier. I haven't gagged or chocked at all today. The cough is still there, but I am used to it now I guess. I don't know! When I first started this, I said there was a slight weird taste. I remember thinking and believing there was a taste, but now I don't taste anything.
Another successful day. Surely this perfection can't last forever, can it??????
Monday, October 24, 2016
Day 2-Food Poisoning and mini vacation all in one
Well, there's nothing quite like beginning something new and then going on a mini-vacation. There's also no better way to see if this is going to live up to what doctor's say it does. Outcome-IT DOES. I called both Tresiba and Afrezza to find what I should do about refrigeration since both require it. I followed exactly what I was told, and it all worked out perfectly.
My sugars were only high a few times, and to be honest, I have to take the blame because, though everyone says you don't need to count carbs, you really do-well-in a way. I didn't estimate properly. I should have taken 8 units of Afrezza and only took 4. During this time, first night of vacation, I became extremely ill with food poisoning. I was so sick. I just knew it was the side effects of Afrezza. My mind wandered. Nope, in fact, it was food poisoning. I won't bore you with the details, but I can safely say my sugars went up a little from that. NOTHING like before when I was on the pump.
So, I walked almost 15,000 steps my first day of fun. I was still a little under the weather but determined nothing was going to stop this vacation. I ate lunch later than normal. Now, all you pump users, you know that could mean a sudden crash. Not with these two insulins working together. I did, though, start to have a little heart palpitations. I sat and rested and was fine. It could have been from the previous day. Who knows?!
Day two, another huge success. I walked almost as many steps and again did fabulous. I still noticed a slight lingering cough, which is a side effect and I'm perfectly ok with that. These meds are working so great that I don't care about a slight cough. Afrezza is by far the best short acting insulin on the market. It's amazing.
I have noticed that I've lost 4.8 pounds since starting this. I'm certain it's because I've become fixated on checking every bite that goes into my mouth. For example, before in the mornings I would grab a cup of coffee, dump my creamer into it, hit the pump, and get cleaned up. Not now. I have to wait until I'm ready for breakfast. That's really the only true draw back that I've seen. It's not even that big of a deal.
I drove home today, 9 hours, and I have no issues at all. It was a little scary to decide what to eat while driving home. I chose a burger with all the toppings, no bun and no fries. If I was still hungry, I would have gotten a small salad or something. Taking insulin is not healthy for the body, so eating healthy is the best choice we can make. Is it easy? NO WAY. I love sweets. LOVE THEM...did I say LOVE because I really do. I just know I have to eat them in moderation. Maybe once every few weeks and a tiny amount. I also have found that cutting out all types of flour has been a huge success.
So, I began this on Thursday, today is Monday. I had food poisoning, enjoyed driving over 1400 miles for a weekend getaway vacation, and I can confidently say Afrezza has been the best thing a diabetic can use to control sugar levels.
My sugars were only high a few times, and to be honest, I have to take the blame because, though everyone says you don't need to count carbs, you really do-well-in a way. I didn't estimate properly. I should have taken 8 units of Afrezza and only took 4. During this time, first night of vacation, I became extremely ill with food poisoning. I was so sick. I just knew it was the side effects of Afrezza. My mind wandered. Nope, in fact, it was food poisoning. I won't bore you with the details, but I can safely say my sugars went up a little from that. NOTHING like before when I was on the pump.
So, I walked almost 15,000 steps my first day of fun. I was still a little under the weather but determined nothing was going to stop this vacation. I ate lunch later than normal. Now, all you pump users, you know that could mean a sudden crash. Not with these two insulins working together. I did, though, start to have a little heart palpitations. I sat and rested and was fine. It could have been from the previous day. Who knows?!
Day two, another huge success. I walked almost as many steps and again did fabulous. I still noticed a slight lingering cough, which is a side effect and I'm perfectly ok with that. These meds are working so great that I don't care about a slight cough. Afrezza is by far the best short acting insulin on the market. It's amazing.
I have noticed that I've lost 4.8 pounds since starting this. I'm certain it's because I've become fixated on checking every bite that goes into my mouth. For example, before in the mornings I would grab a cup of coffee, dump my creamer into it, hit the pump, and get cleaned up. Not now. I have to wait until I'm ready for breakfast. That's really the only true draw back that I've seen. It's not even that big of a deal.
I drove home today, 9 hours, and I have no issues at all. It was a little scary to decide what to eat while driving home. I chose a burger with all the toppings, no bun and no fries. If I was still hungry, I would have gotten a small salad or something. Taking insulin is not healthy for the body, so eating healthy is the best choice we can make. Is it easy? NO WAY. I love sweets. LOVE THEM...did I say LOVE because I really do. I just know I have to eat them in moderation. Maybe once every few weeks and a tiny amount. I also have found that cutting out all types of flour has been a huge success.
So, I began this on Thursday, today is Monday. I had food poisoning, enjoyed driving over 1400 miles for a weekend getaway vacation, and I can confidently say Afrezza has been the best thing a diabetic can use to control sugar levels.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
The Great Pump Dump of 2016! Day 1
Yesterday, I went to see my endocrinologist, Dr Ernest Asamoah. Many, many years ago (about 18-19 to be not so exact) he changed my diabetic regimen from 6 shots a day to an insulin pump. I was a kid in a sugar-free candy store. I didn't care that it meant I couldn't swim (I'm a brittle diabetic and couldn't go without my pump more than 10 minutes every hour), that my length of time in the shower would be shorter, that I couldn't get in the hot tub, which isn't good for a diabetic anyway, wearing dresses would be harder, or that I would have to change my site every 3 days. WHO CARED!!??!! I was 6 shots a day free. (Can you hear the hallelujah's?)
Now, fast forward to September 1, 2016. Dr A stated he thought it would be best if I "dumped the pump" and started something new. My stomach and legs were so full of scar tissue from the pump, I would have to insert a new set 4-5 times every 3 days. It was painful; tears were shed due to frustration and pain. Dr A wanted me to go home, gather all the information I could about Tresiba and Afrezza. He told me I needed to completely educate myself and even suggested a few "good and bad" websites from other users.
I did just that. I even called a family meeting with my husband and children to get their input. So far, all things were a go. I wasn't supposed to see Dr. A. until December. I couldn't wait. I *had* to do this. I was just like that kid in the sugar-free candy store from 18-19 years ago. I told him, "Let's dump the pump!" He was thrilled with my decision. Off I went to take a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), which I passed with flying colors.
He gave me clear instructions, wrote them all down for me, and asked me repeatedly if I had any questions. I could barely sleep last night with anticipation of today. I prepared the Tresiba as instructed. The directions were really easy to follow. The needle is super tiny. I really didn't even feel it going into my leg. Now it was time for breakfast........ugh.......this meant I was now going to have to inhale my insulin.
Well, being the adult that I am, I chose a breakfast that had no carbs! (did I mention I was still a little antsy??) My morning fasting was 101. An hour later it was 150, then 161, 165, 204, then finally 226. WHAT? I didn't even eat any carbs, how is that happening??? So, in my calm manner, I called Dr. A. Ok so maybe calm wasn't the right word.....I was PANICKED. He basically said "shame on me" because regardless of what a food says, it will have a carb in it and I must take insulin.
Here goes.....I put the cartridge in just as I was taught. I inhaled. OH MY. I choked. I kept reading where it said Afrezza does not have a taste. WRONG. It does. It's not a nasty, gross, I-can-never-do-this-again type taste. More like a yuck, weird taste. I kept coughing afterwards. It was annoying but not anything major. Within 40 minutes, my blood sugar had lowered to 192 then 162, 158. My pump would have never done it that quickly.
Supper time rolled around. I'll admit, I'm still a little intimidated by this whole inhaled insulin stuff still. So, I figured I would have to take it because, well, I was hungry and everything apparently has at least one carb in it. UGH. I followed the instructions. I inhaled it. Again, I choked and gagged. It was a mess! My blood sugars were absolutely perfect.
Dinner time I decided to eat a few more carbs than normal. I took my 4 units of Afrezza. I choked and gagged. I survived. It's getting easier. It's been 2 hours since my dinner and my blood sugar was 226 then within minutes it jumped to 251!!! OUCH. I knew I had eaten a lot of carbs though. So, I took 4 units again (this time NO GAGGING OR CHOKING). Keep in mind, Afrezza is completely out of your system after 2 hours.
I go back in 2 weeks to see Dr. A. He told me he would feel 100% confident about me throwing out the pump after minimum of 4 weeks of successfully being on this new regimen. I'm determined to make it happen. It's very important to keep a complete log so your doctor can accurately monitor what you're doing. Your doctor can never have too much information.
Day 1 down, a lifetime to go.......
Now, fast forward to September 1, 2016. Dr A stated he thought it would be best if I "dumped the pump" and started something new. My stomach and legs were so full of scar tissue from the pump, I would have to insert a new set 4-5 times every 3 days. It was painful; tears were shed due to frustration and pain. Dr A wanted me to go home, gather all the information I could about Tresiba and Afrezza. He told me I needed to completely educate myself and even suggested a few "good and bad" websites from other users.
I did just that. I even called a family meeting with my husband and children to get their input. So far, all things were a go. I wasn't supposed to see Dr. A. until December. I couldn't wait. I *had* to do this. I was just like that kid in the sugar-free candy store from 18-19 years ago. I told him, "Let's dump the pump!" He was thrilled with my decision. Off I went to take a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), which I passed with flying colors.
He gave me clear instructions, wrote them all down for me, and asked me repeatedly if I had any questions. I could barely sleep last night with anticipation of today. I prepared the Tresiba as instructed. The directions were really easy to follow. The needle is super tiny. I really didn't even feel it going into my leg. Now it was time for breakfast........ugh.......this meant I was now going to have to inhale my insulin.
Well, being the adult that I am, I chose a breakfast that had no carbs! (did I mention I was still a little antsy??) My morning fasting was 101. An hour later it was 150, then 161, 165, 204, then finally 226. WHAT? I didn't even eat any carbs, how is that happening??? So, in my calm manner, I called Dr. A. Ok so maybe calm wasn't the right word.....I was PANICKED. He basically said "shame on me" because regardless of what a food says, it will have a carb in it and I must take insulin.
Here goes.....I put the cartridge in just as I was taught. I inhaled. OH MY. I choked. I kept reading where it said Afrezza does not have a taste. WRONG. It does. It's not a nasty, gross, I-can-never-do-this-again type taste. More like a yuck, weird taste. I kept coughing afterwards. It was annoying but not anything major. Within 40 minutes, my blood sugar had lowered to 192 then 162, 158. My pump would have never done it that quickly.
Supper time rolled around. I'll admit, I'm still a little intimidated by this whole inhaled insulin stuff still. So, I figured I would have to take it because, well, I was hungry and everything apparently has at least one carb in it. UGH. I followed the instructions. I inhaled it. Again, I choked and gagged. It was a mess! My blood sugars were absolutely perfect.
Dinner time I decided to eat a few more carbs than normal. I took my 4 units of Afrezza. I choked and gagged. I survived. It's getting easier. It's been 2 hours since my dinner and my blood sugar was 226 then within minutes it jumped to 251!!! OUCH. I knew I had eaten a lot of carbs though. So, I took 4 units again (this time NO GAGGING OR CHOKING). Keep in mind, Afrezza is completely out of your system after 2 hours.
I go back in 2 weeks to see Dr. A. He told me he would feel 100% confident about me throwing out the pump after minimum of 4 weeks of successfully being on this new regimen. I'm determined to make it happen. It's very important to keep a complete log so your doctor can accurately monitor what you're doing. Your doctor can never have too much information.
Day 1 down, a lifetime to go.......
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