space mountain

It's funny how fast things change. Sheesh, just a few short weeks ago I was riding high in the 200/300's consistently, not all that worried about it. Now my b/s level hits 220 and I'm greatly disappointed. A 300? Don't even ask how much I despise it these days!

So anyway, like I said in my last post, I was averaging 115 since last Saturday with only 2 lows. I tell you the amount of lows because you could get a 300 and a 30 and say, "it's not so baaaad, my average is 165 after all!!" You know what I'm saying, right?

Yeah, well I'm feeling great about the blood sugars, but there's another problem that's bugging me big-time. A couple years ago I had carpal tunnel surgery along with 'trigger finger' release surgery. This past summer my fingers started aching again pretty bad - but nothing 4 advil at a time can't handle (I know, I know). I went to see the doc who did the surgery and he put me on prednisone.

Apparently it makes your blood sugar rise, but frankly, considering the amount of pain I was in, I didn't much care.

Fast forward 4 months (to a couple weeks ago). I wake up in the middle of the night and my right index finger feels like it got smashed by a jack hammer which was being carried by a large Mack truck that was transporting a large trailer full of 1,000lb dumbells that simultaneously rolled over my finger.

Exaggerating you say? No, it hurt so bad I could not even bend my finger. So I got up, soaked it in hot water, took my standard 4 advil, rubbed every topical relief product in the house on it, and tried to think of happy things. 2 hours later...back to sleep.

So I say, 'nonsense, that's enough!!,' and promptly place a call to the aforementioned doc to get a new Rx. But then I start the pump and I have no time for any other ailments - until the joint pain strikes back. So yesterday I decide, I HAVE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE. And that really stinks because FINALLY my readings are great, and here I go WILLFULLY screwing them up??! Craziness.

Well, it started off o.k., but went south in the afternoon. AM: 137. bolus. Mid AM: 165 (ut oh..bolus) Lunch: 199 (what the heck?) - bolus. 2 hours later: 305 (aargh) - bolus. 2 hours later: 265 (bolus again). Dinner: 114.

Just when I thought I was off the roller-coaster...nope, I guess I'll get back on. It reminds me of "space mountain" at Disney World (do I have to pay them to even type that? only kidding) A roller coaster zooming around....in pitch blackness. That's diabetes and prednisone together!

On an up note, my hand feels great!!!

I know I said the next post (this one) was going to be about my fears, and trust me, I'll get there. But I wanted to tell you about this latest development. Also, today I started the CGM (continuous glucose monitor). For as amazing as the pump is, this is its equal - and maybe even surpasses it in sheer 'wow' factor points. My new favorite line applies here....more about that later.

Friends, stay encouraged. I welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions. If there's a topic related to diabates, diabetes management, or the living with diabetes, I'd be happy to address it on a future post. Please feel free to drop me an e-mail (the link is over there ---->).

I heard 'in the next 10 years we'll have a cure'....22 years ago. I've been waiting a long time, and maybe you have, too. I strongly believe we'll see the cure in our lifetime, so HANG ON! Get healthy - it affects you in ways you cannot comprehend until you experience it consistently over time.

Take good care of yourself. Until next time, I guarantee - I'll be pumpin...