Hey Everyone!
As I am getting ready to go to camp this weekend I started thinking. It was 11 years ago I started my camp journey. Along the way there have been many speed bumps. But camp reminds me that diabetes is a part of everyday life. There have been many hero's along the way too. Today I wanted to honor one hero who truly changed my life. Her name? Caitlyn. She had been at camp my first weekend. Over the years we became closer and closer. My first pump weekend she helped me get on a minimed pump. When a silhouette fell out she put me on a quick set. She encouraged me to do things I never thought I could do. Almost 9 years later I did put that silhouette in with Caitlyn. She taught me how to take diabetes and make it a part of me, not all of me. Without her I'm not sure who I would be.
Here's to year 15!
Rachel
Friday, November 15, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
When You Don't Succeed...
Hey Everyone!
I wanted to talk about when you don't always succeed at something. Perseverance is key. Sometimes you can't always complete your goal right away, and that's ok. I fail at my goals too sometimes. It's all ok. There are a few things I usually try when I can't do something. It's usually when I can't put a site in.
1.Don't Over Think It- I over think putting a site or cgm in the wrong place all the time. Will it be hard to sleep with? Will it hurt if I get bumped in school or at powderpuff practice? Is it going to fall out randomly? I ask all these questions and usually think of an answer that will prove I should avoid putting the site in. But why? My blood sugars are better when I wear a stomach site. It's comfortable, why do I avoid it?
2. Just try it- So maybe you don't like having your site in your arm. At least you tried. No one is going to be mad if you don't keep it in. Do what feels good to you. Trying something is better than not doing it at all.
3. Never give up- So that site doesn't work now, but it could later in life. If you keep trying something you are sure to either fall in love or hate it. Don't push yourself too much, but try that site maybe once every 3 months.
Thats all I've got for now. Stay strong and Never EVER give up. You'd be amazed what you can do when you set your mind to it :)
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel
I wanted to talk about when you don't always succeed at something. Perseverance is key. Sometimes you can't always complete your goal right away, and that's ok. I fail at my goals too sometimes. It's all ok. There are a few things I usually try when I can't do something. It's usually when I can't put a site in.
1.Don't Over Think It- I over think putting a site or cgm in the wrong place all the time. Will it be hard to sleep with? Will it hurt if I get bumped in school or at powderpuff practice? Is it going to fall out randomly? I ask all these questions and usually think of an answer that will prove I should avoid putting the site in. But why? My blood sugars are better when I wear a stomach site. It's comfortable, why do I avoid it?
2. Just try it- So maybe you don't like having your site in your arm. At least you tried. No one is going to be mad if you don't keep it in. Do what feels good to you. Trying something is better than not doing it at all.
3. Never give up- So that site doesn't work now, but it could later in life. If you keep trying something you are sure to either fall in love or hate it. Don't push yourself too much, but try that site maybe once every 3 months.
Thats all I've got for now. Stay strong and Never EVER give up. You'd be amazed what you can do when you set your mind to it :)
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel
Monday, November 4, 2013
Taking A Risk For Diabetes Awareness Month
Hey Everyone!
So it's November! You all must know what that means!! It's Diabetes Awareness Month! This year I decided I wanted to do something different. I wanted to take a diabetes risk that would result in better care. And that's when I decided I wanted to put both my site and CGM in my stomach. It was a lot of me talking the idea up. Then I realized that if I didn't do it now, it would never happen. I watched my hand push down on the trigger and heard the needle fly into my stomach. I'm not sure if I felt anything. Then I had no clue how to get the sensor off the inserter. So I ran upstairs to mom. She removed the insertion device and the needle. I then attached the transmitter and waited for the green light. While staring at my stomach I realized I needed medical tape. Why it took me so long to realize? I don't know. Then as I frantically scurry around getting medical tape; I have a revelation. I need to change my site. I stop and think
"Eh lets make it a double whammy"
After getting my CGM secured I grabbed a pump site and just inserted it. Easy as 1,2,3. I couldn't believe it.
So it's November! You all must know what that means!! It's Diabetes Awareness Month! This year I decided I wanted to do something different. I wanted to take a diabetes risk that would result in better care. And that's when I decided I wanted to put both my site and CGM in my stomach. It was a lot of me talking the idea up. Then I realized that if I didn't do it now, it would never happen. I watched my hand push down on the trigger and heard the needle fly into my stomach. I'm not sure if I felt anything. Then I had no clue how to get the sensor off the inserter. So I ran upstairs to mom. She removed the insertion device and the needle. I then attached the transmitter and waited for the green light. While staring at my stomach I realized I needed medical tape. Why it took me so long to realize? I don't know. Then as I frantically scurry around getting medical tape; I have a revelation. I need to change my site. I stop and think
"Eh lets make it a double whammy"
After getting my CGM secured I grabbed a pump site and just inserted it. Easy as 1,2,3. I couldn't believe it.
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
GCMing Week Two The Up's And Down's
Hey everyone!
So now that I have been using a CGM for two weeks, I have more to report! I'll call this my pep talk blog for those of you who might be stressing over CGMing.
1. Remember It's Technology- I know I am the biggest offender when it comes to this. I forget that it might not always be absolutely perfect. And that's ok. It's not human, it's the best technology we've got though.
2. Don't Give up- I find that when my pump doesn't read my sensor I get so frustrated. Why isn't it working? I HAVE A HUGE NEEDLE IN MY BUTT!! IT BETTER WORK!! Don't let that get the best of you. It does take time to connect. And a weak signal here or there is just letting you know that where you have the pump from the sensor isn't close enough. It's no big deal.
3. Don't Get Mad- I am the first person to say that I get super angry when it wakes me up at night or when it's not correct. Don't worry. It's just information! The CGM is trying to help you stay in tighter control. Don't get mad, take it for what it is :).
4.Check More Often Than Not- I find that checking when it says I am high or low makes a huge difference. It actually helps me with tighter control. Depending on what your highs and lows you can catch them both far before they happen!
Here's to Year 15 (And CGMING)!
Rachel
So now that I have been using a CGM for two weeks, I have more to report! I'll call this my pep talk blog for those of you who might be stressing over CGMing.
1. Remember It's Technology- I know I am the biggest offender when it comes to this. I forget that it might not always be absolutely perfect. And that's ok. It's not human, it's the best technology we've got though.
2. Don't Give up- I find that when my pump doesn't read my sensor I get so frustrated. Why isn't it working? I HAVE A HUGE NEEDLE IN MY BUTT!! IT BETTER WORK!! Don't let that get the best of you. It does take time to connect. And a weak signal here or there is just letting you know that where you have the pump from the sensor isn't close enough. It's no big deal.
3. Don't Get Mad- I am the first person to say that I get super angry when it wakes me up at night or when it's not correct. Don't worry. It's just information! The CGM is trying to help you stay in tighter control. Don't get mad, take it for what it is :).
4.Check More Often Than Not- I find that checking when it says I am high or low makes a huge difference. It actually helps me with tighter control. Depending on what your highs and lows you can catch them both far before they happen!
Here's to Year 15 (And CGMING)!
Rachel
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Continuous Glucose Monitoring! I'm Back!
Hey EveryOne!
I thought I would share my CGM now that I wear one. So as of Saturday I am wearing a CGM again. While the last time I wore on it didn't end so well, I think this time around is going really well! It seems to be more of a help than a hinder. As long as I don't calibrate when I am too high or low it works amazing! It does take a little while to get it almost perfect, but don't get discouraged. There is always a 20-30% point of difference. Even then it's great. It can catch your highs or lows at least 15 minutes before they happen! I love it. It's so easy to sneak a quick look at it and know an estimate of where you are at that moment.
I have found a few quick tips for you guys!
-Never Calibrate when you're high or low- The sensor will pick up on that and it will go off constantly. It's not fun.
- Don't treat or correct based on the CGM- It's not a good idea. Where there is a bit of a difference it usually isn't a good idea.
That's all I know for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel
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I thought I would share my CGM now that I wear one. So as of Saturday I am wearing a CGM again. While the last time I wore on it didn't end so well, I think this time around is going really well! It seems to be more of a help than a hinder. As long as I don't calibrate when I am too high or low it works amazing! It does take a little while to get it almost perfect, but don't get discouraged. There is always a 20-30% point of difference. Even then it's great. It can catch your highs or lows at least 15 minutes before they happen! I love it. It's so easy to sneak a quick look at it and know an estimate of where you are at that moment.
I have found a few quick tips for you guys!
-Never Calibrate when you're high or low- The sensor will pick up on that and it will go off constantly. It's not fun.
- Don't treat or correct based on the CGM- It's not a good idea. Where there is a bit of a difference it usually isn't a good idea.
That's all I know for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel
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Friday, September 13, 2013
Diabetes Camp
Hey!
I realized that I have touched upon the subject of diabetes camp, but never have i made it a post. I feel like it's something that deserves it's very own post. But where to begin? It's a place that has changed my life forever. Without diabetes camp I don't even think I would be the Same person. There are many options for diabetes camp. You can go all over the country for them. I know of a few good ones out of Massachusetts, Like Camp Nejeda in New Jersey. The director is my friend and can promise a good experience.
I personally go to Clara Barton Camp, And Camp Joslin. They are both about an hour and a half away from me. While I don't really "go to camp" anymore these are the camps I work at. I used to go to Barton's Residential camp when I was younger. Now being a bit older I work day camp because I can come home from time to time. The great thing about Barton is that they offer coed weekend programs. They range from overnights where you trick-or-treat to weekends with caregivers. My mom and I traveled down for "Live,Laugh,Love" almost 11 years ago. That weekend I met so many wonderful campers and staff who just got it. Diabetes was the norm there and I needed that.
So how does camp play a role in my life now? At 17 years old I am proud to say that camp has taught me to embrace myself in any way I can. Today when I do my camp work I try to send the same message so many staff members taught me. "It's Diabetes, It's hard to handle, but you always have camp. Until there is a cure there is camp". Even though it may be hard to believe this is true. With camp most kids feel better about there diabetes. They truly know that aren't alone and it gives them the strength they need to deal with their diabetes in the real world. So if you're thinking camp as a diabetic check out a diabetes camp!
Here's to year 15!
Rachel
I personally go to Clara Barton Camp, And Camp Joslin. They are both about an hour and a half away from me. While I don't really "go to camp" anymore these are the camps I work at. I used to go to Barton's Residential camp when I was younger. Now being a bit older I work day camp because I can come home from time to time. The great thing about Barton is that they offer coed weekend programs. They range from overnights where you trick-or-treat to weekends with caregivers. My mom and I traveled down for "Live,Laugh,Love" almost 11 years ago. That weekend I met so many wonderful campers and staff who just got it. Diabetes was the norm there and I needed that.
So how does camp play a role in my life now? At 17 years old I am proud to say that camp has taught me to embrace myself in any way I can. Today when I do my camp work I try to send the same message so many staff members taught me. "It's Diabetes, It's hard to handle, but you always have camp. Until there is a cure there is camp". Even though it may be hard to believe this is true. With camp most kids feel better about there diabetes. They truly know that aren't alone and it gives them the strength they need to deal with their diabetes in the real world. So if you're thinking camp as a diabetic check out a diabetes camp!
Rachel
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
15 And A Half Years. As Of Today
Hey Everyone!
I thought today that I should talk about year 15. It's been quite a year trust me. Through the ups and downs it is still my diabetes and I still know I have to do it. Let's review
-Diabetes Burnout- I went through an awful burnout this summer. I basically tried to be diabetesless. Yeah Bad idea, Rachel. I thought for sure that going to camp would make it better. Did it? Yes for a few days then I gave up. I felt like I couldn't do it. Maybe even didn't want to do it. I took my mother's help for granted. It was obvious that I need more help then I willing to let on. I feel a need to be independent all the time. Don't worry if you're not ready either. There is always tomorrow.
-Allowing Parents back in- This was so hard for me. Being a senior in high school I thought I could do it all myself. Who wouldn't? Allowing my mom to come back was extremely hard. Everything she would do I see as overbearing. It seemed to me that we couldn't do anything without getting mad. Can you blame me? It was a lot to handle. Now? We're fine. We manage to make it work.
- School- It's only been 2 weeks. Right now everything is fine. I'm hoping it will stay this way. I mean I don't have much more time left here, so it better behave. No more diva attitude.
That's All For Now!
Here's To Year 15
Rachel
I thought today that I should talk about year 15. It's been quite a year trust me. Through the ups and downs it is still my diabetes and I still know I have to do it. Let's review
-Diabetes Burnout- I went through an awful burnout this summer. I basically tried to be diabetesless. Yeah Bad idea, Rachel. I thought for sure that going to camp would make it better. Did it? Yes for a few days then I gave up. I felt like I couldn't do it. Maybe even didn't want to do it. I took my mother's help for granted. It was obvious that I need more help then I willing to let on. I feel a need to be independent all the time. Don't worry if you're not ready either. There is always tomorrow.
-Allowing Parents back in- This was so hard for me. Being a senior in high school I thought I could do it all myself. Who wouldn't? Allowing my mom to come back was extremely hard. Everything she would do I see as overbearing. It seemed to me that we couldn't do anything without getting mad. Can you blame me? It was a lot to handle. Now? We're fine. We manage to make it work.
- School- It's only been 2 weeks. Right now everything is fine. I'm hoping it will stay this way. I mean I don't have much more time left here, so it better behave. No more diva attitude.
That's All For Now!
Here's To Year 15
Rachel
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