11 Years Ago...

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

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

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.

Here's To Year 15!

Rachel

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

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

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

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

Frustration...

Hey Everyone!
 Today's blog is about mistakes that can be made constantly. All those things any one can say and sometimes they just push you over the edge. I get it. But remember no one is perfect It might get wordy and I'm sorry.
     1). Test Your Blood Sugar!- Hold up! Do I need to pass a blood sugar the same way I pass an english test? Uh I don't think so. In fact there really isn't a way to pass a blood sugar, or even fail it  for that matter. I have seen kids at camp who freak out about that. I mean the only blood sugar you can pass or fail is your A1C.
    2). Why Is You're Blood High/Low?- Sometimes you just can't answer this. All though most of the time a high blood sugar is caused by too little insulin or even forgetting insulin. It could be ketones as well. Chances are If you don't forget a bolus you have ketones. Low blood sugars can be hard to figure out too. I mean you could just be low because you're body is reacting to insulin too fast. Or maybe it's the lag effect. Either way it doesn't matter too too much unless you treat. And you don't go into DKA or Diabetic shock, cause that would be bad.... Really bad.
   3). Did You Test?- Chances are that if you don't have a blood sugar I haven't tested. If I have and haven't told you, give me a moment. Sometimes giving insulin is a bit more important than giving you a blood sugar. Sorry it's the truth. Wait until you see the pump put away. Or even when I might look as though I'm done.
    4). What's Your Blood Sugar? This one stems off of number 3. Sometimes you just get caught up in the moment. I can guarantee that you will know it soon enough. It just takes time for me to process everything.
  5). Did You Bolus?- There is a good chance I could miss a bolus. I don't mind being reminded, but there is something about it that ticks me to no end. I don't need you in my face about it.

Thats it for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Back To School... Wait Again? How to Handle School And The 'Betes

Hey Everyone!
 Sorry it's been awhile. I haven't been 100% diabetes this summer. So have you ever wondered what to pack in your new backpack for school? I have a solution for you. It's simple. Obviously you or your child can't carry around pump supplies or insulin during school hours. But there are things they can carry during school hours.

1.Meter and Strips- These are essential when dealing with diabetes. Carry them in a case and make sure you have easy access.
2.Glucose Tabs- How can you take care of a blood sugar without these? They are so important. Even if you have 10, make sure you have them! Trust me I have learned from mistakes on this one.
3. Blood sugar sheet- Keep track of those Blood sugars while in school. You never know what they might throw at you.
4. Diabetes Bracelet- I know this one is super annoying. Trust me it has lead to many fights in my house. Just have one. There are a million different kinds, I'm sure you can find the perfect one.
These supplies can change per person and that's ok. You need to know how to fit your diabetes and school around your needs.
    One last thing. With school comes tests. A fellow diabuddy told me that you should always write your BG on a test. That way when you get it back you can see if you really didn't know the stuff or if it was your Blood sugar. Most cases I just don't know the material. Good Luck and Happy Schooling!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Bionic Pancreas? For It? Or Against It?

I can almost imagine it. Waking up in the morning not having to check my blood sugar, just sort of living in the moment. Now what makes me think this? The Bionic Or Artificial Pancreas. It is almost the cure for diabetes. Sounds Cool right? Well according to most diabetes blogs, it's amazing. So why am I hitting the brakes?
   It seems as though I wouldn't know how to live without diabetes. I mean I have had it for 15 years. I have to wonder how life will change. Will life become easier? Less stressful? These are questions I ask myself when I think about this. What are your opinions?
Here's To Year 15 (And Maybe The Last?)
Rachel

Fast Food and Diabetes- Can They Mix?

Just a few minutes ago I got the dreaded phone call....

    "We are getting McDonalds"

This literally sends me into a panic! I mean of course I know all the ways to handle it, but the real question is which one will work? But Don't worry my friends, I always have a solution. Remember I am not a medical Professional.

Step 1. Add up ALL Carbs- Don't shortchange fast food! Yes you can occasionally do that with home cooked meals, But NEVER EVER on fast food. Trust me I speak from my own stupidity.

Step 2. Give insulin at LEAST 20 minutes BEFORE. Believe it or not having insulin just slightly before your meal can help! It will be in your system and getting ready to peak as the gross fast food hits your lips. Clever right? I also tend to do my insulin off my blood sugar. If I'm a little higher I might give a little more. Lower? Just the normal amount.

Step 3. For Pumpers Only! Depending on the pump you have you should have a option to spread your insulin intake out. People on shots, are you confused? Basically what my pump has is a feature that allows me to take insulin in small portions spread out over time. Why does this help? Well if the fat of my food won't kick in for an hour, I can still be getting insulin up to two hours after my original bolus. Covering EVERYTHING!! It's amazing!

Step 4. Make sure you have all your carbs correct before you bolus. Usually on most meals they have the carb count, but if you want to pre-bolus use a calorie king or some other carb/calorie counting site or App. This can Help ensure a better number afterwards

Step 5. Check 2 hours after the meal! This can help control blood sugars for a longer period of time. Trust me I know checking the sugar can be annoying, but this will help you. I swear. Well most blood sugar checks do help you, but this one especially. If you do one two hours after it can help lower any sugar that might be affected by the fat. Helping you get more sleep... Hopefully

Here's to year 15!

Rachel

Frequently Asked Questions

Evening!
So I wanted to cover some FAQ's tonight. Also I am not a medical professional so please do not seek my medical advice!

1. What Are Some Diabetes Symptoms?
     Well most of the symptoms (that I've noticed) are like having a high blood sugar. The Symptoms can include:
          - Constant Thirst- You're body needs to urinate and spill ketones!!
           - Constant Urination- You are constantly drinking keep urinating Let those ketones spill!!
2. Is there  such thing as "Bad Blood Sugars"?
          No! No blood sugar reading is good or bad! They just give you information on what you might need to fix. And try not to tell your kids "It's time to test". Why? You can fail tests my friends, but you can't really fail a blood sugar checking! So try to say "It's time to check your blood sugar". It might help things run more smooth.
3. Do you have to wear a pump?
           Here We go! No the insulin pump is not the only option for the treatment of diabetes. I feel that it is the best treatment, but other people may and will feel differently. That is ok! You don't have to conform to a pump wearing society! Be unique! You are special just the way you are.
4. Why do you celebrate every year you have had diabetes?
          It's like an accomplishment. Like it's another year my family and I have made it through the challenges. We made it through what could have been a year of heartbreaking defeat. And you know what? Our feet are still on the ground! That alone is amazing.

That's all the time I have for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Diabuddies

Morning Everyone!
So a lot of people ask why I love have "Diabuddies".  Diabuddies are generally friends you have that also have diabetes. I have a bunch of them. The best is one girl who is literally down the street from me. We both connected over our diabetes. Plus it's great to have some one who understands. I could call Meghan at 2 in the morning, about a high bloodsugar. Provided she would be mad that I woke her, she would get it. It can happen to all of us. Literally. Plus there is always that random low party where we just sit there and laugh at every little thing. I'm not sure that anyone else could get it. I love my diabuddies.
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Dear Diabetes...

Hey Diabetes!
It's Rachel and I just wanted to talk.... Could you please stop messing up my sleep? I mean why am I 94 right now? And after i give some insulin for my bed time snack, could you please not wake me up at 2 this morning? Also do you think we could work together so that I won't feel all that gross if I forget insulin? Is there anything you and I can agree on? Can you let me eat pizza and chinese food? And perhaps not let my blood sugar run high? There are so many things I could ask of you, but let's make this a team effort? Ok?
Love,
Rachel

First Impressions

So as you know I recently started using the Bayer Next Link.  It's only been less than 24 hours and I LOVE IT!  Maybe it's because it sends my blood sugar straight to my pump. Maybe it's the fact that I can plug it into my computer and it's charged. It's so slim and light. Plus the color screen is amazing! I love turning it on and seeing the home screen. It says Bayer Next Link in orange with a pretty blue background. Then it flashes to Medtronic and has the logo. It's kind of similar to the Verio. I can still tag before and after meals. I can also set high and low numbers as well.
 One of my favorite parts is that it says "Sending BG To Pump". After it has been sent there is a check mark. It then says "Sent".
I'll let you know more as I learn More!
Here's to year 15!
Rachel

Verio IQ Review

 Ahhh once again it's time for the meter switch. I'm going to start use the Bayer Contour Next Link, which is my pump meter. I have used a Verio IQ since I'd say July. I do love the Verio, but I need a change. Of course I do have a list of pros and cons!
    Pros-
-Full Color Screen
-Has a light for test strip port.
-Tracks Patterns of bloodsugars
- I'm able to look at these patterns and adjust insulin.

Cons-
 -It has a chord to be charged. (this is annoying because I don't always have a place to plug it)
- The battery dies far too often. The manual says it only needs to be charged once a month. It's more like once a week. I don't really have time to stop everything if the meter needs to be charged. I feel like since I am always on my laptop it would be easier for it to be a USB link. (YAY New meter)

Overall the Verio is a really good meter. I just feel that I'm a little too on-the-go to constantly be plugging in. Let me know what you think!
Heres to year 15!
Rachel

Check Me Maybe?

My new favorite thing to do is to take normal songs and turn them into diabetes related ones. For example one of my favorites is "Check Me Maybe" instead of "Call Me Maybe". The lyrics I wrote were kinda funny:
            Hey I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my meter so check me maybe? It's hard to feel right when I'm low, but heres my meter so check me maybe?
I literally could go on for hours with this stuff. My Favorite is when I text them to my friends and they totally get it. It kinda makes me laugh.
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Caregivers Weekend

 So this weekend I spent at Barton. It was caregivers weekend. It's probably my favorite weekend. Caregivers come to camp to learn about diabetes. For me this weekend truly moves me. The amount of love and passion from some of these caregivers is amazing. They just want to be able to help these kids.
      I had one caregiver this weekend ask if they could put in my pump site. Of course I let them. She seemed so nervous. I felt awful as I am trying to help her and she was having a nervous breakdown. Maybe it's because I do it everyday so it's different.  When she finally put it in, she was still nervous. She feared she was hurting me. Of course she  wasn't and I reassured her of this. After a while she felt better. And she should! She successfully put in a pump site on her first try. It was pretty good. I was so happy.
  The rest of the weekend was fine and I was very amazed with all the caregivers.
Here's to year 15!
Rachel

Please Don't....

So when it comes to the 'betes you guys know I have this long list of pet peeves. Well here goes every pet peeve I can think of. I apologize in advance.
   It's Diabetes. NOT Diabeetus (Sorry Wilford)
   It's a meter. NOT a cellphone. So PLEASE Stop taking it away!
    It's and Insulin Pump, It's my mechanical pancreas.
    ONLY 1% Of My pancreas doesn't work. STOP Telling me I have a dead Pancreas! IT IS NOT DEAD!
It's An Insulin Pump. NOT and ipod or anything else you can think of.
I can eat SUGAR!! Oh my gosh, it's shocking I know, I just need insulin. SO PLEASE Stop telling me to not eat that cookie.
I am NOT a Diabetic. I AM a person living with diabetes. Don't drop the D word.
And the last one is pretty big. Please don't tell me I look sick. I know I don't. Just because I have diabetes doesn't mean I am sick. It is a chronic disease and it does not control me, I control it. So don't tell me I look too healthy. Please don't. You don't have to be sick to have diabetes. Please Stop.
Hope these were kinda funny!
Here's to year 15!
Rachel

Diabetes Advocate? Nope

Hey Everybody!
   Sorry It's been so long. I've been so busy with everything going on. So today I want to just share some news....
       So I recently applied to be a diabetes advocate. I was turned down. Their reason? I don't do enough. While I understand this, I had to go to war for my beliefs. Heres what I explained:
         - I give hours upon hours to Clara Barton Camp
         - I try to change the life of young diabetic kids anyway I can.
         - I put so much time into what I do with my diabetes.
I was hurt of course, but things happen for a reason, right?
Here's to year 15!
Rachel