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Posted 6/16/2010 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
 Well its official . I start insulin today. I knew it was coming but did all I could to push it away as long as possible. Just cant anymore. Now I get to stick my fingers all day and jab needles in my body as well. Maybe it will let some of the air out of my  belly when I poke holes there. I'm open to any advice from you guys that have been doing this for a while.

 Also having a test next week to map the amount of nuropathy in my fingers and toes . Doc also wants to do a sleep aptnea(spl) test to rule out any trouble there, as I am having trouble staying awake lately. My wife has to drive because after about 20 minutes the Sand Man is beating me to death and I usually sleep the rest of the way anywhere  we go.

 Lets face it, if I was a horse I would have been the sticky stuff on envelopes long ago.

Posted 6/16/2010 2:04 PM (GMT 0)

Oh Sniper, so sorry that one more thing is added on to you!

My husband has Type 1 Diabetes and has since he was 16.  Not sure with your insurance, but look into Continuos Glucose Monitoring (it can be spendy).  It's still pretty new, but what it does is gives him constant blood glucose levels 24/7.  Yes, he still has to prick his finger to "calibrate" the sensor, but for him it makes a world of difference in being able to track where his insulin level is going.  Just an FYI!

I do hope all goes well with you!

Posted 6/16/2010 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sniper,

What kind of insulin are you going to be using - nighttime (basal) once-per-day stuff, or mealtime (fast-acting) - or both? Don't expect perfect blood glucose right away, it will take a couple of weeks and lots of adjustments to get the dosing right. After that, you have to still keep a close eye on numbers because our bodies needs change all the time, so you will likely need to tweak doses every now and then. I'm excited for you, I think you'll start to feel a lot better soon! Give me a holler if you want a Type 1's opinion/answers.
Posted 6/16/2010 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Geez one more thing to deal with.

But you might be glad you go for the sleep apnea. DH has had his breathing machine for a couple of years now, he noticed right away that he didn't need afternoon naps. He as falling asleep in a kitchen chair after work prior to using it. Benefit for others around him -- no more snoring!
Posted 6/16/2010 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
SNIPER
D,,M
im so sorry for yet another health issue with you
you are an inspiratioon to me for sure my friend
youve taken a beatin n keep on ticking
caits dad always did shots in belly or his legs ....
he was a heavy boozer n it eventually took his life
the drinking...i mean
keeping you in my heart thoughts n prayers always

as for my neuropathy i started valproic acid n my legs and fingers are 80 percent better now
i can walk around town as long as i tk notes where i am lol
got lost last week doh
this short term memory is really rough
huggs friend
lyn

btw i believe narcolepsy can be associated with diabetes as well

Posted 6/16/2010 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper - sorry to hear about the diabetes - nobody wants more hassles in life, but your quality of living should improve substantially once your glucose levels are under control. And don't be dwelling on the "glue-horse" stuff - every one of us here has days when we feel like that, but life is good and we can't let these stinkin' diseases get the best of us! Chin up, buddy - we're in this together!
Posted 6/16/2010 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for listening and answering . OK now ,enough whining form me , time to get on top of this thing. J-web , doc gave me a few samples of Levemir . Looks to be what they call long lasting insulin. I'm not sure of the dosage as its a pin and I set it for 10 units twice per day after morning and evening meals. Of course I messed up this morning and could not give myself the first injection. I put the stuff in the ice box last night and didn't know until this morning I need it at room temp . Guess you just store the unopen one in the fridge. I tried to remember all the stuff they told me but my old mind is like an iron trap these days. Very rusty and not working well. Doc says we will stay on oral meds plus the shot until we get a handle on things. Looks like I am in for some see-saw blood sugar and reactions in the near future.
Lyn, I've never been one to drink much and sense I gave up making wine with this DD I seldom touch the stuff. Sorry you and Kait had to be around that kind of thing . I have seen alcohol destroy lots of peoples and their loved ones. I dont have much use for it.
Newfoundsun I will keep what you said in mind but it may be a while before I could get one. I'm a newbee and I'm sure my @%$* insurance Co. will not spring for anything they feel they can keep away from me. Especially if it helps make life easier .
Lamb61, I never had a sleep study done before and boy are they in for it. Hope the test leads are long enough to reach the restroom....I do most of my snoozing while propped against the bathroom wall..
Posted 6/16/2010 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper: I am soo sorry that you are going through all this but I am glad that you have a plan. I am sure also that you will feel better once the sugar levels are in control. Keep enjoyin' the sunrises-it helps us all. Take care!
Posted 6/16/2010 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
once ya get used to the pen its a breeze really n i believe you will feel much better in the long run
ya it was rogh with her dad n i was sober from 79 so the booze didnt help being around house
he became verbally abusive n only one time physically
BUT once was enough
i pkd cait up n left
sad really sad what the booze did to him..
take care you
luv n huggs
lyn n cait
say hi to C for me too k
Posted 6/16/2010 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
James, I'm sorry to hear this. You have been through more than enough! Hang in there!

Matthew
Posted 6/17/2010 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Sniper, I know you've been putting this off, and I'm sure we all would. BUT Feel it in my old bones that
you'll be feeling better for it.
I probably am not far behind you my friend. Stupid pancreas problems are yuck....
Posted 6/17/2010 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Well! good for U! I was reading your post and had to laugh about the sleep aptnea (SP?) I do the same exact thing on car rides. Idk if my snoring, sugar and/or intestines keep me up! Everynight it's a crap shoot!

In all seriousness probably once your sugar gets evened out a bit your sleepyness will get better. When my sugar goes to high I get sleepy...real groggy. So take notes my friend because I too will probably be going down this same road just a little later:)

I know I'll do the pump though...I already have a system for the umpteen med's I take and I'm getting to old to put more into my routine without forgetting.

Take Care

Heather

P.s....tell us northern's more about what you see in the gulf...just wondering from a personal point of view.

 

Posted 6/17/2010 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sniper,

Yep, Levemir is a long-lasting basal insulin, and yes, once opened you leave it at room temperature (it lasts up to 30 days). Otherwise store it in the fridge. You can use insulin straight out of the fridge, no need to let it warm up first, but some people say it 'hurts' more going in if it's cold. I guess my advice here would be to take it at the same time each day - try to get it 12 hours apart. And make sure you do a little squirt in the air before you inject to make sure there isn't a problem with the needle. 20 units per day is a really small amount for a T2, there are some who are on more than 100 units per day. One more thing, when your blood glucose comes back towards normal, you may feel symptoms of being low, even if you're not. Problem is that you've gotten used to being in the high 200's, so when you first get back to say, 120, you might get the shakes and feel terrible. Treat it with a couple of glucose tabs. In time, you'll be able to get into the 90's and still feel ok, you just have to get your body used to it again.

(If you hate twice per day shots, there's another long-lasting insulin called Lantus that is only once per day).

Take care!
Posted 6/17/2010 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
OK , did my first shot and didn't feel a thing. I think the finger stick is worse but I dont get good readings on my arm. Dont care what they tell you about the test anywhere meters. Maybe I should use my numb fingers, Nahhhh, best leave them alone until I know more about this . So far I dont feel anything. This is good because there are no side effects . I was worried about that after I read the warnings that come with the pen. But all went well. How did that old song go ? "They call me Mr pin cushion,,that how I got my name "....And for Dunny,,,Take my heart, take my pancreas too,,for I cant help falling apart like you."
Flowery, the gulf situation is a crying shame. They are showing the pelicans being washed but truth is lots of them die after. The dauphins are dying too, from eating fish with oil on them. That doesn't make the news so much because they are not washing up on the beach. The worse part is the oil in the marsh. They cant clean that like the sand on the beach. La, is already losing coast line and the marsh grass is all that slows that down. When the grass dies, the gulf moves closer and the water rises and old Ms Hurricane has more power as there is nothing to slow her down . All bad news for us coast dwellers. The CEO for BP says he wants his life back. 11 men lost their lives because BP took short cuts and ignored safety procedures. I know their families want their lives back too. The commercial fisherman, shrimpers, ouster men, want their lives back too. And dont forget that our commander in cheif has put a moratorium on oil drilling in the gulf . That means that the companies that follow safety rules have laid off workers. Our economy here is based on oil and gas and thousands of support people in that industry. This is a killer for our state.
Posted 6/17/2010 6:24 AM (GMT 0)
Sniper sorry to hear about the diabetes, from just reading these posts it sounds like a ton of learning to do. I guess like everything else it takes time and practice. I hope once everything evens out you'll be feeling much better. Best of luck to you.
Posted 6/17/2010 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
darn. But hope this helps you!
Posted 6/17/2010 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
(((Sniper))) So sorry you have to add another med into your mix. I do hope though that it gets you feeling better. Hugs!
Posted 6/17/2010 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. I think it will work out for the best. I was really feeling bad and no energy at all. When I walk any distance I need to sit down a while and the numbness in my fingers and toes is an aggravation I dont need. So is stickin myself a few times a day helps I am going to do it. Only plus about no feeling in the toes,,,when I kick the bucket, I wont feel it....
Posted 6/17/2010 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper, were you aware that untreated, long term OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) can contribute to or be the underlying cause for high BP, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, heart attack, etc.?

Starting CPAP therapy can be a real tricky maze; for the most part the local DME CPAP providers are more interested their profit margins than in their client's therapy and health. Don't be too quick to accept any equipment offered. Be sure to check w/your insurance to ask what local DME (durable medical equipment) providers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one. Be sure to shop your options befor committing to one. And you don't necessarily have to use the same provider for both your diabetic and any CPAP supplies.

(((hugs))) you old fart.

Posted 6/17/2010 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Good point CrohnieToo! Sleep apnea means you quite literally stop breathing during your sleep, either due to the pathway being obstructed or due to the brain essentially forgetting to breathe. This is extremely hard on the entire body, especially the heart, and left untreated can cause severe damage.

I hope for your sake it's not apnea, but if it is, a CPAP or BIPAP is usually the first thing the doctors suggest. Please be aware that they are not a one size fits all solution - there are many styles of mask to choose from, different humidity settings, and different pressure settings. If anyone has one of these machines and is not using it because it's uncomfortable, PLEASE go back to the doctor or CPAP/BIPAP provider and ask them to adjust the machine or give you a different mask. Do what it takes to make the machine work for you, as it's far too dangerous to go without.

(Note: I do not have apnea myself but my sister is president of a sleep disorders support group and hears all too many stories of CPAP non-compliance and the consequences.)
Posted 6/17/2010 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Sniper, check your e-mail.
Posted 6/17/2010 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the song Sniper. It's for sure we're falling apart, but better now than years ago huh :)
Posted 6/17/2010 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
My husband had sleep apnea for years. I finally got him to tell the doctor and he did the sleep study thing. I was not surprised when it showed he had severe sleep apnea. After he got his CPAP he was like a new person! Lots more energy, able to concentrate better, etc. I believe my husband's untreated sleep apnea likely contributed to his death. It is really important for you to get that looked into, ok?
Posted 6/18/2010 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the heads up and the e mail info. I will be sure I know all I can about this before they push drugs or machines off on me. I really think that pain and other conditions interfere with my sleep but I will have to see what they find. I think its going to be hard to do a sleep study on me when I roll and toss and lie awake and run to the restroom all night. If they give me something to make me sleep, isn't that cheating the study ? To quote donkey from Shreck, " I just know I'm going to need a whole lot of therapy after all this is over,,just look at my eye twitching. "
Posted 6/18/2010 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
I LOVE the donkey!!!
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