Check out that silver lining
It’s that time of the year again – yesterday saw me indulge in my regular trip up to the Royal Infirmary to be prodded, pricked and poked as part of my regular seven-month check up, my first after getting the pump back in November.
I’m going to be up front and tell those of you with a more ghoulish disposition (that is, all of you) that I’m afraid that nothing bad was discovered. My feet haven’t rotted off in the last seven months, I’ve not gone blind and I still have the use of my fingers. Sorry to disappoint.
This time I was seen by the pump clinic, instead of just the normal clinic, so I was met by not only the doctor but also by my usual specialist nurse and the dietician I saw when I was first diagnosed. It felt a little mob-handed but at least I could ask any questions and get top notch answers. However, I didn’t really have any questions and they all seemed entirely satisfied with what I’d achieved with the pump over the last two-and-a-half months.
I’ve now pretty much managed to get my basal levels working well for me, carb counting is fairly straightforward, I understand the concepts of glycaemic load and all that jazz, I’ve used all the features on the pump (except for dual waves – which I used for the first time last night), I don’t have any problems with the sets, my A1C was in target (6.9%). I know in the diabetic blogosphere it’s unusual to report this sort of thing, but everything was absolutely fine – all four of us were perfectly happy with the pump and my control.
But there must have something bad surely? Every visit to the diabetic clinic incorporates something depressing , no? Well there was something. While in the waiting room I noticed one the goldfish in the aquarium had a little bit of fin rot – the poor wee mite. See, it’s not all silver lining.
Fin rot is such an underblogged problem, glad to see you’re doing your bit for it 🙂
Well done on the 6.9, I’m in for the test next week and I’ll be happy with an 8 point something!
Entirely to piss people off I’m going to tell you that this is my worst A1C for ages. It was 6.5 last time and 6.2 before that. Alison’s results will piss you off even more 😉
And, yes, fin rot is a under-blogged problem. I think that we should have a worthy campaign to raise awareness of poor aquarium water conditions and the problems it can cause to our piscine cousins.
I’m 100% certain Alisons would make me want to top myself 🙂 As an underhanded compliment then, well done for not blowing the good results now you’re on the pump? 6.9 = Average BG of 8.
Come on man I’m trying to be nice here! 🙂
He he he! I made some *huge* cock ups during the early days of the pump, but I suspect I’m going to get better results next time; who knows?
Well done on the 69, sorry 6.9!!
Poor little fin rotten goldfish, how tragic!
Think we need to hear about the goings wrongs more, perhaps a video similar to the outtakes at the end films…
I like your style Mike – I can see a new vblog going up consisting of hilarious hypo antics and rages caused by high BG readings.:-D
Why thank you.. How did you get on with the dual wave bolus?
I’m still alive, so it must have gone well. In general it needs more experimentation to get the most out of it.
@Tim Good results and no problems? You’re so dull 😉 Glad to see it’s all working well.
@Stephen I’ve been between 5.6% and 5.8% for the past four years since starting on the pump and CGM. Sorry. Please don’t hate me. It was bloody hard work to get to that stage but I’ve got the hang of it now.
@alison I don’t hate you for being the swot of the class 😛
Nice results guys – well done all! *pat on the back*
Today I “celebrate” 22 years of having a crap pancreas – yey me..??! Wish I had great control – the pump has helped (13 months in) but I still don’t prioritise myself and my health.. maybe one day..? Keep up the good work – I salute all my fellow sufferers who take things seriously, just wish I could. Maybe if my toes had fallen off I could, but so far, so good. Off to comiserate with some good ol’ scottish wine – cheers to all! xx
well done Tim 🙂
I met Joan on Tuesday and get my Hba1c result tomorrow – im hoping the result is lower than last time (I blooming hope so cos my readings have been so much better since starting the pump)
I get my full MOT in March – so not long to wait for that……..
really happy the pump is suiting you…….(wonder how the rest of the newbies that started with us are getting on??) xxxx
and poor fishes :-(……I didnt notice that – i’ll maybe slip some treatment in the tank next time im there lol xxx
@charlie – Thanks for reminding me (by token of your own) – I passed 29 years on Jan 4th! I always forget it 🙂 Don’t wait for the toes though please 😉
Thanks @stephen – I do look after myself (sometimes) it’s just life (and self-pitying) get in the way… Well, the good news is I’m 11 years past my use-by date (according to one GP) so onwards and upwards.. ;o)
I wonder if doctors still give out the “10 years and you’re f***ed” speech ……. my parents (and even me after 15 years) got the same.
I had a use by date from one unfeeling consultant of 25 years old and I’d be in a wheelchair. So, I’m 12 years beyond that, and showing no signs of slowing down yet…what do doctors know, huh?
To play Devil’s Advocate here, doctors do have a fine line to tread with diabetes. If they say “ah, it won’t be a problem” then the diabetic won’t take it seriously and their feet will rot off. If they say “take it very seriously or you’ll be a cripple” then the diabetic lives eternally in misery but their feet don’t rot off.
When I was first diagnosed my doctor would swing between the two extremes in one conversation – “You’re going to be blind if your BG is ever above 10mmol/l; but this is probably unlikely”. That sort of thing.
@helzbelz – yes, Joan said you’d been in (she leaks like a sieve does our DSN!) Let me know how you get on with your results. So you’ve been getting good results generally then?
(Oh, the fishes are actually really well kept – with no signs of fin rot – I just added that for dramatic tension…)
Was about to suggest that the fish might also be diabetic and suffering from diabetic dermopathy.
BTW are the life-scan people back? Used to pay for my parking and petrol – £10 for a fingerprick – happy to oblige! Haven’t seen them for a while….
Just realised I hadn’t replied to this – Id lowered my Hba1c by 1 whole point in the 2 and 1/2 months of starting the pump – not so sure I’ll be so lucky this time (due a full MOT in April)…..had flu type thing, lots of stress and an infection to contend with – but my meter average reads the same so no deterioration I hope (at least!)
generally before meals my BG is pretty good – its the spikes im still battling with and still experimenting with……..found the Mio set to suit me best now too – so hopefully that will have an impact positively……
hows you? you getting much better readings on your pump? xx