tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51885526513630576612024-03-14T05:47:55.540-07:00Diabetic SunshineElaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-27110304566559620392018-03-03T16:01:00.002-08:002018-03-03T16:01:46.778-08:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For Part 2 of <b><span style="font-size: large;">Spreading the T1D Love</span></b> today I’d like to talk about:</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of the pumps I've loved before</span> </b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">(</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Cue the </span><a href="https://www.vevo.com/watch/willie-nelson/to-all-the-girls-ive-loved-before/USSM21301191" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;" target="_blank">music</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">.) :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I can proudly say that I have owned almost every pump on the market. I have had diabetes for 7 years and over those years I have done 30 day trials of pumps or had them for years. I’d love to share my opinion on each one I have had the pleasure of using. I know that it has been a while since I’ve used some of these pumps so some of the problems I had with them might have been resolved since I stopped using them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When I was first diagnosed, I was scared to try an insulin pump. It was this strange machine that I would be attached to. I thought it would hurt much worse than the shots we just learned how to give me. About three months into diabetes we went to a family camp called Camp Arroyo to try and ease me into going to “by yourself camp” in the summer. When we got there, so many people had insulin pumps. I got to hold them and see how they worked (with permission) and I asked questions. Once camp was over I was very much ready to get a pump (and go to summer camp alone). We had an appointment with my endocrinologist the following week, so we got to start the process. It really was important that we waited until I was comfortable with the idea, so then I was excited and ready to learn. I can honestly say that I can’t imagine life without a pump. It has made my life so much easier and has given me more independence and has helped me control my blood sugars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Animas Ping</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Animas Ping was my first pump. I got it about 4 months into having diabetes. I LOVED my ping. I had it for 5 years. It was green and I felt so cute wearing it. We drove down to Children’s Hospital LA to learn how to use it. My mom and her close friend Chrissy drove me. Chrissy worked as a secretary in the school I went to and she took care of my diabetes with me every day, she is awesome! All three of us went to the training and when it came time to put my first site on, I was so scared. It took me a while to get up the nerve but when I did I was so happy! It hurt less than my Lantus (long acting insulin shot) did. It was amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>My Pros for the Animas are…</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It had a meter that you could dose insulin remotely</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was waterproof (so if I went swimming while I was high I could still get insulin)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The pump site/insulin change took about 5 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It came in so many cool colors (I loved my green one )</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The sound my pump made was cute (except in the middle of a math class haha)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was very durable </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was very reliable, I would never get occlusions</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was very simple to use </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I did break my pump they overnighted me a new one </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They had great customer service</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Cons</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-The pump clip that came with it would break very easily</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-The biggest con is that they are now out of business :(</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I loved my Animas and the reason I switched off of it was because I wanted to switch it up and try something new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Omni Pod</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I got the Omni Pod after 4 years of having the Animas. I wanted to try something new and so I tried the tubeless pump! It was a pretty exciting switch and I was very hopeful it would be amazing. It was pretty great, however there were some more cons than the last one for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Pros list…</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It didn't have a chord on it (so it didn't get caught in door handles or around my dog’s leg when I hold her like other pumps do)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It had a remote dosing meter</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It didn't hurt at all when I inserted it </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It had a cute customizable welcome message on the main screen so I could put little happy messages on it that I saw whenever I turned it on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-Waterproof</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-They are so fun to decorate!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Here is my list of cons</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-If you lose your meter then you can’t connect to your pump at all </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It is kind of bulky so it sticks out if you have clothes on over it</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It also sticks out so if you brush against a wall or something (which I do quite often haha) it usually falls off</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It didn’t stick on very well </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> -It was a waste of insulin if the site fell off early</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3) T-Slim </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I had my T-Slim for a 30 day trial when I was in seventh grade. It was pretty cool but it wasn't my favorite</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Pros</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It is super cute </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It is surprisingly durable</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-It plugs in to charge so it doesn't need batteries (Pro for the environment and a con for convenience)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Cons</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-No remote dosing </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-Your BG isn’t sent directly from a meter so you have to enter it in and when you’re high low tired or distracted you can really jack it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-Also I got a lot of occlusion warnings</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-The pump changing process was extremely complicated and it took forever. Even the rep describing the pump change process made it sound hard. She said you should clip the tubing to a hairspray bottle while it primed to keep air bubbles out or something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4 & 5) DIY Loop or Open APS with Older Medtronic Pump</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My mom had a friend named Katie Disimone who helped get us set up on Loop. It was the first time I had my Dexcom (which I loved) connected to my pump. It’s a truly amazing technology created by super smart people who live with T1D or are parents of kids with T1D. They’re so generous to have allowed this to be used by anyone for free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Pros </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- Amazing to have an open source partial closed loop option for free</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- Extremely customizable (ex. you can set BG target wherever you want)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No prescription required because you gather all the parts yourself</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It adjusts insulin according to BG needs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When it worked, it was amazing but when it didn’t it was super difficult to try to troubleshoot as I just didn’t understand it very well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Cons</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> - It is expensive and complicated so not for the faint of heart</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">-You have to scour the internet for old Medtronic pumps with 2.4 or earlier for their software</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>People drive up the prices of the pumps because they know people are wanting to buy them </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The old pumps are not waterproof (neither is any part of the set up)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You need the pump, a Dexcom, a raspberry pi type device (Riley Link) and a phone (none of which have warranties)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You need to carry all those pieces with you all the time</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You need to have good internet and bluetooth connections - which was really hard for me at school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6) Medtronic 670g Our best option yet. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Pros</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- Waterproof</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- ONE device- the pump itself! I couldn't forget anything- it was one thing attached to me! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Guardian sensor is even more accurate than Dexcom (and I loved Dexcom!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are no lost connections/troubleshooting. It just works. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It learns your body and evens out your blood sugars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s like a smart, caring, never-tired mom following you around 24-7 making basal adjustments every five minutes. It’s a miracle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My A1c dropped .5% in the first few months with no scary lows and another 5% after that without effort.</span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Every night- no matter what the day held, it fixed my blood sugars. Whether the rise was from hormones, high carb meal, phases of the moon :) it always worked it out. My mom is amazing and I love that she can now sleep through the night so much more!</span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Cons</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You have to learn how to use it, and it’s not the same as anything you’re used to using. Stay in manual mode until your trainer says you’re ready- it’s worth it. Try to be open minded- it’s like learning a new language.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You have to relinquish some control to the device which can be hard for people stuck in their ways. One example of the learning curve- I forgot to dose for a big meal. I remembered later, panicked and dosed for the carbs I ate. However, the pump was already noticing my rise in BG so it had poured on a corresponding amount of insulin and the insulin I dosed was doubled down. Scary, hard day. Lesson learned the hard way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You can’t set your BG target lower than 100 (but 100 is great for me!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It doesn’t have built in remote monitoring yet like Dexcom share but it works - so really doesn’t need much monitoring. And with Dexcom it’s great to remotely monitor it, but It’s not adjusting anything, it’s just information. With this system the pump is actually doing the work! I remember someone told my mom she didn’t need to monitor it because the pump system just WORKED. However, you can add DIY monitoring through Nightscout for Medtronic for free. That’s what we do so my mom can monitor my blood sugars at night from her iPad or phone. It’s a nearly perfect machine but it still runs out of batteries/sensor expires/etc. It’s good to have my mom monitoring it at night still but usually she gets to stay in bed and just peek at the iPad and see that I’m good and go back to sleep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you need someone to talk to about getting an insulin pump or want your child to talk to about it, PLEASE feel free to email me <a href="mailto:glittergwyneth@gmail.com"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 105, 217); color: #0069d9;">glittergwyneth@gmail.com</span></a> or direct message our Diabetic Sunshine Instagram or Facebook message me or my mom. We are more than happy to help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>No matter which pump you choose, pumping ROCKS. I love that we have choices because everyone has different needs and preferences. What do YOU pump with? Comment below and tell us why you love it! <3 </b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">To stay updated on posts follow diabetic sunshine on instagram @Diabeticsunshine </span></div>
Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-71475875129876089092018-02-01T18:47:00.000-08:002018-02-01T18:47:08.068-08:00Spreading the T1D Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVe4VZZ19GTSdPknfQ2NUTWOGK1ZgVtgJs9JDpYivetCpqrw2viSGDv8HVHRWAQWx3SkoFm3w7ynZgIwsKz2mM2Jf_1mvucSwEi6cet4Ph390X5iT7C7VB6gg4sz2rzzDpH-gVSNbR2I/s1600/IMG_6672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVe4VZZ19GTSdPknfQ2NUTWOGK1ZgVtgJs9JDpYivetCpqrw2viSGDv8HVHRWAQWx3SkoFm3w7ynZgIwsKz2mM2Jf_1mvucSwEi6cet4Ph390X5iT7C7VB6gg4sz2rzzDpH-gVSNbR2I/s320/IMG_6672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Hey everyone It’s Gwen here! For the month of February we are going to be doing a series of Posts called “Spreading the T1D Lov</span>e.” Having Type One Diabetes has built an incredible community around me and my family. So many amazing people are in my life because of diabetes and to me, that makes it all worth it. I have met my closest friends through Type One, I have so many Type One adult role models, and I have had so many people in my life who don't have T1D really step up and help me manage it or ask questions and really care about my well being. I’ve also had some amazing experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life and it’s all because of my stupid pancreas who decided to quit. I really can’t wait to share stories and posts this month about those amazing people and the amazing experiences that have helped shape who I am now.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">I hope you guys have a wonderful first day of February! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">More posts to come <3 </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">@DiabeticSunshine</span></div>
Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-76429928095474684812018-01-11T12:10:00.001-08:002018-01-11T12:10:11.567-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why I Walk</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">This past October we did the JDRF walk to cure diabetes! It was my first walk in 2 years and it was so fun! We went to the One Walk in Santa Barbara. We got there at 9 and signed in. Since we raised more than $100 I got a JDRF One Walk shirt for free. I also got a bandana that they only give to diabetics. It was fun spotting all those with Type 1 by seeing the bandanas throughout the day. It was really nice to have the whole family come. My good friend Mikayla also joined us which was fun because she got to learn about diabetes. We also ran into some fun friends we only see every once in a while and I ran in to a super sweet camp friend. The actual walk part was super fun but very long when there is a lot of people. When we finished the walk we were all pretty tired and I was heading kind of low. We went to California Pizza Kitchen and had lunch before the road trip home.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br />I was very proud to take part in the JDRF One Walk. The funds we raised might not have been a lot but every dollar donated to JDRF counts. Not only does JDRF put together events for diabetics and their families but they fund research. Their website says it best, “JDRF’s research goal is to discover, develop, and deliver advances that progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we find a cure.” You can look on their <a href="http://www.jdrf.org/" target="_blank">website</a> yourself and see all of the amazing things they are doing to help us find cure. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Some examples are:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">-They have contributed over 2 Billion dollars to diabetes research! Isn't that incredible!?!?!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">-They are also currently funding 50 human trials of potential T1D therapies </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">- 80% of the money they get goes to directly support T1D research </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">The most meaningful part of the walk for me were these cute little runner tags that you see marathon runners wearing that have numbers on it. They said “I’m the walk for _____________ type” I wrote "I’m the walk for <u>everyone</u> type." That is why I walk. I feel like I have more close friends WITH diabetes than without. I truly want to take the burden of this disease away from my mom and my friends and their families. If I could cure myself or someone else I would choose someone else until we run out of diabetics. That is what walking for a cure means to me. I was also walking for the promise of a fun lunch haha but I decided not to write "I'm the walk for <u>lunch</u> type" but, you know, lunch is awesome!</span></div>
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Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-64313822600089191382016-06-11T21:33:00.002-07:002016-06-11T21:33:50.079-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hello! This isn’t one of Gwyneth's or Elaine’s usual post, so let me introduce myself. My name is Kayla and I am one of Gwyneth's diabuddies. I have had diabetes for about 2 ½ years and I take insulin shots. Many people have asked my why I don’t have a pump. I think I was scared that something might be a malfunction with the pump or that it might fall out, but now I am more open to the idea of having a pump. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1830501142" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Friday</span></span> of this week, I’ll be getting a Dexcom CGM, which I am super excited about. I have been getting low blood sugars at night so I think it will be really helpful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">There’s a bunch of stuff going on with me right now. I just finished my first year of homeschooling, which was a lot of hard work. I also recently became a vegetarian, and though it was a huge a change, even with diabetes, it was an beneficial change to make, for me anyway. Being a vegetarian hasn’t affected my blood sugars, my lows are usually caused by exercise, but I feel I have become healthier overall. I do a musical every summer, since 4th grade, with a community theatre group and this year we are doing a play called: A Year with Frog and Toad (P.S:Get tickets <u><a href="http://www.stage1theatre.org/tickets/" target="_blank">here</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">) based off of the children’s book series. I guess I got one of the “lead” roles but I have a big scene, with me being the main character besides Frog and Toad, and I’m in the background in the rest of the scenes, which is perfectly fine. I am super excited to see all of my theatre buddies again, but I will have to change my insulin dosage for the summer, since I go really low with exercise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">On the topic of new things, I got a few new diabetes devices, which I absolutely love! One of the first devices I got is the <a href="https://www.mygenteel.com/" target="_blank">Genteel lancing device.</a> It is the “pain-free” lancet and though I wouldn’t call it painless it is definitely less pain. It came with 6 different contact tips and each color of contact tip has a different depth, 1 being the softest and 6 being the one that goes deepest into the skin, and I like using the 2nd contact tip. I like using the Genteel because I can use it on the heel of my hand, my arms and even my legs, but I can still also use it on my fingers. Another new device I got was a new meter: <a href="http://www.onetouch.com/verioiq" target="_blank">The OneTouch Verio IQ.</a> I upgraded my meter because I found out my previous meter was about ten years old. I really like my new meter. When I put the meter strip in, when it’s ready to take the blood, the top of the meter will light up so I can see where to put the blood. I LOVE that feature, because I </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">frequently</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;"> check at night. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;">The meter strips also take less blood, which is awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">I can’t wait until the next diabetes event I attend! I will be going to <a href="https://carbdm.org/events/san-jose-bay-pumpers-4/" target="_blank">Carb DM’s San Jose Bay Pumper’s</a> event</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and I am super excited! By the time I attend, I will have my CGM and there will be other people with pumps, CGM, and I’ll get to learn more about different kinds of pumps. I love going to events where I can meet other diabetics. I went to Carb DM’s Mother Daughter Weekend, where I met the wonderful Gwyneth, and I got to meet girls my age and hangout with them and also learn more about other people’s experience with T1D. (If you can’t tell, I really like <a href="https://carbdm.org/" target="_blank">Carb DM</a>:</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">That about wraps it up for me! Thank you for reading! Sorry if the post was a bit shorter than usual. Gwen/Elaine will write another post (hopefully) soon! If you want to follow me on instagram, my instagram is @kayla.butterfly I would also like to give a quick thank you to Gwyneth for letting me write on her blog! Had so much fun writing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">- Kayla Villegas <3</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-58518690437251901802016-05-18T10:05:00.003-07:002016-08-24T19:58:47.988-07:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was diagnosed with type one diabetes I was 9 years old, I had no idea that it would affect me for the rest of my life. I didn’t think about needing to test my blood sugar every time before I drove a car, I didn’t think about how I could have a low blood sugar at my graduation, or that it might affect my future job… It just never occurred to me. As I have gotten a little older (I’m 14 now) these have been thoughts of mine. Even though it can be hard I can still easily find ways to stay positive through it. And I really wanted to share one of my <b>bright sides</b> with you guys…</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Friends!</span><span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">I have made so many life long friends that I never would have met if I didn’t have type one diabetes! In fact I think that I have more friends <b>WITH diabetes</b> than without diabetes! There are so many ways to make new type one diabetic friends… some examples would be <b>CAMP</b>, <b>walks</b> to cure diabetes, <b>events</b> based on diabetes, Facebook <b>groups</b> and more!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also want to tell you that it sure means a lot to <b>text my diabetic friends</b>… I cannot stress how important it is to find a type one community to back you up. I wish I could explain how AMAZING it feels to be able to text a friend (who also has type one) and be able to say, “Uhg my blood sugars are 400” and get a response like, “Aw, I’m sorry! I feel you, my sugars were crazy yesterday! Are you drinking Diet Coke or something?” It feels so good to be understood. Your friends and family can sympathize and it’s so nice. But to have those people who REALLY get it, is a gift.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So what are some ways you can find some friend with type one besides camp?</b> You can find new friends through <a href="https://beyondtype1.org/snail-mail-club/" target="_blank">Beyond Type One’s Snail Mail Club</a>: Here is the <a href="https://beyondtype1.org/snail-mail-club/">link.</a> You guys should sign up! It is a <b>pen pal program</b> for kids and teens with type 1 diabetes around the world. Quoting their website, “Beyond Type 1 is a company built on social media and technology, but we know that good old fashioned personal connections are just as important. Our hope is that the Snail Mail Club will foster community, create lasting connections that go beyond the page, and that some of you can even meet in person one day.” What a fun way to make a new diabetic friend! I have signed up and have a new 14 year old friend in Illinois. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://beyondtype1.org/" target="_blank">Beyond Type One</a> </b>has ALSO launched an <b>App</b> that lets you interact and connect with other type one diabetics. You can <b>post pictures and ask/give advice</b> and even find people in your area! I am on it and I LOVE it! Click this <a href="https://community.beyondtype1.org/share/ICAgNDQxODMz" target="_blank">LINK</a> and sign up on the website. Then it will let you download the free app (works for iOS and Android) and have fun! Be sure to follow me on it ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is also fun to <b>find some events</b> for people living with type 1 diabetes… I love going to <a href="http://www.jdrf.org/" target="_blank">JDRF</a> events. There are tons of different organizations who put on events. One organization I love is in the California Bay Area called Carb DM. Here's their <a href="https://carbdm.org/" target="_blank">link</a> (click it!!!!!!!!) I love this organization, they always put on amazing events! Don’t live in CA? Wherever you are there is always an organization you can find. And if not then START ONE!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Social media!! </b>There are so many diabetes accounts on Instagram and Facebook! Follow me on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gwyneth.stewart.92?fref=ts" target="_blank">here</a> and on IG @glittergwyneth and we can all connect!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have also found friends through writing this blog at <a href="http://diabeticsunshine.com/">diabeticsunshine.com</a> <3 We are also on Instagram @diabeticsunshine ;) <b>Writing your own blog</b> can be a great way to get your feelings out and to connect with others. I have had so many people stumble upon my blog and then reach out to connect with me because they found they had something in common with me. If you start blogging, let know and I'll follow your blog! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to share this <b>HUGE bright side</b> with you guys! Get connected and make type one friends...they're the BEST! <3 I hope this helps you! Why don’t you comment on YOUR bright sides or email me <a href="mailto:glittergwyneth@gmail.com" target="_blank">here</a>. <i>-Gwyneth Stewart</i></span></span></div>
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Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-58646059389496411122015-11-18T16:26:00.001-08:002015-11-18T16:50:43.271-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, halfway through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/diabetesawareness?source=feed_text&story_id=10153807587442835"><span style="color: #e4af09; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;">#diabetesawareness</span></a> month, Gwyneth and I celebrate the PARENTS of kids living with Type 1 Diabetes. When your child is diagnosed your life changes forever. I have not slept through the night since 2010. A typical best-case scenario is waking up twice a night. We parents make our kids bleed multiple times each day and night constantly giving insulin and sugar. Typical parental worries take a back seat to the daily worry of keeping your child alive. We make sure schools know how to deal with emergencies. We make sure the kids get out the door every day with the millions of things that will keep them alive- needles, test strips, meters, insulin, glucagon emergency shot, skittles, juice boxes, spare insulin pump supplies, batteries and so much more. We never stop worrying. Gwyneth hates that I never sleep and she hates that I always have to worry. She also loves that I never sleep and loves that I am worrying. She knows it is a family disease and she knows she would happily do all of the above for her child if they live with Type 1 someday. She actually longs for it. She plans to adopt a baby with Type 1 when she's older. She knows the fierce love and bond that comes with this diagnosis. Parents of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/t1d?source=feed_text&story_id=10153807587442835"><span style="color: #e4af09; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;">#t1d</span></a> kids- we salute you. We get you and we love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "apple color emoji"; line-height: normal;">XO, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-45390638665865276172015-11-01T12:43:00.000-08:002015-11-01T13:37:40.999-08:00Diabirthday: This is My Day 1 Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi, It's me Gwyneth. Today marks 5 years of Type 1 Diabetes for me. It has been crazy and amazing at the same time. So many emotions run through my head when I think about having Type 1 for 5 years. I feel proud because it is really hard to deal with it everyday. I even feel a little fear because it is something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. But most of all I feel joy because I meet new people and have new experiences because of it. I remember the day I was diagnosed like it was yesterday.<br />
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I was 9 years old. I was pulled out of school about a half an hour early so I could go to the doctor. I had been acting and feeling super weird... I was drinking 3 water bottles at school and asked for way too many bathroom passes, all of a sudden I was shaken and didn't want to do anything, I even started snapping and getting mad at everyone. Those of you reading this who know me know how optimistic and energetic I am, you would probably take me to the doctor too. My mom and dad were worried. I was drinking so much water they said I couldn't have any more after 6:30 so I wouldn't have to go to the bathroom at night. I would wake up at midnight and silently drink all the water left in the cups.<br />
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We live in San Luis Obispo but our doctor was in Atascadero so we drove up for our 3:00 appointment. Our doctor, Dr. McNerney (who rocks by the way), saw us right away. He talked to me about my symptoms and he said he thought he knew what was wrong but I had to do a urine test to be sure. So we did. And a few minutes later he came in and sat down. I had NO idea that he was about to tell us something that would forever change the way we live. He said that the test showed that I had something called diabetes... my mom started crying (she also put on her sunglasses so I wouldn't see that she was crying, I could tell though). I was confused. The only thing I knew was that my mom was crying and she never cries so I knew it was bad. The thing is I <i>thought</i> Dr. McNerney said I had Dying-Babies (I thought I had killed kids or I couldn't have kids when I grew up or something) but only thing I wanted to do was make my mom feel better. So I went over to her gave her a hug, rubbed her back and tried to reassure her by telling her I will be fine and that everything would work out ok. She kept crying so I wanted to ask my doctor what was wrong with me. He said that I had to go to Sierra Vista Hospital.<br />
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At Sierra Vista I got an IV in my arm which I named Optomus Prime because naming your equipment makes it way more fun that way. I was still very confused so I wanted to what "dying-babies" was and what was wrong with me, I asked the doctor, could you please tell me more about the Dying-Babies that I have?" He automatically told me that I wouldn't kill any babies which made me so happy that I didn't care what I had anymore. Because anyone who knows me knows that I love babies and kids. So he gave us some information. I learned that I would have to test my blood sugar every day and dose insulin for food everyday. I also learned that I didn't do anything to get Type One Diabetes and that it was my body that attacked my pancreas. That makes insulin so we all eat. I got a bunch of visitors who brought books for me to read while I was there. My teacher Mrs. Dean came and she brought a color in poster and we colored. Then she prayed with me, and we colored more. Then the doctor came in and we were getting the coloring stuff off the bed and a marker somehow flung across the room and hit the doctor. He said he was glad it wasn't poop because he said monkeys fling their poop.<br />
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The doctor said I had to go to Childrens Hospital in Los Angles. I could only eat cheese and meat for dinner, so we went to Vons to get salami and cheese sticks while dad went and got some essentials for the road trip (Including my teddy bear because I was scared of getting shots). We drove off at 8:00 and got to Childrens Hospital LA around 1 am. There I got trained and learned more. Then when we got home I remember that I was hungry and scared to eat. I wanted to eat a pumpkin bar..So we counted it up and I took a shot and we set a timer for 15 minutes, when I took a bite we clapped feeling so proud. Almost as if we beat type 1. It kinda sounds like a small victory now, but I still treasure it. I remember thinking maybe I can use this and my faith in Jesus to help other kids with diabetes. That has become my goal in life.<br />
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Now 5 years later I realize that people make rude and ignorant comments, and people think I got diabetes because I ate too much food or something. But that means it is my job to educate those around me. I am just so grateful for my parents for helping me, and my siblings for being nice to me when I am cranky. I also wanted to say thanks to my friends... (with diabetes and without diabetes) for sticking up for me and just helping me through those rough days. It means the world to me. I am so happy that I have a community behind me to beat diabetes together! All I have to do is think positive and remember that my glass is always half full.<br />
-Gwyneth :)<br />
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<br />Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-89773201806452119722013-07-15T15:05:00.002-07:002013-07-15T15:05:24.775-07:00Camp for me 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hi,it's me Gwyneth, and I just got back from diabetic camp a few days ago. It was so much </span><span style="font-size: large;">fun! I went to session 1 at Camp Conrad Chinnock. At camp you get to do things like: camp fire, archery, shooting range, arts and crafts, rock wall, hiking, and so much more! It's just like a normal camp but you don't have to explain what diabetes is to anyone, it's a place to have friends that won't ask if the shots you take hurt. It's a place to feel normal. When I feel alone, or like no one knows what I am going through I think of camp and how everyone feels what I feel one time or another. If I had not gone to camp I would not be as confident with diabetes as I am today. I hope that every type 1 diabetic gets to have the magical experience at camp like I did! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cabin 5 decorated watermelon! </span></td></tr>
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Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-71074701840006038172013-07-11T11:26:00.000-07:002013-07-11T11:41:59.392-07:00Letting GoCamp. Packing my daughter up, choking back tears and sending her away
for a week without me? Best decision I have ever made as a T1 Mama. I
first made that decision when she was 9. It was 6 months after
diagnosis. 6 months after I first heard of Type 1 Diabetes. I would
never have sent my child away for a night, let alone 7 nights if it
weren't for the fact that she asked. "A whole camp filled with people
just like me?" That's all that needed to be said. Of course she had to
go. She deserved to go. <br />
<br />
To her camp is home. It is a place where
everyone is just like her and everyone is normal. The first time she
came home from camp she joked that the rest of her family were the weird
ones. If your pancreas works, she now smiles and thinks that you're
different. Not the other way around. <br />
<br />
At camp she hiked, canoed,
sang songs, preformed skits, made lanyards, scaled walls and repelled
down, swam, learned about caring for her diabetes and made life-long
friendships. And she did it all without a working pancreas. She did it
all without me. I wasn't there to tell her to check her blood. I wasn't
there to give her sugar at midnight for a low. I wasn't there to suspend
the basal on her pump when her activity level increased. I wasn't there
to make sure she covered her carbs properly. And she survived without
me. Actually, she thrived. <br />
<br />
She came back a mile taller. Filled
with confidence that I had never seen. She was proud. Proud of her
independence, proud of her accomplishments (she has learned to give
herself shots, insert her own pump site and more at camp) and proud of
her people. The Team Type 1 that she's now on is all she needs. <br />
<br />
I
cried less this year as I packed her up for her third T1D Camp. I now
know the gift that is camp. I know that camp deserves to have my
sunshine-filled daughter there and that she will come back fueled-up.
Fueled up and prepared to be the odd one out at home, at school, at
activities...until the next year at camp where she blends in, relates
and belongs. <br />
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<br />Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-33168974837262208892011-07-17T23:25:00.000-07:002011-07-17T23:25:24.551-07:00Boone<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Boone.</span><br />
<br />
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</div>Too sweet now I guess.<br />
<br />
Lovely boy that I love so very much has joined his big sister in the Type 1 world. I can tell you the moment he was first thirsty and needing to go to the bathroom too often. When I heard back from the hospital that his blood glucose numbers were indeed high I broke down. Amazingly I was surrounded by friends when I heard the news. When I pulled myself together enough I knew I wanted Gwyneth to be the first to know that Boone had Type 1. When I told her she lept into my arms and said, "I will take care of him! I have been so lonely and I won't be lonely anymore! Don't cry, Momma." So there it was. She sprinkled her sunshine on that moment, too. <br />
<br />
It took me a while to tell Boone. Actually I didn't tell him. Cali asked. She said, "Why do you keep testing Boone's blood? Does he have Diabetes, too?" Yep. Yes. Yes he does. Boone was standing right there. He said, "It's ok. I'll have Diabetes. I just won't have the shots or the pump." It was a start. A good start, really.<br />
<br />
So here we are. 2 out of 3 kids. Wish it was me instead. I know that there are big plans for my kids. They are being prepared for quite a life. I'm so super proud of them and humbled by their strength and faith. Gwyneth never asks WHY she has Diabetes. You'd think she'd ask why God allowed her and her brother to have Diabetes. Instead, she always says that she's thankful God helps her through her day.<br />
<br />
We were listening to Never Let Go by Matt Redman on the way home from Childrens' Hospital Los Angeles a few weeks ago and Gwyneth and I both were overcome as we listened to the lyrics. With Type 1 we deal with literal HIGHS and LOWS of blood sugars every ten minutes. God never lets us go and He is with us through every HIGH and every LOW.<br />
<br />
We are so thankful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You Never Let Go</b> by Matt Redman<br />
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death<br />
Your perfect love is casting out fear<br />
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life<br />
I won't turn back<br />
I know you are near<br />
<br />
And I will fear no evil<br />
For my God is with me<br />
And if my God is with me<br />
Whom then shall I fear?<br />
Whom then shall I fear?<br />
<br />
(Chorus:)<br />
Oh no, You never let go<br />
Through the calm and through the storm<br />
Oh no, You never let go<br />
<b>In every high and every low</b><br />
Oh no, You never let go<br />
Lord, You never let go of me<br />
<br />
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on<br />
A glorious light beyond all compare<br />
And there will be an end to these troubles<br />
But until that day comes<br />
We'll live to know You here on the earth<br />
<br />
(Chorus)<br />
<br />
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on<br />
And there will be an end to these troubles<br />
But until that day comes<br />
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You<br />
<br />
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<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qnGOqq-a_0N3XvknbsFjuFlSSwJ6zMklCD0J0nDFEvKk_CTxRYe477sXW7QI8ff2Axs1KitdbPiSe0L9b2lvAG-Q_dtdbeUdernoHD9nl1XQbSF537EOVB9MUojS1uBUt_9K7iPsN7c/s1600/2011+family+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qnGOqq-a_0N3XvknbsFjuFlSSwJ6zMklCD0J0nDFEvKk_CTxRYe477sXW7QI8ff2Axs1KitdbPiSe0L9b2lvAG-Q_dtdbeUdernoHD9nl1XQbSF537EOVB9MUojS1uBUt_9K7iPsN7c/s320/2011+family+photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> So very thankful.<br />
<br />
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Gwyneth's adorable pump belt in the photo from Amy at www.toosweetboutique.net<br />
Awesome photos thanks to Jen from http://adaywiththedeans.blogspot.com/Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-8439888997279088892011-06-26T00:11:00.000-07:002011-06-26T00:20:47.693-07:00Pump it up!Gwyneth is loving pump life. I am too. We have met some people that are not sure about getting a pump and Gwyneth wanted us to post a video of how to insert the pump. It was hard at first and the noise of the needle clicking scared us both for a bit.<br />
<br />
The reward came the first time that she dosed herself for a snack in the back seat of our car while I was driving her home from Childrens Hospital LA. We both kind of freaked out. With shots, in order for Gwyneth to eat something while we were in the car, we'd have to pull over, find some light, get out the insulin, get out the syringe, grab a calculator and give her the shot. It is a pain.<br />
<br />
With the pump, she enters in the amount of carbs that she is going to eat into her pump and presses a few buttons. No syringe to deal with, no needles to fuss around with in public. With the Animas One Touch Ping she doesn't even need to touch the pump...it is remote dosed from her meter! Way cool.<br />
<br />
The pump we use is here: <a href="http://www.animas.com/animas-insulin-pumps/onetouch-ping">ANIMAS</a><br />
<br />
We still have to prick her finger and test her blood sugar every two hours. We still have to think about diabetes 24/7. But now we have help. And less shots.<br />
<br />
Here's how to insert the pump cannula into her skin. The last few seconds of video are pointless as we were trying to find where we left her testing supplies...not an uncommon event in our home. I hope this video will encourage our type 1 shot friends that the pump isn't scary once you get the hang of it and the freedom you enjoy with it is immeasurable. Gwyneth will show you how it's done. She's a rock star.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gwyneth is going to post on the joys of pumping, CHLA, and Bearskin Meadows camp soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for caring enough to follow her journey.</div>Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-3760790375425921862011-01-26T10:16:00.000-08:002011-01-26T11:35:02.707-08:00Going Solo<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so proud. Gwyneth is fighting for her independence. As we made the video of her first solo shot I was joyful. That night I was devastated. It's hard not to weep for her loss of freedom, the pain, hassle and difficulties of Type 1.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">She came home from school today and announced she was going to do it all. From testing her blood to counting her carbs to dosing the insulin and giving the shot. And she did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">She then set her timer and proceeded to make the snack she just gave herself a shot for. It's a lot of work for a peanut butter graham cracker sandwich.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the silver lining for today was camp. My amazing parents are paying tuition for our entire family to visit Bear Skin Meadows Diabetes Family Camp next weekend. After her painful Lantus shot and our prayer for a cure, we laughed away her tears by talking about campfires, arts, crafts, sports and tons and tons of Type 1 kids hanging out and having fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So here's to Gwyneth's victory. She wrestled Type 1 to the ground today. And she'll do it again tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span>Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-55523738342307547152011-01-10T00:06:00.000-08:002011-01-10T00:06:02.399-08:00The Evolution of Type 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We've come a long way.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For the first week or two, every time I tested Gwyneth's blood, Boone, her 5 year old brother, ran out of the room. He would race into his own room shut the door behind him and call out "are you done yet?" the entire time I struggled to extract blood from her tiny, sweet finger. He was so afraid.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Days passed and he would stand in the kitchen and wait patiently for me to be done testing his sister.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today, Boone asked Gwyneth to teach him how to test her. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That's the perfect illustration of our process of allowing Type 1 Diabetes into our lives. At first, stressed and crying over the horror of causing Gwyneth to bleed hourly. Then, the realization that we have to take charge and literally be her pancreas. Then, the desire to make Type 1 palatable and even a cause for joy. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A few days ago Gwyneth said, "The best thing about Diabetes is that you find out just how much people love you and I feel so loved." </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's true. Friends, Chrissy and Rebecca, came over to play and without being asked they decided not to eat until Gwyneth's insulin shot kicked in so that she wouldn't be eating alone. Mrs. Ybarra, the Administrative Assistant at Gwyneth's school drove 5 hours to Childrens' Hospital LA with us to learn how to give Gwyneth shots 3 times a day every single day. Gwyneth's teacher, Mrs. Dean, spent hours in the hospital with Gwyneth. People pray for Gwyneth all hours of the day and especially at 8pm when she has her painful Lantus shot. The list goes on and on.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So we're thankful. We're still frustrated but we know life is hard for everyone. Everyone has struggles. Ours are just a little more obvious. We're thankful for our countless blessings.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's our first attempt at a video. Gwyneth decided that she'd like to take a video of how we test her blood, but she felt that it would be best for everyone to watch the blood test on Rufus the Diabetes Bear first! She's easing you in just as we had to ease ourselves into becoming a Type 1 family. So enjoy Gwyneth's first video! We are learning that we'll have to do videos during the day for lighting but this is a good start. The fact that I was able to upload it gives me cause for celebration! Boone loved testing Rufus the Diabetes Bear so much that he asked me to add "Test my Sister's Blood" to his daily chore list. Again- we're thankful. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx09YsusSZw5I_1Pg7vgCmbh_Ljb1mYneZPUOOIrIVMk9d81bGBYarIxaEBpK_9EZ3_HTT0EsKvl6BKTxerUA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188552651363057661.post-54883295257983323182010-12-11T22:49:00.000-08:002010-12-11T22:49:54.259-08:00Glass half full<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I always see the positive in everything. It inspires my co-workers. It annoys my husband. It rubbed off on my kids. All three of them are incredibly light in spirit. They embrace goodness and have incredible faith in God and the life they've been given. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But it's hard to put a positive spin on Type 1 Diabetes. I've been trying since diagnosis day on November 1, 2010. Usually when my kids are sick or struggling I can let them know it's almost over. It will be OK. I can't tell my 9 year old daughter that her Diabetes is almost over. I can't tell her that it will be easy. The first day she was diagnosed, when I was crying, she said that she thought maybe she got Diabetes so that she could share her faith in Jesus with kids with Diabetes. Amazing. But the nights are hard. The sun goes down and she faces another night of shots and another day of non-normal. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So we're going to create the positive. We're going to forge ahead. We're going to create a community of the positive. Yes it is terrible. Yes we are praying for the cure. In the mean time we're going to get through this and make some friends along the way. Join us!</span></div>Elaine Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08879457862833748519noreply@blogger.com14