Apr 30, 2014

Wordless Wednesday #HAWMC Day 30!!

Insulin is NOT a cure. Insulin IS life. 


This is not any ordinary water droplet. 

This is insulin.

What keeps my diabetic daughters ALIVE.


Apr 29, 2014

Day 29 of the WEGO Blog Challenge - "Summer Lovin"



Today we are prompted to write about "Summer Lovin. Summer is coming up. What plans do you have? Any family vacation? What do you look forward to in Summer 2014? "

Going to get just a little off Topic but staying with the Summer theme, I am going to talk to you about something that has become very personal for me, and also lay things out on the table, that would usually fall under the "too personal to reveal" realm.

Growing up in Southern California afforded me the pleasure of enjoying not only beautiful weather, but all the fun in the sun that I possibly could do. This included swimming in the pool and springboard diving, beach fun including surfing, body surfing, fishing, water skiing, and much more. I lived close enough to ride my bike to most  all of those activity's, so I was lucky to get a double dose of sun in all those things. All of this before sunscreen was even invented. Sounds pretty good huh? Or does it...

Flash forward to about one year ago when a funky looking mole turned into skin cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma) on my face, right under one eye and right next to my nose. The Dermatologist that I went to tried to remove all of the cancer during the biopsy, but it was too deep so he referred me to a Radiation Oncology specialist to undergo 21 days of radiation, in a row excluding weekends.

Flash  forward again to last week, when I went to the Oncologist for a 6 month checkup. He took a look at my face and said I needed another biopsy as it looks as if the radiation didn't get all of the cancer.

About a week before that I was at a follow up appointment for a post (unrelated) Surgery checkup. He took one look at my face and said "your skin cancer wound looks very angry. Better have a Dermatologist take a look STAT". So once the new Dermatologist referral was approved by my insurance. Once the referral was approved, I made the appointment.

Flash forward to today. Went to the Dermatologist and he took one look at my face, I told him about it looking "angry", and he replied it doesn't look "angry", it looks VERY "angry. So he said that he will do another biopsy to confirm what he already knew, it isn't all gone. As he looked at the wound he saw another spot that also needs a biopsy right next to the current wound, on my nose just next to the current wound. He then said "while I have you here, take your shirt off and let me look at your back. BINGO...biopsy number 3 was ordered. Having all 3 done, at the same time, in about a week. The area around my current wound cannot handle anymore radiation, so the other option is surgery and/or chemo.

No reason for gloom and doom...just yet.

In closing, I cannot emphasize enough to use sunscreen EVERY time you are out in the sun. If you see a mole that is getting larger, see your Doctor as soon as possible.

Thanks for listening...

TM




Apr 28, 2014

Day 28 of WEGO Health #HAWMC: "Dear 16-year-old-me"





When pondering today's prompt to "Write a letter to yourself at age 16. What would you tell yourself? What would you make your younger self aware of?, one of the things I had to remember was that yes, I actually was 16 at one time.

When I was 16 our Nation was in turmoil over the Vietnam War, actually a "Conflict" as Congress did not declare a War. I felt I had to do SOMETHING to be a part of the resolution and to have a voice for those whom could not. I knew that if I helped be that voice, at least I knew I tried. I came up with a plan to make a call to those in power, that could actually do something. I was aware of our Allies at that time and thought that if I contacted these 'Powers', they would listen. Simple right? The first person I thought of to contact was the Queen of England. Who better to share my voice with as she was Leader of our biggest Allie's.

Another scandal at that time was the "Watergate" mess brewing in the Executive branch of our Government. I was dumbfounded of how this scandal could even happen. I was taught that the office of the POTUS was almost sacred, and always right, and something that always deserved our utmost respect. I could not comprehend why this was happening. I knew that if I called President Nixon, he would listen to me and make a change to stop Watergate, as well as the Vietnam Conflict. Piece of cake right?

I first called President Nixon, and actually made it all the way to his executive Secretary. She was very kind and told me he was 'busy', and what message did I want him to get. I was offended that the POTUS was too busy to take my call. She told me he would get the message and to "have a nice day'.

I then called the Queen of England and was told the same, she was too busy for me. WHAT...too busy for me?. Somehow made it to her Secretary as well. Keep in mind that my namesake "Saint Thomas More" [or Moore], was a historical figure associated with England. Took my message and told me to have a nice day.

By that time in the morning my Mom woke up, started her daily ritual of getting us kids ready for School. Then the phone rang. She looked at me and said "I wonder who is calling us that early?". She answered, said hello, and heard someone on the other end with a deep accent. I saw her get outraged, then looked at me, then said "no, he [me] will NOT take the call. Seems as if the Queens private Secretary was calling me back with the Queen holding to take my call, and my Mom would not let me.

What I would tell my 16 year old self, was to always be persistent. I would also tell my 16 year old self was to always shoot for the top...of everything.

Apr 27, 2014

Day 27 #HAWMC: Book Report



Today is a hard one...I've been putting it off...just like a kid in school waits till the last minute to read and write the dreaded Book Report! I love reading. I have let myself slide though. I try and read at night but my eyelids just get too heavy and then I end up re-reading the same page or two each night since I end up falling asleep. Today the post is to share my favorite book and how it can tie into my health/life. I have several favorite books, especially from the high school years. Black Boy by Richard Wright, the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand to name a few. However, I don't remember much about these stories other than I liked them. I can't write any parallels to these stories and my life.

Maybe that's just it...

Maybe I'm too busy living life. As much as I love reading, and if I find that spare moment, I feel guilty reading because there are surely a thousand other things I should be doing. It makes me a little sad, really. It is something I love to do and yet it gets buried under the other things I need to do. When my eldest was in high school and was reading the classics I read with her. It helped her to be able to talk the book over with someone and it was a bonus for me to re-read these wonderful books! I need to start doing this with my 7th grader. I need to do a lot of things...

like go read a book!

Apr 26, 2014

Two posts today! #HAWMC Day 25 and 26

Hey all! I'm combining posts today as I was no where near my computer yesterday to blog. Day just got away from me...it happens.

Day 25: Fitness Friday: What do I do to stay fit?

I started running, regularly, 3 years ago. When I first started I'd swear like a sailor. I hated it. However, I found the more I did it the more I was able to just be. My mind was clear. I even got to the point when things were just too stressful that I knew I needed to get out and run. It didn't have to be miles and miles. Just enough to de-stress. I wouldn't say I run to stay fit. I've come to enjoy it and I love working out with weights too. I find it a necessity for my sanity. My hubby is even on board with running. He's in the "I hate running" phase but I've signed him up for some 5k's and 10k's this spring. Today he finished his first (in a looongg time) 5k without stopping. I'm incredibly proud of him! This is something we can go do together and spend time de-stressing...or staying fit, however you choose to look at it.

MSRun 5k finish!





Day 26: Word Cloud: Love making these! Thanks to www.wordle.net for allowing us the creativity to create a diabetes wordle! 

Apr 24, 2014

Day 24 of the WEGO Health #HAWMC - "Writers Choice"





Today we are asked to do a 'Writers Choice".
I could not think of a better avenue to pick from, than the latest contribution on the OmniPod Blog "Suite D": 
Enjoy this in the Part 1 of the series "Starting a Diabetes Advocacy" :Part 1:First Steps
Tony Cervati, founder of Type1Rider and co-founder of The Blue Heel Society, shares his experiences and advice for getting involved in diabetes advocacy groups, whether as a founder or as a member of a pre-existing organization. Check back later this week for part two. If you’d like to comment or share your story with Suite D, please e-mail suited@insulet.com.  

“Action conquers fear.” – Peter Nivio Zarlenga, author
That Peter Zarlenga quote is one of my all-time favorites and was first taught to me over 25 years ago by a high school English teacher. It is three simple words that I find myself repeating when I am facing an “unfamiliar” situation. In that regard, they were the last words that I said before beginning my 2012 Tour Divide attempt and it’s a theme that I have tried to teach my children.
Sometimes in life an event occurs that alters the current path, summons the soul to action or leaves a quest for elusive answers. The ability to move, act in a positive matter or do something, anything, when facing these things, is the best mechanism for facing fears, getting help and eliminating doubts about it. If a suitable avenue is not readily available for you through these actions, an obvious choice is to create one.


Apr 23, 2014

Wordless Wednesday #HAWMC



I know this is Wordless Wednesday but you also know I can't be wordless!! Today is my 20th Wedding Anniversary and today I celebrate with my husband. He is my rock. Our wedding rings (center picture) represent where it all began and where it still is today. We have three beautiful kids; all with chronic illnesses. If it were not for his support I wouldn't be half the woman I am now. Thank you JoJo for 20 years. I love you.

Apr 22, 2014

Day 22 of the WEGO Health #HAWMC - "Hobbies"




Today we are prompted to "Tell us, what are YOUR hobbies? Are you a rock collector? Scrapbooking? Photographer? Dancer? Share your talents. (Pictures encouraged)".

Wikipedia  defines a hobby as "A hobby is a regular activity done for pleasure - typically during leisure - e.g., collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports. Continual participation in a hobby can provide substantial skill and knowledge about it. Anyone who does an activity solely for fun is called an 'amateur', from French for "lover of", or 'hobbyist'; whereas anyone who does an activity for a reward is a 'professional'." Seems as if I qualify for both those definitions, so call me a "Proamateur".

Although not done often enough, my hobby is always full of pleasure during leisure, and is actually done all the time in my life. Everytime I do my hobby, it brings profound fun as the definition of an 'amateur' states. Although it is not solely done for fun, it still fit's the definition of a 'hobbyist". 

However, since I also do it for a reward...many actually, I also fit the definition above as a 'professional'. My hobby brings many rewards even when not actually being done.

Sometimes I practice my hobby all by myself, it is with even greater pleasure when I take into account the current 10 1/2 reasons to do so.

Can you guess what my hobby is?

Yes, my hobby is loving my Family, unconditionally. And the 1/2 is for our next Grandhild on the way in November...






Apr 21, 2014

Day 21 #HAWMC Reflection

Today we are asked to reflect on our journey to this day, what are your thoughts and hopes for the future.

Our family has been on this journey since 2005 when Nora was diagnosed on June 13th. I would have never thought my eldest would have shared the same diagnosis 7 years later. The journey has always been rough. New challenges to deal with and diabetes along for the ride. I wasn't always outspoken or a force to be reckoned with...until I had kids and realized they needed a voice that could be heard. Our family has met some incredible people in the Diabetes community locally and even on line through the DOC. Never did I think I would count these people as family. Diabetes has been the worst curse yet biggest blessing to our family. It has shown us how strong we are individually and how strong our bond is as a family. Our journey is on-going.

My hopes for the future are cautiously optimistic. The more I read, hear, see and physically touch the more excited I get for the future. I held the Artificial Pancreas display device in my hand. I've seen prototypes of the beta cell encapsulation.

Is it a cure? No.

Is it advancement? YES! The advancement I've seen since 2005 has been incredible.

Am I impatient? You bet!  But I have hope.

This year is a year that I can really say I'm thinking about what the future holds. Before I have been so wrapped up in the day to day that the future seemed so out of reach but now it doesn't seem so far away. My hope is for a cure but until then my hope is for better medical advancements so that my girls will be healthy enough for a cure.

Apr 20, 2014

Day 20 #HAWMC Travel Time

Day 20 #HAWMC asks us to share: "if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? We also know traveling with a chronic illness can be challenging, so any tips for others that you can share would be great!"

Hmm...I've always said I would love to travel to England and stay long enough to pick up the accent. I've always had an obsession with British accents; hunky British men and I would be remiss if I didn't mention British history...maybe one day. Having three kids with chronic illness; two of which are T1D, makes travel dollars non-existent.

We DID manage to travel to Florida last year during Spring Break and that was the FIRST long distance travel we had done in seven years! Let me be clear about this. Our lack of travel wasn't due to D. That wasn't it at all. It was lack of funds, scheduling issues and it just wasn't a priority to "get away". But last year it was a priority. We needed the beach. So we went.

As some of our readers know, my son is a severe hemophiliac (aka bleeder). So I had one whole suitcase dedicated to diabetes and hemophilia. I was also armed with a list of hospitals in the area should anything happen. Best tip: pack for the worst case scenario. If you don't think it can happen to you while on vacation...guess what?! It WILL!! So pack *it*! Also be sure to carry your insurance cards, letters from the Doctor of medical condition and medical necessity and phone numbers to your Endo office. Look, travel is fun but it's stressful too. I don't just worry if I packed my toothbrush and my underwear...it's did I pack the life saving insulin and blood clotting factor for my kids!! People with chronic illness travel ALL the time so don't let that stop you. I'm suggesting with some planning you can have a fun, relaxing and prepared vacation!



Apr 19, 2014

Day 19 of WEGO Health #HAWMC - "What’s a lesson you learned the hard way?"



Today we are prompted to write about "What’s a lesson you learned the hard way? Tell us a time when you made a mistake and promised never to make that same mistake again."

I should and do know better. How did I let this happen? Sometimes unconditional love is not, it is just pure ignorance when I allowed my fear to get into the way. A hypocrite I am. I swore to myself I would always practice unconditional love, even if it is tough love. Fear should NEVER get in the way.

"Roughly half of women who've had gestational diabetes — the pregnancy kind — go on to develop full-fledged Type 2 diabetes in the months to years after their child's birth. Yet new research shows fewer than one in five of those women returns for a crucial diabetes test within six months of delivery. That's the first of the checkups they're supposed to have every few years to guard against diabetes' return, but no one knows how many do." 

"Women can have either Type 2 diabetes or the insulin-dependent Type 1 variety at the time they become pregnant. That's a separate issue, and those women are urged to have their diabetes tightly controlled to avoid a range of risks to baby and mother" - Source NBC News


My Daughter's first pregnancy came along with a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes. No medication was given. It was thought that there was no diabetes after she delivered. Was she tested...nope, not that I am aware of.

She is now pregnant with our 6th Grandchild., and another diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes AND Type 2 diabetes. How was this diagnosed? There was an A1c (average blood glucose for 90 days) of 10.9%. To put that number into perspective, an A1c of 10.9 equates to an average daily Blood Glucose Level (BGL) of  300. For those whom may be reading this, an average of 300 is WAY to high. 

This was classified by her Doctor as a double diagnosis, of Gestational diabetes AND Type 2 Diabetes, and she was admitted into the Hospital to monitor her  BGL while beginning a regiment of both Fast acting and Long acting insulin's, and find those magic numbers and calculate dosage levels of injections (MDI).

As a self proclaimed Advocate for those affected by diabetes, I should not have allowed this to happen. I have lived the life as a Caregiver for more than twenty years, and an/Advocate for about six years. I failed in a terrible way. I never urged her to get tested after delivery. Truth be told, I was scared to urge her to get tested because I knew the outcome was 50/50 either way. I did not want to scare her into testing because as a Parent, I did not want to imply harm in any way. I screwed up.

All these things are and were WRONG on my part.

GUILTY as charged.

Girly Face...I love you and will guide you best I can throughout this pregnancy, while urging you to remember that those of us in the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) often say that "Your diabetes may vary, and it's just a number". You are already showing the signs of being able to control your diabetes destiny in a GREAT way.


Rock on Jennifer...


Apr 18, 2014

5 Challenges and 5 Victories...Day 18 #HAWMC



Today is 5 Challenges and 5 Victories of Diabetes.

CHALLENGES:

  1. Keeping BG's in range
  2. Exercising and the 6 hour delayed low and pre/during exercise spike
  3. Living life with D along for the ride and NOT taking the wheel
  4. Not obsessing over BG's and the shoulda/woulda/coulda
  5. Insurance coverage/upkeep/supply ordering, etc.
VICTORIES:

  1. Keeping BG's in range
  2. Exercising and NOT seeing the 6 hour delayed low because we tried a different combination of things and we just happened to OWN it like a BOSS!! (at least for one night!)
  3. Living life with D along for the ride and NOT taking the wheel
  4. Seeing happy kids because I DIDN'T obsess over BG's and let them be kids
  5. NOT fighting with insurance/supply order/picking up supplies


As you can see some of the challenges are also the victories. The thing to remember is to keep it all in stride. Easier said than done sometimes and managing two T1D daughters is sometimes just that. But we take each day as a day and know that tomorrow gives us another shot (pun intended) at D again. What challenges/victories do you see?

Apr 17, 2014

Day 17 of the WEGO #HAWMC - "TV Matchup"







Today we are prompted to think of a "TV Matchup. Think of a TV show that compares to your life. What is it? Who would you be, who would your friends and family be?".

This was one of the easier things to come up with. Quite simply my life mimicks the TV Show "Dirty Jobs".  I would of course be the Host [his name escapes me]. My Friends and Family would be the ones tossing the dirty jobs my way, as they have perfected the art.

Allow me to take it one more step and if my life was a Movie, it most certainly be "Groundhog Day". Not that my life is that redundant or boring...far from it!

Apr 15, 2014

Day 15 of the WEGO #HAWMC - “Health tagline”




Today we are prompted to create a “Health tagline” Give yourself, your blog, your condition, or some aspect of your health a tagline. Make sure it’s catchy!

Those of us affected by diabetes talk so much about, and dwell upon the Blood Glucose [sugar[ Levels of finger poke test's during the day, A1c [3 month average] Tests, proper carb to insulin ratios, amount of good/bad carbs in any given food. It is WAY to easy to stress over each and every aspect of the numbers those items bring. You will see many try to keep things in perspective by saying it is just a number. So how about we go all out and make our tagline "Diabetes...it's just a number".

I also like a variation of last weeks Wordless Wednesday pic. One of the things we try to impress upon ourselves, and to those whom are newly diagnosed, is that diabetes is NOT a death sentence. That does not mean we ever forget that it IS a silent killer, and that the medication [Insulin] that keeps us alive, can also kill us. That being said, here's another tagline worth exploring "Diabetes is just a word, not a Sentence".

We would love to hear YOUR Tagline. Just leave it in the comments section and we will feature them in a future blog post.

Apr 14, 2014

Day 14 of the WEGO #HAWMC - "Well that’s just crazy!"



Today we are prompted to write about "the most ridiculous thing you've heard about your health condition? Was there any context? What did you think at the time you heard it – and what do you think of it now?"

There are too many to get into in this topic in greater detail, but let's look at a few.

1. Sugar causes diabetes.
2. Diabetes can be reversed/cured.
3. Diabetics must follow a strict diet.
4. Proper control becomes easier over time.

ALL FALSE...kinda. Let's expound:

1. The effects Sugar intake can cause higher Blood Glucose Levels (BGL).
2. NEVER EVER can diabetes be reversed or cured. The intra-day complications can be controlled somewhat.
3. The proper diabetic diet is the same as those without diabetes.
4. Proper control is never easy. Diabetes has a mind of it's own.

I get very emotional when talking about falsehoods related to diabetes. Seems everywhere we look someone is peddling "Snake Oil" to cure diabetes.

Something many think are false is that "Diabetes causes Depression" & "Depression causes Diabetes". Both are FACT'S.

Now I am depressed and am off to vent...

Apr 13, 2014

Day 13: "These are a few of my favorite things" #HAWMC

Just me and the Artificial Pancreas! 

Today I'm going to share my favorite thing and it's not even mine...yet. I had the opportunity to have breakfast with Tom Brobson; the artificial pancreas guy. The artificial pancreas project is funded by JDRF and you can learn about it here. I'm not here to debate organizations, whom to fund and politics. Throw all that out the window. I had breakfast with an artificial pancreas human trial participant. Let that sink in for a minute. To be able to sit across the table from a man who has T1D, participated in a human trial for the artificial pancreas, had tighter control and didn't have to worry about diabetes for 3 days was a dream come true. You can see his video here. My head was spinning with a million questions and inside I was squealing like a little girl. Tom Brobson is like Diabetes Royalty. To hear of his experiences. The excitement in the project. Things that are being worked on. Just truly amazing! And then...to be able to actually hold the artificial pancreas. As one of my friends said, "it was like holding the hope diamond"! Who knew this little smart phone would have such an impact. To see where technology is going and actually hold it and know that my girls could be wearing it!!! No, it's not a cure but I'll take this advancement while they are working on it. 

Closer look of the Artificial Pancreas!! 

Apr 12, 2014

Day 12 of the WEGO #HAWMC - "Writers Choice"




We have Wordless Wednesdays.

Welcome to Scrabble Saturday.

Diabetes has had too many little win's in my life this past week. Therefore, the picture above spells it out BEFORE my all out war intensifies.

IT will NOT win...

Apr 11, 2014

Day 11...Date Night #HAWMC


Today is dating tips with a chronic illness. Since this doesn't apply to me I'll talk about some of the ideas I have running through my head and how I will touch on this topic when my 13 starts dating...in like 20 years! Just kidding...kinda...no, but really a friend of mine is going through this with her diabetic teen daughter.

The first date!!

What to do...who to tell...do I have lettuce in my teeth or cheese in my braces!?

I can only imagine how nerve racking this must be. First dates are notoriously terrifying when you are 15 or 16 add diabetes into the mix and whoa!! Sure fire explosion...OR is it?

I think the best way I will approach this is WITH my daughter. We will start having conversations now not 15 minutes before *he* comes to pick her up. What does dating look like to a person with diabetes? What does  it look like to parents of diabetic teens? Full disclosure of what diabetes is? Call the other teens  parents? Crash course to potential date that scares him off and ostracizes your daughter from ever dating? Hmm...that might be tempting...no, insurance only covers so much therapy that she would most assuredly need from me being the most awful mother on the planet!

It's easy now. She doesn't date. All the kids in her 7th grade class know she is a type 1 diabetic.But when she goes to high school with new students they won't all know she is. Look, I don't have the exact answer for you. What works for me may not work for your family. I envision Nora and I sitting down and developing a plan of attack. I don't want to embarrass her by telling too much. It's her disease after all. But I DO want her date to know what's up should she need assistance with a low, why she is pricking her finger and what is that *beeper* looking thing on her hip. I figure I'll start talking about it now. Sure, I'll get the eye roll and the MOOOM!! But I'd rather go into this dating era ready and armed as much as I can be.

For those of you that know me you may remember I have an older daughter too with Type 1. Definitely dating age. The plus is she's been dating her boyfriend since their sophomore year of high school and have celebrated their 4 year dating anniversary this past February. I'm lucky. He's a great kid and they were already established by the time Evelyn was diagnosed. Added plus...he's going to school for nursing!! All that aside, Evelyn was old enough to let him know what diabetes is, what she needs to do and what he needs to do in case she needs help with a low.

I'm interested in your thoughts. What has worked for you? What hasn't? I would love to hear some feedback on this one! Let me know!!

Apr 10, 2014

Day 10: And the Winner Is... #HAWMC



And the Winner Is...US!

Today's prompt asks us to write an acceptance speech. We are on stage, holding our trophy and we need to thank whom? How did we get to where we are today. Technically, this post is supposed to be first person but I'm no more special than each of you doing what I do day in and day out. So the award goes to US!

I'd like to thank diabetes. Yes, you read that right...diabetes. Without this wretched disease I wouldn't know any of you. There would be no DOC. No Blue Heel Society. No walk teams. No ride teams. No diabetes support groups. So as much as I despise D I'd like to thank it that much more. Because of D I know you. We have the best on-line community EVER. Need supplies? Sent. Need to rant? Go. Need a hug? You'll have more virtual hugs in 1 minute than the amount of discarded test strips you'll find in your house...and that's a LOT!

We all arrived *here* the same way. While each story is unique to us it starts with the same diagnosis...diabetes. And did you notice I said "starts" NOT ends. Because it's not an end. It's a beginning. It's a journey, albeit, a roller coaster of a journey but we are all in this together. We care, support and welcome. As we have all been *there*.

So, the winner is me, its YOU, its US!! And each of us is a winner. Days may be rough, others smooth but we've got this. Count each little detail as a win. You checked blood sugars 5 times today? Win. You prebolused your dinner? Win. You started your day and remembered to restock your Diabetes bag? Win.

I, YOU, WE are winners!

Apr 8, 2014

Day 8 - WEGO Writer's Month long Challenge #HAWMC

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We are very proud to be a part of this Fun filled Blogfest sponsored by WEGO Health. This isn't our first #HAWMC, and we thank WEGO Health for giving us a perfect opportunity to share.

Today’s prompt is “ Off to work! What advice would you give to those on the job search? How do you juggle your job and a chronic illness? Any tips for the interview?”

Going to be short and sweet (and no, sugar doesn’t cause diabetes).

The biggest and most important piece of advice would be to ensure you LOVE whatever you do. That being said, that makes my ‘Job’ of trying to be another cog in the machine that tries and educate and inform those who live with diabetes, difficult because I do not like having to be the one that worries and understands this disease is a silent killer, anytime anyday.

I do not have worry about how to juggle my job and a chronic illness as it is one in the same.

The tip I have to offer is clear.  When juggling a job and a chronic illness, juggle what ails you and THEN, and only then, fit the ‘job’ into the equation.

Off to ‘work’ and I love it. And by the way my job is doing exactly what I am doing right this moment.

Stay tuned for the REAL deal from my partner in crime and Blue Heel Society Chief Content Officer Jen Loving, as she is on deck to share her magic very soon.

Enjoy...

Thomas R. Moore,
Chief Communications Officer
BlueHeelSociety.org
Type1Rider.org









Apr 7, 2014

Day 7 - "Why I write" WEGO Writer's Month long Challenge #HAWMC




We are very proud to be a part of this Fun filled Blogfest sponsored by WEGO Health. This isn't our first #HAWMC, and we thank WEGO Health for giving us a perfect time to dust things off a bit.

Today we are prompted to "Tell us why you write about your health. How long have you been writing? What impact has it made on your life?".

This was going to be recap of how I crossed the line (not a bad crossing), to be someone that started to look around the WWW for every piece of information I could find about diabetes to help my favorite Diabetic...my Wife, and learn anything possible to help us both.

Somewhere along that journey I felt the need to start sharing the information with others. I found there was some GREAT people out there, and not so good one’s as well. Then I discovered something called Twitter, and thought to myself what was this 140 Character thing and how stupid of a concept. Until it made [some] sense to me. About the same time I found this thing called Facebook. Then, more of the pieces came together, as did people looking for information.

What came next, was something very special. The beginnings of what is now called the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) started to really take shape, PEOPLE helping PEOPLE. I started to realize that this online presence needed PEOPLE  to spread the word, and not just online slactivism, but boots on the ground. Then it dawned to me that were was a large presence of PEOPLE that could benefit. REAL people. There was people all over talking about “diabetes” online. There weren’t enough talking about the “DIABETIC” aspect...PEOPLE.

So as I somehow took on the role as an Advocate, I made sure to never forget that and to make sure we remember the human aspect of diabetes every step of the way.

Being humbly blessed with the opportunity to help others, and remember the “Golden Rule”.

Not going to dwell, but along the path as an Advocate I too became a “Patient”, and even closer by learning I had Pre-Diabetes. Other health & family issues have taken over that had me *THAT* close to throwing in the towel as an Advocate. Just go back to where I was years ago. Upon telling my favorite Diabetec, she looked at me and said “Are you crazy...what about “your diabetic people (As she calls it) “.

That little sentence helped me to throw away that towel. UNTIL…

We found out our pregnant daughter is expecting Grandchild number six very recently. We also found out along with the baby, she has to fight Gestational Diabetes along the way.

Thankfully, she has my resolve when dealing with issues. She has the fight within her
to give diabetes a swift kick in the ass, with all of the family helping.

In closing, “Why do I Write” was going to be bland,Ya da da da about diabetes this, diabetes that. UNTIL…

This ugly disease is directly hurting someone I love. One of  my children.

Look out diabetes, this fight took on a whole new context now. Diabetes may win a battle here and there, but we WILL WIN THE WAR...

Thomas R. Moore,
Chief Communications Officer
BlueHeelSociety.org
Type1Rider.org