UNDIAGNOSED CHILDREN’S AWARENESS DAY

https://youtu.be/l9V2r99rs1Q

Wear pink or blue today to support this special day in the U.K.

Of course, when I think of a disease that goes undiagnosed, my mind immediately goes to type one diabetes.  It goes undiagnosed, or more commonly, it is misdiagnosed.  Reegan comes to mind.

Reegan Karice Oxendine was a toddler when she died in September 2013 from undiagnosed type one diabetes.  She was sick from the age of 14 months, so her parents took her to the doctor many times.  She was misdiagnosed with acid reflux disease and put on a prescription to treat it.  It didn’t work and her condition worsened.  She was finally taken to the emergency room where they checked her blood glucose.  The test came back with a reading of over 1,000 mg/dL- !  She was air-lifted to the Children’s Hospital at UNC in Chapel Hill.  Come to find out, her blood sugar levels had been at near fatal levels for at least 3 months – she died 2 months later.

It’s sad that this is still going on today. If more Dr.’s made a simple blood test part of the routine check up, maybe they would be able to catch it sooner, and could prevent them ending up in the hospital.  – John Manganiello

The truth is, as Americans we like to think our medical community is on top of these things, but I’ve read account after account where young children succumb to type one diabetes.  They don’t get diagnosed and begin treatment in time.  Why does this happen?

There should be a law in place that says doctors MUST perform a simple blood test as part of the routine check up!  It’s not pleasant to think of a blood draw, but it’s surely better than the alternative, isn’t it?

Today’s post is a reminder that there are children who go undiagnosed with not only type one diabetes, but many diseases that lead to horrific consequences down the line.  It’s such a shame that there are not laws in place – not state by state, but from coast to coast here in America, that protect our children!

It’s my hope and prayer that these children will not be INVISIBLE and forgotten anymore.  A case like Reegan’s should never happen!  It’s unfathomable that she went undiagnosed for such a long time.  Rest in Peace, sweet baby.

How many children have to fall through the proverbial cracks before we get smarter about the diagnosis process?  Seriously – if laws need to be passed, let the passing begin because, it IS our future we’re talkin’ about here.  If we really value life like we say we do…  let’s FIX this!  Jus’ sayin’…  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

A COMMENTARY FROM THE HEART

When it comes to family, we have a stubborn love – a love that will give anything and defend tirelessly.  You can say anything you want about me, but when you go messing with my family, watch out!  Know what I’m saying? 

Where does this protective (sometimes overly protective) instinct come from?  I’m fast to say it comes from God.  God is love, so it stands to reason that the love we experience with family comes from God.  This tenacity, this willingness to love no matter what – it’s a gift from God.  And when you think about it – isn’t it the same way God loves us?

On a wicker chair in a corner of my Cape Cod office is a profile I wrote about a former Phoenix Superior Court judge, who mentored me in the late ’70s in the art of court reporting.  As she rose through the judicial ranks, the judge instructed me to keep asking questions.  Persevere, she counseled me.  “Keep at it until you get the answers!”  Little did I know how this training would sustain me in times of great challenge.  Today, as I fight the demons of early onset Alzheimer’s disease, I still follow the sage advice of my mentor, Sandra Day O’Connor, who became the first woman justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.  Justice O’Connor, whose husband, John, died from Alzheimer’s after battling the disease for nearly two decades, has left me an indelible memory.  – Greg O’Brien

Greg O’Brien wrote a book entitled, “On Pluto:  Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s”.  It’s an excellent resource for family directly affected by the disease.

There are about 35 million people worldwide diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.  Five million in the United States afflicted with Alzheimer’s and it’s predicted that 13.8 million Americans could be diagnosed with the disease by 2050.  It is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

After reading the statistics it is likely that you will either be diagnosed or be a caretaker for one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

A few days ago I listened to a sweet conversation between a mother and daughter in my favorite restaurant.  They were sitting behind me, so I could not identify them if I had to, but this is what I heard:

The mother said that there were a lot of nice looking desserts on the menu.  She said, “You know, my very favorite is chocolate…”  Then there was a long pause.  She said, “Oh, what is that word?  You know, since that stroke I just can’t get the words out that I’m thinking.”  The daughter said, “Do you mean chocolate cream pie?”  “No”, the mom replied.  I could tell she was getting frustrated and was embarrassed that the word was not coming to mind.

The daughter continued trying to help.  “Chocolate cookies, is that your favorite, mom?”  By now the mother was losing patience with herself.  “I just don’t understand why I can’t say what it is I’m thinking!”  Her daughter kept a cool, even tone in her voice and calmly said, “Well, let’s talk about something else and eventually it will come to you, and you can tell me when it does.” 

I thought to myself, “This is not her first rodeo!”   I said a silent prayer for both.

The topic changed from chocolate to shoes rather quickly.  I was not as attentive when that happened.  The subject of chocolate always makes my ears perk up!

The daughter was talking about flip-flops, when out of the blue her mom yelled “BROWNIES!!!  I like brownies!”  I could hear a smile in her voice, as well as a feeling of great relief that finally the right word emerged from her mind – and out of her mouth!

I don’t write this to depress you, but to let you know how important family is when the difficulties come along.  This love of family – this love that comes from God – that is God – shines forth at times like this.  Alzheimer’s disease affected my family and maybe you have a friend or loved one battling it – or maybe you do.

There is not a cure for this disease, but if you have a loving family surrounding you and supporting you, consider yourself blessed indeed.

I’m reminded of the movie called “The Notebook”.  I think it’s one of James Garner’s best performances.  That is what family is all about.  That is what marriage is.  Remember when he tells their children he won’t leave the facility because “That’s my sweetheart in there” – ???  I cried the first time I watched that scene – okay – I cry every time I watch that scene!

Did you see Glen Campbell’s farewell tour?  There’s a documentary about it called “I’ll Be Me”.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Campbell:_I’ll_Be_Me

Look at the love he is surrounded with.  His loving wife and daughter are so patient and just keep loving him.  I cry when I see love like that.  I believe the love that God puts inside us is the best kind of love.  It’s a love surrounded with hope.  🙂

 

A COMMENTARY FROM THE HEART

 

I believe people mean well.  Most people have a kind of “sign-off” to their conversation that goes something like this:  TAKE CARE.  It’s a rhetorical comment, not something we are expected to respond to.  We’re just expected to smile, nod and say HEY, YOU TOO – GOOD TO SEE YOU, or something like that.

It seems like all I get done is taking care of myself.  Wouldn’t it be so nice if I didn’t have to think about every little thing as it concerns my health?  It’d be great if I was not restricted by diet, activity level and the style of shoes I wear.  When I was younger, I wore pretty shoes with a nice heel.  I wore pretty dresses or suits to work with open-toe sandals in the summer.  Today my feet are more delicate and particular.  I’m forced to wear a closed toe shoe with plenty of “wiggle room” for my tootsies.  When my feet are happy, I’m happy.

Type II diabetes is such a frustrating disease.  Everyone (including my chiropractor and doctor)  tells me  if I lose weight, it will magically disappear.  That is my only incentive for losing weight because I would love to be rid of it once and for all.  I stay active and I’d set my diet up alongside anyone else’s any day of the week – I eat a very healthy diet!  The weight will not leave – it will not GO!

I don’t typically make New Year’s Resolutions, but I’ll make an exception this year.  If it’s true that weight loss would rid me of type II – then I simply have to resolve to get the weight off once and for all.  I’m doing 30 minutes of cardio in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.  I’m not a couch potato by any means.

Friends, please keep me in your prayers.  Pray that I stay strong and achieve some significant weight loss and a drop in my A1c.  How great would it be to be taken off insulin and not have to take as much metformin?  Now I’m taking 4 250 mg capsules a day and 20-35 units of Levemir every night.

The weight seems to be glued to me – that’s the only way I know how to describe it.  It really likes me and wants to stay.  I really don’t like it and don’t want it to stay – LOL! 

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.   – Doug Larson

Living with invisible chronic health conditions is challenging.  I try so hard but the effort I put in is not always visible to others.  I’ll keep trying…. and do my best.   I’m making a New Year’s Resolution to TAKE CARE.  And I hope you will take care too!  😉

It’s not too late to order your copy of Lucinda Berry Hill’s new devotional book!  Everybody needs a new devotional book to begin this new year, right?

Click on the link below to get your copy!

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000952694/A-Second-Cup-with-Jesus.aspx 

A COMMENTARY FROM THE HEART

Is there anything my God cannot do?

If the answer is NO then why do I still have Type 2 Diabetes? The world tells me I have it because my diet is not perfect and my extra weight needs to come off. According to them this mess is all my own doing. How crazy does that make me? Pretty crazy, I admit.

Look, the fact is, this world is so very imperfect by its very nature, isn’t it? There is bad stuff and there are diseases here. Why has God not healed me? I don’t know. It’s not like I’ve not asked! I know there are people around the world praying for a cure for diabetes – for sure, regardless of “TYPE”. It’s an evil, vicious, frustrating disease for all of us!

What gets me is when I’m accused of having less than mustard seed faith. I’m told if my faith was bigger I’d be healed. Really? Well, I don’t think it’s always God’s WILL to heal. I know I’m probably going to lose some blog followers over this one, but that is what I believe. I don’t think it’s a lack of faith on my part. Maybe, just maybe, God is using this predicament for His glory.

If I didn’t have diabetes, I would not be a part of the Diabetic Online Community on facebook. If I was not dyslexic, I would not be equipped to encourage other dyslexic folks like I do. If God did perform a miracle and heal me of these diseases, you bet I would shout about it from the mountaintops!!! I’d be shouting and I would not need a megaphone either! People in China would hear me!

My mind is open for whatever God sees fit. Whatever He wants me to go through, it’s okay with me because I don’t know whose life it may impact. It’s about God, not me. THY WILL BE DONE. Amen. ❤

A COMMENTARY FROM THE HEART

https://youtu.be/7fvv9gMSYzU

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.  And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”   But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.   Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”  – Matthew 9:10-13

We are all born sinners.  I’m so thankful that Jesus doesn’t distance Himself from sinners, but reclines with us and inclines His ear to us.  No matter how hopeless a cause you think you are, Jesus is ready to come to your house and eat at your table with you.  He hears your heart when you speak, not just the words you say. 

 God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame. – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

One of the sinners in Christ’s day was the tax collector.  Matthew himself was a tax collector before he met Jesus.  I’m not a fan of tax collectors in our day either, but can you imagine Christ sitting down at the house of an I.R.S. agent?  Don’t laugh – it could happen.  He’s so much more patient than I am, that’s for sure.  God is love – and He loves everyone.

Imperfection is a part of humanity.  Our broken lives, whether physical or spiritual, does not take Jesus by surprise.  He can handle any degree of disease or sin in your life and mine.

 Saints are sinners who kept on going.   – Robert Louis Stevenson

God created us to have a relationship with Him and to experience true, lasting peace in this life.   Christ comes when we ask Him in to our hearts and lives.

He reclines and relaxes with us.  He inclines His ear to us and hears not only what we say, but what our hearts mean.  ❤

 

 

COMMENTARY FROM THE HEART

 

 

Batman hates junk food – well, that makes sense, doesn’t it?

I happened to be on facebook not long ago and got to witness a bit of history. The original Batmobile (from the 1966-1968 series starring Adam West) was auctioned off for a cool $4,200,000.00! I was astonished at the amount of money someone was willing to pay for it! My first thought was that someone has more money than common sense, but then sometimes I think it just comes down to what your priorities are in life. Obviously, someone thought it was a better idea to own the Batmobile than to have that chunk of change.

There are not many people who could (or would) afford such a splurge. One priority we can all afford to protect is our health. How much would you be willing to pay for good health? I don’t mean how much would you be willing to pay after you lose your health – I mean, how much would you pay for something that could prevent ill-health in the future? Well, it’s possible to prevent such health problems as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.

What if I told you that in addition to the possible prevention of disease processes, you could also look and feel years younger? That’s right. We all know that time is the great thief and the anti-aging and beauty industry is the fastest growing trend in American history. What if I told you that you could avoid such treatments as Botox or other painful procedures? Would you be interested in hearing what I have to say?

Your new healthier, happier lifestyle is as close as your local market. If you will replace the boxed and canned goods in your kitchen with more fresh, whole fruits and vegetables, you will be amazed at the changes that take place inside and out in as little as one week. The soda in your fridge needs to go as well. Replace that with a pitcher of water with fresh lemon squeezed in it. And the sugar most definitely has to go as well. Sugar is not always called sugar – sometimes it is high-fructose corn syrup.

Could a transformation really be that simple? In a word – yes! Alkaline-based foods not only make you look and feel younger and better, they strengthen your immune system and make your cells stronger and more protected. Cancer cells actually feed off of sugar, which is why it’s so important to get rid of it.

Can you trade a bag of fat-laden, salty chips for some celery and natural peanut butter? Do you like to feel good? Do you want to do everything you can to prevent disease? Is your health worth the price you pay for it? It just takes a little commitment and some visualization to make great strides toward a better life. I’m not even asking for $4,200,000.00!   😉

SALLY RIDE DAY

There are many “firsts” in the world, but today we celebrate the life of the first American woman to go into outer space! Today is SALLY RIDE DAY!!! Sally Ride was born on May 26, 1951 and served as an inspiration for many little girls and her life was incredible and adventurous. She is definitely someone who lived it to the fullest. Dr. Sally Ride joined NASA in 1978, and on June 18, 1983, she became the first American woman in space as a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-7.

Today is a great day to learn more about the U.S. space program, and to encourage those young people with dreams of becoming an astronaut.

Accomplishments like that are amazing and deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Sadly, Sally Ride died last July of pancreatic cancer. She was only 61 years old.

How many “firsts” would we like to see in our world? For starters, a real cure for cancers like pancreatic cancer would be great! My dad died at age 62 of pancreatic cancer. My mom died of colon cancer. I hate cancer because it took my family. I know a whole bunch of Diabetics (both 1 and 2) who would love to hear that a cure was available for their chronic disease! The list of diseases that need a cure is so long and I don’t have the desire to name each one. It would be too depressing.

The accomplishments made in space are fantastic and brought us a long way, but there are more personal accomplishments closer to home that I’d like to see take place – wouldn’t you?

I know we just need to hold on and exercise our faith in God, though I am tempted to ask God why some things have to be the way they are, I have to accept His plan for my life. He is God and I am not.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if someone came along and said they could cure chronic pain conditions and chronic diseases? We need some more “firsts” – we need some good news. 🙂

NEIGHBOR DAY

https://youtu.be/IwrkRgZmTqw
How important is support in the fight against diabetes? It’s pretty crucial to be sure. I’m one of the lucky ones (lucky – did I just say that?) – my husband and I are both Type 2 Diabetics and at least as far as meal planning goes, we are on the same page and support each other.

There’s something about knowing you are not alone and don’t have to be a lone ranger with diabetes. It’s that way with other things too. I’m part of a great chronic pain support group. There are others who can totally relate to what I’m feeling. It makes me feel less crazy inside! I’m also in a terrific grief support group. Again, I’m not alone in my struggle there. It’s good to reach out to others because there really is strength and courage to be found in support groups!

Facebook is such a great place to find support for whatever you struggle with in life. I lost most of my family in death and have very few friends due to limited mobility, but through facebook I’ve connected with hundreds of others who walk a similar path. My husband is my co-star, but through various groups, I have a great supporting cast for the movie of my life!

If you feel alone in any struggle you face, you don’t have to walk the path by yourself. There are groups – and some are closed, so no one will see anything you post except the people in the group. This blog also has a group to offer a little more support for you. You are welcome to come over and join us. We usually have some great posts there every day.

How about a Good Neighbor Day parade???  I think that would be an excellent idea!!!

************************************************
So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we’re together we might as well say:

Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Won’t you please,
Won’t you please?
Please won’t you be my neighbor?
– Mr. Rogers

Today is NEIGHBOR DAY!!!  Are you diabetic? In chronic pain? Grieving? Well, welcome to the neighborhood. You are not alone! ❤

NATIONAL TEACHER’S DAY

 

As Mother’s Day quickly approaches, I thought today would be an excellent opportunity to talk about the lifelong influence a mother has on her children. I read stories every day on facebook from the Diabetic Online Community (DOC) about the sacrifice moms make for their Type 1 Diabetic kids. These are terrific moms who would walk on hot coals if they thought it would help. Each and every one of them would take on their child’s suffering if they could. They would trade places with them in a heart beat! That’s a mother’s love – and there is no substitute for it!

Today is NATIONAL TEACHER’S DAY but I want to recognize the mothers of Type 1 Diabetic children. They are so diligent, and in the process they are sleep deprived and frustrated with the disease, but they have their kid’s backs! They will be there if the world walks away.

Some parents of type 1’s have invested (and they are not cheap) in a service dog to help detect a high or low blood sugar in their kids.  These special dogs really do take a weight of worry from the parents.  As I understand it, there is a certain odor – sweet for high and a sort of metallic kind of odor for low – on the child’s breath.  I can’t imagine how they train those dogs to do that, but I’m so glad they do.

Every mom is great, but the mom of a type 1 diabetic is vigilant!  They set the alarm so they can do those lovely 3am tests and injections.  Often I see a comment on facebook from one of the moms – something like – it was a bad night – and I need a nap!  My thoughts and prayers are with them.  It’s such a challenge but those kiddos are sure worth it!

All moms are great, but the mom of a Type 1 Diabetic is a Super Hero! ❤

STAR WARS DAY

https://youtu.be/TLXcHYBWGZU

Ok my story to u as if I’m fighting Darth Vader is that my lows is hard to fight back every once in a while I get low and I start feeling like I’m not myself and it feels like I’m getting lifted in the air from the force so every night I have to go get my tablets and start eating them like Luke Skywalker getting his light saver before Darth Vader kills him so that’s my story.

Sincerely,
Parker Konsdorf, age 15

For a Type 1 Diabetic, it is crucial to keep blood glucose levels just as “normal” as possible. Is it easy? No, not at all. When those lows hit, just as Parker explained – it makes him like he’s not himself. Sometimes getting the blood sugar back up is like fighting Darth Vader – it’s a battle and the enemy is diabetes.

I’m not a Type 1 Diabetic like Parker. I’m a Type 2 Diabetic, but like Parker, I have a story about fighting with evil diabetes to keep my blood sugar levels under control too.

When blood sugar is too low, there is shakiness, confusion and agitation. When I’m low I turn into the wicked witch of the midwest! I know when my blood sugar is dropping because I lose patience with everyone and everything. My sugars tend to run on the high side most of the time. I don’t feel like myself either.

I feel as though I am Princess Leia after she’s been drugged by Darth Vader (I KNOW that didn’t happen in the movie – work with me here!) High blood sugar makes me feel dull-minded and listless. I can’t think straight and my eyelids get very heavy. I just want to sleep! I don’t want to fall captive to Darth Vader, but when my blood sugar is too high, it’s very difficult to get it lowered again. I have to force myself to walk or ride my bike. It would be so much easier to go sit in the recliner and turn on the TV. I would fall asleep – I know I would. But exercise is the only way I can get my blood sugar to come down.

I decided to dramatize the effects of low and high blood sugar with Star Wars and Darth Vader because today is STAR WARS DAY!!! I know there are some fans of Star Wars in the Diabetic Online Community (DOC) and I hope they especially enjoy this post.

Hopefully, this little dramatization has helped my non-D friends (yes, I am jealous) understand how our blood sugars can affect us. Sometimes a mood or a bit of listlessness in a diabetic can be a sign that blood sugar is out of whack. Non-D friends need to be aware of warning signs. If blood sugar is too high, we can go to sleep and slip into coma. If blood sugar is too low, we can seize and that can lead to death. We all need to be looking out for one another. Either extreme is very dangerous and if we all know the warning signs, then we can all fight Darth Vader (diabetes) together!!!  😉