Then and Now: Reflecting on 10 Years
I’m really not a fan of the “how hard did aging hit you” challenge that’s floating around social media right now. The idea that aging is something to be ashamed of is totally bogus. Still, I see this as a good time for reflection and gratitude for the time I didn’t expect to live. The photo on the left was taken in October 2008, two months before I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and what was then believed to be type 2 diabetes. I was near death and didn’t yet know it. When I was diagnosed on December 29, 2008, the doctors didn’t think I’d live another 3 months. A lot has happened since then. There have been some…
10 Years of Living
Today is the 10th anniversary of my initial diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure. My goodness, what a rollercoaster ride it has been. Many things have changed since that day in late December 2008. My diabetes diagnosis chief among them. I actually live with LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) or Type 1.5. Wow, ten years. Ten years of knowing, caring, surviving, and sharing. Ten years of knowing that I have two invisible chronic illnesses for which there are no cures. Ten years of knowing that I’m not alone in my fight. That there are millions of others fighting the same things. Ten years of getting to know some of the most amazing people around. Lots of love to everyone…
Monday Motivation: Good, Better, Best
When I was in junior high school I had a metal shop teacher who would often recite this quote. Doug Bierman was his name. He made it a requirement that each of his students memorize and would randomly call on you in the middle of class and insist that you recite it. More than 20 years later, I still remember those words by heart. They are words to live by. Mr. Bierman was one hell of a teacher, coach, and friend. He passed away in 2015 after a long illness. He left quite a legacy, and I’m thankful to have been a part of it. Have a great week, and remember that A Little Heart Can Do Big Things!
Wednesday Wisdom: I AM
Recently, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and came across this image that a friend had posted. It was posted with challenge to write statements about oneself. The post reminded me of an “I AM” statement that I wrote back in 2006, during a time when I was really struggling. A time before I was diagnosed with Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure. So, I went searching through the archives to find the words to share again. Some 12 years later, they are still quite relevant and applicable. They are a much needed reminder to myself now, as I find myself struggling once again. So, who am I? I am a strong, confident, caring, loving, and passionate man. I have…
Trulicity: A Few Observations
So, I’ve been using the Trulicity for 4 weeks now, and have a few observations. First, my numbers are much improved overall. Fasting and post-meal are better. No major spikes. Second, it has wrecked my appetite. I don’t feel hungry much, and I’m not able to eat a whole lot when I do. There’s a bit of nausea, and I have noticed more heartburn flareups as well, but that’s the extent of the GI side effects that I’ve experienced so far. Third, I’m not using nearly as much insulin as I had been before starting this. I’ve cut my Lantus in half, and since I’m not eating as much, I’m not having to use as much Humalog. And I’ve stopped…
