Playing catch-up
So, it’s been a while since I last updated the blog and some things have happened in that time that I feel a need to write about. This will be a bit long, so bear with me. Esophageal ManometryOn January 29th, my new gastroenterologist had me undergo a test called Esophageal Manometry. The test is used to measure the functionality of the muscles and lower sphincter of the esophagus and determine if there are issues. The procedure wasn’t the most pleasant of ways to spend a morning. To begin, I was given a cup of lidocaine gel to swallow and then a syringe full of the same gel was emptied into my left nostril. A thin probe was then passed…
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…
Hello, Trulicity; So long, Victoza!
So, yesterday I took my first dose of Trulicity. It’s a once a week medication, taken via injection, to help with the insulin resistance with which I struggle. This change comes due to my insurance company stopping coverage for the Victoza that I’ve used successfully for a number of years. I’ve been putting this change off for a while. Mostly because I’m stubborn and angry about having to give up a medication that works for me because some clueless jerk at the insurance company wants to play god with my health. And also because I had a stockpile of Victoza that I acquired from friends who no longer use it, samples from my doctor, and out of pocket purchases that…
9 Years
Today marks 9 years of life with diabetes and congestive heart failure for me. It’s been a crazy journey, and the events of the last month have been a reminder of just how fortunate I am to have come this far. Cheers, folks!
The Costs of a Chronic Illness
It’s day two of Diabetes Blog Week, and today we talk about the costs of living with a chronic illness. Today’s prompt: The Cost of a Chronic Illness Insulin and other diabetes medications and supplies can be costly. Here in the US, insurance status and age (as in Medicare eligibility) can impact both the cost and coverage. So today, let’s discuss how cost impacts our diabetes care. Do you have advice to share? For those outside the US, is cost a concern? Are there other factors such as accessibility or education that cause barriers to your diabetes care? Today’s prompt is timely, as the costs of living with diabetes have been a hot button issue as of late. The costs of…