A Look Back, A Diagnosis Story, and A Look Ahead
Oh 2017. I think we can all agree this is one year we are all excited to see go.
Starting out the year, I was ready to make it my best one yet. I was in a job that I loved (and should note- still do!), I was healthier than ever, and had already made some adventure plans for the year. Adventures did happen, but not all were as exciting as others.
Let's start with the good though- because as I have tried to learn, we can usually all find a silver lining. I started out 2017 happy and healthy. Quickly into the new year I planned my first adventure- traveling to Amsterdam to visit my best friend and her husband. Before I could blink it was April and I was literally living my best life in Europe. It was one of the most fun weeks of my life and I am thankful for 2017 for allowing me to go eat my weight in stroopwaffles, drink wine that was literally cheaper than water (have I mentioned how great Europe is?!), and see the world's most beautiful tulip gardens.
Other adventures included buying a new water heater and softerner AND having them both break! Yay adulthood and home ownership. Turning 27 with lots of time on beautiful Lake Shafer and of course Indiana Beach. Also lots of "getting out there" and first dates, because as my grandma continues to remind me at every family function- I am 27 and I am not married (more on this topic later I'm sure). I rounded out the summer with another vacation, this time to visit friends in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which if you haven't been is genuinely a great place, but I am sure my company didn't hurt either.
So yeah, the first six months of 2017 were not too shabby- but hold on, time for pt. 2, "A Diagnosis Story."
Remember a few thoughts ago when I mentioned I love my job? I really do! Since graduation I have worked in software, recruiting students graduating from colleges to come work for X company. Right out of school I traveled all over the US, but after moving companies I have be able to focus on Indiana schools. So there is some background to start out this tale.
In late September I started recruiting season with one of my personal favorite schools- Indiana University. I made it to Bloomington on a Wednesday, feeling great and ready to get to work. By Wednesday evening I was not feeling so great and thought I was coming down with the flu. After sleeping 15(!) hours I awoke the next morning feeling ready to go. By the afternoon I had re-diagnosed myself with heartburn, making sure to stop at the CVS to grab some medicine before heading back to my hotel. That night I took a turn for the worst and once again decided I had the flu- damn college kids and germs! By 7am I had been getting sick for about 4 hours and was unable to control my now labored breathing. After talking to my mom, who was traveling home from Switzerland, I took an Uber to the CVS MinuteClinic. The PA took one look at me and called an ambulance. Once in the hospital I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and was in DKA, Diabetic Ketoacidosis. My BG was almost 600 with my HBA1C at 14.6%. No wonder I felt like shit.
*It should be noted that I had been experiencing the tall tale signs for weeks, excessive drinking, peeing, and weight loss. But, of course, I justified this all in my mind. I was working out everyday, so of course I was drinking a lot of water. Also, water is healthy for you- so this was a great habit! Obviously excess water meant excess peeing. And the weight loss thing, hell it was great. My body was finally doing what I had wished for my whole life, allowing me to eat constantly and lose weight!*
After three days in the ICU and another three in Progressive Care I was finally able to leave Bloomington to return home to my new life as my own pancreas. Today I give myself 4 shots a day, one with each meal and one in the morning to work as a slow release. I eat low carb to try and maintain "normal" blood sugar, but as any Type I will tell you, some days it is just out of your control. I've learned to roll with the highs and fight the lows. I've learned that I can't control every aspect of my life. Finally, I've learned to always try and find the silver lining.
Although I am happy to see 2017 go, I know my diabetes won't go with it. This is something I will have to continue to handle the rest of my life. I've never been more thankful for my family and friends, who put up with the diabetes monster that can sometimes rear it's ugly face when I am high or low. Also shout out to the damn good health insurance I have.... for now.
So here's to 2018- the upcoming trips, the time with loved ones, and kicking this disease's ass. I will use this blog (and maybe even an instagram, woah!) to continue to spew my thoughts throughout the year.
To learn more about Type I Diabetes and educate yo self check out this link .
Starting out the year, I was ready to make it my best one yet. I was in a job that I loved (and should note- still do!), I was healthier than ever, and had already made some adventure plans for the year. Adventures did happen, but not all were as exciting as others.
Let's start with the good though- because as I have tried to learn, we can usually all find a silver lining. I started out 2017 happy and healthy. Quickly into the new year I planned my first adventure- traveling to Amsterdam to visit my best friend and her husband. Before I could blink it was April and I was literally living my best life in Europe. It was one of the most fun weeks of my life and I am thankful for 2017 for allowing me to go eat my weight in stroopwaffles, drink wine that was literally cheaper than water (have I mentioned how great Europe is?!), and see the world's most beautiful tulip gardens.
Other adventures included buying a new water heater and softerner AND having them both break! Yay adulthood and home ownership. Turning 27 with lots of time on beautiful Lake Shafer and of course Indiana Beach. Also lots of "getting out there" and first dates, because as my grandma continues to remind me at every family function- I am 27 and I am not married (more on this topic later I'm sure). I rounded out the summer with another vacation, this time to visit friends in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which if you haven't been is genuinely a great place, but I am sure my company didn't hurt either.
So yeah, the first six months of 2017 were not too shabby- but hold on, time for pt. 2, "A Diagnosis Story."
Remember a few thoughts ago when I mentioned I love my job? I really do! Since graduation I have worked in software, recruiting students graduating from colleges to come work for X company. Right out of school I traveled all over the US, but after moving companies I have be able to focus on Indiana schools. So there is some background to start out this tale.
*It should be noted that I had been experiencing the tall tale signs for weeks, excessive drinking, peeing, and weight loss. But, of course, I justified this all in my mind. I was working out everyday, so of course I was drinking a lot of water. Also, water is healthy for you- so this was a great habit! Obviously excess water meant excess peeing. And the weight loss thing, hell it was great. My body was finally doing what I had wished for my whole life, allowing me to eat constantly and lose weight!*
After three days in the ICU and another three in Progressive Care I was finally able to leave Bloomington to return home to my new life as my own pancreas. Today I give myself 4 shots a day, one with each meal and one in the morning to work as a slow release. I eat low carb to try and maintain "normal" blood sugar, but as any Type I will tell you, some days it is just out of your control. I've learned to roll with the highs and fight the lows. I've learned that I can't control every aspect of my life. Finally, I've learned to always try and find the silver lining.
Although I am happy to see 2017 go, I know my diabetes won't go with it. This is something I will have to continue to handle the rest of my life. I've never been more thankful for my family and friends, who put up with the diabetes monster that can sometimes rear it's ugly face when I am high or low. Also shout out to the damn good health insurance I have.... for now.
To learn more about Type I Diabetes and educate yo self check out this link .
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