Question:

Hey! Great to hear from you. Super that you’re going to get some help at the college campus. I bet there’s some support groups and leads to free/low cost supplies. What kind of meal plan are you using to control BG? — t2_lurking geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello all, > It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted here, and I wanted to update > everyone on my process of getting the diabetes under control. > I went to the doctor again today.  He didn’t really give me any reason > as to why I’m still getting dizzy, but seemed concerned that my bloood > sugar is making such drastic low/high/low jumps.  He wants me to > increase my Lantus by 2 units daily, and then 2 more units in a week if > that doesn’t bring it down, and then increase my Humalog 2 or 3 units at > meals if that still doesn’t bring it down. > I’ve now (finally) got a referral to go to a college-operated (read: > free) diabetic clinic.  I’ll be going in three weeks.  They said that > there is a program that I might be able to get my insulin for $3 a > prescription, but no one seems to know whether or not my insulin is on > their list of medications. > I’m still sticking in there fighting, even though I haven’t posted to > the group in some time. > How is everyone else doing?  I’ve become lax with my newsreader, sorry. :-/ > Best, > Ken

Response:

Glad to hear that things are going better for you Kenneth. That’s great news about the diabetic clinic and the $3 insulin. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Keep us posted and keep up the good fight. — Cheri – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hello all, >It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted here, and I wanted to update >everyone on my process of getting the diabetes under control.

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This post not CC’d by email >I’ve now (finally) got a referral to go to a college-operated (read: >free) diabetic clinic.  I’ll be going in three weeks.  They said that >there is a program that I might be able to get my insulin for $3 a >prescription, but no one seems to know whether or not my insulin is on >their list of medications.

G’day G’day Kenneth, Good luck.  Sorry I can’t help you with the insulin questions. If you think nutrition could be a factor please ask away and we’ll see what answers we can come up with. Best wishes, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       >#,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

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cc’d by email I have been off the group for a while , so I didn’t see your prior posts excuse me if I am repeating things you already know 1) DO NOT USE LANTUS – Lantus costs better than twice as much as Lente or Ultralente, and is MAYBE 4% better 2) Get a FREE MatureRx card, or one of its companions, and you will get about a 25% to 30% discount on Novo Insulin. https://maturerx.advancerx.com/advpcsrx_MemberSite/index.jsp 3) Long acting Insulin will NOT cure swings – it may make them worse. You need a long acting base, and a fast acting Insulin for meals and/or controlling peaks. For most of us "R" is just FINE as a fast acting, we do not need the fancy expensive analogs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello all, > It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted here, and I wanted to update > everyone on my process of getting the diabetes under control. > I went to the doctor again today.  He didn’t really give me any reason > as to why I’m still getting dizzy, but seemed concerned that my bloood > sugar is making such drastic low/high/low jumps.  He wants me to > increase my Lantus by 2 units daily, and then 2 more units in a week if > that doesn’t bring it down, and then increase my Humalog 2 or 3 units at > meals if that still doesn’t bring it down. > I’ve now (finally) got a referral to go to a college-operated (read: > free) diabetic clinic.  I’ll be going in three weeks.  They said that > there is a program that I might be able to get my insulin for $3 a > prescription, but no one seems to know whether or not my insulin is on > their list of medications. > I’m still sticking in there fighting, even though I haven’t posted to > the group in some time. > How is everyone else doing?  I’ve become lax with my newsreader, sorry. :-/ > Best, > Ken

Response:

Hello all, It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted here, and I wanted to update everyone on my process of getting the diabetes under control. I went to the doctor again today.  He didn’t really give me any reason as to why I’m still getting dizzy, but seemed concerned that my bloood sugar is making such drastic low/high/low jumps.  He wants me to increase my Lantus by 2 units daily, and then 2 more units in a week if that doesn’t bring it down, and then increase my Humalog 2 or 3 units at meals if that still doesn’t bring it down. I’ve now (finally) got a referral to go to a college-operated (read: free) diabetic clinic.  I’ll be going in three weeks.  They said that there is a program that I might be able to get my insulin for $3 a prescription, but no one seems to know whether or not my insulin is on their list of medications. I’m still sticking in there fighting, even though I haven’t posted to the group in some time. How is everyone else doing?  I’ve become lax with my newsreader, sorry. :-/ Best, Ken

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Question:

The head of a lab trying to get into the designer medicine business pointed out that most medicine today is at best serendipity type efforts.  Some are found by try this and that without any real rationale.  I have heard that a couple of diabetic drugs were found when they were being tested for other problems and it was noted that some test subjects had ;lower blood sugar.  They shifted the test since diabetes is a great cash cow. Let hope the time will comes when they will be able to produce the designed drug that we will use.  Some we use now have severe side effects.                                             Guy

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So many drugs work as enzyme inhibitors and even with a good picture of how the particular enzyme looks and even the chemical structure. Therefore we unfortunately still rely on a good amount of senendipity to block the enzyme action. What scientist do most of the time is find a successful prototype drug and then improve on it. It is an evolutionary process. Some drugs are bioengineered but the vast majority are not. Bioengineered drugs like interferon also have side effects. I have a lot of faith/confidence that serendipity is our friend and at times maybe our only friend.  

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Question:

Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down throats! San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really afford it. Nan, Type 2

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> Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. > WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down > throats! > San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last > week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my > AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really > afford it.

$600 for one month?  Wow!  I thought I was bad when mine hit close to $100 for a month. Do you cook on electric or heat water with electricity, too? Priscilla — The Episcopal Church welcomes you… and you… and you….

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>$600 for one month?  Wow!  I thought I was bad when mine hit close to >$100 for a month.

Ours runs about 275 to 300 a month but can hit as high as 450 in the winter. I have talked to other folks from our area and know thats not an unusal amount for our city. Debra in Alabama

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my electric.. was running $750 a month in Hesperia (High Desert) for a 2800sq ft house. just one of the many reasons we left. — RK T1 – 5/00

: : >$600 for one month?  Wow!  I thought I was bad when mine hit close to : >$100 for a month. : > : : Ours runs about 275 to 300 a month but can hit as high as 450 in the winter. I : have talked to other folks from our area and know thats not an unusal amount : for our city. : : Debra in Alabama

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Yikes, Reisa! We have friends who have a house that is close to that size.  Their bill runs around $300 here in SC.  No wonder you left.    From the sound of it, lots of others are right behind you. Hope that things are going well for you now! Best, Dot Type 2  Diag 8/2001 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >my electric.. was running $750 >a month in Hesperia (High Desert) >for a 2800sq ft house. >just one of the many reasons we left.

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"RK" wrote …  my electric.. was running $750 a month in Hesperia (High Desert) for a 2800sq ft house.  just one of the many reasons we left. Holy cow, RK.  That is quite an electric bill.  I’m totally electric and pay about $100.00/month on average, Winter and Summer.  Of course, my house is only about 1500 sq ft, but still … Arnie –

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> Holy cow, RK.  That is quite an electric bill.  I’m totally electric and pay > about $100.00/month on average, Winter and Summer.  Of course, my house is > only about 1500 sq ft, but still …

I haven’t had to pay an electric bill for years since I’ve lived in military housing.  But about 10 years ago, I was paying about $150.00 a month for a small apartment.  It was all electric, but I couldn’t afford to use the heat very much at all.  Didn’t have AC. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

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I am living in Montreal and my bill is $50/ month. Everything work with electricity (including a SPA) except heater in winter wich is with oil ($200/month * 6 month/year). But I think the salary is different too.

Response:

>Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. >WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down >throats! >San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last >week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my >AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really >afford it. >Nan, Type 2

What is the humidity in your area?  If it’s around 30% or lower, you can try evaporative cooling.  The big units are sometimes known as "desert coolers".  You can improvise your own using a fan and a towel soaked in water.  Most places in the USA combine heat with much higher humidity.  Evaporative cooling doesn’t help you much in those cases. But in many parts of SoCal you can use it a lot of the time, and if a Santa Ana hits it is very effective since the Santa Ana winds are VERY dry (usually around 15% humidity). You could also look for the "cool mist" room humidifiers.  Many drug stores carry them.  They don’t use heat to put steam into the air, they just physically throw tiny droplets of water into the air.  When they evaporate they cool the room significantly, but the room humidity will still be in a comfortable zone.  I haven’t checked recently, but they probably go for around $30-$50. You can also buy a personal cooling device in a couple of forms.  One lets you spray a fine mist one yourself.  The most common brand name is MISTY MATE, I believe.  I’ve found them useful, especially since you can use them outdoors (exercising, gardening, whatever).  The other is a sort of cloth necklace that contains crystals that hold water.  People have told me they work, though I haven’t tried them myself.  The MISTY MATE is probably around $20, the necklace around $10.

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> What is the humidity in your area?  If it’s around 30% or lower, you > can try evaporative cooling.

<snip> I once had an apartment in Seattle that was above a dance studio.  Although the temp. outside usually didn’t get too bad, it did get hot in that apartment during the summer.  It was an old building with no insulation and a flat roof.  It was also right on a busy street with nothing but asphalt surrounding it.  I found that doing my laundry by hand and hanging it to dry made it a lot cooler inside.  If I had nothing that needed washed, I simply wet down some sheets and hung them up.  Not as good as AC, but it sure helped! — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

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LOL, yep lots better, haven’t seen a electric bill over $90 so far my thoughts.. PISS ON EDISON! long story. . but I sincerely hope thats one business that FRYS, as they fried the good hard working ppl of California. btw..have past bills to prove my $750 claim.. i framed um.. just to remind me how much i hate edison.. lol — RK T1 – 5/00

: Yikes, Reisa! We have friends who have a house that is close to that : size.  Their bill runs around $300 here in SC.  No wonder you left. :  From the sound of it, lots of others are right behind you. : : Hope that things are going well for you now! : : Best, : Dot : Type 2  Diag 8/2001 :

: : >my electric.. was running $750 : >a month in Hesperia (High Desert) : >for a 2800sq ft house. : > : >just one of the many reasons we left. : > : > : > :

Response:

> my electric.. was running $750 > a month in Hesperia (High Desert) > for a 2800sq ft house.

Ah!  Another variable.  My house is about 1200 sq ft. Priscilla — The Episcopal Church welcomes you… and you… and you….

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Nan.. I empathize with ya.. I lived in SGC for 6yrs growing up.. went to HS in West Covina. I know how yucky it can get.. the heat, smog and santa ana’s. heck the beach is overcast and you fry before you get relief. LOL hang in there.. Oct is just around the corner.. btw.. where you live.. can you get a swamp cooler? they do work well when theres no humitity. but a pain to keep up and ugly as sin on your roof.. — RK T1 – 5/00

: Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. : WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down : throats! : San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last : week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my : AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really : afford it. : Nan, Type 2

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Glad to hear that things are lots better, Reisa! I know that just getting that electric bill down has been well-worth it! Wonderful idea to frame that bill, too!  (:>) Best, Dot Type 2  Diag 8/2001 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >LOL, yep lots better, haven’t seen a electric bill >over $90 so far my thoughts.. PISS ON EDISON! >long story. . but I sincerely hope thats one business >that FRYS, as they fried the good hard working ppl >of California. >btw..have past bills to prove my $750 claim.. i framed >um.. just to remind me how much i hate edison.. lol

Response:

Bonjour Viorel, > I am living in Montreal and my bill is $50/ month. Everything work > with electricity (including a SPA) except heater in winter wich is > with oil ($200/month * 6 month/year). But I think the salary is > different too.

Proportionally, you’re paying about the US average for electric after you factor in the lower salaries in CA and the fact that the majority of the electricity in Ontario and Quebec is generated by hydro-electric and relatively cheap. Unless you meant CA$50, in which case that’s absolutely dirt cheap. Regards, James the Elder

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We used to have what was called "swamp cooling" when we lived on Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson.  Part of the base had  a/c, but we were in the older part that had the swamp coolers.  It worked.  Course, that was a long time ago.  From what I have heard, the humidity has gone up in Arizona.  Not sure if that type of cooling still works or not. We now live in South Carolina and, oh boy, does that a/c feel good! Best, Dot Type 2  Diag 8/2001 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -><Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down throats! San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really afford it.> >Nan, Type 2 >What is the humidity in your area?  If it’s around 30% or lower, you >can try evaporative cooling.  The big units are sometimes known as >"desert coolers".  You can improvise your own using a fan and a towel >soaked in water.  Most places in the USA combine heat with much higher >humidity.  Evaporative cooling doesn’t help you much in those cases. >But in many parts of SoCal you can use it a lot of the time, and if a >Santa Ana hits it is very effective since the Santa Ana winds are VERY >dry (usually around 15% humidity). >You could also look for the "cool mist" room humidifiers.  Many drug >stores carry them.  They don’t use heat to put steam into the air, >they just physically throw tiny droplets of water into the air.  When >they evaporate they cool the room significantly, but the room humidity >will still be in a comfortable zone.  I haven’t checked recently, but >they probably go for around $30-$50. >You can also buy a personal cooling device in a couple of forms.  One >lets you spray a fine mist one yourself.  The most common brand name >is MISTY MATE, I believe.  I’ve found them useful, especially since >you can use them outdoors (exercising, gardening, whatever).  The >other is a sort of cloth necklace that contains crystals that hold >water.  People have told me they work, though I haven’t tried them >myself.  The MISTY MATE is probably around $20, the necklace around >$10.

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LOL Dot.. when I was on my way back to ohio from ca this last time in july.. haha we were flying low over Arizona, and oh man it didn’t look much different then LA in some parts with the pretty "brown" air. so humitity i’m sure is different as well now. glad to be out of that .. least now I can breath.. and wow! allergies are gone.. — RK T1 – 5/00

: We used to have what was called "swamp cooling" when we lived on Davis : Monthan AFB in Tucson.  Part of the base had  a/c, but we were in the : older part that had the swamp coolers.  It worked.  Course, that was a : long time ago.  From what I have heard, the humidity has gone up in : Arizona.  Not sure if that type of cooling still works or not. : : We now live in South Carolina and, oh boy, does that a/c feel good! : : Best, : Dot : Type 2  Diag 8/2001 :

: : > : > : > : >><Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down throats! San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really afford it.> : >>Nan, Type 2 : >> : >> : > : >What is the humidity in your area?  If it’s around 30% or lower, you : >can try evaporative cooling.  The big units are sometimes known as : >"desert coolers".  You can improvise your own using a fan and a towel : >soaked in water.  Most places in the USA combine heat with much higher : >humidity.  Evaporative cooling doesn’t help you much in those cases. : >But in many parts of SoCal you can use it a lot of the time, and if a : >Santa Ana hits it is very effective since the Santa Ana winds are VERY : >dry (usually around 15% humidity). : > : >You could also look for the "cool mist" room humidifiers.  Many drug : >stores carry them.  They don’t use heat to put steam into the air, : >they just physically throw tiny droplets of water into the air.  When : >they evaporate they cool the room significantly, but the room humidity : >will still be in a comfortable zone.  I haven’t checked recently, but : >they probably go for around $30-$50. : > : >You can also buy a personal cooling device in a couple of forms.  One : >lets you spray a fine mist one yourself.  The most common brand name : >is MISTY MATE, I believe.  I’ve found them useful, especially since : >you can use them outdoors (exercising, gardening, whatever).  The : >other is a sort of cloth necklace that contains crystals that hold : >water.  People have told me they work, though I haven’t tried them : >myself.  The MISTY MATE is probably around $20, the necklace around : >$10. : > : > : > : > : > : > : > :

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Our utility bill is always 300- 500 winter or summer. Our utilities go right out the windows they are so old and it is an old old brick home to boot with 10 foot ceilings. I think I actually win the proverbial cake for being grumpy and having snide answers. You can’t have that title it is mine LOL Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Apology to Guy for a rather cranky response. > WARNING to all of us – heat tends to make us irritable and ready to jump down > throats! > San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, has been 100 or so for the last > week and will probably be the same all next week.  I’m trying hard to keep my > AC off or low as I had a $600 electric bill last month – and can’t really > afford it. > Nan, Type 2

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> my electric.. was running $750 > a month in Hesperia (High Desert) > for a 2800sq ft house. > Ah!  Another variable.  My house is about 1200 sq ft. > Priscilla > — > The Episcopal Church welcomes you… and you… and you….

I am pretty stunned by the cost of electricity in the US.  We have what is basically an all electric house, and it costs nothing like that.  In the summer, when we run the air conditioning most of the time, it cost about A$100 per mth, keeping in mind the exchange rate, that makes it about 1/2 the US price, at the highest consumption times. I use an electric tumble dryer just about every day, as well as the usual hot water, cooling etc.  Our biggest worry is the heating oil in winter – now THAT is expensive by any account. Since I lost so much weight by low carbing, I really feel the cold. This is the first time in my life that I haven’t had warm hands and feet.  Has anyone else experienced this? Annette — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

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Guy when I feel hot, I thought it was a hot flash and since I went through menopause over nine years ago, I couldnt understand it,  Now I know my bgs must be higher,  Thanks for the info  Next time I break out in a sweat, I am going to test. Loretta — In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism.

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I’m in the Central Valley, in a small house and mine was 346.00 last month for electric, PGandE gas for hot water and things is a separate bill, so the utilities are sky high as far as I’m concerned. — Cheri – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >"RK" wrote … > my electric.. was running $750 a month in Hesperia (High Desert) for a >2800sq ft house.  just one of the many reasons we left. >Holy cow, RK.  That is quite an electric bill.  I’m totally electric and pay >about $100.00/month on average, Winter and Summer.  Of course, my house is >only about 1500 sq ft, but still … >Arnie –

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I don’t doubt it, Reisa! We lived in Tucson back in the middle 70’s.  I talked with many who had lived there all of their lives about just what you were seeing when you flew low over Arizona.   I can imagine that the problem is much worse there now.   I have since spoken with folks out there who say that the humidity is way up compared to what it used to be when we lived there (one recently who lives in Phoenix).   I am glad to hear that your allergies are now gone! Best, Dot Type 2  Diag 8/2001 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >LOL Dot.. when I was on my way back >to ohio from ca this last time in july.. haha >we were flying low over Arizona, and oh >man it didn’t look much different then LA >in some parts with the pretty "brown" air. >so humitity i’m sure is different as well now. >glad to be out of that .. least now I can >breath.. and wow! allergies are gone..

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Cooking and hot water are gas.  Fair amount of computer use – and about 5 loads of wash and dry (electric) a week. Nope – it was the AC left on all night. Nan, Type 2

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I had desert coolers when we lived at Edwards AFB in the high desert.  Worked very well there.  LA is more humid, of course, but we had two big coolers – one at each end of the house (1800 sq ft if that makes a difference) – for years. Problems included swelling of any drawers in the path of the breeze, slamming of doors if we forgot to use blocks, and having to replace pads often (they can stink!).  But they do work. And are cheap. After husband died and all but one kid moved on, it got hard to service them and when a bonus happened, AND when my ancient furnace died, I replaced furnace, ancient windows and put in AC.  Summer electric bills weren’t bad at all and winter bills here are nothing.   Then daughter moves out, son moves back and works nights – and leaves AC on all The last month is not going to happen again!   Nan, Type 2

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>Since I lost so much weight by low carbing, I really feel the cold. >This is the first time in my life that I haven’t had warm hands and >feet.  Has anyone else experienced this? >Annette

Much of the time I can almost predict my blood sugar an how I feel.   I feel cool when the BS are under 90 but start to feel warm when they reach about 150.   But as I approach a hypo condition I sweat profusely but still feel cold.  Weird world of diabetes. However there are time when I get fooled.   Feel OK but the blood sugar is up. AC bills are eating my lunch this year.  They keep raising prices for our good.  Signs of the times.                                                                 Guy

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Question:

ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity without changing anything other then taking niacin? i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got sick with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he said i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG apple. anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol thanks RK

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One of the ‘interesting’ things about diabetes is that just when you ‘think’ you have it figured out,  It will pop up and kick you in the a#% don

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. > what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity > without changing anything other then taking niacin? > i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. > my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you > look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. > I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm > including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. > 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. > i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got sick > with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he said > i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to > me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m > good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about > 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. > pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. > though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. > this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was > 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot > 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG > apple. > anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my > hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol > thanks > RK

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lol don, isn’t that the truth.. while i don’t mind the lower bg’s just like to know what is going on. thanks rk

: One of the ‘interesting’ things about diabetes is that just when you ‘think’ : you have it figured out,  It will pop up and kick you in the a#% : don :

: > ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. : > what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity : > without changing anything other then taking niacin? : > : > i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. : > : > my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you : > look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. : > : > I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm : > including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. : > 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. : > : > i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got sick : > with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he said : > i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to : > me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m : > good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about : > 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. : > : > pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. : > though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. : > : > this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was : > 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot : > 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG : > apple. : > : > anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my : > hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol : > : > thanks : > : > RK : > : > : :

Response:

Hi RK little over a year now and twice I have had to make major adjustments in my basal rates and with my bolus.  After being in near perfect control for 6 chasing my high sugars until we adjusted my basal rates. I think with this disease, it is common Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> lol don, isn’t that the truth.. while i don’t mind the lower bg’s > just like to know what is going on. > thanks > rk > : One of the ‘interesting’ things about diabetes is that just when you > ‘think’ > : you have it figured out,  It will pop up and kick you in the a#% > : don > : > : > ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. > : > what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity > : > without changing anything other then taking niacin? > : > > : > i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. > : > > : > my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you > : > look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. > : > > : > I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm > : > including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. > : > 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. > : > > : > i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got sick > : > with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he said > : > i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to > : > me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m > : > good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about > : > 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. > : > > : > pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. > : > though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. > : > > : > this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was > : > 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot > : > 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG > : > apple. > : > > : > anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my > : > hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol > : > > : > thanks > : > > : > RK > : > > : > > : > :

Response:

RK, What is Niacin?  Did you start that about 10 days ago?  I hope someone has a clue as to what is going on with you, because I would love some "unexplained" GOOD sugars for a change!  At least it’s a nice change of pace! Steph

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi RK a > little over a year now and twice I have had to make major adjustments in my > basal rates and with my bolus.  After being in near perfect control for 6 > chasing my high sugars until we adjusted my basal rates. > I think with this disease, it is common > Bob > lol don, isn’t that the truth.. while i don’t mind the lower bg’s > just like to know what is going on. > thanks > rk > : One of the ‘interesting’ things about diabetes is that just when you > ‘think’ > : you have it figured out,  It will pop up and kick you in the a#% > : don > : > : > ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. > : > what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity > : > without changing anything other then taking niacin? > : > > : > i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. > : > > : > my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you > : > look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. > : > > : > I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm > : > including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. > : > 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. > : > > : > i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got sick > : > with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he said > : > i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to > : > me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m > : > good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about > : > 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. > : > > : > pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. > : > though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. > : > > : > this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was > : > 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot > : > 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG > : > apple. > : > > : > anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my > : > hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol > : > > : > thanks > : > > : > RK > : > > : > > : > :

Response:

Hi steph, Niacin is Vitamin B3. Since I’m not very active, my HDL is a bit low. the only problem I have with my lipids. doc last time wanted me to try Niacin to see if it would bring it up a bit. I started the Niacin back middle of June. Yes.. lol it’s a change of pace, just would like to know what the trend is .. to keep it going. Only thing I can think of… I finally have my basal and bolus set correctly. RK

: RK, : What is Niacin?  Did you start that about 10 days ago?  I hope someone has a : clue as to what is going on with you, because I would love some : "unexplained" GOOD sugars for a change!  At least it’s a nice change of : pace! : Steph : : > Hi RK : > for : a : > little over a year now and twice I have had to make major adjustments in : my : > basal rates and with my bolus.  After being in near perfect control for 6 : > chasing my high sugars until we adjusted my basal rates. : > : > I think with this disease, it is common : > : > Bob : > > lol don, isn’t that the truth.. while i don’t mind the lower bg’s : > > just like to know what is going on. : > > : > > thanks : > > rk : > > : > > : One of the ‘interesting’ things about diabetes is that just when you : > > ‘think’ : > > : you have it figured out,  It will pop up and kick you in the a#% : > > : don : > > : : > > : > ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. : > > : > what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity : > > : > without changing anything other then taking niacin? : > > : > : > > : > i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. : > > : > : > > : > my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you : > > : > look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. : > > : > : > > : > I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm : > > : > including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. : > > : > 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. : > > : > : > > : > i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got sick : > > : > with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he said : > > : > i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to : > > : > me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m : > > : > good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about : > > : > 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. : > > : > : > > : > pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. : > > : > though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. : > > : > : > > : > this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was : > > : > 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot : > > : > 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG : > > : > apple. : > > : > : > > : > anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my : > > : > hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol : > > : > : > > : > thanks : > > : > : > > : > RK : > > : > : > > : > : > > : : > > : : > > : > > : > : > : :

Response:

Thanks for the info.  Let’s hope that this is due to finally getting your basal/bolus correct! Steph

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi steph, > Niacin is Vitamin B3. Since I’m not very active, my HDL is a bit > low. the only problem I have with my lipids. doc last time wanted > me to try Niacin to see if it would bring it up a bit. I started the > Niacin back middle of June. > Yes.. lol it’s a change of pace, just would like to know what the > trend is .. to keep it going. Only thing I can think of… I finally have > my basal and bolus set correctly. > RK > : RK, > : What is Niacin?  Did you start that about 10 days ago?  I hope someone has > a > : clue as to what is going on with you, because I would love some > : "unexplained" GOOD sugars for a change!  At least it’s a nice change of > : pace! > : Steph > : > : > Hi RK > : > > for > : a > : > little over a year now and twice I have had to make major adjustments in > : my > : > basal rates and with my bolus.  After being in near perfect control for > 6 was > : > chasing my high sugars until we adjusted my basal rates. > : > > : > I think with this disease, it is common > : > > : > Bob > : > > lol don, isn’t that the truth.. while i don’t mind the lower bg’s > : > > just like to know what is going on. > : > > > : > > thanks > : > > rk > : > > > : > > : One of the ‘interesting’ things about diabetes is that just when you > : > > ‘think’ > : > > : you have it figured out,  It will pop up and kick you in the a#% > : > > : don > : > > : > : > > : > ok.. calling on the knowledge of the longer insulin users. > : > > : > what would cause a significant increase in insulin sensitivity > : > > : > without changing anything other then taking niacin? > : > > : > > : > > : > i’m only taking 500mg a day in the mornings. > : > > : > > : > > : > my carb/insulin ratio has gone up or down however you > : > > : > look at it., i’m getting more carbs for less insulin. > : > > : > > : > > : > I’ve been at 98-118 ALL day! which i’ve had about 180gm > : > > : > including ice cream! yeah okay so it was no sugar added breyers. > : > > : > 14gm per 1/2cup. This also included bbq pork ribs for dinner. > : > > : > > : > > : > i’ve been like this now for… well about 10days.. since I got > sick > : > > : > with the flu again. i’ve called my endo back in california, he > said > : > > : > i might have burnt out whatever i had left. which makes sense to > : > > : > me considering, no matter what i eat, as long as i cover it.. i’m > : > > : > good to go. btw.. my basal is 16.8u and bolus seems to run about > : > > : > 10:1 morning / 17:1 afternoon / 13:1 dinner. > : > > : > > : > > : > pain also hasn’t had much of an effect these past 10 days either. > : > > : > though still take my 1000mg of asprin in the morning. > : > > : > > : > > : > this afternoon for lunch had a large apple and some cheese. was > : > > : > 113 when i started, at 1hr test was 98, at 2hr was 112. I shot > : > > : > 1.2u figuring the apple was about 20gm + since it was a BIG > : > > : > apple. > : > > : > > : > > : > anyone have a clue? I’m kinda at a loss here, and scratching my > : > > : > hair frm my head pondering isn’t helping. lol > : > > : > > : > > : > thanks > : > > : > > : > > : > RK > : > > : > > : > > : > > : > > : > : > > : > : > > > : > > > : > > : > > : > :

Response:

Question:

> Ummmm Yummm Yummmy. I had some low carb no added sugar ice-cream the > other night and no spike. I was shocked but happy. > Di

There are new varieties of no sugar added ice cream popping up all over. Breyers has one, and so does Edy’s and another brand called Perry’s is available locally, not to mention Blue Bunny at Wal Mart! delicious. I sauteed some strawberries in water and splenda just till tender and spooned it over the top. Delicious! Evelyn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, we dusted off the family vanilla ice cream recipe and > substituted > Splenda for the 2 1/2 cups of sugar.  It turned out great, and even > though I > had a pretty good sized bowl of it, there wasn’t any spike…. > ….though perhaps I worked off the sugar with all of the churn > cranking. > — > Will you sponsor me in the Tour de Cure? > http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1058&px=1626087

Response:

Well, we dusted off the family vanilla ice cream recipe and substituted Splenda for the 2 1/2 cups of sugar.  It turned out great, and even though I had a pretty good sized bowl of it, there wasn’t any spike…. ….though perhaps I worked off the sugar with all of the churn cranking. — Will you sponsor me in the Tour de Cure? http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1058&px=1626087

Response:

Ummmm Yummm Yummmy. I had some low carb no added sugar ice-cream the other night and no spike. I was shocked but happy. Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, we dusted off the family vanilla ice cream recipe and substituted > Splenda for the 2 1/2 cups of sugar.  It turned out great, and even though I > had a pretty good sized bowl of it, there wasn’t any spike…. > ….though perhaps I worked off the sugar with all of the churn cranking. > — > Will you sponsor me in the Tour de Cure? > http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1058&px=1626087

Response:

Question:

hi this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of june 2003…  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Response:

Ray… I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news but 9.5 is NOT a little high. It’s very high. It’s most likely the cause of your neuropathy and CHF. If you’re not on meds your doctor is not doing his job. You can get this disease under control.   Don’t let it take your life little by little! Jennifer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003… >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Response:

Hi Joshua, My last A1c was 9.4.  I’m not willing to settle for that because it just makes me more sick than I want to be.  With the help of this group, in the last two weeks, I’ve dropped my average down from around 230 to 170, and today, my numbers actually stayed in the ‘normal’ range most of the day.  It can be done.  It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but it’s worth it.  My energy levels are way up.  My back pain has lessened, and my feet are even less dry and more pink than they were.  I’m just not going to allow this disease to control my life.  I feel so strongly about this, so much so that I urge you to not accept those numbers.  It is way too high to continue without more serious complications.  I expect my next A1c to be better, and the next one better still until I obtain consistent tight control of my blood sugars.  You’re worth the effort, please believe that. Bonita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003… >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Response:

Hi Welcome Back and hope you stay around a while. Diana

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003… >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Response:

This post not CC’d by email >hi >this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. >talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to >that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out >of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. >my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from >my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make >it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with >my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of >june 2003…

So you are a young fellah. G’day G’day Ray, > I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it >could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a >little high but watch what I eat…

Whoops.   He didn’t really say, "An HbA1c of 9.5 was a BIT high" … or did he? 9.5 is so high it could bite you in some very unpleasant places … and when it has bitten you there it would find someone else for another nibble.   Ray,   I don’t know a iota about your circumstances when compared to what you know.  For instance I don’t know such simple things as how long you have been diagnosed as a diabetic or what treatment you are receiving.  Whatever.   Reading your post is a bit like getting a supermarket docket for $120 000.  One just knows some arithmetic needs to be redone.   Here is the docket as I see it. Neuropathy in feet. Neuropathy in the legs. Neuropathy in … the anatomical progression was leading somewhere. (Probably affecting the hard drive.) Congestive heart failure. Now wait for the till total        HbA1c, a bit high.    <yeah, right>   >it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Let’s face it, a more aggressive strategy seems to be called for.   It could be that you are already being treated aggressively and are waiting for the impact of that to become apparent. I certainly hope so for your sake.  Whatever. However, my hopes won’t save you.  IMHO it is going to require some tough decisions, that only you and a doctor who is willing to lay it on the line in full frank honesty for you can make. Best wishes, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       >#,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

Response:

>hi >this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. >talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to >that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out >of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. >. . . .(snip). . . > I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it >could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a >little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

      Sorry,  there’s something seriously wrong here.  CHF + HbA1c of 9.5 doesn’t add up to "little high but watch what I eat. . ." As Quentin noted, "some arithmetic needs to be redone" As I see it,  you should be in emergency mode right now.  HbA1c of 9.5 equates to an average blood sugar of about 260 mg/dL    (14.5 mmol/L in Europe and Canada).     I think you need insulin right now, if only to normalize your sugars and give you and your doc a chance to figure out how best to handle this situation. Your doc needs to be a lot more aggressive.   You would be well served if somebody started pestering him for stronger meds or even a referral to a diabetes specialist. Regards   Old Al

Response:

> hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003… >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Hi Ray. Sorry to hear of all your misfortune, but happy to see you are here now and able to participate. I’m sure by reading what other people have found works for them you can get that HbA1C reading down and get some better control. I don’t even want to talk about computer problems. Mine has been in the shop since May 1st. I’m using our old one. Every time I get ahold of the man he says he is just about done restoring everything I had on my hard drives and should be done by the next day. Then I can’t get him to answer his phone for a couple of days. Aren’t computers fun? :-< Anyway, best of luck to you. Chuck

Response:

This post not CC’d by email – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sorry,  there’s something seriously wrong here. > CHF + HbA1c of 9.5 doesn’t add up to "little high but watch what I eat. . >." >As Quentin noted, "some arithmetic needs to be redone" >As I see it,  you should be in emergency mode right now.  HbA1c of 9.5 >equates to an average blood sugar of about 260 mg/dL    (14.5 mmol/L in >Europe and Canada).     I think you need insulin right now, if only to >normalize your sugars and give you and your doc a chance to figure out how >best to handle this situation. >Your doc needs to be a lot more aggressive.   You would be well served if >somebody started pestering him for stronger meds or even a referral to a >diabetes specialist. >Regards >  Old Al

G’day G’day,  I think what we are all politely trying to say is "If you want to live get better medical advice." The time to act was yesterday. Joshua, we like you. We want you to stick around. We would like for the least of your worries be computers crapping out as they are wont to do. The fact that we are here posting means some of us could even help you sort out some of those computer problems.  Many of us have had similar problems from time to time. What I personally don’t like is what is happening for you medically that IMHO could and should be avoided.  My sense is that, that is a shared opinion. Best wishes, Best wishes, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       >#,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

Response:

Is this Ray/Joshua, or am I really confused,  I am sorry that you have all the problems that you do for such a young man,  Some things can get back to normal if you get your bgts under control and your aic into a non diabetic state and stay there,  9.5 is very high so I dont understand Dr. Davis advise,  You need to work on it really hard, and if you need our help we are here for you. Loretta — In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism.

Response:

Sharing….Quentin!         Memory

Response:

> hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group….

Hi there Ray, Nice to see you back here > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home.

It isn’t quite like that.  We have free will.  If you put yourself in harm’s way, whether you know it’s harmful or not, you will suffer consquences.  On the other hand, if you start looking after yourself, you may start doing better. You *are* responsible for looking after the body God gave you. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare…

I can see that you are possible waiting for the medicare to become available, so that you can seek more medical attention, and that’s important, but there are some things you can get going on right now. > not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003…

Yes there is.  Lots to do.  Do you have a meter?  There are ways to buy strips for testing at pretty affordable prices too – folk here can give you some leads on that.  Have a look at our web page and read Jennifers advice to newbies,  and get started on adjusting your diet and getting those bg levels down.  Seek out a group that teaches mild, suitable exercise programs for CHF survivers – all the literature says that those who eat right and exercise do better in preventing any further incidents.  How’s your cholesterol?  Start looking at things that can help there too. You’re gonna be one busy boy, if you take a very personal interest in your own treatment. Shopping is going to get veeery interesting. >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads.

Well, salads are a good place to start.  What you put in them really matters.  Have you considered stir frys, or soups?  What kind of proteins are you into?  Fish is one of the best sources, but there are others you may be able to have as well.  Some eggs and nuts aren’t bad either.  A bit of dairy in moderation should be possible. Berries are a tasty,  low carb fruit that you might like to check out. You say you go shopping with your wife – how much input from you goes into the food selections?  Do you read labels? – now is a good time to start. Ever thought of taking up cooking? – there’s lots of suitable recipes around, and you may even design some of your own. Sooo, if you have any questions, please ask – we just love to help! Get your butt into gear, and start thinking life!  A NEW way of life!  I guarantee you won’t be bored. Take care, Annette

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Hi Diana; Thank you. I will try to stay around… recently my son’s computer was destroyed by a little "spider" in his power supply it touched somthing as he as botting up and ZAP! no more 1700+ chip!!!! the mother board was toast too. so things can happen outside our control. God Bless you & this group! Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Welcome Back and hope you stay around a while. > Diana > hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay > out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer > from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i > make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping > with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003… >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, > it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads. >

Response:

Hi Quentin; Each day is wonderful gift! the doc’s TA gave me my test results, and I’ve been diagnosed a T2 since Feb 2001…. i have all that neuropathy in my feet and am impotent. I take insulin twice a day 4R & 12 N… thanks for your advice heaven knows I can use all the wisdom i can get. Now if i could get over feeling useless…. Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This post not CC’d by email >hi >this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. >talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to >that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out >of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. >my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from >my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make >it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with >my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of >june 2003… > So you are a young fellah. > G’day G’day Ray, > I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it >could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a >little high but watch what I eat… > Whoops. > He didn’t really say, "An HbA1c of 9.5 was a BIT high" … or did he? > 9.5 is so high it could bite you in some very unpleasant places … > and when it has bitten you there it would find someone else for > another nibble. > Ray, >   I don’t know a iota about your circumstances when compared to what > you know.  For instance I don’t know such simple things as how long > you have been diagnosed as a diabetic or what treatment you are > receiving.  Whatever. > Reading your post is a bit like getting a supermarket docket for > $120 000.  One just knows some arithmetic needs to be redone. > Here is the docket as I see it. > Neuropathy in feet. > Neuropathy in the legs. > Neuropathy in … the anatomical progression was leading somewhere. > (Probably affecting the hard drive.) > Congestive heart failure. > Now wait for the till total >      HbA1c, a bit high.    <yeah, right> >it’s a good thing that i like salads. > Let’s face it, a more aggressive strategy seems to be called for. > It could be that you are already being treated aggressively and are > waiting for the impact of that to become apparent. I certainly hope so > for your sake.  Whatever. > However, my hopes won’t save you.  IMHO it is going to require some > tough decisions, that only you and a doctor who is willing to lay it > on the line in full frank honesty for you can make. > Best wishes, > — > Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / > New Zealand,       >#,#< [ >                     / / > "… and the blind dog was leading." > http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

Response:

Thank you R

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->hi >this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. >talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to >that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out >of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. >my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from >my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make >it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with >my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of >june 2003… > I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it >could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a >little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads. > That A1c is to high.  Things will get worse if you don’t get your > diabetes under control.  A lot of people today seem to be having > computer problems.  Damn M$ and their XP patch in April is > destabilizing a lot of user systems, mine included.  Hope things get > better for you.  See Sig to record those BG’s and BP.  It’s Free. > Good luck. > http://www.tcainternet.com/retired/index.html

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Hi Al; so far i do ok on my heart meds. if i told any stronger i’d be sleepwalking my way through each day, as it is I’m sluggish and too much insulin made me feel "funny"….. It’s been over 2 years since my heart attack. maybe when i get on medicare i can afford better care, mre blood tests, etc. more supplies to test with, with me not working things are all on my wife, since she’s the only one bringing in a paycheck…. and my SSDI that i get once a month…..taking better care of myself cost $$$$. thanks Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->hi >this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. >talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to >that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out >of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. >. . . .(snip). . . > I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, > it >could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a >little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads. >       Sorry,  there’s something seriously wrong here. >  CHF + HbA1c of 9.5 doesn’t add up to "little high but watch what I eat. . > ." > As Quentin noted, "some arithmetic needs to be redone" > As I see it,  you should be in emergency mode right now.  HbA1c of 9.5 > equates to an average blood sugar of about 260 mg/dL    (14.5 mmol/L in > Europe and Canada).     I think you need insulin right now, if only to > normalize your sugars and give you and your doc a chance to figure out how > best to handle this situation. > Your doc needs to be a lot more aggressive.   You would be well served if > somebody started pestering him for stronger meds or even a referral to a > diabetes specialist. > Regards >   Old Al

Response:

Quentin I guess i don’t have a real good reason to live my life sucks!!!! If its my time to die then so be it…. I could have perfect BG and get killed in a car crash tomorrow…. but thank you for your concern!  all i see is me in a wheelchair in a few years getting my oxygen through a plastic tube! so maybe my thinking needs a little adgustment, i had a bout with thoughts of sucide in 2001 my doctor prescribed Zoloft, that worked, I really don’t want a heart transplant, I can’t see taking a life to perpetuate my life anyway I’d be on anti-rejection drug therapy forever and they won’t pay for those drugs but they would pay for $1million dollar heart transplant, and that don’t make sense to mee at all. Prevention is the only was to go but that’s too late! I really hate sticking myself…. this is NO way to live as i see it… what’s really going to kill me is LACK of INSURANCE… see I’m fighting a loosing battle….  No sense getting all worked up about my test death is a natural thing. this body is only a shell, once i vacate it they can do whatever they want with it….. are these thoughts morbid???? are am i only being sensible about my situation? sorry to sound so down, but today is one of my GOOD days:) the sun’s shining the birds are singing so sweetly…. Sincerely; Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This post not CC’d by email > Sorry,  there’s something seriously wrong here. > CHF + HbA1c of 9.5 doesn’t add up to "little high but watch what I eat. . >." >As Quentin noted, "some arithmetic needs to be redone" >As I see it,  you should be in emergency mode right now.  HbA1c of 9.5 >equates to an average blood sugar of about 260 mg/dL    (14.5 mmol/L in >Europe and Canada).     I think you need insulin right now, if only to >normalize your sugars and give you and your doc a chance to figure out how >best to handle this situation. >Your doc needs to be a lot more aggressive.   You would be well served if >somebody started pestering him for stronger meds or even a referral to a >diabetes specialist. >Regards >  Old Al > G’day G’day, >  I think what we are all politely trying to say is > "If you want to live get better medical advice." > The time to act was yesterday. > Joshua, we like you. We want you to stick around. We would like for > the least of your worries be computers crapping out as they are wont > to do. The fact that we are here posting means some of us could even > help you sort out some of those computer problems.  Many of us have > had similar problems from time to time. > What I personally don’t like is what is happening for you medically > that IMHO could and should be avoided.  My sense is that, that is a > shared opinion. > Best wishes, > Best wishes, > — > Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / > New Zealand,       >#,#< [ >                     / / > "… and the blind dog was leading." > http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

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Dear Memory: Quentin seems nice to me… Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sharing….Quentin!         Memory

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Chuck; thanks… I know I should get a grip….. somtime I loose it… Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > june 2003… >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads. > Hi Ray. Sorry to hear of all your misfortune, but happy to see you are here now > and able to participate. I’m sure by reading what other people have found works > for them you can get that HbA1C reading down and get some better control. > I don’t even want to talk about computer problems. Mine has been in the shop > since May 1st. I’m using our old one. Every time I get ahold of the man he says > he is just about done restoring everything I had on my hard drives and should be > done by the next day. Then I can’t get him to answer his phone for a couple of > days. Aren’t computers fun? :-< > Anyway, best of luck to you. > Chuck

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Annette; Hi;  it’s quite a mess finding out it takes lots of $$$ to live, oh well that’s nothing new to us…. call me "joshua" or Ray just  not late to dinner thank you thank you thank you don’t mind me i get frustated sometimes…. I love the support you guys are wonderful there are Angels!!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > Hi there Ray, > Nice to see you back here > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else > added to > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to > stay out > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > It isn’t quite like that.  We have free will.  If you put yourself > in harm’s way, whether you know it’s harmful or not, you will suffer > consquences.  On the other hand, if you start looking after > yourself, you may start doing better. > You *are* responsible for looking after the body God gave you. > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand > computer from > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… > if i make > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… > I can see that you are possible waiting for the medicare to become > available, so that you can seek more medical attention, and that’s > important, but there are some things you can get going on right now. > not much to do but go shopping with > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the > 23rd of > june 2003… > Yes there is.  Lots to do.  Do you have a meter?  There are ways to > buy strips for testing at pretty affordable prices too – folk here > can give you some leads on that.  Have a look at our web page and > read Jennifers advice to newbies,  and get started on adjusting your > diet and getting those bg levels down.  Seek out a group that > teaches mild, suitable exercise programs for CHF survivers – all the > literature says that those who eat right and exercise do better in > preventing any further incidents.  How’s your cholesterol?  Start > looking at things that can help there too. > You’re gonna be one busy boy, if you take a very personal interest > in your own treatment. > Shopping is going to get veeery interesting. >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say > oh well, it > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis > says a > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like > salads. > Well, salads are a good place to start.  What you put in them really > matters.  Have you considered stir frys, or soups?  What kind of > proteins are you into?  Fish is one of the best sources, but there > are others you may be able to have as well.  Some eggs and nuts > aren’t bad either.  A bit of dairy in moderation should be possible. > Berries are a tasty,  low carb fruit that you might like to check > out. > You say you go shopping with your wife – how much input from you > goes into the food selections?  Do you read labels? – now is a good > time to start. > Ever thought of taking up cooking? – there’s lots of suitable > recipes around, and you may even design some of your own. > Sooo, if you have any questions, please ask – we just love to help! > Get your butt into gear, and start thinking life!  A NEW way of > life!  I guarantee you won’t be bored. > Take care, > Annette

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Don’t we all? At least you recognize it, which is a whole lot better than most people. Hang in there, if for no other reason than to prove them wrong that say you can’t. ‘-} Chuck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Chuck; > thanks… I know I should get a grip….. somtime I loose it… > Ray > > hi > > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay > out > > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer > from > > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i > make > > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping > with > > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > > june 2003… > >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh > well, it > > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads. > > Hi Ray. Sorry to hear of all your misfortune, but happy to see you are > here now > and able to participate. I’m sure by reading what other people have found > works > for them you can get that HbA1C reading down and get some better control. > I don’t even want to talk about computer problems. Mine has been in the > shop > since May 1st. I’m using our old one. Every time I get ahold of the man he > says > he is just about done restoring everything I had on my hard drives and > should be > done by the next day. Then I can’t get him to answer his phone for a > couple of > days. Aren’t computers fun? :-< > Anyway, best of luck to you. > Chuck

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 yes your right….. I’ll try…. thanks… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Don’t we all? At least you recognize it, which is a whole lot better than most > people. Hang in there, if for no other reason than to prove them wrong that say > you can’t. ‘-} > Chuck > Chuck; > thanks… I know I should get a grip….. somtime I loose it… > Ray > > > hi > > > this is Ray I’ve been away from the group…. > > > talk about neuropathy in my feet, legs, and you know where else added to > > > that CHF(congestive heart failure). well the good Lord wants me to stay > out > > > of trouble, i guess. so  this keeps me home. > > > my 1st computer’s hd crahed an burned, i got another 2nd hand computer > from > > > my son, all my files are gone now, my instant message contacts… if i > make > > > it to August 2003 i’ll be on medicare… not much to do but go shopping > with > > > my wife and visit my in’laws… I’ll be 52 y/o in a month on the 23rd of > > > june 2003… > > >  I won’t bore you with all the bad things that’s happened, I say oh > well, it > > > could’ve been worse…my last HbA1c test was "9.5" doctor Davis says a > > > little high but watch what I eat…it’s a good thing that i like salads. > > > Hi Ray. Sorry to hear of all your misfortune, but happy to see you are > here now > > and able to participate. I’m sure by reading what other people have found > works > > for them you can get that HbA1C reading down and get some better control. > > I don’t even want to talk about computer problems. Mine has been in the > shop > > since May 1st. I’m using our old one. Every time I get ahold of the man he > says > > he is just about done restoring everything I had on my hard drives and > should be > > done by the next day. Then I can’t get him to answer his phone for a > couple of > > days. Aren’t computers fun? :-< > > Anyway, best of luck to you. > > Chuck

Response:

This post not CC’d by email >Hi Quentin; >Each day is wonderful gift! >the doc’s TA gave me my test results, and I’ve been diagnosed a T2 since Feb >2001…. i have all that neuropathy in my feet and am impotent. I take >insulin twice a day 4R & 12 N… >thanks for your advice heaven knows I can use all the wisdom i can get. >Now if i could get over feeling useless…. >Ray

G’day G’day Ray,   First up, let me apologize for misappraising your situation.  I really did think it was time you and your doc were considering insulin.  I see you are already there.  As to how to improve the results from taking insulin, sorry, I can’t help at all there since it is way outside my range of expertise.  I do however hope that you will enter into discussion with some of the very knowledgeable T1 here. BTW. It isn’t necessary to feel useful.  Sure I know guys get hung up on feeling useful. And most of us would like to feel useful. It just isn’t an absolute necessity.  Maybe it is what keeps so many of us working too hard and too long.   However think about this for a moment; at the moment we were born no one said, "This baby is not OK because it can’t plough the field today."  I guess what I am about to suggest is a bit radical but hey perhaps you might want to give it a try.   A theologian once said something to the effect, "What matters is we give life meaning. It doesn’t matter too much what the meaning is just that we attach meaning to what we do each day."   It might be playing a game of checkers with friend  … and looking forward to a return match when one loses.  It might be making it to the bus on time to visit a drop in centre.  It might be … well you can see it doesn’t matter what it is or whether anyone else would attach importance to it. Just so long as it is meaningful in some way to you.   Has there every been something that you thought, well I’d do that if I had time. Well now you probably have time and a dozen more reasons why you couldn’t be enjoying whatever that was right now but hey, some of those reasons might just be challenges to which you will see solutions once you are looking for them.   Hope you get those damn computers up and going again. Best wishes, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       >#,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

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This post not CC’d by email >Dear Memory: >Quentin seems nice to me… >Ray > Sharing….Quentin!         Memory

Thanks Ray,   Memory’s comment didn’t mean anything to me.  Perhaps she was suggesting she shared my views over the need to get good medical care … perhaps not. BTW. when I went to California a commonly heard expression was "Thank your for sharing."   When on returning to NZ, I used it with one of my classes, it got the response it deserved, "Who farted?" — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       >#,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

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> A theologian once said something to the effect, "What matters is we > give life meaning. It …  might be making it to the bus on time to > visit a drop in centre.  

And if you don’t make it, could you cope with a little extra walking?  (That’s thinking outside the bus.) OK, Ray, sometimes I can’t resist a little joke, but I know your situation is serious.  I just can’t at the moment say anything that hasn’t already been said.

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G’day G’day Ray,    You describe this as one of your good days.  Hey, I believe you. So how about we make the most of the opportunity. This post not CC’d by email >I guess i don’t have a real good reason to live my life sucks!!!!

As it happens I spent many years educating adults.  Now that is very different from educating kids.  Most kids sort of accept education because its what they’re supposed to be doing. Some of course don’t. With adults it is very different.  Adults are sure of one thing, there must be a reason why they are getting that education.  Put simply most of them are goal orientated.  The funny thing is their goals are different.  Sure their goals might have some similarity because they are doing the same course but scratch a little deeper and one finds their desired outcomes are often quite different.  Now how can that be.  We they all given different destinies?  It doesn’t seem that way for most of them.  My guess is they made them up themselves.   They gave their own meaning to what they did. It seems such a natural thing for people to do, I stopped and wondered why that wasn’t happening for you right now.   Could it be circumstance?  It sure could, but it might not be entirely that.  High blood glucose for instance can make people feel like crap. >If its my time to die then so be it…. >I could have perfect BG and get killed in a car crash tomorrow….

Well that is true. It is also true that people who are bright and cheerful are less accident prone.  Put simply it one more good reason to get those blood glucose levels under control sooner rather than later. >but thank you for your concern!

I’d like to thank you straight up for accepting the bumbling along of someone who would like to help but uncertain of what immediate action needs to be taken to start things in right direction for you.  There is no way I can get it all right.  That is one of the virtues of a support group.  Think of it like a supermarket.  There is lots of different help on the shelves.  You get to push your own trolley. > all i see is me in a wheelchair in a few years getting my oxygen through a >plastic tube!

Does it have balloons?   Whenever I come up with a depressing image like that I play with it a bit.  Reality is challenge enough without creating depressing images of things that might never happen. >so maybe my thinking needs a little adgustment,

Yeah, it probably does but you know what "Its OK." >i had a bout with thoughts >of sucide in 2001 my doctor prescribed Zoloft, that worked, I really don’t >want a heart transplant, I can’t see taking a life to perpetuate my life

Now I find that a bit strange.  There are many people who put their names forward as heart donors transplants.  My guess they don’t see their life being taken away from them by the transplant.  They figure that should, heaven forbid, they get run over by a bus, some part of them will go on living.  It is more like having a chance to cheat death in part.  Same scenario, two different points of view. I am not saying my way of thinking about it is better or right just that not everyone shares the idea that heart transplants amount to taking a life to perpetuate life. >anyway I’d be on anti-rejection drug therapy forever and they won’t pay for >those drugs but they would pay for $1million dollar heart transplant, and >that don’t make sense to mee at all.

Now that is a bitch.  It doesn’t make sense to me either.  It doesn’t make sense to me so much that in your position I’d be inclined to be writing to a member of congress or whatever.  Something like that would give my life meaning … not that is a way I’d choose but I sure as heck can recognise it get me up and fighting. >Prevention is the only was to go but that’s too late! >I really hate sticking myself…. this is NO way to live as i see it… >what’s really going to kill me is LACK of INSURANCE… see I’m fighting a >loosing battle….

Fighting losing battles is the stuff that make unnatural heroes of us. > No sense getting all worked up about my test >death is a natural thing. this body is only a shell, once i vacate it >they can do whatever they want with it….. are these thoughts morbid???? >are am i only being sensible about my situation?

I’d take a bet each way.  Some part of it is physiological.  Improving the things that can probably be improved like blood glucose would help and yes some part of it is just accepting one of the possibilities of your situation.  My general question is "What next?"   Let’s say you have done all the accepting what would you rather get on and do? >sorry to sound so down, >but today is one of my GOOD days:)

For that, there is absolutely nothing to apologize for.   Down is how you have been feeling.  You’re been honest about it.   It is up to us to feel comfortable with that.  Sure we might make the odd suggestion on how you might brighten up how you feel right now but frankly I’m glad you can discover for yourself >the sun’s shining >the birds are singing so sweetly….

and you are enjoying that. >Sincerely; >Ray

Best wishes, — Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       >#,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading." http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/quentin

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Question:

I don’t know about urine experts you will find a bunch of BS artists. — "Sushi-Boy" Diabetes to some it is a curse for me its a CURE. www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf?origin=*.jsp&event=link(B) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I noticed latley when I urinate, it forms like soap bubbles in the > toilet. It almost looks the same as mixing soap with water. the > bubbles are only on the surface of the water and they usually all > "pop" after 1 min. then the urine is clear. > They are usually all different size bubbles. > I don’t have diabetes as far as I know. somebody told me it’s air > bubbles. I read on here it can be serious though. > I tried going in a plastic cup, the foamy bubbles were like at the top > and the urine was below it. the bubble didn’t seem to pop in the cup. > It looks like a head on a beer. less then 1cm in height though I would > guess.

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After I posted the previous comments, I did what I usually do when knowing nothing about a particular comment or query – I did a Google search, with the words "Frothy urine". I got over 4 1/2 thousand hits. I rather liked this site, because it was fairly informative and yet not too technical. http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/dsonline/dsarticles.nsf/pages/Kidne ys_nephrotic_syndrome?OpenDocument That and the other sites I looked at all said it may be caused by protein in the urine, and can be an indicator of kidney disease, caused by a variety of disorders. I recommend you have a look at some of these sites yourself, and get yourself to a doctor quicksmart! Let us know how you go, Please? Annette

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I noticed latley when I urinate, it forms like soap bubbles in the > toilet. It almost looks the same as mixing soap with water. the > bubbles are only on the surface of the water and they usually all > "pop" after 1 min. then the urine is clear. > They are usually all different size bubbles. > I don’t have diabetes as far as I know. somebody told me it’s air > bubbles. I read on here it can be serious though. > I tried going in a plastic cup, the foamy bubbles were like at the top > and the urine was below it. the bubble didn’t seem to pop in the cup. > It looks like a head on a beer. less then 1cm in height though I would > guess.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I noticed latley when I urinate, it forms like soap bubbles in the > toilet. It almost looks the same as mixing soap with water. the > bubbles are only on the surface of the water and they usually all > "pop" after 1 min. then the urine is clear. > They are usually all different size bubbles. > I don’t have diabetes as far as I know. somebody told me it’s air > bubbles. I read on here it can be serious though. > I tried going in a plastic cup, the foamy bubbles were like at the top > and the urine was below it. the bubble didn’t seem to pop in the cup. > It looks like a head on a beer. less then 1cm in height though I would > guess.

I have been told that aspartame can cause frothing,  if one has happened to ingest a fair bit of it. Harmless, AFAIK. Never-the -less, *do* get your urine tested.  No-one here is able to dx something like that, and shouldn’t try. All we can do is share our own personal experiences. It only takes a few minutes at the doctor’s – they just dip a little test stick in your specimen, to look for anything out of the ordinary.  No big deal.  If they are still uncertain, the sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. All the best, Annette

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> I noticed latley when I urinate, it forms like soap bubbles in the > toilet. It almost looks the same as mixing soap with water. the > bubbles are only on the surface of the water and they usually all > "pop" after 1 min. then the urine is clear. > They are usually all different size bubbles. > I don’t have diabetes as far as I know. somebody told me it’s air > bubbles. I read on here it can be serious though. > I tried going in a plastic cup, the foamy bubbles were like at the top > and the urine was below it. the bubble didn’t seem to pop in the cup. > It looks like a head on a beer. less then 1cm in height though I would > guess.

      I have had that problem for years, first noticed it before they eventually dx as type2. I had all sorts of liver and kidney checks done, no problems there. They finally give up and said that my body just produced to much protein and was dumping it. Actually it was the major sign that after years of messing me about I was in actual fact diabetic. If I were you I would get a check up ASAP. Alan To reply -: — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

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> I noticed latley when I urinate, it forms like soap bubbles in the > toilet. It almost looks the same as mixing soap with water. the > bubbles are only on the surface of the water and they usually all > "pop" after 1 min. then the urine is clear. > They are usually all different size bubbles. > I don’t have diabetes as far as I know. somebody told me it’s air > bubbles. I read on here it can be serious though. > I tried going in a plastic cup, the foamy bubbles were like at the top > and the urine was below it. the bubble didn’t seem to pop in the cup. > It looks like a head on a beer. less then 1cm in height though I would > guess.

Any number of things, most of them completely harmless, can cause foamy urine.  If you haven’t had a physical lately, get one and get a urinalysis done.  If it doesn’t show protein in your urine, the foaming is probably harmless (in men, it can be caused by small amounts of seminal components getting into the urine, among other things).

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Years ago my para educator who had/has severe diabetic problems would comment that when her urine was foamy she knew her sugars were out of control.  I was not dx’d at the time.  She  has/had  diabetes T2 for many years..on insulin injections and I always felt  she was very knowledgeable. So, that’s all I know about that.   Memory

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I noticed latley when I urinate, it forms like soap bubbles in the toilet. It almost looks the same as mixing soap with water. the bubbles are only on the surface of the water and they usually all "pop" after 1 min. then the urine is clear. They are usually all different size bubbles. I don’t have diabetes as far as I know. somebody told me it’s air bubbles. I read on here it can be serious though. I tried going in a plastic cup, the foamy bubbles were like at the top and the urine was below it. the bubble didn’t seem to pop in the cup. It looks like a head on a beer. less then 1cm in height though I would guess.

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Question:

stay right there sushi-boy will be right back. just worked out and blood sugar is 91 TIME TO EAT im going to have a Sushi-Boy meal, drink, snack — "Sushi-Boy" Diabetes to some it is a curse for me its a CURE. http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf?origin=*.jsp&even…)

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Oh, Goodie.  Are you also going to tell us when you are going to take a crap?

> stay right there sushi-boy will be right back. just worked out and blood

sugar is 91 TIME TO EAT > im going to have a Sushi-Boy meal, drink, snack > — > "Sushi-Boy" > Diabetes to some it is a curse > for me its a CURE.

http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf?origin=*.jsp&even…( D) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

I came across an article in Reader’s Digest and it said that Johnny Cash had Autonomic Neuropathy.. My question is, has anyone heard of it and can forward me to a place where I can do more research.. Googlin’ seem to not have much.. Or maybe I am just looking in the wrong place.. to send me email.

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> I came across an article in Reader’s Digest and it said that Johnny > Cash had Autonomic Neuropathy.. > My question is, has anyone heard of it and can forward me to a place > where I can do more research.. Googlin’ seem to not have much.. > Or maybe I am just looking in the wrong place..

Google produces 19,600 hits for autonomic neuropathy, Medline is the first hit in the list and gives a simple to understand overview.  I am not sure where else to point you to get as many hits.

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Wow on top of all the other problem Johnny has,  I can remember the first time I met Johnny he was in his mid 40’s and one heck of a nice guy. Sure sad to hear that, he has had it rough between the Parkinson’s, cancer, and all the other heath problems he already has, and now to add that that on top of it. I saw him at Angelo’s Steak house in Panama City Beach last year during summer vacation he looked so bad, only a shadow of his former self, time has not been nice to him at all.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I came across an article in Reader’s Digest and it said that Johnny > Cash had Autonomic Neuropathy.. > My question is, has anyone heard of it and can forward me to a place > where I can do more research.. Googlin’ seem to not have much.. > Or maybe I am just looking in the wrong place.. > to send me email.

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>I came across an article in Reader’s Digest and it said that Johnny >Cash had Autonomic Neuropathy.. >My question is, has anyone heard of it and can forward me to a place >where I can do more research.. Googlin’ seem to not have much.. >Or maybe I am just looking in the wrong place.. >to send me email.

This site has a simple explanation. http://www.1uphealth.com/health/autonomic_neuropathy_info.html I would like to add my problems are more severe when I do not control blood sugars well.   It does make blood sugar control more difficult because I see variations in the response of my system to food input.  Always some doubt as to the  timing of the food input. Another good reason to control blood sugars.  The later stages of diabetes has many problems.  I wish I could do it over with the current knowledge. I get pissed with spammers and trolls because they may deprive someone of needed information. That is good enough reason to hit these people hard.  The do not respect us and we do not need to respect them. Diabetes is a serious problem but we can do a lot to avoid problems if we work at it.l                                          Guy

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I came across an article in Reader’s Digest and it said that Johnny >Cash had Autonomic Neuropathy.. >My question is, has anyone heard of it and can forward me to a place >where I can do more research.. Googlin’ seem to not have much.. >Or maybe I am just looking in the wrong place.. >to send me email. >This site has a simple explanation. >http://www.1uphealth.com/health/autonomic_neuropathy_info.html >I would like to add my problems are more severe when I do >not control blood sugars well.   It does make blood sugar >control more difficult because I see variations in the response >of my system to food input.  Always some doubt as to the  timing of >the food input. >Another good reason to control blood sugars.  The later stages >of diabetes has many problems.  I wish I could do it over with >the current knowledge. I get pissed with spammers and trolls >because they may deprive someone of needed information. >That is good enough reason to hit these people hard.  The >do not respect us and we do not need to respect them. Diabetes >is a serious problem but we can do a lot to avoid problems if >we work at it.l >                                         Guy

Thanks Ozgirl and Guy.. I was doing research on this in the middle of the night, so maybe I just entered the search query wrong.. Jeremy/Destined

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>Great that you have insurance coverage.  I have medicare and they only pay >for two strips per day.  If I use more, they come out of pocket.  I’m on a >very limited income so the $80 or so is a huge chunk of change for me.  I >keep reminding myself of how much tougher things would be if I didn’t test >and started to have multiple complications.  My SO’s father was an >uncontrolled T2.  He had a leg amputated and died of a heart attack at 62. >My adoptive father’s mother had diabetes and had to inject insulin.  This >was back in the 50’s so it was a nasty ordeal.  I’ve seen this disease do a >number on quite a few people.  I don’t want to be one of them. >Testing is a great investment in you future. >c

     Wild guess by Al:    1.  Get a prescription for insulin    2.  Have doc tell Medicare that you are on insulin and therefore need more strips    3.  Once a month, pull vial of insulin out of refrigerator,  admire it, put it back, go to pharmacy and get higher strip allotment.   I heard that the Medicare default assignment is 100 strips every 3 months for non-insulin users   but 100 strips every month for insulin users. Regards   Old Al

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for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! With insurance co-pay it’s only $8. Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that allows multiple refills.      I have fought that fight with my insurance company for many a year. This year’s insurance  (the Company puts it out for bids) seems to be one of the better ones. . .when my doc wrote a prescription which explicitly said "test 5 times a day", they honored it! ! ! ! It helps when your doc is very explicit on the strip prescription.    You haven’t started this particular fight with the insurance yet, you may find it necessary.  When I was restricted to 3 times a day, I made do by obtaining cheaper strips somewhere, somehow.    I find that the Wal-Mart house brand (Relion) are acceptable at $44/100. Regards   Old Al

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>for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) >But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him >if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times >per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I >checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! >With insurance co-pay it’s only $8.   >Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that >allows multiple refills.

My test strip prescription is written that I should test 4-6 times per day, and they made it refillable for one year.  I hope you can work out a similar deal. Carol — Type 2, dx May 15,1995 Glucophage XR Low Carb Eating Plan Stretching Exercises and Walking

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> for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) > But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him > if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times > per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I > checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! > With insurance co-pay it’s only $8. > Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that > allows multiple refills.

I don’t know how they do the refills in your state.  In CA, MA, and WA, the pharmacy only needed to call the Dr. and then they could refill.  It’s that way here in NY too, but when I go this route, I can only get one refill.  In the other states, they gave me mulitple refills. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/ Julie Bove, posting from new account

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: Great that you have insurance coverage.  I have medicare and they only pay : for two strips per day.  If I use more, they come out of pocket.  I’m on a : very limited income so the $80 or so is a huge chunk of change for me.  I Colleen, I use a mail order outfit to get my Medicare strips, lancets, etc.  Medicare will give you as many strips as your MD will prescribe for you.  I get enough for 5 tests a day with no problem.  They send you a three onth supply.  I understand that drug stores sometimes make it more difficult, but ask them and ask your MD for a higher prescription. There are a number of compnies out there that do this mail ordering of strips and all you have to pay is the co pay if you don’t have secondary insurance. Wendy Baker

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        snip, snip > Colleen, I use a mail order outfit to get my Medicare strips,

        snip, snip Wendy, How are your strips shipped? The temperature range on the strip container is +36 to +86 degrees F.   My insurance carrier uses regular mail for shipping a three month supply. Since I live in Houston, my mailbox can get really hot on a sunny day.  (It’s not practical to stay home from work to meet the postman.) Do others worry about how heat affects their strips, or medicines that are shipped?  The question may seem silly since most everything is shipped via truck from the manufacturer to warehouse to store. But, I know that my mail cooks for hours in my streetside black metal mailbox.  I sure hope that my Lipitor and Aceon are not heat sensitive. This diabetes has really scared me. So I really want to give my meter its best shot at measuring my bg. Thanks for any insight, Earl Type II, 5/2002 500mg metformin

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Because I only have a few left I decided to only test twice today. This morning was no problem. But thiis evening twice the machine said more blood. Third time’s the charm but it took three strips this evening to get one reading! GRRR!!!!  Four strips today for two readings!

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Heat affects the strips? How does one keep them safe? In the refrigerator?

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> for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) > But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him > if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times > per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I > checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! > With insurance co-pay it’s only $8. > Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that > allows multiple refills.

Sometimes I feel terribly lucky to live in Australia …. test strips are subsidised here on the NDSS scheme through Diabetes Australia and wind up costing about $AUD6.00 (around $3.50US) for 50 from a pharmacist…. I try to test 8 times a day —

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> Heat affects the strips? How does one keep them safe? In the > refrigerator?

In normal, comfortable temperatures, just keep them in a cool place in your residence. In the summer,  if you have aircondioning, the same thing applies. If you don’t, and the weather is uncomfortabley hot, then the crisper (fruit and vege section) of your refrigerator might just be the best place. Certainly they must be kept cool – mine say store between +2C and +30C.  (AccuCheck Active).  Whatever is comfortable for you is a pretty good temperature. My refrigerator is around +4C normally. Of course, when you’re away from home, the same thing applies.  A short bout of high temperatures can totally ruin them for testing. I know, I lost about 100 strips when I moved house.  NEVER keep them in your car! Annette

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – prescription > for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) > But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him > if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times > per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I > checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! > With insurance co-pay it’s only $8. > Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that > allows multiple refills. > Sometimes I feel terribly lucky to live in Australia …. test strips are > subsidised here on the NDSS scheme through Diabetes Australia and wind up > costing about $AUD6.00 (around $3.50US) for 50 from a pharmacist…. > I try to test 8 times a day > —

Me too, Big Al.  Here, one good thing is that most doctors encourage testing, and the strips are available to do so. Pensioners and the unemployed get special rates as well. Annette

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$8? LUCKY! my insurance won’t even start covering any part until you meet the $500 deductible then it’s at 80%. already april & have put none towards the deductible so insurance is pretty useless to me. of course the dr. hasn’t even said a word about testing myself, last time i was in he just jabbed my finger & used a meter to test it. my office visits are cheap enough with a co-pay but when you start adding in prescriptions in adds up fast so i don’t even bother. i need to go & get a refill prescription but it’s just going to have to wait until i have some $$’s. our prescription plan sucks. i doubt if i’d be eligible for any type of prescription aid since i make ok (for our area) $$ & i have insurance – as cruddy as it is in regard to medicines. even taking glucophage doesn’t seem to help. the numbers are higher now (160 – 190’s) then before i started taking medication. >But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him >if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times

per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS. So I checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! With insurance co-pay it’s only $8. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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:       snip, snip :> :> Colleen, I use a mail order outfit to get my Medicare strips, :> :       snip, snip : Wendy, How are your strips shipped? : The temperature range on the strip container is +36 to +86 degrees F.   : My insurance carrier uses regular mail for shipping a three month : supply. Since I live in Houston, my mailbox can get really hot on a : sunny day.  (It’s not practical to stay home from work to meet the : postman.) : Do others worry about how heat affects their strips, or medicines : that are shipped?  The question may seem silly since most everything : is shipped via truck from the manufacturer to warehouse to store. : But, I know that my mail cooks for hours in my streetside black metal : mailbox.  I sure hope that my Lipitor and Aceon are not heat : sensitive. : This diabetes has really scared me. So I really want to give my meter : its best shot at measuring my bg. : Thanks for any insight, Earl : Type II, 5/2002 : 500mg metformin The strips are shipped in a box but no insulation.  I live in NY City in an apartment and the mail gets delivered rithe from a truck into the building.  It is possile that you could discuss this problem with the shiper, who might be able to provide a different delivery system or an insulated package.  It couldn’t hurt to try.   Can you have the PO hold them for you so you can pick them up on , say Sat morning? I have no idea of what hot Southern heat under a hot tin roof would do to the strips, but I wouldn’t want to experiment:-) Wendy Baker

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I have said it before and I will say it again.   When I said to hell with the cost of strips and went to intensive testing it was the best investment in my life. I finally found why I was seeing so many  very high blood sugars.   I finally had a major reduction in pain from neuropathy. The issue here comes down to the fact that there are a wide range of diabetes.  Just testing for the hell of testing is a waste.   You want to find your needs. Mine are very high. burt less now than they were for a while. Many people should look at the Walmart meters.  For me it works well and is not much of a problem to use. The Ultra is a good meter but when it became so popular The price of their strips rose greatly. In this argument everyone is correct.                                        Guy

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I have never had to do it, but I have heard people mention that one can buy them on EBay. I have bought things on EBay without any problems, as I am very careful, and I check the seller thoroughly. It may be worth a try, but you are on your own if you try it. Sleepy >for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) >But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him >if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times >per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I >checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! >With insurance co-pay it’s only $8.   >Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that >allows multiple refills.

"They all hate us anyhow     So let’s drop the big one now" Political Science by Randy Newman (tongue somewhat implanted in cheek)

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>for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) >But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him >if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times >per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I >checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! >With insurance co-pay it’s only $8.   >Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that >allows multiple refills.

here’s the key. Ask for a scrip in the amount of the total number of times you think you will test in a day times 30 days.  Rounded up to the nearest 50. (Test strips come in 50 and 100 count packages).  So 8 tests per day would be 8 x 30 = 240 or a script for  250 strips per month.  That’s 10 extra strips a month, which can be used for sick days and calibration tests.  Now, even if you are not sick, and only testing exactly 8 times a day, get the script refilled exactly every 30 days at least until you end up with (1) extra 50 pack on hand.  Then only refill the script when you need to.  This way you will stay (1) 50 pack ahead at all times.  scripts for testing supplies should be written for an entire year.  Believe me, and this is especially true for insulin users, there will come a time when you get lazy, forget or run short of time and or money or the pharmacy is out of stock (This happens all the time.) and will need that extra 50 pack. Mack Type 1 since 1975 http://www.insulin-pumpers.org

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>for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) >But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him >if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times >per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I >checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! >With insurance co-pay it’s only $8.   >Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that >allows multiple refills.

T2, 12/2001, Amaryl 2mg and diet… Will speak from experience about eBay. I have an Accu-Check and the 50 pak of test strips is about $50 here at CVS but I have found them on eBay for as little as $20 / 50. And… all of the sellers I have delt with have been up front in telling me that the boxes are un-opened and the expiration dates have been current ! So, I can reccommend eBay. I have had no issues with the sellers I have done business with !

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I didn’t realize strips came in 50 count packs. I paid no attention when I got my machine and original fill of strips. I went to the MD this morning. Of course I didn’t see him but talked to the receptionist and told her my situation. I told her I test from 4 to 8 times a day. She then went to the nurse and then told me they’d call the pharmacy. At the pharmacy they gave me 100 strips to test 4 times per day and refills for a year.  So I have officially enough now for 25 days. I see the MD in @2 weeks and will talk to him then. The cost? $15 plus tax for 100 strips. Total $15.77  A 25 day supply at 4 tests per day. Most of my RX’s are $8 each.  I’m just happy I’m not paying $80 some out of my own pocket.

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A couple of thoughts about this — It seems strange that you have to pay sales tax on prescription medical supplies — but I suppose some states do that? You might want to double check on it. Is the $15 copay on this a per-box or a per-refill charge? And why is it different from your other Rx copays? Is it because of "brand name" vs generic? You might want to check with your insurance company about how Rx’s should be written to get the "maximum effect". Maybe the doc could Rx for more days at a time for the same or less copay. E.g. my policy allows for a 34 day (local refill) supply at a fixed copay, and the doctor writes "test xx times/day"; if the scrip isn’t worded right, I’ll get either fewer strips for the same # days or have to refill sooner — partly because of the way strips are packaged, and the pharmacy rounds down — 5x/day gets me 150 strips (so I refill after 30 days, not 34), but 6x/day gets me 200 strips. I also have a mail-order option for 90-day supplies, and that’s a separate scrip. I don’t use that during the hotter months. The rest of the year, I do use it because it comes out a bit cheaper. bj – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> … > The cost? $15 plus tax for 100 strips. Total $15.77  A 25 day supply at 4 tests per day. > Most of my RX’s are $8 each.  I’m just happy I’m not paying $80 some out of my own pocket.

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<<Question for you concerning scripts and test strips. How many refills can you get on this one script for strips? Those trips back to the doctor are very expensive.>> I usually see the MD once every two or three months.  My co-pay is $10. He has me on two meds.  My RX co-payment is $8 but one is not generic so I pay $16 for it so my monthly meds are $24 and now I have the strips. I can refill the strips for a year. Currently their prescription is for 4 tests per day.  $7.50 plus tax for 50 strips. it’s $50.  Plus my monthly insurance premium is $123.

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<<Is the $15 copay on this a per-box or a per-refill charge? And why is it different from your other Rx copays? Is it because of "brand name" vs generic?>> Excellent question!!!  I haven’t a clue; I’ll have to look into it.

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If I need a refill on anything, I just call my doc’s office, they check with him, and call it into pharmacy. Cost is nada. Sleepy ><<Question for you concerning scripts and test strips. How many refills >can you get on this one script for strips? Those trips back to the >doctor are very expensive.>> >I usually see the MD once every two or three months.  My co-pay is $10. >He has me on two meds.  My RX co-payment is $8 but one is not generic so >I pay $16 for it so my monthly meds are $24 and now I have the strips. >I can refill the strips for a year. Currently their prescription is for >4 tests per day.  $7.50 plus tax for 50 strips. >it’s $50.  Plus my monthly insurance premium is $123.

"They all hate us anyhow     So let’s drop the big one now" Political Science by Randy Newman (tongue somewhat implanted in cheek)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Heat affects the strips? How does one keep them safe? In the > refrigerator? > In normal, comfortable temperatures, just keep them in a cool place > in your residence. In the summer,  if you have aircondioning, the > same thing applies. If you don’t, and the weather is uncomfortabley > hot, then the crisper (fruit and vege section) of your refrigerator > might just be the best place. Certainly they must be kept cool – > mine say store between +2C and +30C.  (AccuCheck Active).  Whatever > is comfortable for you is a pretty good temperature. My refrigerator > is around +4C normally. > Of course, when you’re away from home, the same thing applies.  A > short bout of high temperatures can totally ruin them for testing. > I know, I lost about 100 strips when I moved house.  NEVER keep them > in your car! > Annette

I found that the One-touch Ultra used about 2x the amount of blood that the ads said, and that when it didn’t get enough I couldn’t add blood. I went back to the Freestyle meter. I pay the highest copay for the strips but it is worth it. It takes a small amount of blood and more can be added to the strip for about 60 seconds. Therasense has been a great company to deal with, not only with technical support but with general coaching as well. EllenM

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for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! With insurance co-pay it’s only $8.   Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that allows multiple refills.

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Great that you have insurance coverage.  I have medicare and they only pay for two strips per day.  If I use more, they come out of pocket.  I’m on a very limited income so the $80 or so is a huge chunk of change for me.  I keep reminding myself of how much tougher things would be if I didn’t test and started to have multiple complications.  My SO’s father was an uncontrolled T2.  He had a leg amputated and died of a heart attack at 62. My adoptive father’s mother had diabetes and had to inject insulin.  This was back in the 50’s so it was a nasty ordeal.  I’ve seen this disease do a number on quite a few people.  I don’t want to be one of them. Testing is a great investment in you future. c – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > for lancets and strips. The lancets will last me several years! ) > But the MD did not tell me how often to test.  In fact I had to ask him > if I should a home test kit.  Anyway I’ve been testing from 4 to 8 times > per day.  I only have a few left.  The box said NO REFILLS.  So I > checked at the pharmacy and the cost out of pocket would be $84!!!! > With insurance co-pay it’s only $8. > Monday I’m going to my MD’s office and get a new prescription that > allows multiple refills.

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