Hey Everyone! Here's the second part to the Q&A! Also, I am going to try to start doing interviews on here! I will be posting different interviews that i hold with people. My first one will be up soon and it will be with one of my bestfriends, Lexi. These questions are the ones that aren't diabetes-related, unlike the questions in Part 1. Let's jump into it!
Q: What's your favorite animal?
A: Definitely a White Tiger! They're really cool!
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: I've never left the U.S., but I really like Florida. It's so awesome (and warm) down there!
Q: What is the biggest achievement of your life?
A: My friend said that the answer to this one is being friends with her (let's let her think that). Anyway, the biggest achievement of my life (so far) is me choosing to accept my Diabetes and not let it bring me down. I chose to fight this disease and there's not one day where I regret it.
Q: Who is your hero?
A: My big sister, Lindsey. She has been such a positive influence, role model, and inspiration to me. She has been through hell and back, almost losing her life when she was just two years old, and stands strong at 25 years old. I don't know what I would do or who I would be without her.
Q: What's your favorite food?
A: Cheesesteaks.
Q: What kind of car do you drive?
A: A Ford Mustang
Q: What are you biggest pet peeves?
A: When people who know nothing about Diabetes try telling me how to manage mine and when people make up rumors about others.
Q: Favorite diet soda?
A: Diet Mt. Dew!
Q: Favorite desert food?
A: Either dirt pudding or raspberry lemon cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
Q: What is your favorite fast food restaurant/s?
A: Taco Bell, Sonic, or KFC
10 Questions done! Keep sending them in and I will answer more in my next Q&A post! Keep an eye out for my next post! It should be up soon!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Q&A Part 1
Hey everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't posted in about two and a half months, but my hiatus from the blog is finally over (I hope)! I have been really busy for these past few months with finishing up junior year, working, seeing friends, and of course managing my Type 1 Diabetes. I finished up junior year with a 3.44 GPA and I also got inducted into the National Honors Society. Working hard in high school finally payed off. My Diabetes is something that I struggled with at first, but now it is something that I am completely comfortable with. There are some days when I actually like having Type 1 and I see it as more of a blessing rather than a curse. I started my Omnipod Insulin Pump back in April and after using it for about 3 months, I am glad to say that I absolutely love it. It was by far the best decision I have made regarding my Diabetes (besides refusing to let this disease bring me down in any way). I also started my job back in May during Memorial Day weekend! I'm a lifeguard at a local pool and I love it there. My bosses are awesome and my coworkers are really cool. I may or may not have gone bridge jumping with a few of them...
So I checked my inbox and people have been sending me questions for when I decided to do a Q&A session. Well askers, I am doing one now. I will be answering 10 questions for this post, and 10 more in the second part. Part 1 will be more for the Diabetes questions and Part 2 will be more for the fun questions! If you don't see your question/s answered then feel free to send it again or even send in a new one. I promise that I will try to get through as many as I can!
Q: What were you like when you were diagnosed with Type 1?
A: Physically: I Lost a lot of weight, my skin and mouth was really dry, I was really thirsty, I had to pee a lot, and I was very nauseous
Mentally: I was very depressed at first. I didn't know why this was happening to me and I wanted answers. I was not comfortable with my Diabetes at all and I was in denial at first. After about a month of getting used to it, I came to terms with my Type 1 and I decided not to let it bring me down and to fight it.
Q: Where do you get treatment for your Diabetes?
A: I go to Johns Hopkins Hospital. All of my team is down there and everyone on it is awesome. My Endocrine nurse is also a Type 1 Diabetic so it's really cool having someone down there who I can relate to and who understands what I'm feeling and going through.
Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed?
A: I was 16 at the time. It was about a month before my 17th birthday.
Q: Do you know anyone else who has Type 1?
A: I do! There's my Endocrine nurse, my very, very, distant older cousin and my friend's roommate who also introduced me to others with it. It's really nice being able to talk to other people with it and knowing that you're not alone in the fight!
Q: If there was a cure, would you take it?
A: I mean, if there was a cure for Type 1 then yeah, I would probably take it. I'm fine without it for now though. I actually like having Diabetes sometimes and having it has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
Q: What do you want to do when you're older?
A: I actually want to become and Endocrinologist so that I can work with other people who have Type 1 and aid in the diagnosis and treatment.
Q: Do you prefer shots or the pump?
A: Definitely the pump! I love my Omnipod! I don't know what I would do without it.
Q: What pumps were you looking at when you were deciding on one?
A: I mainly looked at the Animas Ping, Tandem t::slim, and the Omnipod. These were the three pumps that stood out the most for me.
Q: Was Ketoacidosis fun?
A: I mean, if you think that losing 20 pounds, peeing all the time, always being thirsty, tired, nauseous and having dry skin and high blood pressure is fun then yeah, it was pretty enjoyable.
Q: Has having Type 1 opened your eyes up to anything?
A: YES. It showed me who my true friends are, taught me not to take things for granted, taught me that you never know how strong you are until you need to be, and that family and true friends will support you no matter what. It's opened my eyes up to a lot more but it's late and I'm really tired.
I'll try to have Part 2 to this up within the next few days! Don't forget to email me if you have any questions or if you need to talk to someone. njsmith1282@gmail.com. Happy Independence Day Everyone!
So I checked my inbox and people have been sending me questions for when I decided to do a Q&A session. Well askers, I am doing one now. I will be answering 10 questions for this post, and 10 more in the second part. Part 1 will be more for the Diabetes questions and Part 2 will be more for the fun questions! If you don't see your question/s answered then feel free to send it again or even send in a new one. I promise that I will try to get through as many as I can!
Q: What were you like when you were diagnosed with Type 1?
A: Physically: I Lost a lot of weight, my skin and mouth was really dry, I was really thirsty, I had to pee a lot, and I was very nauseous
Mentally: I was very depressed at first. I didn't know why this was happening to me and I wanted answers. I was not comfortable with my Diabetes at all and I was in denial at first. After about a month of getting used to it, I came to terms with my Type 1 and I decided not to let it bring me down and to fight it.
Q: Where do you get treatment for your Diabetes?
A: I go to Johns Hopkins Hospital. All of my team is down there and everyone on it is awesome. My Endocrine nurse is also a Type 1 Diabetic so it's really cool having someone down there who I can relate to and who understands what I'm feeling and going through.
Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed?
A: I was 16 at the time. It was about a month before my 17th birthday.
Q: Do you know anyone else who has Type 1?
A: I do! There's my Endocrine nurse, my very, very, distant older cousin and my friend's roommate who also introduced me to others with it. It's really nice being able to talk to other people with it and knowing that you're not alone in the fight!
Q: If there was a cure, would you take it?
A: I mean, if there was a cure for Type 1 then yeah, I would probably take it. I'm fine without it for now though. I actually like having Diabetes sometimes and having it has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
Q: What do you want to do when you're older?
A: I actually want to become and Endocrinologist so that I can work with other people who have Type 1 and aid in the diagnosis and treatment.
Q: Do you prefer shots or the pump?
A: Definitely the pump! I love my Omnipod! I don't know what I would do without it.
Q: What pumps were you looking at when you were deciding on one?
A: I mainly looked at the Animas Ping, Tandem t::slim, and the Omnipod. These were the three pumps that stood out the most for me.
Q: Was Ketoacidosis fun?
A: I mean, if you think that losing 20 pounds, peeing all the time, always being thirsty, tired, nauseous and having dry skin and high blood pressure is fun then yeah, it was pretty enjoyable.
Q: Has having Type 1 opened your eyes up to anything?
A: YES. It showed me who my true friends are, taught me not to take things for granted, taught me that you never know how strong you are until you need to be, and that family and true friends will support you no matter what. It's opened my eyes up to a lot more but it's late and I'm really tired.
I'll try to have Part 2 to this up within the next few days! Don't forget to email me if you have any questions or if you need to talk to someone. njsmith1282@gmail.com. Happy Independence Day Everyone!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Think Again
Sorry for the delay everyone. These past few weeks have been really busy for me! There's school, lacrosse, trips to Johns Hopkins, starting on my insulin pump, and prom. I was really busy, and really tired. I still have a lot of sleep that I need to catch up on. Somehow those 3.5 hours on the night of prom just weren't enough. I finally got the energy to get up and post, so here it goes...
When I tell people that I have Diabetes, they automatically think that I have the more common type of Diabetes, Type 2, or they automatically believe in many of the common misconceptions of Type 1 when I tell them that that is the one that I have. Just in case you didn't know, here are some of the most common misconception of Type 1 Diabetes:
1. "People with Type 1 can't have any sugar"
When I tell people that I have Diabetes, they automatically think that I have the more common type of Diabetes, Type 2, or they automatically believe in many of the common misconceptions of Type 1 when I tell them that that is the one that I have. Just in case you didn't know, here are some of the most common misconception of Type 1 Diabetes:
1. "People with Type 1 can't have any sugar"
- This one is very false. Type 1's can have sugar, but we just need to cover (take insulin) for it.
2. "People with Type 1 did it to themselves" or "You got this from eating too much sugar"
- This is probably the one that infuriates me the most. No one with Type 1 decided to have this disease. It just happens. No one excepts that it would happen to them, and we have no choice if we get it or not. Also, (this doesn't really go with misconception, but oh well) I get really mad when I say something about my Diabetes and someone gets mad at me for it. I didn't know that you can talk about your life, but I can't talk about mine. It's good for me to talk about my Diabetes because it helps it feel more normal to me. If you have a problem with it, I could honestly care less. People who are rude to others for talking about their Diabetes should really stop and think before they say anything because they don't know anything about how it feels. Which leads to...
3. "I completely understand what you are going through"
- No. You don't. I personally think that it is really nice when people say this because it shows that they care about you and are trying (the effort really means a lot), but you don't know what it's like until you experience it for yourself.
4. "Type 1 is a lot like Type 2"
- Although they both have the word "Diabetes" in them, Type 1 and Type 2 are like polar opposites. Type 1 is genetic. You have no control over if you do/don't get it. It just happens. Generally, Type 2 is brought on by you. Although there are some cases where Type 2 is genetic, it is mainly brought on by being overweight, having a bad diet, not exercising, etc. Also Type 2 can be reversed with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, while Type 1 has no known cure - yet. Many people with Type 2 don't have to take as much Insulin as people with Type 1 do. With Type 1, the Pancreas flat out stops producing Insulin. With Type 2, the Pancreas still produces some Insulin, but it doesn't use it right.
5. "Low/High blood sugars aren't bad"
- Actually, they are. If one's sugar is too low, they could pass out, go into a coma, or die. If one's sugar is too high, they could go blind, go into ketoacidosis, go into a coma, or die. So yeah, low/high blood sugars aren't too good...
6. "You can get Diabetes from someone else"
- Type 1, or even Type 2, is not infectious. You won't get it from someone coughing, sneezing, etc. Although, sometimes, it can be passed on through genes from parent to child, it is definitely not contagious.
7. "Diabetics can't play sports"
- People with Diabetes can in fact play sports and do athletes. We just have to be careful and check our blood sugars to make sure we are stable. Some of the best athletes have Diabetes.
8. "People with Type 1 are really unhealthy"
- Actually, many people with Type 1 are healthier than normal people. With Diabetes, you have to know everything that you are putting in your body and the nutritional info for it. Smaller amounts of carbs mean a smaller amount of Insulin that you have to take. Exercise and a good diet help to control Diabetes and keep blood sugars in check.
9. "Only kids get Type 1"
- Although I'm still considered a minor, I was a month away from being 17 when I was diagnosed. People have been in there 30's+ when they were diagnosed with Type 1. It's not just a "kid disease".
10. "Diabetes must be the end of the world for you"
- It's really not. At first, I thought it was. I was scared and in denial. But today, on the two month mark of my diagnosis, I am in a really great place in my life. Diabetes was not the end of the world for me. I see it now as a way for me to help people and that's what I intend to do. This disease is only temporary for people with it, and there will be a cure someday. In the words of someone whom most Diabetics look up to, "A little bit longer, and I'll be fine".
So yeah, that's it for the post. I really need to get some sleep. I will try to post one sometime this week to make up for last week. Happy two months Diaversary to me!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Pumping it Up
Well it's official - I am finally a pumper. When I was first diagnosed, I told my parents that I was never going to use an Insulin pump and would rather do needles. That changed pretty quickly as 5-6 shots a day started to become a lot of work. I did some research, and three pumps stuck out to me; the Animas Ping, Minimed Revel, and the Omnipod. The Omnipod was my favorite because there isn't any tubing and it's waterproof! Almost a month ago, I had a meeting with my Endocrine Nurse and she gave me a demo Omnipod and I really liked it. I couldn't even feel it when it was on me. After the demo pod, one of my distant cousins, Celeste, who works for Animas and has a son with Type 1 like me, let me borrow and Animas Ping for a weekend so that I could get a feel for it. I liked the pump, but I wasn't a fan of the tubing. I would get caught, forget that it was on and almost rip out the site, and find somewhere on my bed to put it while I was sleeping. I really did like the pump though.
When I was considering pumps, I knew what I was looking for in one. I definitely needed one that is waterproof and durable (since I can be a little clumsy sometimes). I also needed one that I would be 100% comfortable with. After trying out both and talking to my Endocrine Nurse, I decided to go with the Omnipod! I started Saline trials this past Thursday and so far I really like the pump! The cannula is practically painless, and I don't even feel the pump on me. I start on actual Insulin on April 8th and I'm really excited for that. I know that I have only had it for a few days and this is subject to change, but I really do think that the Omnipod is the right pump for me. This might change later in life, but I'm set for now.
Thinking back, I'm not too sure as to why I was so against pumping. I mean, one little needle every 2-3 days is a whole lot better than 5-6 everyday. Also, I get to sleep in and eat when I want with a pump. Maybe I didn't want one because I was still in denial about my Diabetes, or maybe it was because I didn't want others to know at the time. Now, I think that all of the Electronics for Diabetes are really cool. There are some awesome things out there like the Dexcom G4, Omnipod, Animas Ping, T:Slim, Minimed Revel, and many more. There are even a few pumps for people with Type 2!
Here are some advantages to pumping:
1. Better control of your sugar levels
2. You get to sleep in and don't have to follow an eating schedule
3. You can use a remote or the pump to bolus, which I personally feel is more easier and discreet than shots (not that there is anything wrong with using them)
4. You don't have to take long-acting insulin
5. They look really cool
-There are many more, you just have to do some research to find them!-
Here are some disadvantage to pumping:
1. You have a site on you for 2-3 days
2. Tubing can get caught on stuff
3. The site could come off
4. Your sugars could get higher when/if you disconnect or the site gets messed up
5. You have to count carbs for everything and bolus for them (no more 15 carb snacks without insulin)
-Again, there are many more, you just need to research them!-
In the end, I'm really excited about the Omnipod. Even my friends think that it's cool. I think that pumping is for me and that I made the right choice. If you are a Diabetic who is completely against pumps, please know that after a little research, that can change. I started out hating them and now I love mine. Pumps are normal for Diabetics and there are so many to choose from. Just find one that feels good to you and go from there. If you ever need to talk, please email me at njsmith1282@gmail.com or whatsyourtypeblog@gmail.com. Everyone is different, and some people prefer pumps while others prefer shots. I like both and either work for me, although I'm starting to lean more towards pumps. Technology for Diabetes is advancing every day, and hopefully one day it will be advanced enough for a cure. Until then, we just gotta keep pumping it up (or shooting it up if that works for you)! Oh and email me if you have any topics you would like me to post about! I'm always up for suggestions!
When I was considering pumps, I knew what I was looking for in one. I definitely needed one that is waterproof and durable (since I can be a little clumsy sometimes). I also needed one that I would be 100% comfortable with. After trying out both and talking to my Endocrine Nurse, I decided to go with the Omnipod! I started Saline trials this past Thursday and so far I really like the pump! The cannula is practically painless, and I don't even feel the pump on me. I start on actual Insulin on April 8th and I'm really excited for that. I know that I have only had it for a few days and this is subject to change, but I really do think that the Omnipod is the right pump for me. This might change later in life, but I'm set for now.
Thinking back, I'm not too sure as to why I was so against pumping. I mean, one little needle every 2-3 days is a whole lot better than 5-6 everyday. Also, I get to sleep in and eat when I want with a pump. Maybe I didn't want one because I was still in denial about my Diabetes, or maybe it was because I didn't want others to know at the time. Now, I think that all of the Electronics for Diabetes are really cool. There are some awesome things out there like the Dexcom G4, Omnipod, Animas Ping, T:Slim, Minimed Revel, and many more. There are even a few pumps for people with Type 2!
Here are some advantages to pumping:
1. Better control of your sugar levels
2. You get to sleep in and don't have to follow an eating schedule
3. You can use a remote or the pump to bolus, which I personally feel is more easier and discreet than shots (not that there is anything wrong with using them)
4. You don't have to take long-acting insulin
5. They look really cool
-There are many more, you just have to do some research to find them!-
Here are some disadvantage to pumping:
1. You have a site on you for 2-3 days
2. Tubing can get caught on stuff
3. The site could come off
4. Your sugars could get higher when/if you disconnect or the site gets messed up
5. You have to count carbs for everything and bolus for them (no more 15 carb snacks without insulin)
-Again, there are many more, you just need to research them!-
In the end, I'm really excited about the Omnipod. Even my friends think that it's cool. I think that pumping is for me and that I made the right choice. If you are a Diabetic who is completely against pumps, please know that after a little research, that can change. I started out hating them and now I love mine. Pumps are normal for Diabetics and there are so many to choose from. Just find one that feels good to you and go from there. If you ever need to talk, please email me at njsmith1282@gmail.com or whatsyourtypeblog@gmail.com. Everyone is different, and some people prefer pumps while others prefer shots. I like both and either work for me, although I'm starting to lean more towards pumps. Technology for Diabetes is advancing every day, and hopefully one day it will be advanced enough for a cure. Until then, we just gotta keep pumping it up (or shooting it up if that works for you)! Oh and email me if you have any topics you would like me to post about! I'm always up for suggestions!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
(Seventeen) Facts About Me
Sorry for the delay! This past week was a really busy one. Going back to school after a 3 week Spring Break is never easy, but hey, my birthday was on Friday! Let's just say that I can now legally get into Rated R movies. My new Omnipod Insulin Pump set came in! I go down to Hopkins on Thursday for saline training, and then I go back the following week to start on Insulin. I'm excited to be able to sleep in again.
I had a bonfire last night for my birthday. It wasn't anything big - just a few of my closest friends. It was a lot of fun and it was really good seeing everyone. I also got a job! This summer I will be lifeguarding at a local pool! I'm really excited for that. Being outside by the pool and helping people will be awesome.
As said in my last post, I an now completely open about my Diabetes, and I couldn't be happier. People have been really supportive of me, and actually interested in my story and supplies. Everything thinks that the meter and pricker are cool. I am in a really good place in my life right now. I distanced myself from the people who aren't there for me and got a lot closer with some people. I don't want to be around any negativity, so that's why there are some people who I'm leaning away from.
There have been a lot of people who wanted to know more about me, about my story, and how I'm dealing with everything. For the last question, I'm doing really well with all of this. People have been supportive, doctors have been cool, and I'm getting used to all of it. It's starting to feel normal to me. I decided to post 17 facts about me, in the spirit of me turning 17 a few days ago. Here goes nothing.
About Me:
1. I was born on March 21, 1997
2. I have one older brother and one older sister (yes, I am the baby of the family)
3. My favorite color is blue, and colors are red, white, and blue (a little patriotic)
4. I have 2 cats (Debbie and Angel) and 1 dog (Katie)
5. I grew up around the water (We have had a pool my entire life and go to the beach)
6. I played Football for 7 years, Baseball for 11, Soccer for 1, Basketball for 3, and Lacrosse for 2
7. My favorite foods are Cheesesteaks, Burgers, Pasta, and Tacos
8. My favorite TV show is Continuum (Victor Webster and Rachel Nichols are awesome)
9. I am of Polish, Welsh, British, Irish, French (I think), and Native American ancestry
10. I did Martial Arts when I was younger
11. I drive a bright yellow convertible Mustang
Now to the Diabetes questions:
12. My blood sugar was 524 when I was diagnosed and I thought that the meter was broken because I was in denial
13. My A1C was 11.7
14. I lost 20 pounds in the month of January
15. I showed the common signs (dry mouth/skin, really thirsty, going to the bathroom a lot, anger, nausea, fatigue, weight loss) but thought that they were happening because my body was changing from the workout program that I was doing
16. One of the things that has helped me come to terms with my Diabetes was peoples' stories online (knowing that there are others out there like you really helps)
17. I have a really great support system and I refuse to let this disease bring me down in any way.
P.S., please share this blog with people. I really want other people like me to know that they aren't alone and that Diabetes isn't the end of the world. Also, I really want to raise more awareness for this cause. If you know anyone with Diabetes who is having a hard time or just wants to talk, please have them email me at whatsyourtypeblog@gmail.com or njsmith1282@gmail.com . Thanks!
I had a bonfire last night for my birthday. It wasn't anything big - just a few of my closest friends. It was a lot of fun and it was really good seeing everyone. I also got a job! This summer I will be lifeguarding at a local pool! I'm really excited for that. Being outside by the pool and helping people will be awesome.
As said in my last post, I an now completely open about my Diabetes, and I couldn't be happier. People have been really supportive of me, and actually interested in my story and supplies. Everything thinks that the meter and pricker are cool. I am in a really good place in my life right now. I distanced myself from the people who aren't there for me and got a lot closer with some people. I don't want to be around any negativity, so that's why there are some people who I'm leaning away from.
There have been a lot of people who wanted to know more about me, about my story, and how I'm dealing with everything. For the last question, I'm doing really well with all of this. People have been supportive, doctors have been cool, and I'm getting used to all of it. It's starting to feel normal to me. I decided to post 17 facts about me, in the spirit of me turning 17 a few days ago. Here goes nothing.
About Me:
1. I was born on March 21, 1997
2. I have one older brother and one older sister (yes, I am the baby of the family)
3. My favorite color is blue, and colors are red, white, and blue (a little patriotic)
4. I have 2 cats (Debbie and Angel) and 1 dog (Katie)
5. I grew up around the water (We have had a pool my entire life and go to the beach)
6. I played Football for 7 years, Baseball for 11, Soccer for 1, Basketball for 3, and Lacrosse for 2
7. My favorite foods are Cheesesteaks, Burgers, Pasta, and Tacos
8. My favorite TV show is Continuum (Victor Webster and Rachel Nichols are awesome)
9. I am of Polish, Welsh, British, Irish, French (I think), and Native American ancestry
10. I did Martial Arts when I was younger
11. I drive a bright yellow convertible Mustang
Now to the Diabetes questions:
12. My blood sugar was 524 when I was diagnosed and I thought that the meter was broken because I was in denial
13. My A1C was 11.7
14. I lost 20 pounds in the month of January
15. I showed the common signs (dry mouth/skin, really thirsty, going to the bathroom a lot, anger, nausea, fatigue, weight loss) but thought that they were happening because my body was changing from the workout program that I was doing
16. One of the things that has helped me come to terms with my Diabetes was peoples' stories online (knowing that there are others out there like you really helps)
17. I have a really great support system and I refuse to let this disease bring me down in any way.
P.S., please share this blog with people. I really want other people like me to know that they aren't alone and that Diabetes isn't the end of the world. Also, I really want to raise more awareness for this cause. If you know anyone with Diabetes who is having a hard time or just wants to talk, please have them email me at whatsyourtypeblog@gmail.com or njsmith1282@gmail.com . Thanks!
Friday, March 14, 2014
One Month
So it's official. I have had Type 1 Diabetes for one month today and I have changed a lot since my diagnosis. When I was first diagnosed I was actually pretty ashamed of my Diabetes. I didn't know why it had to happen to me, and I thought that people would see me differently. I was scared to tell people. The only ones who did know were those closest to me. Today, because it is the one month mark, I told everyone about my Diabetes because I have realized that I have nothing to be ashamed of. There is nothing weird about Diabetes and no one who has it should feel ashamed at all. When I first got diagnosed, I thought that all of the changes that I would have to make would be scary, but they aren't. I have gotten used to them and everything feels normal to me now.
What are some of the changes in my life? Well I haven't been able to sleep in as late as I used to because I have to wake up to check my sugar (hopefully this changes when I get on the pump). I also have a lot more red marks on my fingers from pricking them so much. Shots and needles don't phase me anymore because I have just gotten used to them. I can feel when my sugar is low. Lastly, I have reconnected with some people who I need to have in my life, and I couldn't be happier. For the first time since my diagnosis, I am in a really good place. I have been more positive, and I have hope. Yes, there are good days and bad days, but I get through them and stand strong. There are also a lot of low carb snacks that someone with Type 1 can eat without taking insulin, so that's really nice. My birthday is also next Friday, so that should be fun.
All in all, the biggest change for me is my outlook on life. I have realized that I took way too many things for granted before I was diagnosed. I never really stopped to appreciate the small things, which I am doing now. I also learned that you should never give up on people. Drama will happen - that's life, but it really shows something if you can work past it. Every day is a gift, and a lot of people don't realize this. Having Diabetes has taught me this, and I am making the most of my life now. In a way, Diabetes was my wake up call to life. I have learned so much more about myself and life in these last few weeks than I have in a while. If there is anyone with Diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, please feel free to talk to me if you need to. I am here for you. We are all in this fight together, and no one should have to feel the way that I did when I was diagnosed.
What are some of the changes in my life? Well I haven't been able to sleep in as late as I used to because I have to wake up to check my sugar (hopefully this changes when I get on the pump). I also have a lot more red marks on my fingers from pricking them so much. Shots and needles don't phase me anymore because I have just gotten used to them. I can feel when my sugar is low. Lastly, I have reconnected with some people who I need to have in my life, and I couldn't be happier. For the first time since my diagnosis, I am in a really good place. I have been more positive, and I have hope. Yes, there are good days and bad days, but I get through them and stand strong. There are also a lot of low carb snacks that someone with Type 1 can eat without taking insulin, so that's really nice. My birthday is also next Friday, so that should be fun.
All in all, the biggest change for me is my outlook on life. I have realized that I took way too many things for granted before I was diagnosed. I never really stopped to appreciate the small things, which I am doing now. I also learned that you should never give up on people. Drama will happen - that's life, but it really shows something if you can work past it. Every day is a gift, and a lot of people don't realize this. Having Diabetes has taught me this, and I am making the most of my life now. In a way, Diabetes was my wake up call to life. I have learned so much more about myself and life in these last few weeks than I have in a while. If there is anyone with Diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, please feel free to talk to me if you need to. I am here for you. We are all in this fight together, and no one should have to feel the way that I did when I was diagnosed.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
And so it begins...
Everything was going well for me. I was halfway through my Junior year of high school, I was exercising and getting in shape, I had really cool friends, and I was in a good place in my life. I am currently 16 years old (17 on March 21st). I started doing the Insanity workout program at the beginning of January so that I could get in shape for Lacrosse season. I started losing weight, which I thought was great. I also started drinking more and more, and my mouth would get dry very easily. I just thought that my body was going through changes because I was exercising, so I didn't think much of it. At the beginning of February, I started getting sick. I was always nauseous, tired, and still thirsty. I didn't really eat much for about a week because I wasn't hungry. I still drank a lot though. I had stopped Insanity for a bit because I wasn't feeling like myself and I didn't feel good. Even after I stopped, I was still losing weight. I had thought that working out made my metabolism go faster. I had lost about 20 pounds in one month.
February 14, 2014 is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. I woke up and still wasn't feeling too well, but my mom made me go to school because I had already missed a few days that week. At school, I ended up going to see the nurse. She checked my vitals, and we realized that I had really high blood pressure, and my heart rate was going faster than it should. I have always had high blood pressure, but this was higher than normal. I had told her how I had been exercising and was always thirsty and drinking water. She gave me a ginger ale for my stomach, and I went back to class with the intention of going home when lunch time came around. While I was in the lunch line, the nurse pulled me aside because she wanted to check my blood sugar. When she checked it, it turned out that my blood sugar level was 531. I was scared to death. I did not want to be diabetic. I immediately thought that something was wrong with her meter. My Dad had checked my sugar last year to make sure his meter was working, and it was normal. I thought something was wrong with the meter and that was why it was so high. We checked it again, and it was 524. Clearly my sugar was high, and the meter was working fine. My heart dropped. I was terrified. I didn't drive to school that day because the roads were icy, so my mom came and picked me up with plans to go to my family's doctor. In the car ride home, I started to tear up. I really did not want to be diabetic. My mom kept trying to tell me that I was too healthy and young for this to happen, and I tried to believe that. My mom had called my dad, and he came home from work. My parents and I went to see my doctor. When we checked my sugar at the doctors, it went down to 488. I thought it was good that it was going down, and I hoped it was just a virus or something that caused it to spike so high. My doctor determined that my body was producing ketones. The body starts producing ketones when insulin isn't being produced. So something was definitely wrong. My doctor ended up sending me down to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
I went to the emergency room at Hopkins, still scared that I might be diabetic. I told the doctor everything that was going on with me, and he said it sounded like Type 1. I was speechless.
From the Emergency Room, I went to the PICU (since I'm not 18, yet). Like my ER nurses, my nurses in the PICU were really cool. I had to get my sugar checked every two hours, even in the middle of the night. I was hooked up to all these machines. There was this one that would beep if my breaths weren't deep enough - that one was the most annoying. The doctors didn't let me eat ANYTHING until about 12:30am my first night there. I was still really upset in the PICU. When no one was looking, I would cry. I was really upset, and I just wanted to go home. I only stayed in the PICU for one night. When I woke up, I was there till about 2:00 pm. While there, I had my first meeting with my Endocrinologist. From the PICU, I went to the regular patient room on the 10th floor. My nurses would rotated every 12 hours, so I met a lot of people that weekend. They were all really nice. I was in that room for most of my time at Johns Hopkins. There, my parents and I were taught a lot about Type 1 Diabetes. We learned how to control my blood sugar, and how to check my sugar, and give insulin shots. There were so many needles while I was in the hospital, including 2 IV's, finger pricks, shots, blood tests, and more - good thing I'm not scared of needles. During night 1 in my new room, I had a really big breakdown to my mom. I did not understand why this happened to me. What did I do that was so bad to deserve this? How am I going to live with this? Am I going to be okay? I would not stop crying. When one of my nurses came in, she noticed I was upset, so she brought somebody else in to talk to me. I didn't want another doctor to talk to me. They didn't completely understand what it was like. I eventually calmed down and relaxed. It was mostly a front so that they would leave me alone. I was just so upset, but who wouldn't be? One of the things that actually really helped me, was Nick Jonas. I used to be a Jonas Brothers fan like every other teen out there, so I always knew that he had Type 1 Diabetes. I read all of his stories and interviews about his Diabetes, and I listened to his song "A little Bit Longer" - a lot. I also researched a lot of celebrities with Type 1 Diabetes, and I didn't expect to find so many people with it.
After a few days, I finally was discharged on Monday. I was so happy to go home. The doctors and nurses gave me the supplies necessary for my Diabetes, and I was on my way. My life was going to be different when I got home.
Now, I have had Type 1 Diabetes for almost a month. Life has definitely been different. I went to school for a few days when I got back, but I went on Spring Break the last week of February, and I don't go back until the 18th of this month. I have gotten used to counting carbs, giving myself shots, and checking my blood sugar. My family and friends have been really supportive of me. It's definitely been an adjustment. I still have some hard days, but I have pretty much gotten used to living with Type 1. When I first got home, I had to check my blood sugar every night at 2:00am. Those late night checks are finally over. I also had to call my Endocrinologist every night, but not anymore. A phone call from my Aunt a few weeks ago changed my perspective on this situation. She was talking to my mom, and she asked, "Why not Nik?" She believes that I am one of those people with Type 1 who will be able to manage it, and grow from it. I find myself asking that same question now. Why not me? I know that I am going to do something good with this. God has a plan for everyone, and this is just a bump in the road for me. He never gives us more than we can handle. I lived almost 17 years of my life as an average person. I got good grades, played sports, had a good family, and overall did well in life. With this new way of life, everyday is going to be a challenge, but bring it on. I know that one day, there will be a cure - hopefully in my life time, but until then, I just need to take it one day at a time and have some hope and faith. I know that I have Loved Ones, Guardian Angels, Guides, and most importantly, God, watching over me. I have always been a fighter, and I'm not going to let this bring me down. I will fight this disease, with everything I have, and I will win. My goal is to reach out to others, spread awareness of Diabetes, and let other Diabetics know that they aren't alone in this fight. My name is Nik Smith, and I am a Type 1 Diabetic who refuses to let this disease get the best of me. I am in control.
February 14, 2014 is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. I woke up and still wasn't feeling too well, but my mom made me go to school because I had already missed a few days that week. At school, I ended up going to see the nurse. She checked my vitals, and we realized that I had really high blood pressure, and my heart rate was going faster than it should. I have always had high blood pressure, but this was higher than normal. I had told her how I had been exercising and was always thirsty and drinking water. She gave me a ginger ale for my stomach, and I went back to class with the intention of going home when lunch time came around. While I was in the lunch line, the nurse pulled me aside because she wanted to check my blood sugar. When she checked it, it turned out that my blood sugar level was 531. I was scared to death. I did not want to be diabetic. I immediately thought that something was wrong with her meter. My Dad had checked my sugar last year to make sure his meter was working, and it was normal. I thought something was wrong with the meter and that was why it was so high. We checked it again, and it was 524. Clearly my sugar was high, and the meter was working fine. My heart dropped. I was terrified. I didn't drive to school that day because the roads were icy, so my mom came and picked me up with plans to go to my family's doctor. In the car ride home, I started to tear up. I really did not want to be diabetic. My mom kept trying to tell me that I was too healthy and young for this to happen, and I tried to believe that. My mom had called my dad, and he came home from work. My parents and I went to see my doctor. When we checked my sugar at the doctors, it went down to 488. I thought it was good that it was going down, and I hoped it was just a virus or something that caused it to spike so high. My doctor determined that my body was producing ketones. The body starts producing ketones when insulin isn't being produced. So something was definitely wrong. My doctor ended up sending me down to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
I went to the emergency room at Hopkins, still scared that I might be diabetic. I told the doctor everything that was going on with me, and he said it sounded like Type 1. I was speechless.
From the Emergency Room, I went to the PICU (since I'm not 18, yet). Like my ER nurses, my nurses in the PICU were really cool. I had to get my sugar checked every two hours, even in the middle of the night. I was hooked up to all these machines. There was this one that would beep if my breaths weren't deep enough - that one was the most annoying. The doctors didn't let me eat ANYTHING until about 12:30am my first night there. I was still really upset in the PICU. When no one was looking, I would cry. I was really upset, and I just wanted to go home. I only stayed in the PICU for one night. When I woke up, I was there till about 2:00 pm. While there, I had my first meeting with my Endocrinologist. From the PICU, I went to the regular patient room on the 10th floor. My nurses would rotated every 12 hours, so I met a lot of people that weekend. They were all really nice. I was in that room for most of my time at Johns Hopkins. There, my parents and I were taught a lot about Type 1 Diabetes. We learned how to control my blood sugar, and how to check my sugar, and give insulin shots. There were so many needles while I was in the hospital, including 2 IV's, finger pricks, shots, blood tests, and more - good thing I'm not scared of needles. During night 1 in my new room, I had a really big breakdown to my mom. I did not understand why this happened to me. What did I do that was so bad to deserve this? How am I going to live with this? Am I going to be okay? I would not stop crying. When one of my nurses came in, she noticed I was upset, so she brought somebody else in to talk to me. I didn't want another doctor to talk to me. They didn't completely understand what it was like. I eventually calmed down and relaxed. It was mostly a front so that they would leave me alone. I was just so upset, but who wouldn't be? One of the things that actually really helped me, was Nick Jonas. I used to be a Jonas Brothers fan like every other teen out there, so I always knew that he had Type 1 Diabetes. I read all of his stories and interviews about his Diabetes, and I listened to his song "A little Bit Longer" - a lot. I also researched a lot of celebrities with Type 1 Diabetes, and I didn't expect to find so many people with it.
After a few days, I finally was discharged on Monday. I was so happy to go home. The doctors and nurses gave me the supplies necessary for my Diabetes, and I was on my way. My life was going to be different when I got home.
Now, I have had Type 1 Diabetes for almost a month. Life has definitely been different. I went to school for a few days when I got back, but I went on Spring Break the last week of February, and I don't go back until the 18th of this month. I have gotten used to counting carbs, giving myself shots, and checking my blood sugar. My family and friends have been really supportive of me. It's definitely been an adjustment. I still have some hard days, but I have pretty much gotten used to living with Type 1. When I first got home, I had to check my blood sugar every night at 2:00am. Those late night checks are finally over. I also had to call my Endocrinologist every night, but not anymore. A phone call from my Aunt a few weeks ago changed my perspective on this situation. She was talking to my mom, and she asked, "Why not Nik?" She believes that I am one of those people with Type 1 who will be able to manage it, and grow from it. I find myself asking that same question now. Why not me? I know that I am going to do something good with this. God has a plan for everyone, and this is just a bump in the road for me. He never gives us more than we can handle. I lived almost 17 years of my life as an average person. I got good grades, played sports, had a good family, and overall did well in life. With this new way of life, everyday is going to be a challenge, but bring it on. I know that one day, there will be a cure - hopefully in my life time, but until then, I just need to take it one day at a time and have some hope and faith. I know that I have Loved Ones, Guardian Angels, Guides, and most importantly, God, watching over me. I have always been a fighter, and I'm not going to let this bring me down. I will fight this disease, with everything I have, and I will win. My goal is to reach out to others, spread awareness of Diabetes, and let other Diabetics know that they aren't alone in this fight. My name is Nik Smith, and I am a Type 1 Diabetic who refuses to let this disease get the best of me. I am in control.
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