Holidays and Low Blood Sugars

                   The holiday time is always so hectic it is hard to believe tomorrow is December 1st. I have learned a great deal over the years when it come to my diabetes and the holidays. I always try to go overboard with everything and that has its consequences. I have had several emergency room visits for bad lows or seizures over the years. I have been learning to slow things down a bit to avoid having these issues. I love all the parties, shopping and baking but it can catch up with me. I am glad that I won't be doing most of my shopping till after I get back to Seattle to visit my family. This will take off a lot of pressure to get everything done while balancing a demanding job. I know Duchess is not a fan of the extra commotion during the month of December. I have done some shopping already and they have been shipped to my grandma's house and I think she already wrapped the presents for me. My grandmother is great and loves to wrap presents. One less thing I will have to worry about. My mother always did so much at Christmas and made it look so easy. Since my hypoglycemia unawareness diagnosis I know even more so now that some times I need to slow down. I am going into this Christmas with less personal expectations for myself and it feels much more manageable.I am looking forward to all the get together s with friends and family but without the rough lows.

                

Siblings

                  I missed yesterday was diabetes siblings day. I have two siblings my older brother and my younger sister. I know diabetes did affect my whole family. In fact everyone in the house followed the diabetic diet because it is health for everyone. At least they learned to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains as they should. I know it was not always easy for my siblings I know it was scary for them to seem me experience lows and in fact at one point my brother had to give my a glucagon injection. They watches me have seizures and all the other difficulties. I know when I hit my twenties I  had my mother tell me that she had spent more time with me and doing more with me because she knew how tough diabetes was. I know my siblings experienced the jealousy but I know my mother always squashed it with you are lucky you don't have to worry about diabetes like Tarra does. I know that answer was not easy for them either. I know now as adults they say they feel silly for feeling that way but they also acknowledge now how hard diabetes can be. I know my mother spent more time with me but I know that was out of fear back when I was diagnosed in 1980 they told my parents I would not live past age 27. I know that played a part in how I was treated.

                  I have some amazing siblings who were very forgiving about the time my parents has to spend helping me with the diabetes related things. I know both now are happy with what they have learned about healthy eating when feeding their own children now. I am lucky because I am not having children but I can always spend time with my niece or nephew. I know my siblings have been very supportive during all the complication issues and my diagnosis with hypoglycemia unawareness. I know my brother in particular really understood my need for Duchess and I will never forget that. He has always been a supporter of me doing what I need to do to stay safe. I have been blessed with a great family and my siblings have a great deal of patience, willingness to sacrifice and understanding.

Alerting Patterns

                 The interesting thing about having a diabetic alert dog is that there is a pattern to Duchess's alerting. For example when my blood sugar starts to move she tends to try and sit closer to me. Then here eye's start to dilate the lower or higher it goes. She also will try to bump my hands or want attention as her little way of letting me know that things are moving around. The longer I have her the more she also has become vocal about the movement of my blood sugar. She is quite a funny dog because she is not allowed to bark in public she makes up these interesting noises. It seems every week there is a new one. She is so smart she finds ways around the things she should not be doing. She loves to communicate so she finds a way. Duchess also loves to cuddle when I am low or high I think the training is part of the reason. They love to find the smell. I will never understand though how they teach the dog to know how dangerous a low or high can be. There is always a sense of urgency.

                               

Feeling slightly Burnt Out

                I normally would have been wearing my Dexcom the first day after I was done dealing with my cold. I had stopped cold medicine on Thanksgiving and was starting to feel better. I thought it would be nice to not have another device beeping at me through dinner so I left it off. The next day I justified that I had done without it for a week during my cold why do I need it today. I have done that justifying all the way through until today. Now here it is Tuesday and I finally started up a sensor today. I love the information but at work the device is so loud. I guess I have been feeling a little burnt out by it all but avoiding the Dexcom is not going to help. I have been testing my normal 14-16 times a day as usual but I guess after all my fiasco's with the infusion sets and adhesive issues you can become tired of it all. I know that Duchess has been alerting so well I guess I figured why bother but I know this time of year can be tricky with all the parties and such. So I am glad I started up my Dexcom again but at times it also drives me crazy.  I am looking forward to getting the new G4 Dexcom in December. I am hoping that the accuracy improvements will only make the experience even better.

                                      

Feeling beat up

                    I went to the movies Saturday night like many other people over the holiday weekend. There were quite a few great movies out. I was getting settled into my seat with my friends. Then as usual the people who are running late are scuffling into the theater. They was a group of women who sat close to me and Duchess. They were talking pretty loudly between the three of them. I think most of the theater could hear them. They had to walk past Duchess and I to get to their seats. I was not surprised that we became a topic of their conversations. I am used to that to an extent from most people. I was a little a taken a back at how harsh they were. One of the ladies starts off why would they ever let anyone bring their dog into a theater. The other lady states I think the whole idea that anyone would ever need a dog to help them is preposterous. Then the other lady in the group goes on to state I think there is such a growing number of people who are using these dogs as a way to get attention. All these comments I really take offense too. It is really hard to understand sometimes the ignorance of others. I know having service dogs in public is hard to understand for people but these dogs give us so much.

                   I know Duchess gives me hope, opportunity and my life back to an extent and that is priceless. I am still astonished that people do not understand the need for some to have a service dog to help. I do not do it for the attention but for my own safety. I would give anything to have my life the way it was in some ways. I also have had  a lot of wonderful things happen because of Duchess so there is the good and the bad but it has never been about the attention. I have spent my life avoiding attention related to my diabetes. I really want to live a normal life like anyone else. I know I am unable to change the ignorance but sometimes the comments are a little tough to take.

Thanksgiving

                  I had a pretty great Thanksgiving with some great friends. I cooked at home a ham and some dessert with me. Most traditional Thanksgiving sides have gluten in them for examples dressing, gravy, green bean casserole, and rolls just to name a few. Having celiacs disease and adding holidays into the mix has been a great challenge. I am lucky that my friend Amy's friend also has Celiac's and so she is used to making things gluten free. I always am so worried about getting exposed to gluten by cross contamination which happens so easily. I did come away without being exposed to gluten and that is a successful holiday. I did have some issue when I was drinking wine which had me stay about 70 which is lower than I would like so even with eating a big meal I still was low several times. I did dose lower on the insulin trying to avoid going low but sadly my body had other ideas. The funny thing is the night before I had a drink or two and my blood sugar stayed around 90 through out the night which was ideal but diabetes is as always full of surprises. I am hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

My friend Agustin, Duchess and I watching a The University of Texas Longhorns game after dinner.

Local Article on Fake Service Animals

              There was a god news article last night on a local Austin news station about fake service animals. They article discussed how people are purchasing vests and Id cards online in order to take their pets to stores, restaurants and hotels. The website even tells them how they can take their dogs with them to hotels, restaurants and stores. Nothing makes me madder than companies encouraging people to fake having a disability to take their pets with them. I Love Duchess and like having her with me but I really wish that my life was the way it was before. Taking a service dog everywhere with you is work and is not easy. I guess I will never understand why taking you dog everywhere with you is glamorous or appealing. I have struggled so much with public access issues especially with my local grocery store. That issue was caused by someone bringing their pet into the store with a vest on and the dog did damage to some food and displays. The sad part is that people assume it won't hurt to take my dog to the store but it really does make my life more stressful. Service dogs go through rigorous training and are exposed to things a normal pet would not be so they are able to deal with being in a store. I still can't believe people would actually fake to avoid fee's.

             I know so many people who need their dogs and they do not see it as glamorous or fun but just essential. I wish more people could understand the implications of faking. I know there is numerous in Austin and the number keeps growing. These bad behaving dogs are leaving a mess behind them and I end up paying the price with explaining laws and information or a confrontation. None of these things are fun but I will continue to educate in hopes that the fakes will be asked to leave. I do ask much as I can to get the fakers out of the stores and I have confronted the people as well. I helped a local store learn the laws and they were able to keep a pet that was being said was a service animal out of the store. They learned watching Duchess's behavior in the store verses the dogs and they noticed large differences. This helped the store to determine it was a fake also with my tips I gave them. I am hoping in the future people will leave the dogs at home so that people who really need their service animals can live a normal life without all the hassles.

KEYE-TV - keyetv.com :: News - Top Stories - Kit For Sale Online Lets Your Pet Impersonate A Service

Recent Visit

             I went back to my Dr.'s appointment today and it was pretty much in and out. They were pleased I have been seizure free two months and counting. I do still have some lows but I know some of that is related to having hypoglycemia unawareness. I tend to stay on the lower side of things most of the time I do not usually go above 200 normally which is good. I having went to a CDE and dietician recently to address my recent issues because I feel like that my PA does not have time to go over all of my concerns. I know she has made some slight basal changes back to what I had them set to previously but the PA disagreed with the basal changes. I am glad that I was making the correct basal changes. I know the CDE and I talked about the possible need to eat several small meals a day instead of larger meals to create less issues with blood sugars but I will know more after my next visit which is coming up soon.


             It feels good to know that my overall adjustments for my pump settings have worked well. Every fall my basal night insulin increases dramatically. I use more insulin at night then during the day. The joys of dealing with the dawn phenomenon. I have been able to have no night lows and wake up around 130 most morning which is what I am aiming for. I am pleased that I only have one more 6 week appointment and then back to my normal 3 month appointments again. It feels so nice to be seizure free and a whole lot more relaxed in general.

Refreshing Experience

                  I had an interesting visit to target this weekend. I was walking down an aisle as usual and there were two kids with their mother shopping. The mom turns to her two boys and says that is a working dog and we do not pet. Then she says to the kids also do not ask to pet her dog because it is rude when she is just trying to live a normal life. I had never thought I would hear that from the general public. I was so pleased to hear a parent education their children but also educating them on my need to not be bothered. I try my best to live a normal life but when kids and adults get overly excited in the stores because Duchess is their it can make it difficult. It was so refreshing to hear as I was shopping. There also were two other parents who also told their kids that you do not pet service animals. I was stopped by another person when I was in the book aisle. He turns to me and says why are you not allowed to pet your service dog. I told him that a service dog can become distracted and then stop working which has happened to me. It took me weeks of work to get her back on track. I did not let people pet her at college but, they were just reaching down and petting her. Now I will block people because I know sensitive Duchess can be to being pet.

                     I don't mind answering that question for people because it brings understanding of how sensitive the dogs can be to distractions and interactions with people. Duchess is highly focused on her job but has a limit to where she would rather get attention from other people instead of working. I am okay with Duchess being that way because if I let people pet her they will continue to try and pet every service animal which could impact others.

My good friend Amy and Duchess at the Texas Renaissance Festival

        

Team D

                I have always wondered why diabetics do not support each other more. I was on the Wego Health panel and it was brought up. I know with cancer they all seem to be so supportive and joined together but why are not all the types of diabetics. I know their our some slight differences between the different types but that does not change the fact they are diabetic. I know more and more research is showing that type 2 is autoimmune related as well. I have seen the negative stigma attached with the diagnosis of type 2. My grandfather is a type 2 diabetic and he has gotten pretty beat up because they are blamed for it. I have also seen type 1's and type 2's battling it out on diabetic online forums and comment sections of articles. It is really unfortunate this is the case. We all are struggling with our blood sugars, keeping up on exercise, eating healthy, getting proper dosages for meds, insulin or insulin pumps. Most of the time our goals are very similar but why must there be such a defined line between the type's of diabetes. The more people supporting each other the better the community is as a whole. Diabetics in general can do more as a community supporting each other regardless of type. I think we all can learn a great deal from each other when working as a team.

                    I wish that in the future that we can truly be type D together as one. I am including the link for the Wego Health Panel for anyone to listen too. I wish they we all could get along and become a stronger team. I know the results of us being one team really could have fantastic results.


http://blog.wegohealth.com/2012/11/14/roundtable-recap-diabetes-awareness-month/
 

Need to Work on Some Issues

                   I have recently been struggling with being moody with Duchess and I can on occasion when I am really stressed, I try my best to avoid being moody with her but I struggle. The struggle is that when I'm in the middle of working I am always so go go that I forget how much my diabetes can come back and cause major issues. I am very driven and really have a hard time stopping what I'm doing to take care of my diabetes even though I know I should stop immediately. I have been struggling with this balance for the past three years. I do give her treat as usual but my tone is not always the most friendly. I have also found the past three years when I have lows that I am struggling to maintain a positive mood in general. I know it was rare that I would become moody when I was low but not it is becoming more routine. I find it difficult to do so and I don't want to say something at work that can be misconstrued because they don't get I'm low.

                    I know that if I don't keep my responses positive and upbeat that it could possibly cause issues with Duchess's alerting ability. So I try my best but recently it seems it is more than I can handle. I am hoping with some time off from work during the holidays will help me to get back on track with my responses and look for a solution of options for handling it. Duchess has been excellent at her alerting so she has not been affected from what I can tell so far but if I keep it up I have a feeling their will be consequences. I know I love the graphs of the Dexcom but that also can drive me crazy at times. I had to relearn a lesson again yesterday evening. Duchess alerted I gave her a treat and did not test. I told myself I would test in a few minutes and that turned into 40 minutes. Duchess kept alerting I ignored her and continued on with what I was doing. Duchess then comes over I was sitting on the couch with my laptop. Duchess comes over and sits on top of my computer and me. I kind of got the hint that I really should recheck sure enough I was 32. So it looks like I need to always listen to Duchess honestly she has never been wrong. It is so easy to forget how quickly you can go low.

WDD 2012

               Another World Diabetes Day is upon us. I know my times as diabetic over the past 32 years things have changed dramatically and for the better. I am truly amazed amount of blogs, advocates, and speakers there are for the diabetic community. I know the number will only continue to grow as we all try to fight to find a cure that we all need. I know that my blog has really transformed my life in so many ways. I started blogging on a regular basis this past May and now I don't feel alone in all the craziness I call diabetes. I am constantly trying to educate the public by speaking and blogging. I am hoping all of us spreading the word will lead to many great things. I know my journey has been so dramatically changed just by becoming involved. I am including a link for some WWD events. There is so many ways to become involved such as volunteering, and educating the public. There is also other opportunities out there.  I know I was very shy about starting to blog but I would not change a thing now. I have learned so much from all the bloggers and diabetic online community. Thanks for being part of my adventures with Duchess.

                               

 

http://www.diabetesdaily.com/voices/2012/11/world-diabetes-day-events/

Shades of Gray

                    I was speaking on a health pannel through Wego Health about various diabetes topics. We started discussing Hypoglycemia Unawareness. There were two of us on the health panel dealing with it. I know the other panelist had talked about how he did not currently drive because of the extent of his issue. I am thankful that I have Duchess because of her I still am able to go places without the constant fear and I can have back the parts of my life I had lost when I first started dealing with hypoglycemia unawareness. I have never been as scared for my own life until I had experienced not being able to feel any lows. I do currently have times I can detect a low here and there but never enough to rely upon it. My body currently has different ways of letting me know I am low and I am always trying to reteach myself to look for the symptoms but the issue is how easy they are to miss. When I used to get shaky when I was low there was not question I am low or my fast heart beat it left me with not question that I was low.

On the way to the Texas Renaissance Festival

                

                    A person on the panel brought up to me that if you run your blood sugars higher for a week or two that your feeling would come back. I have tried this method and with no results. I never was able to get back the feeling of lows to what I needs sadly. I have read study upon study that all say the same thing run high for several weeks and it will come back but honestly they never discuss when it does not. I find that to be frustrating. I know that for many doing exactly that running for several weeks and they are feeling the lows again. I on the other hand did not. I find that not all standard treatments of diabetes work for me most of the time they do not. So I am used to find what works for me. I know diabetes is not black and white but really has shades of grey. I feel like most of the time my has been mostly gray but it was refreshing to hear from others that they have experienced the shades of grey as well. I know I have struggled with my Dr.'s trying to use the standard protocols for my care when I actually need to not follow standard protocol. My diabetes is individual and not text book and that goes for my diabetics. I really just want care that matches what I really need.

Interesting Trip to TRF

                   I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival this weekend with my friend Amy. We got there a decent hour and started our day off. This time there was a much bigger crowd than opening weekend. I knew it would be an interesting day as always. There will always be a number of people who are very uneducated about service animals. The day started off with the usual comments like " Oh I didn't know you could bring your dogs here" or " I am bringing (their dog's name) next year" I am sure they did not realize that no dogs are allowed only service animals. I got the normal can I please pet your dog pretty much all day long. I also got may I ask what the dog's job is or what is your disability. I was not always in the mood to discuss what Duchess does with perfect strangers. I would occasionally tell people but they had to approach me in a very polite manner. It's was my Birthday and I just wanted to enjoy the festival. I so wish that for once I could have a normal day at a festival but I know that will never happen. There is times I feel like I am a side show act at the circus. I know I have not option currently other than Duchess so I do my best with the circumstances. I had several rude comments as usual from people because I would not let them pet Duchess.

Henna Tattoo

                                   
                    Then there was a child that the parents left attended and the kid of course was all over Duchess. I do not like people's kids near my dog because she has been hit, kicked, and her tail pulled by little kids so I try to avoid them as much as possible. I like children but I don't like them hurting Duchess. This little kid would not leave her alone he was around two years old. I decided to move away from the kids and then the kid decided to run after me. I was trying my best to avoid the kid and finally the parents noticed that there kid was harassing Duchess and I. I was surprised that parents would let their little child run around by themselves with so many people. It would have been so easy to kidnap the child. My friend during this all was trying to find the parents who ended up were quite far away. I love having Duchess with me she is my best friend these days but I do not always enjoy the comments, reactions or treatment from the general
 public.

Duchess and Amy

                                    

What I have Learned Throughout This Year

               With it being National Diabetes Awareness Month I was reflecting back upon some of the things I have learned this year or needed to relearn this year. I have a horrific time when I am high in that I am very harsh on myself when I should be more realistic and forgiving with myself. I am going to be working on this more into next year as well I'm sure. In order to avoid seizures I really need to monitor my stress level to the best of my ability. I have been able to do better by taking my breaks at work and making sure I get out of the office because when I don't it can be very over whelming after a while. I also need to think about what Duchess needs because getting out and taking a walk or playing is really essential to keeping her alerting at her best. I have learned that educating your co-workers can be good for everyone involved. I know my co-workers felt more in control when they had my instructions on what to do during seizures or lows. I can be a shy person at times and telling everyone what to do during emergencies is not always easy. I did limit who attended the training meeting and was more comfortable I also did not tell everyone which provided me with some sense of privacy that I feel I need.

                  I learned that I really should not define myself by my A1c I have know this for years but I have to continually remind myself. I am not a bad diabetic if I have a bad day and my numbers are just one part of the whole equation that I call diabetes. I have learned the hard way that yes my Dr.'s can tell you are a bad diabetic because they think your A1c is too low and that does not make me a bad person either. I know I have learned that the general public will always give my flack and lack of understanding because of all the mis-information out there. There are some people willing to learn the correct information and others choose not too. I am working on continually education to the best of my abilities to help all the diabetics out there. I have learned again that trying my best is really good enough. I do have some complications but just as long as I am continually trying my best that is good enough.I know that each person's bodies handle diabetes differently and some better than others. I also have learned more and more how amazing the Doc community is thank you for all the advice during my pump infusion set issues.


Today-

I'm joining a Health Activist Roundtable on Diabetes with @wegohealth this friday 12-1pm EST: http://tweetchat.com/room/hachat

Looking at Costs

                    When looking at getting a diabetic alert dog you have to look at the costs. At the time my insurance did not cover CGM at all. So I found that out of pocket for the CGM would be pretty comparable and not as reliable. Costs to consider when purchasing diabetic alert dogs is initial purchase costs of the dogs depending upon if self trained or program trained dogs. The vet costs such as shots, heart worm prevention, flea control, brushes, supplements for joint health, and proper dog food. Then there is the cost of treats, toys, leashes,brushes, dog bath products, collars, bowls, mats, dog beds and chew toys. My service dog does got through leashes quicker since they are in use most of the time. I buy a specialized hands free leash which makes it easier when I am carrying things and have Duchess with me. Then their is the cost of vest which I like to have a back up vest as well they usually run from 40-150 dollars for certain vests. There is also the expense of doggy bags to clean up after them as well. Duchess has allergies and so needs to be on a grain free diet which ends up costing me about a $1.25 a day to feed her. Each dog may have different health concerns so cost can vary dramatically. Then the yearly vet visits we have scans of hips or other issues that can be present from her long hours of work. Having dog pet insurance is recommended can range from 24-55 a month depending upon plans. Most service dogs like Duchess have seat belts in the car and also harnesses as well. Then boots for snow, ice or hot pavement. There is also costs depending on the climate where you live as well.

                        Diabetic alert dogs are an investment for sure and they can be quite pricey on a yearly basis but have so many benefits as well. The costs are more than I thought it would be even with calculating the expenses before I started the process. I will spend quite a bit for my CGM even with insurance but not have nearly the accuracy that Duchess provides me. I need the accuracy because my blood sugars can move so quickly. In fact during my last seizure at work. I caught that my blood sugar was dropping quickly and was drinking juice when I started to seize. So I realistically need Duchess to give me that little edge that a CGM does not provide. Overall I am quite comfortable with the costs but it can a shock to someone if they have not done their home work of the figures before they start their journey to get a diabetic alert dog.

Disruptive Ride

              I work in Downtown area in Austin and my work has limited parking. They charge their employee's to park. The yearly cost is around $450.00 to park or 35 a month. I am not a fan of paying my employer to park and then there time that because of an event that you have to park else where. I find it easier to use the bus passes they pay for all the employee's and students to have. I normally do not have too many issue I take a flyer bus which has less stops and goes directly to UT. This bus most people leave Duchess alone but not today. I had this man come over and sits downs next to me right near Duchess. I ask him to please not pet her. So he pulls his hand back. I am listening to music on my iPhone like I normally do in the mornings. I then notice that he is trying to stare at her and trying to get her attention. I gave the man a dirty look but he still did not get the point. So I asked him to please do not distract her. The man continues to make noises at her. Some one else on the bus that rides regularly told the guy to leave her alone.  I sometimes wish people would understand how easily a dog can become distracted by them trying to pet her or get her attention. She is well trained but loves attention. If I let people pet her she will not work.

              I depend on her more than I like to admit. She is amazing at her job but with people trying to do things to distract her it can be very frustrating for me. I am trying to keep her alerting at the level I need. The CGM I have does not provide the alerts the way Duchess can so I rely on her to warn me or get help if necessary. It is such a delicate balance I am always trying to keep myself safe and Duchess focused is not as easy as I initially thought it would be.

Walking a Fine Line

                      I have been really struggling recently with a very very bad habit of ignoring Duchess at times when I am busy at work. This week I have Federal Audits at work and things need to be done quickly. I know I need to check if she alerts but I have been really cranky and ignoring her to an extent because of all the things I need to accomplish. I am walking a very fine line right now because if you ignore your service dog they can stop alerting possibly or it can decrease their enthusiasm for their jobs. I am trying to be better but I know recently I have felt like such a pin cushion from all my previous pump site issues and then the constant testing. I am really feeling over whelmed by things because there is so many things I need to get done. It is so easy at times to forget how diabetes does not always wait and you can have a bad low or with me a seizure from time to time. I am trying my best to get things back to where they should be.

                      Duchess has been wonderful dealing with my mood this week and really keeping on top of it even though I am not as receptive as I should be. I am amazed at how fortunate I am that she loves her job enough that she continues to work even though I am making it difficult. I am hoping that tomorrow will be better,

So Glad she is Back to Her Old Self

                I have always loved Duchess but the longer I have her the better our relationship becomes. I honestly fell in love with her the minute I meet her at the kennel on my first day of training. I could not believe how intelligent and smart she was but most of all how much she loved working. I have to say she is far the happiest dog I have ever owned I think the job really gives the service dogs a purpose. I know Duchess has not been herself after all the seizures and hospital stay I experienced from July through September. I feel like the past two weeks she is back to normal again. She is more affectionate and more playful I believe because I have not had a seizure in over a month and a half which is wonderful. I am out the seizure pattern which is what I was trying to accomplish.
 

Duchess back when I was hospitalized in August.

                                          
                  I think Duchess was on high alert for several months during all the seizures and so she was not as carefree. I love seeing her back to her old self. She is a very warm and loving dog even when she is on high alert but it nice to she her a little more relaxed. I know these scary events our hard on the dogs even with training. They love their owners so much is amazing. I have also seen time and time again how Duchess will alert a great period of time before my Dexcom will so glad I have Duchess to help me maneuver my crazy life with diabetes. I know would not be as safe without her.

                 

Never Expected all the Disapproval

                      As a service dog owner I try to always stay informed and educated about service animals and the law. I belong to some service dog groups where I can get tips on where to get the best service dog items I need. Also it really nice to meet others who has a service dog as well. I also belong to several  diabetic alert dog groups as well. I was reviewing some post in the service dog group and come upon a post by a member stating that diabetic alert dogs only perform one task but actually that is wrong. The group is not very accepting of diabetic alert dogs in the group which I am discovering the longer I have been in the group. I am really shocked that they think the diabetic alert dogs are not considered service dogs or that they have limited task they perform according to other disables individuals. The current law states that the dog must perform one task that the disabled person cannot perform that affects their daily lives. I know some people are pushing to make it three things and of course Duchess performs more than three things as well. Her task our to alert to low or high blood sugars, bring test kit, bring glucose tabs, and get assistance when I have seizure or a bad low. I am looking to teach her to dial on a dog phone 911 if no one is around. Normally I like to stick with my diabetic service dog group online which is diabeticalertdog.com

                     I know in life you will always meet people who do not like the idea of certain types of service animal. I know I have been criticized in the past by strangers and even friends because they could not understand why any one would need to have a service dog. I have had nothing but really scary situation the two years before I got Duchess which equaled many visits with EMS at home, work or friends houses. I always thought that the general public would possibly understand my need but the opposite is true. I have gotten lost for around a six hour period of time when I had a friend call me to ask where I was they were waiting for me. I was supposed to meet them and had not shown up. I have had 3 concussion the past 5 years from lows, fractured my toe, had stitches in my lip and has numerous seizures. I know each person diabetes is different and so it does make sense. I know my biggest supporter has always been my grandmother and my really close friends. I know with my disability being invisible it makes it difficult. In fact our building manager came to the front desk of my office to find out why I have Duchess. The front desk woman was at the training when I told them I want some privacy when it comes to my issues and not to share with everyone. I know she told him that the question was inappropriate and to contact the disabilities office if he needed information.

                     

Glue and Adhesive Issues

              It looks like my first Dexcom sensor with the IV 3000 has worked quite well in fact there has been not itching from the site with the IV 3000 which is wonderful. I also used the Benadryl spray under neath the IV 3000 and there was not welts or redness when I removed it. So thankfully the glue/adhesive allergy has been handled pretty quickly and I seem to of found a solution. I am still struggling with the infusion sets I can get to about two days on some of the infusion sets but I have a feeling I will be switching to Apidra most likely at the end of this month after my next appointment if things do not change. I am averaging about a day and half currently. I am thankful after having sites lasting 4-5 hours so there has been big improvements. Hopefully I can get back to making it two days again soon. I also no longer have any bruises or welts left over so my stomach is back to looking like normal. I was and am still thankful for all the doc members who offered help and advice.
               

Duchess and my co-worker at office Halloween Lunch.