Emotions First - Then Facts

"My Dog is a Fabulous Listener"

I thought I'd Drop A quick line to the DOC.  I was initially going to write in detail about my latest visit to my Endo's Office and Diabetes Team....but about halfway through I thought, damn this is boring.

So I just wanted to say......that a few things need to be highlighted about what I think is an essential patient encounter, so if any Nurses, Doctors, or anyone dealing with the public reads this I hope you all take a similar approach. This also includes me as I also need to perfect this skill, just ask my wife.

I know, get to the point already!!!

My Diabetic Nurse did a great thing during our meeting.

She asked; what I felt about my diabetes, more specifically what I hated about it.  Which paved the way for a positive and open interview. It was Great! Great, because had she not addressed the emotional aspect of dealing with Diabetes I likely would have left the visit with little motivation to move forward and make changes.  Instead I felt open to listen to her as she did to me.

After the emotion was out of the way we got into the numbers and facts, which she also suggested some valuable changes I did not pick up on being immersed in analysing my kids diabetes management.  Long story short, I hope I treat others the same way in my encounters.


 I want to give a quick thanks to my diabetic Nurse! 

Cheers!

Trev   

Hippies, Sweat & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Don't Forget this!

Okay, thought I'd drop a quick line on the ole Blog.....

Or my latest adventure in the fitness realm.

So, as I'm getting home from my hour long boxing class, my wife has this brilliant idea to invite me to her late evening Yoga class. To quote her directly, "Its not that hard, relaxing really."  So I say, alright, and off we go.

On the way she pulls out a giant water bottle and tells me I'd better drink up. I say, alright, as I knew we were on our way to a "Hot Yoga" class.  I down a few gulps to rehydrate my already dehydrated body, remember, I'd already done an hour of sweating.

We arrive, and the place is all ZEN and hippyish.....conversations like, ya, made this really awesome vegan dish last night, totally delicious.....Buddha in the corner and the overwhelming smell of SWEAT, not to mention the scantly dressed young people strolling around, looking like they'd been swimming, and in dire need of a serious baconator super sized meal....you get the picture. Anyhow.....

I walk into the studio area, dimmed lights, mats and half naked (kidding) people all around, and roll out my yoga matt my wife provided, and my, get this, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle towel atop my mat, and follow suite. Lying flat, the fans shut off, and this small Yoga lady who would likely kick my ass, enters and soothingly, in this meditative , I am going to put you into a deep trance, type voice says, "Welcome, find your breath, own your breath, let go of today's worries.....etc....." Then, the HEAT hit me, and the torture commenced, upward and downward dogs, kids poses, dancing and warriors poses.  By the 30 minute mark my thighs were knotting up and I was cursing my wife for bringing me here post intense, dehydrating workout.....I WAS DYING FAST.....and the skinny little man in the front was oh so effortlessly, twisting himself into these wacky postures. 

The class finally ended, my sodium was likely borderline critical, and I'm surprised I didn't seize, froth at the mouth or just drop dead, but yes people, I endured. And I didn't go into kidney failure.

On the way home, and a litre of fluid later, I started to feel really good, relaxed, calm, limber, almost an energized focus, with out the intense buzz I'd get after an intense anaerobic workout. I felt damn good! A little stinky but good!

My diabetes, kinda behaved itself.  Before class, 7.2 mmol/L(multiply by 18 for USA)post 13 mmol/L likely due to the 2 classes in a row and the dehydrated state I was in. 

I Enjoyed Sweating my Ass Off - and have now put my notice in at the Thai Boxing place to join the Hot Yoga instead.  Now any Macho people out their, remember don't knock it until you try it.
Anyone else try this out? How does it effect your Diabetes?


Cheers!
Trev

Temper Tantrum - Diabetes vs Emotional Dysregulation

"Rowan and Cadee - In a calm state"

Let me start by clarifying the title.  Is this temper tantrum diabetes related or is it simply my kid throwing a fit?

I have been meaning to write about this for a while now and what prompted this post was a discussion this morning with my non-diabetic kids day-care provider.  The day-care worker told me that Cadee was throwing some extreme tantrums in an attempt to get out of quiet time. We discussed reasons etc....And I left thinking, well she is three and has been testing boundaries at home lately.  This lead me to think about Rowan our youngest type 1.  She was 18 months when Diagnosed. Right before the onset of the "Challenging twos"

It made parenting her tricky, as we knew that fluctuating sugars can result in moodiness.  I am speaking from my own personal Jekyll and Hyde episodes that I exhibited with Highs and lows.

When Rowan had a temper tantrum we would normally chalk it up as your typical toddler exhibiting  dysregulated emotional behavior. We would always, pause, test, and ensure it wasn't diabetes related. Then in the back of my mind I would be thinking; you just wait, if this is just you being a toddler, you're going straight into a time out,  or we'd redirect in an attempt to dissuade her undesirable actions. 

This really sucked for us.  It was one more step in an already emotionally draining parenting situation (that any parent can attest to). One of the hardest parts of parenting is having to discipline your child(ren) who just aren't quite there yet, emotionally, verbally, developmentally. Parenting's hard enough, but throw Diabetes into the mix and it is one more element to consider before handing out the sentence --- 2 minutes no parole...on the naughty bench.

Thought I'd share this conundrum.  Now Rowan is old enough to explain that she is probably highly emotional or upset for more then just the situation at hand, but also because her sugar is high or low. 

My heart goes out to the parents caring for type 1 diabetic kids, it is not for the faint of heart.

Take care.

Trev  

PS:  How do you handle the above scenarios with you little diabetic?

High Intensity Workout Highs - Not the Endorphine High

"Me High on Endorphins"

Okay,

You'd think I would have this diabetes thing down to an exact science by now. But it would seem apparent -that I do not.

It is easy to tell others what to do with their diabetes, analyse their log book, tweaking a thing or two, but when it comes to me, damn it's hard. 

Why is that?

Or better yet; where is this post coming from?  Well, as always, I'll tell you.  I went to another Martial Arts session last night. This time, I took a wrestling/ground fighting class, and immediately after that class I took the Muay Thai kick boxing class. I know what you must be thinking; why when I almost vomited the last time? Well I just had to try it. And I didn't barf, but it seriously made managing my glucose really difficult.

Before the first hour (wrestling) class I tested my sugar and it was 8 mmol/L so I drank a diluted 10 grams carb energy drink and did the class.  One hour later I was 9 mmol/L, not to bad.  I drank another 10 gms carbs and did the second class. Post 2 hour workout another test and it was 9.5 mmol/L.  Downed a Litre of H2O and drove home. Got home tested again, and I was 13 mmol/L but seriously starving at that point so I made my self an Omelet (3 eggs) had 1/2 cup cottage cheese and a handful of blue berries. I took 1 unit to correct the glucose (1 unit for 3mmol/L  but since I had a two hour workout and it was nearing bed time I reduced my correction by 50%) I took 3 units to cover the meal, which is typical. I then read some books to the kids, had a long shower, tested again about an hour later and damn, 14 mmol/L.  Frustrating but I said to myself, it has been over a year since I've pushed myself with such a high intensity workout of that duration. So I went to bed. Couldn't sleep, as I was obsessing about the sugar level, and still a little wired from the class. Tested 2.5 hours after last bolus and still 13 mmol/L.  I am always hesitant to correct this late as I am prone to some serious lows between the hours of 2-3 am. So, I once again took half of what I would normally take or 1 unit of rapid and went to bed. This morning I woke up at 8.8 mmol/L.  Now I would prefer to wake up between 5-6 mmol/L.  Oh well, not bad really.  Now what do I do with this experience?

I am obviously thinking about it and in unison sharing it, but I'm considering a few things.....

The type of workout was very much anaerobic whereby I exerted myself intensely for a certain amount of time, say 3-5 minutes, followed by brief 30-60 second rest period. In other words not a consistent activity like cycling or running.

What effect does this have?  Well it generally causes an increase in blood glucose for me, followed by lower levels over the next 24-48 hours. Now, I usually don't go intense for over an hour.  From what I've read anything over 48 minutes and your body goes into a catobolic state or breakdown mode, tapping into fat and protein stores, and thus leading to muscle wasting, over training and injury.  To me this equals a whole lot of stress and inflammation, which I assume, leads to my increased blood glucose. If anyone out there wants to provide a juicy more accurate reason please do, I would appreciate it.

Is it increased cortisol production and gluconeogenesis causing insulin resistance, and an increase in liver out put of glucose?  Or is it simply poor balance on my part, not enough insulin?  or perhaps both?  Now I am considering hiring a biochemist or sports medicine expert to edit and add content to my blog.......and selfishly answer my burning questions.

Today, I am still "Out-of-Whack" or having hyperglycemia. Which is frustrating and confusing, however, it was the first two hour session, and based on the ramification perhaps this guy is only meant to do a one hour session, but I am stubborn and if a non-d person can do it, then so can I.

Now I am just whining. But seriously,  I think I have to try it again, take the full correction amount, and reduce my carb supplement or try a different form of carb like a piece of fruit before each session. Trial and error again and again until I figure it out. 

 I wish for a time when things can be simple, a time when I can just go do the class, and not think about diabetes, glucose levels, and the ramifications an activity may have on my health.  Oh, then again that would be called a cure.

Cheers and thanks for listening. 

Trev 

I'm Gonna Hurl!!!

"My tough guy pose"

I have recently joined a Martial Arts Training Centre to get back into Muay Thai Boxing. And, let's be honest to get my Ass back into shape, not that I am a coach potato, but let's just say these last few years of sedentary jobs has not been good for the belly roll over the belt scenario, but rest assured I can still see my feet and other important body parts.....TMI

Anyway, so on a whim, I arrived home from work and the house was rather quiet, yes it does happen on occasion. Kids were out, little one watching barbie on the tele, and my wife taken a much deserved cat nap.

I tossed my shorts, and tank top into a bag and decided to drive out to a Martial Arts MMA training centre. This was two weeks ago now. I gear up, grab a rope and jumped right in. The classes are one hour long, and boy they are intense. 15 min warm up, skipping, shadow boxing, push ups, burpies, just think boot camp training. Okay, so I limped a bit the next day after the first couple of classes. Then last night......

WHOLLY CRAP, what the hell was that.....It was a different instructor, and I seriously thought he was trying to kill me, no seriously, between hacking, spewing and nearly coughing up my upper lung lobe, being light headed from non stop heart rate in the 200's for far too long (in my opinion) I really thought I was going to hurl.....blow chucks, vomitus uptacous, what ever you want to call it.  So did I?  Not on your life as this is a sign of weakness, in my book. 

I huffed and puffed and the warm up ended and we moved on at a much more reasonable pace, thank god, as I truly think if the warm up had of been even 1 minute longer, I would have done the run of shame to the can to relieve myself. 

Now, I suppose I should link this back to diabetes in some way.........Well I can say that training has always felt good, contrary to the above session (it does get easier) but seriously though, it has an amazing blood glucose lowering effect as our muscles and liver are refilled with glucose that is consumed and lingering around the blood stream that would otherwise be doing insidious silent damage....I know I am dramatic.

But more importantly, it is great to connect mind and body, by focusing on movement, proper technique, as I am totally in the present moment.  It is a fabulous stress relieving thing for our overly taxed body and mind. 

So I have officially joined, no backing out now. I look forward to doing the class minus the extreme urge to barf.


Cheers!

Trev 

Passion = Never Giving Up

"Muay Thai Fighter's Stance, careful she
has a wicked right hook"

Hello All you Fabulous People!

Well Summer is drawing to a close, and school will soon be back into full swing with; homework, teachers, taxi service, lunches, diabetes questions and meetings. My house will indeed be cleaner with the offspring away all day but somehow the school routine still makes life equally busy, with the chaotic before school launch sequence, and the after school, squeeze all things into 4 hours before bed sequence; only to get up and do it all over again 5 days a week. I am tired mentally just contemplating the above........

So after the above run on sentence, I suppose I should get to the point post.

I read somewhere that passion and research don't mix as the passion I suspect can cloud or bias the researchers view, and therefore effect the results of the study. 

So as I was walking(Briskly uphill of course) on my treadmill, as this was easier then dragging 5 kids, and 2 dogs through the hood, I got to thinking about the above statement.

Then I pulled out my iPhone, yes I have one too, and watched a 6 part series on Dr R. Bernstein.(Youtube Link) He explains his story and how he has had diabetes for 63 plus years, how he was doing the "run-and-shoot" or "Basal-Bolus" method years ago, and how he paid 650 bucks for one of the first glucometers on the market, apparently the size of a shoe box.  This guy talks about his journey from being an engineer who attempted to sway the medical profession to look at intensive diabetes management as this was working exceedingly well for him, and to his dismay, was turned down every time, being told things like "People will never manage diabetes with a machine" hmmmmmm were they wrong.  He eventually became an MD when he was in his forties to increase his swaying power with in the medical community.

What's my point? Well, he was passionate to share with the medical community what he discovered through passion, and his own desire to improve glucose control, and prevent an early death from diabetes.  A lot of what he was doing to himself 40 years ago has only recently become mainstream.

I personally think passion is crucial to moving forward in all research since passion to me, equals motivation to act, to challenge conventional thinking and ask what can we do different or better. It is like fuel, if you believe strongly about something, this provides the energy to move forward and do something about it.

Even us individuals with Diabetes or caring for a child with D. We are I believe, Scientists, or capable of being scientists. By testing, trialing, and reviewing the results. What worked, what didn't. Being passionate about living well with diabetes.  Reading everything as objectively as possible, and using the best evidence to guide us in how we all manage diabetes. I also believe in asking questions, not just to your doctors, but to your self. There are hundreds. Will I need more insulin at forty, or less, will this Kickboxing class need added pre-carb snack compared to my bike workout, the questions are numerous, and personally provide me with the passion, and motivation to read about the topic, test, trend, experiment and improve my diabetes management. I am still learning. For instance in my twenties I was heavily into Muay Thai Kickboxing, and always assumed I'd need a lot of Carb to cover the workout. But now, 18 years later, I am realizing that it is more anaerobic and therefore, it would seem I almost need no additional carbs. Live and learn.

I guess my message is even though Diabetes sucks, beat it through passion, a passion to learn as much as possible, and keeping an open mind, become your own lab rat, if it isn't working try and try again, what ever you have to do, never give up.  I know it sounds cheesy, and I apologise, but there is truth to this. Only we, those living with it, can change and improve our health.

Cheers!

Trev

Low, Lower and Lowest

"Last Evening"

One word to describe life at the moment.  Actually three words. But once again, diabetes, in all its power, has this sneaky way of ripping the proverbial rug from under you.

On my way to bed last night, a little later then usual, as I was into a really good book, I did the "Security check" to ensure Rowan's sugar was at a safe level for the night.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1......beep, and 2.0 mmol/L  or 36 in US terms. 

WTF !

The juice on the table beside her bed was empty, and not replenished, Shit!!!

I leaped down the stairs, retrieved a juice box, and leaped back up to her bedside. She was alert, and drank the juice, gulping it down, with her eyes closed and the sweat soaked through her PJ's.  I guided her gently back down, and just sat there. In the dark, cursing this (*&^*%^ disease. In my head of course.

I strolled down stairs super slow, feeling defeated once again. Going through the evening's events, in an attempt to account for this curve ball that was sprung on us violently out of the blue. And, nothing popped out as an obvious cause. Great I said to myself. Not even able to develop any preventative plan to avoid this attack in the future.

I think this is the most draining and difficult thing about diabetes, the unpredictable events that can't be prevented or planned for.  Those unexplained anomalies. Our only weapon is glucose monitoring, trending, proper food to insulin to activity amounts........Ya good luck with that with kids and diabetes who are bar none the most unpredictable creatures on the planet.

Mr Diabetes, this was really low of you, one the lowest for Rowan, and you remind me to never trust you and lower our guard. EVER.

Trev

Emotional Paradox

The other morning as I was drawing up my smallest Type 1's injection she looked up to me and asked,  "Can I take my needle dad"

I paused; my thoughts were immediately mixed. I felt proud and sad almost simultaneously. Here was this small bright blue eyed sweet innocent child asking if she could stick herself with a syringe full of insulin.

I embraced the fact that she wanted to try, thinking, wow, once again her bravery astonishes me. I finished drawing up the insulin and handed her the needle.

With out a moments hesitation she pulled up her shirt and did it.  Just like that, no pause, no second guessing herself, like I see my adult patients consistently do, where they pause, then proceed, not this kid, she just DID IT!

She looked up and smiled, and said, that didn't even hurt. She was beaming with pride.

I took the needle, and said; "great job you brave princess", and gave her a high-five. Than, she ran off to get to the stuff kids do, what ever was on her mind.

This sparked a memory of when I was 9 years old, sitting on my bed, staring at the syringe my dad had handed me, only I hesitated, for quite a while, and gradually stuck the needle into my thigh. I was afraid, and I remember thinking, I hate diabetes, I hate taking this stupid needle. Why oh why? But time passed and here I was witnessing my little girl, so gracefully showing initiative and injecting herself, like it was just a normal thing to do.

I am so proud for her and also sad.

Diabetes, once again, forces its presence into my soul, causing a paradox of emotional turmoil.

Trev.

It Would Seem that Diets are Like Fashion

They are always recyled with time.

I just finished reading a paper from the Journal of Diabetologia called Diet, Delusion and Diabetes.

Gives a very creatively written overview of the history of diet and diabetes.  Enjoy.

Diet, Delusion and Diabetes

Trev

Carbs and Kids - Clarification....

Since my Blog is titled Three 2 Treat, I should clarify what the other 2 Type 1's eat; those others being my two children.

I know it's obvious what my stance on Carbs is, but I should make it clear that these are my own Food Choices and I certainly don't impose these choices on my five kids. Just in case any readers are inclined to think that I'm a crazy man that only feeds my kids eggs, meat, and veggies. Trust me my children would form a mutiny and lock me out of my own house.

A clue would be to read some past posts like Fire The Easter Bunny , taking note the Pic of my smallest Type 1 chowing down on a large (certainly not low carb) chocolate bunny.

My stance on diet and food choices is also a journey, over my 28 years of dealing with my own type 1 diabetes. Years of  food exchange diets; being told to avoid sugar, being told sugar is okay, to intense carbohydrate counting, using pocket scales, kitchen scales, and nutrient bibles.  Not to mention the thousands of miscalculated carb counts, and the extreme variability in the foods and the effect they have had on my blood glucose readings. So I am what you could call a human  Lab Rat, and I am constantly trying to figure out what works for my diabetes management. If I read compelling enough evidence, not just anecdotal that a certain method of diabetes management may work better then others, I try it.  

I read about carb reduction 10 years ago, but didn't try it, as I didn't think there was enough research regarding it, especially for Type 1 diabetes.  But now the evidence exists and promising and more and more is being done regarding lower carb, moderate protein and fat diets and the effect thay have on health.

I realize that this is my personal choice, and not for everyone, but I also feel strongly that our current lifestyle of 200 gms of CHO plus a day seems to be creating problems that can't be ignored. And, when I continue to try to understand the possible reasons, be it inactivity, genetics, food choices, and metabolic pathways, I really think we need to ask ourselves, are we eating a diet conducive to good blood glucose control and health?

I know for myself, high carb meals, lead to huge errors in carb counting (even measuring on a scale) larger doses of insulin leads to variable absorption, which leads to more extreme fluctuation in blood glucose readings, and more lows and highs. So for me it makes logical sense to reduce the carb a little or a lot depending on your comfort level, to make diabetes management a little more predictable.

As for my kids, they eat a typical kid diet. They have cookies and milk, Kraft Dinner, Mr Noodles, Ice Cream, and pretty much what they want(with in reason) We buy lots of fruit (which isn't low carb) that they have access to when ever they feel the urge. Kids with D or any child for that matter need calories, lots of em, especially active kids, but for the middle aged office worker, hmm me, I am certainly not burning the fuel like the little ones.  

The 2 little Type 1's have good days and bad days with their glucose readings, and unfortunately the bad days are the ones where the meals and snacks are higher in carbs or meals that are difficult to calculate, but this is all part of being a kid with D, I know because I was one once, and I loved my moms home made cookies and milk.  

Trev

The Obvious isn't Always Obvious...

"Relinquishing My Mental Frustrations"

I have this crazy hobby, or maybe obsession.  

I read anything and everything related to nutrition.  I mean everything....Research, Diet Books, Blogs, you name I read it.

I read it with a pair of Diabetic Glasses on, looking for ways to improve my health(and others) I have written posts about food, and controversial topics like What's Up with the Food Guide and Pro Carb vs. Low Carb so one could say I am a little biased in my opinion.

I am now trying to figure out why so many in the medical profession (at least the ones I meet)tend to not agree with reducing the carbs.  So I started looking into what knowledge the General Practitioner gets regarding Nutrition. 

I asked a brand new, wet behind the ears Resident or Family Doc in Training how much education he received in the area of nutrition during his medical degree.  His response was, "Hardly Any" 

Hmmmmm. So I decided to pull a Medical Physiology Textbook written by Guyton from the shelf to have a look at what these doctors review in terms of Insulin Metabolism, and the storage of Macronutriants, like Carbohydrate, Protein, and fat.  Thinking, there must be a profound reason we are offering the general public a guideline to consume a diet that contains 65% carbohydrate. So I flip it to the pertinent section. And read the following:

In time, the insulin plays an important role in storing the excess energy substances.  In the case of excess carbohydrate, it causes these to be stored as glycogen mainly in the liver and muscles.  It causes fat storage in the adipose tissue.  Also, all the excess carbohydrate that cannot be stored as glycogen are converted under the stimulus of insulin into fats also stored in the adipose tissue

Okay, so they are taught in medical physiology that insulin is the main stimulus for fat storage. So I ask myself, what causes increased levels of insulin in the human body?

Excess Carbohydrate causes an increase in blood glucose, which in turn cause an increase in insulin which in turn gets stored as fat.  Apparently most of the world has missed this point.

Okay, I also read from the same text, now this is for those interested in how to up the fat burning engine in your body, which definitely includes me. 

All aspects of fat breakdown and use are greatly enhanced in the absence of insulin

Short quote. Now in the complete absence we'd be dead, so I guess what this Medical text is suggesting is that in cases of reduced insulin levels, we set our metabolism up to burn more fat then if we have higher levels.

So as I read this from a Medical Text Book on Physiology, that Doctors use to reference, I question how the hell we can in good conscious tell people to increase their insulin levels beyond capacity, when basic Insulin Metabolic Theory indicate the outcome of doing so?

What's my point?

Well, I guess I don't understand why the obvious isn't noted, and practiced. Perhaps it's the "Hardly Any" training some groups of health professionals receive in the area of nutrition. However, even the Professionals that are trained in the area of nutrition still encourage this high carbohydrate approach.

Who knows.

Trev 

Source:

Textbook of Medical Physiology, Guyton, Arthur C.8th Edition, WB Saunders Company, 1991. pp. 858-859. 

Marriage & Partnership with D-Kids

"My Love and Super Diabetes Manager"

A question was posed by a commenter asking about Parenting Diabetic Kids and Keeping the relationship strong. Which is a good question as I think we all struggle with Marriage when we have Kid(s). 

And, like my previous post, maintaining relations with kids is hard enough and takes planning, communication,  love and a strong friendship to endure. BUT, throw parenting kids with diabetes or any other time consuming, emotionally draining chronic disease (cerebral palsy, MD, for example) and it makes the maintenance that much more challenging.

And, you bet, some days, note the pleural, we(My wife and I) pass each other with minimal communication. So how do we stay strong, close, happy and yearning to hang out? 

-We always sit beside each other at the dinner table, forget the head of the table rule, this way we can try to talk to each other a little.

-We always go to bed at the same time, talk, read, cuddle, and sometimes, well, you know......

-In order for the above to work we have pretty strict bedtime rules, so we actually have an hour to our selves.

-We have very few friends.  Now this is by choice, since any spare time we conjure up, we jump at the chance to go out together.  This is crucial.

Diabetes Management etc:

-Well, we share.

-I tend to do the tweaks, insulin adjustment, regime changes and stuff. My wife used to do a lot of the testing.

But with 2 type 1 kids, we divide and conquer. In the mornings, I'll test and inject Rowan, while my wife gets the toddler dressed. 

-We have one golden rule in our house, if ones up working, then we all are up helping, we rest together, and play together.

-For evening care. I do more of the meal prep, and my wife tests and figures out doses, boluses, etc. I think she does more testing, as she understands that I am often testing myself as well, so the situation is a little unique.

-Now the night time stuff, in the beginning my wife did more, as she was able to rest during the day. But now, we share, as she is also working full time.

-Groceries, we now do together, and try to have fun doing the same, like sipping coffee while reading labels, dancing in the isles to the cheesy music, good times!

-Emergencies and doctors apt. Well depending on work, feeling, exhaustion levels, we decide on a whim. I tend to take em to the endo, since I am more comfortable driving into the city

-We also give each other a break, so we can have alone time, key to keeping sanity

I find the minute I become complacent, and say "all is good in our marriage", we argue or drift, so I try to keep the lines of communication flowing, and remind myself that it takes work, effort, planning, and a desire to connect to manage a marriage with kids, and diabetes.

AND yes, some days are certainly easier then others.

Cheers!

The Hardest Job on The Planet is........

I read a post on the DOC that prompted me to write this.  Just want to say hang in there all of you fabulous parents who have been forced (no-one asked you) to take on the role of EXTERNAL PANCREAS.

PARENTING in my humble opinion is THE HARDEST job on the planet!!!

Now, before you say ya, whatever, what do you know, you're a man, please hear me out.  True.....I certainly haven't stayed home full time as long as my better half parenting our brew has. However, I stayed home for a year, with a New Baby a 2 and 4 yr old, while my wife did her teaching degree, and I worked nights on the week-end to pay for the rent, and oh, my diabetes supplies. AND----

 It was bar none, the HARDEST year of my life. This was all before any of our five offspring had Type 1 diabetes. Okay, what am I getting at, I am, in a man way,  trying to say,  I kinda, sorta had a glimpse of how tough and emotionaly exhausting parenting is at times, and this is with out throwing TYPE 1 DIABETES into the mix. 

My wife and I have lost more sleep in the last 41/2 years out of 13 years of parenting thanks to that STUPID disease destroying 2 of our kids Beta Cells.

I'm not sure when----.but hopefully with better technology, or ANYTHING to make diabetes safer and or less stressful, to aid us in our role as the crazy multi-testing, carbohydrate calculating, meal planning, nocturnal worrying substitute for a dysfuncional pancreas that our child and us have to put with, just maybe----Things in time will get a little easier. 

From one caring house full of Type 1's to another....I thank the DOC for sharing, as it is nice and unfortunate at the same time to know there are others who understand and are there for all to listen to.

Cheers.

Trev

She'll Get Used to It....

  A comment made to us by a nurse sticking an infusion set into our 2 year old Type 1's arm for her very first time 4 years ago.

The memory popped into my cranium on the way to work today.  I do believe because it was a terrible experience, and a statement we as Type 1 PWD hear likely more often then we'd like.

"So you must get used to taking needles, right?"

Well, not really. It simply isn't normal to stick a sharp object into your skin, it's kinda like trying to keep your eyes open when putting in contacts. You get better at it, but never really used to it.

I know for me, I still after 29 years hesitate prior to injecting, knowing I may hit that (1 in a 100) spot that hurts and burns like, well, like freaking hell!

SO in response to the Nurse whom I owe the title of this post, who by the way doesn't have diabetes; no she won't get used to it!!!

I think honesty is best, like saying; "It may sting a bit, and it may not" Which is a more appropriate comment to make prior to sticking a large bore set into a wee little arm. 

I know this "Needle" fear or in some people phobia, is a barrier to better control, and often a huge hesitating factor for Type 2's needing to start on insulin.

I tell em; "Look, it's going to hurt some times, but usually you won't feel a thing"  As I demo on myself using the 4 mm BD needle to ease their mind. Even then, they often refuse to start that day and ask to post-pone the inevitable for a "bit". 

When I ask about their feeling regarding injections, they conjure up stories about GIANT NEEDLES they had in the past usually at the dentist or from a past immunization. When I display the 4mm needle tip, they often say, "Wow that's tiny".

What is my point exactly, well..... if adults are reluctant and hesitant and admittedly afraid, then OUR children truly are the BRAVEST little people on the planet!!!

Cheers!

Trev 

My Thoughts on Closing the Loop



"Closed Loop System"



When I have idle time at work I use it to review any and all information related to Diabetes. Yesterday I stumbled across a site called http://www.diabeteshealth.com/ and was scrolling through the numerous summaries regarding new research, nutrition etc...

I reviewed the topic related to closing the loop, since a cure is too distant at the moment, perhaps the focus should be on designing a complex computer feedback system whereby a Continuous Glucose Sensor communicates with a microscopic mega computer that in turn uses fancy algorithms to communicate with the pump telling it what to do.  Sounds pretty cool, except for a couple of things...

My issue and the researchers mainly in Europe feel the challenge is how the computer program will account for things like, spontaneous activity, stress, and the human bodies biochemistry, aka "Diabetic Curve Balls" that get thrown our way on a daily diabetic basis. I have to say I can't see the system being too successful, just my humble opinion.

I know, I am a natural sceptic.

I think they need to focus on insulin analogues that respond to micro changes in blood glucose, like a non-diabetics where the minute the body senses a micro increase the beta cells send out the first responders. Now I am not a biochemist, nor really that smart, I get by, but this just seems logical   Don't know if its possible and I am sure they are working on it.

When I reflect on such things, I can't help to marvel at how truly amazing the human body is designed, how complex our inner workings really are.

What do you all think about this?

Cheers!

Trev

The Things We Find

As some of you may know, I have a few Diabetes People in DA House.

And, any of you with kids, or even those who have been temporarily exposed to these tiny creatures, it is a known fact that possessions can,  and will mysteriously disappear in their company.

I have found my missing watch buried in the closet around dolly's neck. I have stumbled upon the TV remote underneath my toddlers pillow, and the list goes on, and on........

So the other night, I was looking for my daughters fancy glucometer, the Contour USB port one, to no avail.
So I decided to evoke my right as commander in chief to start Operation "FIND ALL THE DIABETES STUFF"  So it began.....

After about an hour of rummaging, cushion flipping, junk drawer emptying, doll house searches, we had a pile of supplies on our counter.

We had glucometers, Pens, Empty Pens, Needles, Needle TIPS, Empty and full test strips, Lancets,  and empty vials of insulin. Crazy the amount of stuff, I honestly didn't know we had.

As I was matching all the strips to meters to lancets to cases, I thought of the DOC, and how odd it is that this really is the norm for us folks.

Instead of finding the remote stuffed between a couch cushion, we find a meter, instead of finding a pen on the counter we find an insulin pen.

Bizarre how normal it becomes.

Cheers!

Trev 

Where's the off-ramp from Life in the Fast Lane?

I need to tell you how I feel, not complain, but try to create clarity through expression, if you know what I mean. Sometimes getting it out, opens the cranial paths to solutions and ideas. So here goes.

Is it just me or does life get quicker as we age?  It seems that with each passing day, there are less and less hours, and each passing day seems blurrier then the last and before you know it,  you're staring at yourself in the mirror asking yourself;  "where the hell did that year go"   Too Fast I say!

I recently picked up a second job, so I work Monday to Friday and on the week-ends. Crazy but the cost of living is insane. I desperately want to minimize the unessential things in our life but feel trapped being the Father of a rather large number of Offspring who look to me to provide their every need. My wife also works full time.

Okay,  to put it bluntly, somethings gotta give.

I persistently argue with myself saying, "It's temporary" or "It is good to be busy" but This Life in The Fast Lane is going to take its toll eventually.

Take its toll on my diabetes and health that is.  I find it harder and harder to exercise. Meal planning is also more challenging. This winter resulted in the highest A1C I have had in many years. And I can't help to charge my busy life as the culprit and cause of my poor diabetes control.

Time is limited and I sooo need it to heal, manage, and improve my health.

Any PWD knows that stress makes diabetes harder to control, well, I guess that has been my issue.

Ideas to improve above dilemma:

-Cancel all unnecessary distractions, like the hundreds of channels through our cable provider.
-Focus on eating healthy - Already doing that
-Quit both jobs - kidding - Money is unfortunately as important as Oxygen at the moment.
-Baby steps - short work outs at lunch maybe - More playing at the park, even when tired, as it's good for me and the kids.
-And any other ideas the DOC wants to throw my way - thanks in advance!

On a positive note - Seen my Eye Doctor yesterday, and zero evidence of Retinal issues, eyes are good!

Well, just letting my thoughts channel through fingers - to keys - to screen in an attempt to find the off-ramp.

Cheers!

Trev

Too Fast - Too Complicated?!

"My Middle Kid and Chuck. Note No Technology"

Hello DOC and DOC stumblers, I wrote this over a month ago, and didn't post it. Better late then never I guess.  Oh, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Diabetes.

Today is what I would refer to as a free thought post.  Meaning no planned topic. Just what's on the Melon.

I have touched on the concept before of Making Things Too complicated.

Life being a Race, Hamster Stuck on a Wheel, type theme.

Cell Phones, Computers, iPads, TV, Video Games.  These are all great things in their own right, but at what expense. 

A few months ago, I was at the mall in a food court. At a nearby table sat a teen and his two parents. The father was talking to his son.  During this conversation the Boy never made eye contact, and continued to use his iPhone.  The crazy thing is, the father continued the conversation as if it were a normal thing. Now my wife and I commented afterwards how we would have taken the phone and had a serious discussion regarding proper communication.

I see people everywhere, driving, walking, in line ups, movies, you name it, they are on their gadgets, everywhere, all the time. Kids don't call each other anymore, they text or Facebook. To the point that doctors are seeing younger people with posture pain from looking down too much, crazy!

I can't help to ask, at what expense. Now before I proceed, I am not saying I don't agree with using technology, hell I use it all the time. I am just reflecting on what I observe and the potential social implications.

What I observe in the workplace for example is an increase in social avoidance and often more passive aggressive behavior. Professionally I rarely communicate directly anymore, its Voice Mail, Email, Text, and if that fails, Phone. Which is never really a good thing. People misinterpret  written emails the wrong way, because unlike verbal interaction there is no instant feedback loop and zero body language which is 70-80% of all communication. I find it cowardly to email an issue when you are in the same building, and was a little shocked at how often this happens. I feel people are getting worse in some cases at communicating as a result of all the other non-face-to-face options. Just my opinion of course.

I know this is a huge topic, that entails, email and FB bullying, online dating, gambling, and car accidents related to cell phone use. I am more concerned about one thing.

It is said that technology increases connectivity, but I also see it actually increasing social disconnectivity(I know it's not a word)

Instead of shutting off the TV, Cell, Computer, Video game, and going out to socialize, we are spending more and more time having our minds sucked into the technological realm and distracted from real life.

I guess this whole post stems from my more frequent walks and bike rides over lunch instead of spending it at my desk in front of my computer.

There is really something to be said when you hear a person's voice, see their expression, here their laughter.

I am once again not discouraging use of computers, or cells, but think we need to be aware of the social, physical and emotional ramifications of letting them overtake our every waking moment.

Sorry for the deep post. Not really diabetes related. Just stuff on the ole Melon.

Trev

Play Time Anyone?

"Play Time"

It seems that people are still checking in on Three 2 Treat even though I haven't been devoting any time to writing. I am really honoured that folks all over the world, like Russia, Greece, and wow the UK, huge shout out!!!  

I have been attempting to simplify my life a little bit, well, mentally, stripping away the numerous distractions, activities, hobbies, etc, in order to reflect on things.

Diabetes was one of those things I needed to, well, cut back on, if you follow me. It consumes my home life, work life, my online life, my kids, etc.  Its a huge consumer of my mental energy that inevitably distracts me from enjoying the finer things in life like play time.

I have been spending time focusing on Playing, Yup, Playing.   Getting excited to come home from work and go to the play ground to play on the climber, swing on the monkey bars, chase the soccer ball, kids and dogs around the field. Walk in the grass barefoot, lie on the grass and examine the clouds. Just be in the moment, enjoying the smells, feeling the breeze and the sun radiating down it's life giving energy.  Playing is Great!

It seems that as we grow older some of us forget to play. I know I did. Sure....we take vacations, go to dinner, drink too much on occasion, but I'm referring to non-goal oriented, unstructured unrestricted totally let loose play!  Man it really is invigorating and fun!

I was getting so caught up in work, diabetes, writing, commitments, life, tasks, lists, that I forgot to PLAY.

So I am asking you all to give it a try, no goals, no objectives, in the moment, Play, just like kids.

Cheers!

WARNING;
Excessive playtime may result in serious happiness, improved relations with loved ones and pets, better blood glucose control, weight loss, better cardio, toned muscles, happy children, cool parent syndrome, serious stress reduction.  It is recommended to gradually increase play time to avoid the above sudden side effects.

Time to Unplug Y'all

Well, I simply need to Unplug.

After My experience with the CWD forum, and the rude comments from ignorant people as occasional as they are; I need to unplug. 

It's hard enough dealing with life and taking the time to share experiences and thoughts, let alone dealing with what seems to be an insidious negativity I have noticed seeping into the DOC. As much as I love the encouraging comments, the negativity is too much too handle for moi at this time.

It is too difficult to read comments from people who don't think before they type. They are likely bitter themselves, and projecting there own frustrations onto others. I intellectually know this, but emotionally, my skin ain't tough enough to handle it.

Case in point: Mom Of Bean Blog, this poor Mom, and the atrocious comment totally judging her was absolutely un-called for.  Good rebuttle blog post on her part but enough is enough for this guy.

I still look forward to reading your blogs that I follow.

And Maybe at a later time I will start to post, but for now I need to unplug.


Peace out all. Damn, the lump has returned.


Trev

Steak in My Pee?!

A little diabetic flashback

A while ago, like over 15 years ago, I had some lab work done, and was called into my then Family Doctor to discuss the results.

I go in and sit down, or something like that, and we go through the results.

A1C - Check
Fasting Blood Glucose - Check
Lipids - Check

and then.............

Oh, you have some protein in your urine.

My heart dropped, to me this meant the end all be all, downward spiral into one of the killers that diabetics get, Kidney Failure.

I replied "Really, what does this mean?"

He said, "It is called Microalbuminuria and it is a very early indication of Kidney Damage."

I said, "So my kidneys are damaged?"

He said, "Well, not exactly."

I thought, WTF I'm really freaking out here, and you can't give me a straight answer.  I was a hot head back then. But I did not vocalize my thoughts.

I said "What can we do?"

He said "We will put you on an ACE Inhibitor, which is a low dose Blood Pressure Medication that works on the kidneys and prevent the progression of Kidney Damage"

I took my first breath of relief.  Took the Rx and filled it immediately.

This was my first encounter with a potential deadly diabetic complication. And I was completely freaked out about it. I spent the next several weeks, researching Kidney Disease, Progression from MicroAlbuminuria to overt Proteinuria. I looked to basically see how long I had left to live. 


I guess the lesson I learned from this is that people get panicked about results, so when I break the news I do the best I can to provide as much information as possible and also offer a feedback loop, so the patient does feel on their own.

I never ever want anybody to feel like they have had a brush with death in the doctors office.

Trev

Intensive Management vs. Emotional Burnout

This post was prompted by a fellow Diabetes Warrior Parent, who wrote about "When is Too Much, Too Much?" Thanks for the inspiration Reyna from Beta Buddies

That phrase echoes my experience three fold.  I have gone OCD on diabetes in the past. Testing too much, analysing like a crazy mad scientist, CGM, Pumping, weighing, measuring, counting the carbs right down to a half gram. 

Was my Control improved?  Absolutely. Was I happy? Absolutely Not! 

Diabetes was dominating my every waking moment more then it should.  Which brings me to the conclusion that sometimes simple is nice. Now I should add that I definitely advocate for intensive diabetes management, but not at the expense of emotional burnout. And, It really is a fine line.

Now my one Type 1 daughter Rowan, went from MDI, to Pump, now back to MDI.  Why? Primarily for physical reasons, as her pump sites were looking a little on the lumpy side (Hyperlipodystrophy) Also, It too was necessary for mental sanity. We were micro-managing her diabetes and pump.  I was getting texts 3-4 times a week from her school informing me her readings were wonky. Now I am lucky to get one once a  month. We've simplified things dramatically, and as a result, we are feeling some emotional reprieve and her control has improved.

As a parent of 2 children with Type 1 it is very easy to chase numbers, over react, change things, basals, boluses, testings a gazillion times a day, worry or cheer. All this at the will of the results on the CGM or in our case the Meter.

I do know how exhausting this is, and how every reading isn't just a reading, it represents sooo much more then that. It is a Mark, or measure as to how well we(as parents) are managing our innocent vulnerable child's Diabetes. And some of those reading can emotionally crush us.

This insurmountable task of managing as an external pancreas takes a huge toll on us emotionally. So can we simplify things, or at least mentally simplify things? Good Question. And something I encourage all of us Parents and PWD(People with Diabetes) to reflect on. I know my awareness about Quantity vs Quality is evident often. I think it is a Nursing thing, when a person who is told they can live 3 extra months but need to spend half that time sick with no quality of life. What is the point of living if the disease or illness dominiates our life to the point that our quality of life is severely hampered. Not this guy, no freakin way.  I want to prevent longterm complications for all of us but I also want to live Life!

I love the saying KISS, or Keep it simple stupid.  Now before you all swear at me, I am not calling anyone stupid other then myself, cause somehow I make things more complicated then they need to be. My regime for example, always improves when I stick to a simple plan. Eat sensibly,  measurable carbs, test 4-5 times a day, look at the trends weekly and tweak.  It works and no I don't do this all the time, and Yes I often drive myself to the brink of insanity. But lately it is about finding the balance between quantity and quality. Life should be all about diabetes but about Life and Diabetes on the side.

I do know this though, Simple works. I don't mean simpler technology, my pump works better with 4 basal rates as opposed to 8. It is a fabulous device. But I know that I can over complicate things by analyzing things to frequently, over thinking decisions, second guessing my self.

The complexity in diabetes management is taxing on the brain and the trick is to ask - How can I balance all this physical stuff(testing, injecting, pumping) with the Life, so that it doesn't out balance quality of life and lead to burn out?

That's the balancing act for us folks living with diabetes daily.

Trev

Time to Recruit My Team

"There's No I in Team"

My Life is a Whole Lot of Diabetes.  Almost Too Much. 

As my regular readers are aware, I Treat Myself, 2 Children, and Also assist hundreds of patients with their diabetes.

I try my best to assist everyone in the above scenario, but I waver to admit, I am doing a piss poor job with my own diabetes.  I do okay, but I'm frankly in desperate need for an objective opinion on my diabetes. 

As luck would have it, I work with a Nurse, who is also a CDE(certified diabetes educator) who works part-time with my old Endo and her under grad degree prior to nursing was nutrition. Cool, eh?!  So I was complaining about diabetes, and the type one support deficiencies in the system(my opinion of course) and after some discussion she offered to take a look at my trends.

I thought for a brief second, and said "that would be great".  Not only would this take the pressure off me a little, but I would be accountable to give my numbers to a respected colleague weekly to review.

I then thought, I need to take advantage of what I tell others to take advantage of.  Like pump courses, even though I do know a lot, but I have never formally taken the pump training, I just read and digest, and do, so to speak. 

I am also going to ask my family doctor for a re-referral to my Endo.

The neat thing is, my new team will allow me to be helped as a patient, which is a little weird for me, but is likely what I need to feel better, supported, and in better control of my diabetes.

How important is your Diabetes Team or Endo to you or your loved one with diabetes?

Trev

Shocking News - Embarrassed Teen



"Note Pink Shirt Standing to the Left,
She is Not impressed"

 I knew it would happen, but nothing ever really prepares you for what I am about to share.

Last night my oldest daughter Dareian had a Soccer game. During the game she started out with a bang, scored a goal, ran like a cheetah, and totally kicked ass. But I noticed her slowing down closer to half time.

As any concerned Improvising Pancreatic Substitute would do, I ran up to their huddle, and said to the coach, "Can I borrow her?"

She was immediately unimpressed.  She slid away from the group and completely shunned me, her dad, I was hurt, then I whispered to the coach, and awkwardly added, "She has Type 1 Diabetes (like he didn't already know) and we need to test her sugar"  He nodded in agreement.

I then jogged back to my area of refuge, wanting to crawl under a rock. Feeling completely rejected, and confused, to unintentionally embarrass her was different then my purposeful attempts of past.

On reflection, I new the time had come, where she was now transitioning into a self conscious, or overly conscious teen, who unfortunately tend to be hyper aware of their social surroundings. A VERY SAD DAY

10 minutes later, once all attention was back on the game, she jogs over and allows me to test her. She was high, which happens with these adrenaline pumping games.  I gave her some water, and told her she was doing really great out on the field!  She patted me on the shoulder, and ran back to finish the game.

My baby is getting all growed up.

Trev

Dear Diabetic Life

Tomorrow is my 39th  Birthday. Yes, 39 years I have existed on this earth. I have had diabetes now for 30 years, wow, hard to believe.  On my drive to work today, and after dropping my children off, I watched them stroll up to their school. I had a flash of my childhood, or more precisely my childhood prior to being "Diabetic"

I was in my back yard. Kingston Ontario, basking in the warm May sun on my birthday 33 years ago. I was 6 yrs old. I think of this memory often. Not sure why, I think because it was a fond memory. Things were simple, play, gymnastics, swimming, and nothing else.

I remember eagerly awaiting my friends to arrive for my 6th birthday party. I remember hot dogs, cake, treats, laughter, and all that good stuff. I remember biking, and feeling free. I am grateful for my childhood. I am grateful to have been loved and now to be able to love.

I am glad to be healthy still despite my life challenged with diabetes. I am grateful to be still fighting, and meeting the challenge.

I don't feel happy or sad about my birthday tomorrow, just grateful. Funny how that is, as my life progresses, and mortality presents itself, things of importance fall into place.

Family, good health, and enjoying life.


Trev

Diabetic Muffin Man VLOG

Well as Promised, here is my first Baking VLOG and my second installment of the Diabetic Muffin Man.

And the finished Product!

Cheers!

Trev

Electrified Legs or Restless Leg Syndrome

Lately my legs are feeling electrified.  And as a result, I am not able to fall asleep.

Terrible, I know, but it's really starting to drive me crazy!

I go to bed, and literally my legs feel ENERGIZED like I need to get up and run around, even though I am mentally wiped.  Serious conundrum I have. And Apparently so do many others. Like 7 % of the general population.

I of course, self diagnosed my electric leg problem as Restless Leg Syndrome, or perhaps some mild Peripheral Neuropathy, and shared this brilliant epiphany with my Family Doc. He gave me some samples of Caltrate, a Calcium Vit D multivit supplement and told me to trial it.. I now take it daily, and thought it may be assisting, until the last few week.

As a result of my issue I needed more info and did a brief literature review:

Merlino and company define Restless Leg Syndrome as below:

 Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterised by a complaint of an almost irresistible urge to move the legs.

Yup!  That's me, that's me.  Like even sitting in my office today my legs are vibrating. But is it RLS or some other Neuropathy related to my 29 year history of Type 1 DM.

Well the above article adds;

Furthermore, recent studies show that RLS may be associated also to type 2 diabetes mellitus and to multiple sclerosis.

May be linked?  So I continue my search.

Garcia-Borreguero from the Institution Sleep Research Institute, Madrid, Spain adds:

Recent data from the REST (RLS Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Treatment) general population study show that symptoms of RLS are present in approximately 7% of the general population, and that 2-3% experience moderate or severe symptoms at least twice a week.

and;

RLS is associated with a significant impairment of quality of life, comparable with that seen in chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or depression.

Man, this better not be another diabetes "Problem" to deal with.

One more study done by Gemignani, Franco and colleagues concluded:

Our data show that RLS is a relevant feature of diabetic neuropathy, as a frequent and potentially treatable manifestation of small fiber involvement in the course of DM and IGT/IFG.

Once again supporting a linking of RLS and DM, Wonderful!!!  Now what can I do about it?

Schapira from the UK links not only Diabetes, but also a genetic component to RLS.  Funny my Dad who doesn't have Diabetes, goes to bed at night and vibrates so much Mom frequently kicks him out of bed.  To quote the study directly:

Four essential diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been identified. Patients experience an urge to move the legs, which typically begins or worsens during periods of rest. The symptoms are at least partially relieved by movement, and are typically worse in the evening and night than in the day. All four criteria are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of RLS. In addition, a family history of RLS, the presence of periodic leg movements in sleep, and a positive response to dopaminergic therapy are useful supportive clinical features to confirm the diagnosis. Whilst many cases of RLS are idiopathic, secondary RLS is often observed in pregnant women, patients who have severe renal dysfunction, or in those with iron deficiency.

I then looked into what can be done about my vibrating legs.  Satija add this about treatment and prognosis.

Treatment of RLS is usually rewarding. Most patients respond robustly to dopamine receptor agonists. Over time, response may lessen, or the patients may develop 'augmentation', whereby they have a worsening of symptoms, usually in the form of an earlier onset. Other treatment options include gabapentin, or similar antiepileptic drugs, and opioids.

So my drug options are laid out above. Not to fussy about the options. Basically Parkinson's, Narcotics, and Anti seizure meds.  I'll pass, for now anyway. Not to mention my Doctor is pretty stingy when it comes to handing out pills.


I did find a web site soley devoted to us people with Electrified Legs, AKA RLS. Check it out at http://www.rls.org/

After reading the site suggestions I have a plan to:

Reduce Caffeine, toughie for me, but okay, the website actually recommends eliminating it, Not!!!
Exercise - already in the plan, just need to do it daily
Hot Bath - Try to fit that one in, I have a hard time just using the bathroom in my house
Practice good sleep hygiene - Bed at the same time, Up at the same time
Limit Alcohol - Not hard for this guy
Review Meds that worsen - Apparently Antihistamines worsen it, Benadryll, Gravol, Anti Allergy meds
Diet - Needs to be balanced, hmmm, define balanced, that is a whole topic to itself
Lab Work - Apparently Iron Deficiency Anemia, and RLS are linked.


Trev

Sources:

Merlino, G. ; Valente, M. ; Serafini, A.; Gigli, G. L. Title Restless legs syndrome: diagnosis, epidemiology, classification and consequences.Neurological Sciences. 28(1) (Suppl 1):S37-S46, January 2007.

Garcia-Borreguero, Diego Institution Sleep Research Institute, Madrid, Spain.Tine to REST: epidemiology and burden. Source European Journal of Neurology. 13 (Supplement 3):15-20, October 2006.Gemignani, Franco; Brindani, Francesca; Vitetta, Francesca; Marbini, Adriana; Calzetti, Stefano Institution Department of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. Restless legs syndrome in diabetic neuropathy: a frequent manifestation of small fiber neuropathy. Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System. 12(1):50-53, March 2007. 

 Schapira, A. H. V. Institution University Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Free & University College Medical School and Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK  RLS patients: who are they?. European Journal of Neurology. 13 (Supplement 2):2-7, October 2006.

Satija, Pankaj; Ondo, William G. Institution Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Restless Legs Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment.[Review]
Source CNS Drugs. 22(6):497-518, June 01, 2008.