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 

Case of the Missing Diabetic Test Strips

Call in the crime scene investigators, or the drug sniffing dogs because we have 3 strips for 3 diabetics for 24 hours.  No pharmacy is open what do you do.....?   I know I always sound so dramatic!  But seriously.  Last night this was the predicament we were in. 

First we search the crime scene.......nothing.  Nothing in the pockets, purses, backpacks, under beds, pillows, bed side tables, NOTHING. 

Next, we narrow down our suspect list.  Me, since I continually revisit the crime scene, Dareian, who is notorious for loosing all types of diabetes devices, pens, insulin, etc, then sweet little Rowan. 

It can't possibly be me, or is it?  I rechecked the backpack and work bag.  I even checked my "Man Cave" nothing, what the hell.  I can always find a spare. 

Next, Rowan.  "Honey do you have any strips in your backpack or down in your room"  She replies. "No"  "Did you maybe forget some at school?" a quick, "No"  I say "Crap what are we going to do with 3 strips until Monday morning" Thinking, normal people wouldn't have to think of this crap....then I took a breath, used my latest Jedi Mind Tricks to calm my emotions. 

Next suspect.  "Dareian, do you have any idea how we went through 300 strips in 7 days, and please tell me you have some stashed somewhere in your room, bags, or clothes"  "I think I have a couple of containers in my locker at school"  I say....after taking a deep breath(thought=mood=behavior) "You think!, you do realise that we have 3 strips for the next 24 hours"  "Sorry dad, I forgot to bring them home" 

I proceeded to vent to my wife.  "Well what do we do?"  The answer was obvious.

Crime scene was evaluated, the suspect identified, but we still had no strips.

We saved them for the one who can't feel her lows.  So, that's what we did.

Needless to say I wasn't too happy not knowing what our glucose was for 15 hours.  Ironically when I tested at work, my sugar was 5.8 mmol, imagine that.  We all survived and we will hold the sentencing hearing tonight after dinner for the convicted.

Trev




Time to ration

Diabetes Supplies vs. Rent & Groceries?

The personal economic impact of diabetes often presents itself as the title suggests.

In Canada the economic impact is best illustrated in a report put forth by the Canadian Diabetes Association called the  The Cost of Diabetes in Canada: The Economic Tsunami 


This report outlines the economic impact from a national perspective; how much it is costing tax payers, and the burden diabetes places on our health care system.  It does not however discuss the personal struggles individuals experience financially when managing their diabetes.


It's a no brainer that, with out appropriate coverage for diabetes supplies diabetes control is worsened. 


There's been a number of instances in 28 years where I've had no coverage. Times when I'd have to limit the number of test strips I use, or the type of insulin I choose.  Recently I changed jobs, and went with-out coverage (for myself and 2 type 1 kids) for four months. 

I went off my pump for 3 months to offset the cost, and spent $1400 per month to cover test strips, insulin, supplies, infusion sets, and the usual regime of Rx medication associated with diabetes completely out of pocket. 


We are still catching up.  I am speaking from a Canadian perspective, and couldn't imagine having to pay out of pocket for basic medical care. 


It frustrates us as a family. It has been a "thorn" for many years, simply because Type 1 diabetes is a disease that you can not delay or avoid, you simply wake up one day and are told you have it.  


It's unfortunate that anyone has to pay for essential medical supplies. It's not like we can choose not to test, or take insulin.  Some PWD(people with diabetes)choose the best therapy and often have to choose between rent or groceries, and whether or not to continue insulin pump therapy.  


Fortunately some Canadian provinces are catching on and have implemented programs that provide pumps and supplies to individuals free of charge.  Notice how I say most...


Most people fear job losses, and general economic set backs, but when you have diabetes one must also fear worsening control and choosing between rent or buying essential medical supplies. 


That's just not right! 




Trev