Hi Everyone,
I am beginning to call MEN the gift that keeps on giving. This past weekend I was unable to get my glucose levels lower than 300, then Saturday early AM had glucose level of over 600. Now 600 is too high for the glucose meter to register so the meter just says HI and a glucose level is not even able to be measures by the hospital glucose testing equipment . I got up around 3 am, not able to get enough liquids to keep up with the 600 glucose level. Well Yep, you guessed it I started vomiting all the fluids I was taking in. To make a long story short, I awoke my hubby, and told him I had not taken any medication, to make me drowsy, and I was dressed, showered, (can’t go to the hospital dirty, who knows when next shower will be). Arrived at the ER 0630 and was seen promptly, given IV fluids, IV insulin, and a pain med for a migraine, and nausea and vomiting that usually happens with high glucose levels. Hubby got some extra sleep and arrived at the hospital around noon, and since my glucose was in a acceptable range (200′s) and the rest of the labs were normal (because I caught this incident before a ketoacidotic state had taken hold in my body), I was able to go home. Here is the aha moment ,I got a cold yesterday and can contribute the increase glucose levels on this virus.
I urge everyone who is on insulin or some form of glucose lowering agent to be very educated about diabetes, it can be controlled and everyone needs to know their bodies and how you feel when getting a low or high glucose level. I have an insulin pump and at times like this I give myself insulin injections to make sure the insulin is getting into the cells and not pooling and collecting at the pump site. Keep in date Keto Diastix handy at all times. These stix can go out of date 6 months after opened, but are available in individual wrapped stixs, which cost more) but you will not be throwing stixs away if they are out of date.
If it is not one thing it’s another thing! Would like to hear of some of your experiences. this disease just keeps giving and giving but I do have quite a few good days. Lets hear what others with MEN or caregivers experience. We do have to accept we have a chronic illness but it is also to try to find humor and silver linings. At least we are here to complain and to try to fund more research for MEN.
Truly Yours,
Linda Hageman, RN
Wowo Linda it is truly amzing that you were able to get your self to a hopsital before yoi became incoherent. cannot grasp what it would feel like. But have plenty of family members with diabetes. I know they DO pay attention to how they feel. If not then trouble Good luck to you. You are a strong women it would seem that you are able to feel grateful for those “Good” days. Bless you
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for your comment, and encouragement!
I really do not feel too bad when my glucose if high it is the lows glucose problems that send me into a tailspin. I have been using an insulin pump and a glucose sensor as I have no feelings of low glucose before I pass out and go into seizures. Just another day in the life for someone with MEN and has had to have a Total Whipple Procedure with the whole pancreas being removed. Sooo I do make very good use of the days I feel good and I have become something of a morning person so if I awake at 044 I go to my home office and take advantage of this early morning energy. On the other hand I start to wind down about 3pm and sometimes need to read (until I fall asleep) if I want to do anything in the evening. OK day today cold has turned into Bronchitis in 2 days so now am going to take antibiotics and sleep and rest for tonight and tomorrow. My son is coming into town tomorrow night and I want to be able to be with him for the long weekend. Truly Yours
Linda Hageman, RN