Friends and Family as a Line of Defense

Saturday, May 18, 2013

I'm still a bit freaked out by how confused I was the other night when my bloodsugar got too low. I knew that I wasn't acting normally but I couldn't think through why that was the case. I should know that checking my bloodsugar should be at the top of my list in that situation but what I "should" know didn't come into play. I am very fortunate to have understanding friends and family who have all promised to check my bloodsugar and get food in me if that ever happens again. Being able to rely on their clear thinking when I can't think at all is a comfort. A couple of people did talk to me and tried to comfort me (thinking I was emotionally distraught) but because they were strangers and didn't know me, and I wasn't able to talk clearly, they still have no idea that I was in the middle of a medical issue, not an emotional one. Which is sort of scary because that means that you can't count on even well-meaning strangers helping you out in a situation like that, since of course, how would they know?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LJCANNON 5/18/2013 10:42PM

So glad that you are OK and that you have enlisted your Friends and Family in your Care. It is IMPORTANT that we let others know about conditions that may arise with our Health. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYVOLSFAN1954 5/18/2013 10:36PM

That is so true. When my blood sugar's too low I get all out of sorts and confused, shaky. I'm trying to teach myself to always check it when I start feeling out of sorts. Mine's been down in the 30s several times and I've been so sick and it's a horrible feeling. Glad you're feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

STUDLEEJOE 5/18/2013 1:46PM

post Report Inappropriate Comment

ALIHIKES 5/18/2013 1:39PM

That is such a reminder for all of us, to check to see if someone has a medical problem before assuming it is emotional. Glad you are feeling better Report Inappropriate Comment

Losing it At the Gym

Friday, May 17, 2013

It was a perfect storm that caused a perfect storm of tears after working out: lack of sleep, a painful flare and unbeknownst to me, low blood sugar. Last night was one of my favorite Zumba instructor's last nights. I like her. I was her assistant so I knew her probably more than some of the others in the class. But while I'm sad she's moving on, it isn't something that would leave me bereft. But the hypoglycemic episode I was having left me in tears. Every time I thought I had myself under control, I would dissolve into tears again. It was embarrassing because it looked like my emotions were over-the-top for the situation. Everyone else was laughing and wishing her well and taking pictures with her. I wanted to do the same but couldn't because of the tears. And I couldn't leave because I had to wait for my daughter. And I really did want to stop to thank the instructor and wish her well. In the end, I ended up not actually saying goodbye to her because I couldn't get my stupid tears under control - that and my daughter showed up. I'm quite a bit embarrassed about going back to Zumba again tonight. Not everyone saw me crying but many people did.

In retrospect, I should have gone upstairs to the vending machine and gotten something to eat. But I didn't know that my sugar was low and couldn't figure out what was going on. Once I got home and got some protein in me, things were just fine.

Edited to add:
I pieced together more of what happened last night with the help of my friends. I really must have been low. I actually don't know how low because I had food before I tested and the low I had then wasn't the original low. Anyway, all my friends have promised to make me eat if I start crying or acting other than my usual! :I'm relieved at how accepting my friends are. If there are any people out there who think I'm a crackpot because of what happened, they are people I don't know - so it's ok.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LADYJ6942 5/17/2013 1:46PM

Hugs, that is rough. Maybe you can get in touch with her another way to wish her luck. I'd go back today for Zumba and hold your head up high, you've got nothing to be embarassessed about, medical issues and emotions sometimes just rule the roost. Report Inappropriate Comment

Can I Stop Pretending Now?

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The pain hit suddenly and virulently tonight right before Zumba. I love my Zumba but tonight was tough to find my Zumba Happy Spot. During one water break one of my friends came up to ask why I was so quiet. I told her "Because I'm in pain!" Her reply was to "Step up to the plate anyway." It was a bit hard to do though when every jarring move made me want to cry, but I did it. I got into cheerleader mode and started to liven things up. I even led two songs.

The pain might be due to nightshades. I've been avoiding them lately and had a steak tonight with a steak rub that included chili peppers. But as usual, there are enough variables in my life that I can't be totally sure yet.

I'm also a bit bummed now. I found out that one of my favorite Zumba instructors is leaving after this week and the other one is cutting back from 3 to 2 days. At least I'll still be able to work with her.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALIHIKES 5/15/2013 12:30AM

Wow I am sorry that you were feeling badly during Zumba. It's okay to slow down and modify the dance or exercise at any time! Report Inappropriate Comment

Monday Musings

Monday, May 13, 2013

I am so tired! It has been a bit humid here and I haven't slept well in the last 3 or 4 nights.

We are having beef tonight. My dh was complaining that all I've been cooking lately is chicken. I asked him what he wanted and he said "anything but chicken". I made him narrow it down a bit.

I'm going to do my Feldenkrais exercises now. I've been a bit afraid to do them again since I ran into tummy problems with my NSaids. My chiro. said that my muscles were moving a lot better but my nerves were going crazy and that led to a lot of pain. Now that I've stopped doing the exercises I'm tightening up and am losing the increased range of motion that I was starting to get. I'm hoping I won't react to the exercises with pain this time.

Today is a Zumba rest day.

  

Handling Special Days

Sunday, May 12, 2013

I'm frustrated because my bloodsugar is higher than I want it to be after lunch and we're still going out tonight for Mother's Day. I feel like I can't eat anything that is different than my normal restrictions without paying for it. I'm not pigging out or anything either. I had one snack size Lay's potato chip bag along with my lunch salad. I will try to go no grain at the Chinese buffet we're going to but I have to say that I'm already feeling sorry for myself!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

THEMUDBABE 5/12/2013 8:23PM

Consider it all practice for getting better. All you can do is accept the consequences of your decisions and decide whether you want to do something different next time. And it's ok if you don't. You're the boss of you, after all. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALIHIKES 5/12/2013 8:18PM

Don't be angry with yourself or upset. We all have minor lapses. Just continue to do the best that you can and recognize that NO ONE is perfect. Enjoy your dinner! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIRECOM 5/12/2013 8:11PM

First and formost. Don't beat yourself up. Realizing the problem is necessary before you can solve it. Just track, track and track. You can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

UMBILICAL 5/12/2013 8:11PM

blood sugar constant. Report Inappropriate Comment