Connie & Dot

Scott wrote:

Scott

I tried something like Nair once, and it works (well even) but I find
it a bit scary that some cream in a bottle from the grocery store can
make the hair fall off my body like that… So, I shave (Mach 3 razor -
kinda on the pricy side for blades, but worth every cent!) I also found
that It looked a little silly to have only the few inches around my
belly button shaved so I do up to the xiphoid process (bottom of the
sternum) as well as far enough down so that there’s not a "hair line"
an inch or two above my waist line (Boy, did that look silly the first
time I noticed it too…)

The only even sorta downside of shaving the belly is that belly stubble
looks awfully strange and when I’m too lazy to shave and I have to put
in a new site over some stubble the tegaderm can make it a bit on the

itchy site, though the itchiness does fade in and out.

Also, the area right around the circumference of the belly button is a
bit tricky. Belly razor burn really sucks.

Regards,
John.

>>> Even though it’s my Hubby who’s the "diabetic," it affects my life, too.
It’s so hard to watch the one you love when they go through those periods of:
just not caring, >>>

We often *don’t care* because it’s a losing battle! We aren’t going to win
anyway. Dr. will say *try harder* w/o giving us tools and working WITH us. It
boils down to an insulin/carb ratio. A non-DMer eats something and the
pancreas takes care of it. A DMer eats something and must inject/infuse the
proper amount to take care of it.

>>> making choices not to learn (still not knowing meal plan/food exchanges

after 23 years) or choosing to ignore concerns (doctor’s,CDE’s, not just
friends or relatives) so that you see them
get glucose readings in the 400 and 500’s (yep) for days on end, not being
willing to check for ketones, and getting sicker and sicker. >>>

Since *I’m* the one stuck with this (pardon the pun), I had no choice in the
matter. Our spouses, however, did often make the choice to marry us with DM
already, or to stay with us after the dx. Both sides have much to deal with -
not *really* understanding the other’s. But my paragraph above this one still
applies. *I* think when your dh gets *hope* (pump), he’ll want to make up for
lost time.
>>> Then all of a sudden, a light bulb goes on, and the pendulum swings the
other way for a while, and with it the hypos. >>>

This is why it is recommended to come down slowly. Have a target range perhaps
of 200 for a couple of weeks, then a lower target range. The DMer will feel
better and the family will fare better.

>>> On a better note, Hubby has learned how to do basic boluses, and as of
yesterday, he’s got the 508 hooked up with saline running. He is to change
everything tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed! Any hints or
suggestions???? >>>

Stand up to do the site change. If he sits and the skin folds, the tape might
pull out upon standing or shortly thereafter.

>>> In case anyone forgot, he doesn’t want to learn to use a computer, so I’m
the one who does the posts. If any of you would prefer that I not do this,
then please let me know. >>>

It’s absolutely, perfectly fine!! We just need a name to refer to you. If
you’ve told us, I’m on 5 other lists and can’t keep everyone straight or
separated.
>>> I find that all of you are a great support for me, too, and I always share
your messages with
Hubby.>>>

We are very trying! (~_^)

That would definitly be a "man" question. Ar Ar. Im not that hairy!!! <VBG>
I sure hope the pump helps him. I know it did me. There wont be as many
reactins. Although I still get some highs and lows. Not as many tho. I
dont like the way I feel when my BGs are extremely high so I do what I can so
this doesnt happen. I really appreciate you spouses. What you do does not
go unoticed. Unfortunatly (at least in my case) you are the closest ones to
us so you get the good w/the bad regarding diabetes. You are very very
important to us tho. I dont know what Id do w/o my husband. Hes been to a
million hospitals w/me, taken care of me when Im sick, and listened to me
gripe about diabetes. He still loves me tho, although Im sure its very
tiring taking care of someone like "us". Tell him good luck w/the pump.

Since you didnt sign your name Im not sure who you are. I dont always
remember Email addresses/peoples names together. Chrissy (diabetic for
33yrs, pumping 1 yr)

Thanks Audra. It does help alot to have a support group of people who
understand. Im not always so mad about being diabetic but sometimes I am.
So I know I can say it here cause people understand. I know youll love
pumping. Chrissy