Despite our best attempts, often no matter our best intentions, life gets in the way and often we can’t control situations that impact our diabetes.

Planning

Today diabetes takes a back seat.  My brother is having surgery and that comes first.  In preparation for the day, I loaded up: raisins in case of low blood sugar, ample test strips, money for lunch and drinks, and my pump is fully loaded (although I forgot to fill my car with gas….).  To keep me occupied, I have my laptop, charger cords, daily planner, copies of my  book (you know, in case I run into someone that needs some inspiration or an antsy child), gum, and layers of clothing to deal with the hospital temps.  Breakfast down at 8:30, surgery scheduled for noon with plan for lunch as soon as he was taken back to the OR suite.

Waiting

Anyone with experience in a hospital knows it involves a lot of waiting. So by noon when we learned things were delayed, it was no big surprise.  Feeling a little hypo at 71, I knew my sugars were dropping.  No worries, down went the raisins.  An hour later, the feeling returns, this time with a bit of fatigue and hunger.  No more raisins, I expected to have had lunch by this time.  Certainly, it wouldn’t be much longer.  It was.   Perusing my choices in the vending machine, a Rice Krispie treat seemed to fit the bill (likely not the best choice, but hunger and comfort urges had taken over).  Waiting causes angst and stress and a general feeling of nervousness, though I breath and relax through it as best I can.

Hydration

My mouth is like cotton.  Not wanting to risk being in the restroom when the surgeon stops by, I avoid too many fluids.  Coffee from the morning, free coffee in the waiting room.  No water today  By the time he is taken back for surgery it is after 2:00.  Guzzle the giant drink in the hospital cafeteria.  It is never enough, but hate paying all that money for a bottle of water.  Sink water in the OR waiting room?  I think not.  I suck on the ice and chew gum.  Plan – fill up when we get to the floor.  Shouldn’t be long now.  Again don’t want to miss the surgeon when he comes to talk to us.

Hyperglycemia

Waiting is hard work. 5:30 and my bro is still in surgery.  Glucose is 204.   I suppose the lack of hydration doesn’t help.  Bolus to correct.  Break down and pay $3 for silly bottle of water.  Lunch at 2:30 in the hospital cafeteria means the “good” lunch stuff was gone and dinner wasn’t out yet.   Some Chik-Fil-A nuggets and a small side salad seemed like the best option.  Knowing the situation, I increased my insulin a bit for “stress coverage” and an afternoon of sitting.  Apparently not enough.

No failure

A lifetime ago, I would have beaten myself up mentally for not doing better.  Today, I realize days like this just happen.  Stress and unpredictable schedules mean numbers I don’t prefer.  I don’t need more stress, so I give myself grace for keeping at it AND focusing on the right thing today.  Diabetes is always there, but some days it takes a back seat because today a few other things were more important.

Peace and be well,

Patricia