Comments on: On Lab Tests and Lattes

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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:07:02 +0000

[...] On Lab Tests and Lattes [...]

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:46:53 +0000

I spent some time in hospitals over the holidays, with some of my mentor physicians, and had the pleasure of watching decubitis ulcer treatment (horrific “bedsore” type ulcers) on a 30-year T1 diabetic — and not a diabetic who met the definition of poorly controlled diabetic, not by any stretch. I’ll skip the details of his story, but he was an active person who checked his glucose regularly, never had labs that were off the charts. Still, though — years of “so-so,” “decent” control caught up with him.

The lesson I learned from this: it’s wrong to ever think you get a day or an hour off from diabetes. My patient told me as much. He told me he regrets “every time I shrugged at a 180.” Your retinas, your kidneys, your blood vessels don’t care that it’s Christmas or you’re on vacation. These vital parts of our body don’t cut us slack. They’re going to suffer and unfortunately much of the damage can never be undone. Every day counts.

I always feel that I get my labs and take care of my diabetes for myself and my future, not for rewards or perks or for anyone else. I don’t really agree with extrinsic rewards for taking care of one’s health. After seeing that patient’s oozing foot ulcers, getting blood drawn seems like a spa treatment.

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:59:47 +0000

it does make a world of difference to have such support! i had my stress test on monday (which of course causes me mucho stress), but dan met me at the starbucks in the med center where i was having my first caffeine in over 24 hours and my first food in 15. it made my day. and my stress test was normal. thanks be.
congratulations on your a1c. it’s nice to be surprised!

By: AmyT

AmyT — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:21:13 +0000

Right, no redheads. We’ve got 2 dirty blonds and a light brunette — but they sure are cute in those braids!

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:00:39 +0000

Well, that’s pretty darn nifty! Hurray for the husband and kids for making your day special. I’m impressed.

By: Scott K. Johnson

Scott K. Johnson — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:50:58 +0000

Amy, that is such a great story. It made me smile just picturing the kiddos peeking around the corner at you!

Congrats on the fabulous A1C – way to go!

By: Scott Strange

Scott Strange — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:08:24 +0000

Sounds like a great time! grats on your A1c!

By: On Lab Tests and Lattes | Pro Health News

On Lab Tests and Lattes | Pro Health News — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:27:54 +0000

[...] from: On Lab Tests and Lattes Mail this post Tagged as: Diabetes, diabetic, fasting lipid profile, fitness, food, [...]

By: tmana

tmana — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:17:29 +0000

“Anne of Green Gables braids”. Somehow, I don’t picture your young’uns as redheads… and the image evokes Nova Scotia (yes, I know, Anne was on Prince Edward Island — but there are so many Anne of Green Gables-themed tourist souvenirs in Halifax!) for me, rather than California…

Oatcakes, a small Halifax cafe, Cape Breton tartan, and a long-ago Halegonian holiday with friends…

By: Jill

Jill — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:28:32 +0000

Awwww Way to go Amy! Congrats on the great A1c and thats great that the kids rallied together and made it a good day for you!