Happy New Year

It’s been a little crazy lately with the new year and new insurance changes. I tried to prepare for the changes as much as possible, but that didn’t stop it from getting a little hectic for us. Three of Vince’s medications were no longer being covered, so we had to plan and figure out the next best thing for him. The only one that I was really stressing about was his 24 hour pain medication. The issue was that we had to find out from the doctor what other medication might work for him. That was the easy part. Then I had to find a pharmacy to get it from. Anyone who needs pain medication knows it is not the easiest to find in stock at any pharmacy. Due to the old medication coming to an end on a Saturday, we had to get the new medication ordered and filled before then so that he didn’t go without. It was a little stressful, but thanks to his brother helping me while I was stuck at work, we were able to get the medication ordered and picked up. Once he started the new medication, there was a bit of a transition period. His pain spiked quite a bit for a few days, but it seemed to settle back down once the old medication was out of his system and the new was in.

We are still seeing our therapist, however we have shifted to about once a month or so. He is awesome!! He totally understands us, and help us to remember to always do what is best for US. Sometimes it is hard for me to remember that one. Do what is best for us. It’s Vince and I against the world! I am a big people pleaser. That gets hard. Especially when you have as much going on as I do. I can’t please everyone, as much as I try. So having someone to remind me to always take care of me and Vince first and foremost is great.

We also continue to lean on the people around us. Vince’s one brother, Walt, continues to be a tremendous person and one Vince (and I) can count on for support whenever needed. Just knowing he thinks of us often is so great. His other brother John has also been great lately as well. Also, my good friend and ‘2^nd Mom’ Barb continues to be there for me without fail. She amazes me and I don’t know what I would do without her there to keep me going and show me that it will always be okay.

Same Same

Ever meet someone that was just like you in a certain way, and you just click, like you have known each other for years?

This is kind of what it is like to meet other spouses of Type 1’s. Last year I met a local woman about my age who is married to a Type 1 Diabetic. We live about an hour away from each other but have managed to meet up for lunch to talk, visit, and vent to each other. The first time we met, it felt like we knew each other for years! There was no awkwardness during the first meeting. It was like she knew what I live with and I knew the same for her. We then met up with the hubby’s for lunch a few months later and the four of us, again, got along like old friends. We ‘talked’ the same language.

About a month ago, I was contacted by a student in NYC doing her doctoral dissertation on spouses of Type 1 Diabetics. She found me through my blog and asked if she could interview me. Of course I was happy to meet her. She herself happened to be a spouse of a Type 1 as well! Again, once we met, we talked and chatted like old friends who completely understood each other and each other’s lives. It was amazing. We made plans to keep in touch.

It is so exciting to meet other spouses. They understand what it is like to be woken up by the CGM throughout the night. They understand why I call Vince throughout the day to ‘check in on him’ They get it! They get me!