Resolve

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Do your New Year’s resolutions involve any ONE of the following?
1. See new places.
2. Embrace new adventures.
3. Make more friends.
4. Improve your physical fitness.
5. Improve your mental fitness.
6. Go on an incredible vacation.
7. Try something new.
8. Give back.
9. Do something AMAZING.


45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions.

12% attain their goal.

If ONE of the items above is YOUR goal, I know how you can be in the 12%. 

CLICK HERE! 

Set a calendar reminder for noon on 1/20, the first day of regstration for the 2016 JDRF Ride. 7 amazing locations, varying terrain options, and many distances available.  

Coach Ross keeping me focused.

Coach Ross keeping me focused.


Happy New Year!

A Frozen American Girl (give away)

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*PLEASE NOTE: THE GIVE-A-WAY PORTION OF THE POST BELOW ENDED ON 1/6/16… the frozen shoulder is starting to get better, or shall I say “thaw”? Thanks! 

I keep starting and stopping a post I’ve been writing about how I was diagnosed with Frozen shoulder a few months ago.  It’s another bizarre complication of T1D and I did not have an easy time getting it diagnosed (2 doctors thought it was a partial tear of the rotator cuff although I suspected frozen shoulder but they thought I had too much mobility for it to be frozen), 3 failed MRI’s (it was impossible to keep my arm still at that weird angle for so long), and the absurd amount of time I had to wait to get into physical therapy (insurance, referrals, etc).  2 things seem to have accelerated the “freeze” this past Fall… I started boxing again and the trainer kept having me do push-ups on a strange angle and the fact that I ride my bike in Manhattan and have to keep reminding myself to loosen up and hold my shoulders down (I suspect I ride looking like I’m holding on for dear life… because I AM).

Due to this insurance mess, this morning was my last session at physical therapy.  I still have more sessions to go (pre approved) but can’t use them since my plan is being discontinued (12/31) and will have to start this process all over again next month with new insurance.  GRRRRR.

Iontophoresis? Yes please!

Iontophoresis? Yes please!

This week I received a return check from a deposit I had to put on my home many, many years ago.  I was quite surprised and decided 1/2 would go to something special.

When I left physical therapy this morning, there were police barricades every which way and I was redirected to walk across Rockefeller Center.  Big tree, tourists a’plenty, and my path blocked.  There were hundreds of officers standing in line on 5th Avenue.  Today was the funeral of NYPD Detective and Air National Guard technical sergeant Joseph Lemm, who was killed by a suicide bomber last week in Afghanistan.  It was another reminder of just how short this life is, as he leaves behind a wife and 2 children.  When I finished navigating barricades, I was standing in front of the American Girl flagship store which opens at 9am (surprise).

Yesterday my social media newsfeeds and emails were inundated with postings about how The American Girl Company had released a diabetes care kit for American Girl dolls.  So, for the first time in my life, I walked into an American Girl store (holy smokes, kid culture shock), and asked for the diabetes doll stuff.  Yep, they had it on display.  It includes:

Diabetes storage case, ID card, medical bracelet, glucose monitor and lancet device, glucose tab container, an insulin pump, an insulin pen, some stickers, adhesive disk, and a log book.

American Girl Diabetes Care Kit

American Girl Diabetes Care Kit

I did not cry in the store since I was still shocked I was there and have also never understood American Girl dolls.  These dolls weren’t around in my time (I was all about Barbie) but my sister had them.  I always thought they were focused on historical periods which confused the heck out of me because why would Kit from 1934 be hanging out with Samantha from 1904 and why would either of them have inline skates?  Made zero sense to me.

This morning, I learned that there are a TON of these dolls and the American History dolls are just one part.  Kids, well parents, get the dolls to look like the kid.  They have a whole resturant in the store where people go to have tea with their doll.  Kids have birthday parties and all bring their American girl dolls along… and NOW that kid with T1D, can have accessories (a whole kit) that gives their doll the very same devices they use to manage and thrive with T1D.  Yep, no tears until right this very second.  I never grew up with an insulin pump and blood glucose meters came later in my diabetes days (I = Barbie playing dinosaur) but I did play a heck of a lot of sports.  American Girl dolls have a zillion sport accessory options (A ZILLION) and NOW they have diabetes equipment options too. Amazing.  Truly Me!

American Girl TRULY ME

American Girl TRULY ME

I took  home deposit money and bought some American Girl Diabetes Care Kits and then I did what any grown woman would do after being a kid in a toy store… I called my Mom.  Although she was flabbergasted that this diabetes equipment exists for dolls, she was more surprised that for all these years, I’d thought American Girl dolls should have been called Time Traveler dolls.

I now have 6 American Girl Diabetes Kits to GIVE away and my Mom suggested I give them away right here.  So in the comments, please tell me why you would like the Care kit and my Mom will pick out the winners (and I’ll notify you via the comments section by 1/6/16 and I will pick-up the shipping.  Shipping outside of the US will take a bit longer though).

AG box

I ask one thing in return though, that you pay it forward.

On the other side of Pain is Wisdom.  xo

And for more information on how this American Girls diabetes care kit happened check out this story from the LA Times.

AG IP

Again and Again (really)?

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The great health insurance debacle continues.

I received a letter 2 days ago dated 12/16 (last day of open enrollment for coverage starting 1/1), that my health insurance application was rejected due to the form being “old”.  Yep.  I had questioned the insurance broker in reference to the date on the application and if there was a newer one (there was a discrepancy in one of the plan codes although not mine).  It’s a long story involving many emails and phone calls but I was assured by the broker that the MY plan name and number were the same so the application would still be processed.  Nope.  After cry-panicking, sending an angry email on Saturday night, followed by more crying, I had to pull myself together for a FaceTime call with one of my nephews.

My nephew started by asking me, “What’s happening?” so I scaled it back but explained that I was in a bit of a mess with health insurance and how crazy things were.  He repeated back to me “crazy”.  Indeed, crazy. I spoke of how the options I had were not even close to what I wanted and all were worse than my current coverage but now another wrench was thrown into the mix.  He said something I didn’t quite understand, mentioned Lightning McQueen and talked about things that are “great”.  I told him the situation is tricky and he kept saying “tricky” back to me.  He then said my name, followed by “Rocky run”, put his hands above his head and started running in circles.  Next he dropped to the floor and did his version of Rocky Balboa push-ups (looked more like an impression of a seal).  Did I mention my nephew is 2 years old?  And it made me laugh and then think.  I have the privilege from time to time to speak to people about the evolution of T1D care and technologies, about progress and research, and the most important part… advocacy, I have spoken about the JDRF Ride program and why it is so very dear to me. I get to talk and talk and even tie things into some of my own personal philosophies and parallels with Rocky Balboa.  Eye of the Tiger, baby.

Freedom Fog

Freedom fog all around

My nephew’s advice was solid.  This insurance mess is a mess for sure, but I need to keep fighting.  This was another round, not the full fight.  It’s like athletic training.  You keep going and when you hit obstacles, you use your mind and experience to figure out multiple solutions.

I moved on to Plan B yesterday when I’d exhausted everything I could do in this debacle (it was Sunday), I took advantage of this Miami-esque weather we’re having in the North East, put air in the Pinata bike tires, dressed in a costume of Spandex and started pedaling.  I worked on Plan E (I already had a rough outline of C and D before I reached the West Side.  There were so many tourists near the WTC memorial and most walking in the bike lane.  “ON YOUR RIGHT,” was unsuccessful with most people who were not speaking English and I may have sounded like the teacher from Peanuts, “Wha-waaa-whhhha-WAAAAHH” so I decided to take side streets back across the city.  What a gift.  I saw beautiful graffiti from some of my favorite street artists, cleared my head a bit, smiled.

Wonder woman

Pinata Bike on a mission

Mr Robot Pinata

Hello Mr Robot

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LOVE

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Wheatpaste girl

This morning I started my follow-up calls to my health insurance broker after a night of emails and networking my D plan.  My “kill them with kindness rule” had to be shelved for a bit.  Emails unanswered, voicemail messages unreturned, cell phone calls and texts done (repeatedly).  Couldn’t get my hands on a carrier pigeon (damn those birds are fast). I called the broker company’s main number and then kept dialing extensions of everyone else in that department.  Oops.  I’m sorry I dialed the wrong extension, I haven’t been able to get through, can you transfer me, I don’t mind waiting, thanks so much for your help.  I finished signing all the appropriate forms a few minutes later.  Will this situation resolve itself in enough time?  I don’t know.  Plan C is so close now I could lick it.

Patient advocacy starts with us.  Always.  Now stick your hands in the air and Rocky Run.

xo

From East to West

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Yesterday, I was honored to have my JDRF Ride story featured in the monthly Ride newsletter.  Although there were many tears, frustrations and times of doubt along the way, I realize how fortunate I am to have had this incredible experience.

With all my heart, I thank you.
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A excerpt from the JDRF newsletter’s rider spotlight:

This year I proved that its’ not about the ride, it’s all about the journey. I started my first JDRF Ride in Burlington but actually finished on the other side of the country.

After years of involvement with the JDRF Walk program, I was ready for a new and different type of challenge, so in 2014, after some strong persuasion from one of the National Coaches, I agreed to do my first JDRF Ride in 2015. With my NYC teammates and coaches, I spent the entire spring training and fundraising for the end of July, planning to complete my first century ride.

Although a little scared, I felt ready for Burlington. Due to a perfect storm of T1D problems, my ride ended early in the day due to medical issues. I felt devastated but continued to cheer on my teammates and sister who were riding to eradicate the very problems I was having that day. That evening, at the celebratory dinner, I was completely shocked and honored to be awarded with the JDRF Spirit Jersey. I spoke of the “fight” with T1D. That day, diabetes had won THAT round, but that evening, I won.

Within days, a plan was hatched for me to take a second shot at a century ride this season. Thanks to social media, word spread about my Burlington experience and people continued to donate to my fundraising efforts. Once given the medical green light, I went back to ride training. It was challenging, as much of my training was kept a secret but I continued to focus on my goal to finish my ride at the last JDRF Ride of the season in Tucson, Arizona.

I flew into Tucson a little nervous and extremely excited. I met (and surprised) many of the people who’d been in touch, hoping I would accomplish my century goal during next year’s Ride season. There were many tears and so much love. At the Pre-Ride Dinner, I gave a presentation of Why We Ride, which allowed me to connect growing up and living with T1D, my experience in clinical trials, my Burlington experience and my Rocky Balboa-esque fight. Tucson was another step and another round for me in my journey to help cure T1D.

The ride itself was a challenge, including some early day insulin pump problems and making up for lost time, but I kept pedaling along with wonderful support from fellow riders and the JDRF Ride coaches. I DID IT! 104 miles. I went the distance and won another round. I am so grateful and humbled by all the efforts of so many amazing people who helped me reach both my fundraising and ride distance goals.

I have flourished and grown through the strength of the JDRF Ride community. I am eager to continue my development as a cyclist (a term I refused to call myself until I completed Tucson). I am encouraged, excited and certainly relieved.

To everyone from Burlington to Tucson, I thank you. This life is to be lived, fully. Thank you for enabling me to do just that!

Registration for the 2016 Ride season starts 1/20 and there is a NEW ride location!  Stay tuned for more information (this is BIG).

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I’ve Been Here Before, Right? (for the USA)

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In the past 2+ years I have had to change health insurance plans (and carriers), 3 times.  The process is simply mind boggling.  New doctors, new procedures, new pharmacies, new bills, moving mountains to make things “work”.  Many people are going through the same thing right now (Health Republic Insurance of New York went out of business recently and although not my insurer, it certainly contributes to the madness with open enrollment ending in 4 days and less options for individual coverage plans in my state).  This process is nothing short of torturous, as trying to find specifics on both On and Off Market plans is a game of “How many questions can you ask and how few answers can you get?”.

My situation is complicated (isn’t everyone’s?) but as I have read through contracts on the coverages (these prescription drug tiers… where are all the other meds?), any decision I make involves risk. The premiums are less ($) than what I was previously paying BUT the coverage is MUCH less (“coinsurance” is not a nice word).  The feelings of “Which decision is the least bad” combined with “OMFG how much is this REALLY going to cost me?” and my new favorite, “What do you mean the insulin I’ve been on for years and have had good results isn’t covered… AT ALL anymore” (<- that’s really happening. Novolog.  See photo).  I will figure it out.  There will be more 4am bolting awake nights (well mornings), and there will be tears but, as I have learned, you just do (and use your brain and maybe kick some shins along the way).

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So, I’m sharing this fiasco (OK, story), because there is a link that is INCREDIBLY valuable and even if you are one happy yellow smiley face sticker with all things health insurance related (oh how I envy you and wonder if you’ll marry me… I have little to offer in return… I seriously can not think of anything except free wifi, a ridiculous amount of gold glitter and I *may* dance and rap in the shower… yikes…?), I hope you will bookmark this link.  It is a post from Christel at The Perfect D (and updated recently).  Need Help With US Diabetes Supplies and Medications? UPDATED! 

Look at ALL that information.  Thanks Christel for allowing me to share this and more importably THANK YOU for doing all this work for all of us!

Information is power.  Go be powerful. xo

 

Freedom.

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Life is such an amazing roller coaster ride.  While this year has presented me with some crushing heartbreak (not to mention some really ridiculously tough times on the bike) there have also been many moments of tremendous hope, faith and the peace that I believe can only be gained by knowing you did your absolute best.  My best includes being an advocate, sharing my experience, being a connector of people and ideas, and being willing and open to learn.

I have been in two Artificial Pancreas clinical trials through Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC.  Two different sets of algorithms from two different universities.  I was recently asked to lend my story to an ongoing advertising campaign which Mount Sinai has been running since this summer.  I received no compensation for the ad and certainly didn’t get any sort of preferential treatment trying to schedule doctor’s appointments this week.  I still pay my endocrinologist out-of-pocket and move mountains to figure out my insurance coverage and the cheapest way to get my HA1c.

Here’s what I did get:

The chance to spread accurate information about the Artificial Pancreas Project (in the center of the New York Times magazine this past Sunday).  I was given right of refusal and the ability to make changes to the copy throughout the process of the ad’s creation.  If 1 person sees that ad, calls and makes an overdue doctor’s appointment, then I’m happy I did it.  If it encourages 1 person’s curiosity regarding our current diabetes technologies which we have fought so hard to obtain, then I’m glad.  If this helps convey my own sense of hope, then awesome.

I believe we all have chances to advocate.

Opportunities come in all sorts of odd and surprising forms.

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Ready

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It will be one week tomorrow morning that I started collecting data and wearing a CGM that isn’t mine as part of another Artificial Pancreas trial.  Tomorrow the “loop” will be closed.  Yes, CLOSED.   Completely CLOSED until Sunday!  Holy Smokes!!

I’ll be writing about my experience elsewhere but for now here are a few update photos:

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One of my favorite artists. Another great find on a ride.

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Promo for Screen Queens. At least he was warm!

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Pop Taco

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So much glitter. So much!

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Dias De Muertos AKA How I Felt in Burlington costume. 70+ miles. Facial tattoos are not easy to remove. Nope.

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Orange Dexcom (Artificial Pancreas clinical trial supplies). Want to keep the orange Dex so badly.

Stripped?

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This morning I went to the gym before work. 40 minute+ workout. Cross training (ish). Weights, planks of torture, rowing, kettle sillies and some dancing around because that’s how I talk while exercising (apparently). Jump around! I stopped at Starbucks as I walked home. My local Starbucks remains under construction. I keep going there, forgetting the closed sign on the door. I started to walk down the steps and OUCH!  It felt like something stabbed me in the butt. Not my butt really, but the part under your butt where your thigh starts.  I took 2 more steps down. OUCH!  Was I being bitten ON the crease of my butt?  What?  Nope.  Kept walking feeling too embarrassed to grab my own butt. At a traffic light I pulled on the fabric of my spandex pant leg and jumped around, smiling, knowing the expression “Ants in Your Pants” was appropriate to my movements.  Somehow that fixed the problem.  Weird. I kept walking.  Took a step off the curb and OUCH.  The biting was back but slightly moved.  I jumped around wanting to stick my hand down the butt of my pants but keenly aware that I would absolutely run into someone I knew.  I kept pulling on my pants and swiped my hand over the spot expecting to feel a straight-pin sticking out.  Nope.  Nothing.  Stabbing feeling stopped.  Weird.

I thought this might have been on my butt since I had 2 of these in my feet a few days earlier. they are called Sandspurs. Logically.

I thought this might have been on my butt since I had 2 of these in my feet a few days earlier. They are called Sandspurs, logically.

As soon as I walked in my front door, I pulled off my pants (careful not to disturb the Dexcom sensor on my thigh and my insulin pump site on my hip).  Looked inside my pants.  Nada.  Looked at the outside of my pants.  Nada.  Looked at the floor.  Nope, nada.  I took a step towards the shower.  OUCH!  I felt my butt.  Look what I found.

bg test strip

They are everywhere, people.  Everywhere.  I walked around (and worked-out) at least an hour with a BG test strip in the crease of my butt/thigh.  Well played diabetes…better than being in my sock…. again.

Why am I sharing this story?  An opportunity to chat about my butt?  Not really (ish).  I believe sometimes we just have to laugh at the absurd things that happen because of diabetes.  At the end of the day, here are your cards, play the hand you were dealt (I couldn’t come up with anything like that involving butts.  I went down a path of Sir-Mix-A-Lot and then a thing about the Kardashians but that got too strange).  I stripped and found a strip?  Nah.