Category: News

Holy cow exciting times ahead

Like I’ve said in previous posts — yes, this site is about Diabetes awareness, advocacy and education. BUT (that’s a big but…) diabetes is in every part of my life. I don’t get to take a vacation from it, I don’t get one day off, and I certainly remember it when things are stressful, exciting or just downright boring. All that being said — the next two weeks are crazy exciting packed. (My definition of crazy exciting might be slightly skewed, because well, I’m just like that).

This next week is my last week as a Graduate student. Kinda sad, who am I kidding — KINDA AMAZING! Not that anything was a breeze for me in my undergraduate degree, but it just seemed to fly by and I got through the required courses and I had my degree. But honestly, with my Master’s, it has been blood, sweat, tears (lots of tears) and hard work for this degree. I believe it is an amazing accomplishment and I’m so excited to have my Master’s in Emergency Management Administration!Other then that, my scary 27th birthday is coming up. No, I’m not superstitious, but I’m not a fan of the 27th year. I think I’ll stick with 26 and holding for about 5 more years.

Between finals (Practicum, Statistics and Terrorism), papers and my job, the next two weeks are going to fly by. I’m trying to reflect on the past two years of Grad school, the opportunities I’ve had, the awesome people I’ve had a chance to work with and meet and I just want to say how incredibly blessed I am. This journey of life has taken some unexpected twists and turns, but I can honestly say I have not let my diabetes hold me back from my dreams. Sure, there have been moments of frustration and the inevitable why me? moments, but I’ve gotten through them. With the help of my amazing husband, my unbelievably amazing family and my friends, I have made it through another chapter of my life. This is just a thank you to all those that have had a footprint on my heart and soul and I can never thank you for what you have taught me in this game called life.

A family affair for Easter

First off, let me say that Megan’s Touch is a place for my family and I to reflect on our lives with diabetes, but also a place to share our everyday triumphs and thoughts. That being said, here’s a little post on how special this Easter will always be remembered.

This picture is special in so many ways, not only is this a picture of the most amazing Grandparents a girl could imagine, but they have always been my biggest cheerleaders in my everyday challenges with diabetes. Now, in a blog post, you can’t see the tears streaming down my face, but let me assure you, they are there.

March 2nd, my Gramps went into the hospital. Not knowing what was wrong, or going into the details, he spent 12 extremely long days there. After several annoying doctors later, there was diagnosis of cancer. A word that I never wanted to hear, let alone know that my precious Gramps was diagnosed with. But it’s here and we’re dealing with it, as a family, as we always do. The picture above was taken the day after he started his 1st chemo treatment in Dallas, TX at an amazing facility and he got to spend some time with my amazing Aunt and Uncle who reside in Dallas.

Now, for the fun stuff, interesting part of my Gramps being on chemo – he got to wear a pump for 48 hours, and will continue to for, I believe, 4 more treatments at 48 hours each. So he carried his big pump around with him, and I got to kid him about what it’s like wearing/living with an insulin pump/pod. Interesting how these things work out. I got to show him how to roll in his sleep wearing that, get up in the middle of the night with beeping low batteries and try to “deal” with being connected to something for living-saving treatment. Now I understand chemo and an insulin pump are COMPLETELY different, and I understand no one can compare cancer to diabetes, that’s not my point. But the fact that I had someone else in my family understand what it’s like being hooked up to something, made it seem a little easier for a bit. Life isn’t always fair, our health isn’t always guaranteed, but learning to live the life we have is what we have to do. So Gramps, this one is for you! <3 you with all my heart!

Living with Diabetes Expo 2012

 

 

The 2012 Living with Diabetes Expo was a great success!

 

 

 

Joe and I worked at the Share Your Story booth <— click the link to see my story!

 

 

My awesome Mom and Granma worked the Advocacy table! There were great booths with lots of information for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes! We even signed up 108 new Diabetes Advocates!!

 

I need a cure, like yesterday…

So, just as I was thinking through my life today, I realized something…Where would my life be without diabetes? Now I know no one would ask for this disease, but honestly, would I be doing what I am in my life without it? Probably not. It has opened so many doors, and made me that much more aware of the world around me. But saying that- I’ve had enough. I’m ready for a cure. I’m ready to not have to think about if I have enough syringes on me, or that my insulin stays cold all the time. I’m ready to not have to think about if my blood sugar is high before a test and what it might do to my concentration. I think I’ve learned enough from having a chronic illness…don’t you agree?

As 2011 comes to an end….

I know it’s cliche to say, “this year has flown by”…but Holy Moly…it has. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get back to writing on here on a regular basis. Not about anything in particular, and not to put myself in a corner. This is my blog, I write about diabetes, life, shoes, food, exercise and anything else. My passions. Actually, that’s why I’m writing today. Passion….that is why I was put on this Earth. No one can take it from me, no one can tell me that I can’t have it, no one. My passion for life is why I’m alive. Starting off 2012 is going to be amazing. I have ONE, count it ONE semester left (actually, 18 weeks and 5 days) TILL GRADUATION. I have so many things to look forward to. I love my job, I love my life, I love my pets…so nothing can get in my way!

Happy New Years everyone!

Diabetes and Disasters

Where will you, your family, your friends or personal care attendants be when an emergency or disaster strikes? You, and those you care about, could be anywhere – at home, work, school or in transit. How will you find each other? Will you know your loved ones will be safe? Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. You are in the best position to plan for your own safety as you are best able to know your functional abilities (though we may not want to admit it— People with Diabetes need to plan AHEAD!) and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance with your family and care attendants. You will need to create a personal support network and complete a personal assessment. You will also need to follow the four preparedness steps:
1. Get informed
2. Make a plan
3. Assemble a kit
4. Maintain your plan and kit
Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Diabetes IS NOT a Disability, but we have to deal with the “government wording” during a disaster, and YES, Diabetes is classified under a “Functional/Special Need” population.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO BEFORE A DISASTER:
Those with disabilities or other special needs often have unique needs that require more detailed planning in the event of a disaster. Consider the following actions as you prepare:
• Learn what to do in case of power outages and personal injuries. Know how to connect and start a back-up power supply for essential medical equipment.
• Consider getting a medical alert system that will allow you to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency. Most alert systems require a working phone line, so have a back-up plan, such as a cell phone or pager, if the regular landlines are disrupted.
• If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair for backup.
• Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Also, label equipment and attach laminated instructions for equipment use.
• Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical, etc.) at your neighbor’s home, school, or your workplace.
• Arrange for more than one person from your personal support network to check on you in an emergency, so there is at least one back-up if the primary person you rely on cannot.
• If you are vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you if you are unable to use the TV or radio.
• If you use a personal care attendant obtained from an agency, check to see if the agency has special provisions for emergencies (e.g., providing services at another location should an evacuation be ordered).
• If you live in an apartment, ask the management to identify and mark accessible exits and access to all areas designated for emergency shelter or safe rooms. Ask about plans for alerting and evacuating those with sensory disabilities.
• Have a cell phone with an extra battery. If you are unable to get out of a building, you can let someone know where you are and guide them to you. Keep the numbers you may need to call with you if the 9-1-1 emergency number is overloaded.

A GREAT SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR FAMILY PREPAREDNESS KIT: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf

And as always, social media (Twitter and Facebook) are all becoming prevelant during disaster situations. It may be your only way of communication. Texts and tweets are the easiest to get through! Just FYI :)