Checking In And An Update :)

[callieuk]

Life is mental at the moment with work, the end of my studies in sight, health etc. So with my cuppa I thought I'd check in and catch up

Have lost 1 stone since March lchf where possible and the only thing I'm struggling with is being prepared and meal planning well - need to get back on that.

Switched meter to the SD codefree, from the Bayer contour, still using MySugr and impressed the nurse with it today , she checked but I can't get the sticks on prescription though!. Apparently in 2010 my Hba1c was 30, in March it was 60 ... told her that it won't take 8 years to get back there!!!!!

Another med switch; now on Gliclazide after both Metformin and the Metformin SR messed up my stomach really badly! Still on amitriptyline to prevent any more migraines, colleagues are still nervy around me so I see a joyful time trying to explain the signs of potential hypos to them!

Booked our first holiday for 10 years the other day, be the first ever where it's just me and hub, we got together with a child each 21 years ago and so excited for that - Gran Canaria here we come!

Had a occ health appt at work, which totally vindicated my absence at the start of the year, but still felt like a warning shot, if you know what I mean.

Trying hard to get back to my yoga and meditation as very overwhelmed, Dad has been ill, sleep absent and my poor boss had me burst into tears on him last week. Uni is out until Sept at least then I just have my Independent study to complete to get my professional qualification and then to make a decision about carrying on another year to get the full Masters!

Life is busy but happy if I can just get the avg blood down from 8s/9s I'll be dancing lol.

phew....

Cal

 

[Guzzler]

You'll get there, lass. Well done on the juggling!

Oh, and have a smashing time on your hols

 

[lindijanice]

Hey @callieuk good to get an update! Sounds like with all that is going on, you are doing well - you'll get those numbers down.....stress can wreak havoc on those numbers, so be kind to yourself and don't stress about your numbers!! Wish you well on your holidays and trust you can really relax and enjoy.....I always find that is a good time for reassessment and setting some new goals that are attainable, realistic and doable! But also pretty specific.....perhaps you will find some time to meditate, do some yoga on the beach..... Once you are back home, even 5 minutes a couple of times a day to slow your breathing, visualize your happy place.....can make a world of difference in how you respond to what life throws at you....Blessings/L

 

[Rachox]

Brilliant news, very well done! Have a relaxing break and continued success with your studies x

 

[Lampman]

Well done you. Keep on keeping on!

 

[Jenny15]

Hey @callieuk good to get an update! Sounds like with all that is going on, you are doing well - you'll get those numbers down.....stress can wreak havoc on those numbers, so be kind to yourself and don't stress about your numbers!! Wish you well on your holidays and trust you can really relax and enjoy.....I always find that is a good time for reassessment and setting some new goals that are attainable, realistic and doable! But also pretty specific.....perhaps you will find some time to meditate, do some yoga on the beach..... Once you are back home, even 5 minutes a couple of times a day to slow your breathing, visualize your happy place.....can make a world of difference in how you respond to what life throws at you....Blessings/L

Great advice about goal setting. Reminded me of a thing I once learned in an on-the-job training session. Goals should be:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timebound

SMART

I have suffered from making my goals not realistic enough. Or they are realistic to begin with, but a factor outside of my control comes along and I fail to reassess if the goal is still realistic. I have found the SMART list helpful.

 

[Jenny15]

Life is mental at the moment with work, the end of my studies in sight, health etc. So with my cuppa I thought I'd check in and catch up

Have lost 1 stone since March lchf where possible and the only thing I'm struggling with is being prepared and meal planning well - need to get back on that.

Switched meter to the SD codefree, from the Bayer contour, still using MySugr and impressed the nurse with it today , she checked but I can't get the sticks on prescription though!. Apparently in 2010 my Hba1c was 30, in March it was 60 ... told her that it won't take 8 years to get back there!!!!!

Another med switch; now on Gliclazide after both Metformin and the Metformin SR messed up my stomach really badly! Still on amitriptyline to prevent any more migraines, colleagues are still nervy around me so I see a joyful time trying to explain the signs of potential hypos to them!

Booked our first holiday for 10 years the other day, be the first ever where it's just me and hub, we got together with a child each 21 years ago and so excited for that - Gran Canaria here we come!

Had a occ health appt at work, which totally vindicated my absence at the start of the year, but still felt like a warning shot, if you know what I mean.

Trying hard to get back to my yoga and meditation as very overwhelmed, Dad has been ill, sleep absent and my poor boss had me burst into tears on him last week. Uni is out until Sept at least then I just have my Independent study to complete to get my professional qualification and then to make a decision about carrying on another year to get the full Masters!

Life is busy but happy if I can just get the avg blood down from 8s/9s I'll be dancing lol.

phew....

Cal

Well done and keep up the good work!

I take 10mg of Amitriptyline at bedtime to help me get to sleep, and to make my sleep more "restorative," apparently. I assume it is helping a bit.

I'm just curious as to what dose you are on for migraine prevention? It really is such a versatile drug. Very sedating in higher doses though, unfortunately.

 

[callieuk]

I had an awful incident about a month ago where I had a hemiplegic migraine, it basically mimicked a stroke for about 8 hours. The doc at the hospital prescribed it for that until I get to see a neurologist in August. I take it before bedtime but I can't really say my sleep has changed any.

 

[Jenny15]

I had an awful incident about a month ago where I had a hemiplegic migraine, it basically mimicked a stroke for about 8 hours. The doc at the hospital prescribed it for that until I get to see a neurologist in August. I take it before bedtime but I can't really say my sleep has changed any.

How awful... glad you have been given a med to hopefully prevent a repeat. Amitriptyline is a bit like Gabapentin, it is meant to act on the central nervous system to modify pain, treat mood disorders and assist with sleep. It is probably used for other things too. The dose I take, 10mg is low enough to avoid much of the sedation. I wouldn't like to take the more usual doses like 80-100mg though.

 

[ringi]

As Gliclazide has a risk of hypo the NHS is legally required to issue you with a BG meter and test strips. Therefore see the GP and remind them of this, if needed tell them you are learning to drive, as all drivers on Gliclazide must test BG.

 

[callieuk]

As Gliclazide has a risk of hypo the NHS is legally required to issue you with a BG meter and test strips. Therefore see the GP and remind them of this, if needed tell them you are learning to drive, as all drivers on Gliclazide must test BG.

Thanks Ringi, I've only just bought the SD codefree so not going to swap to the only option our pct provide - the True Twist I believe.

I can afford it so I stick with the code free

 

[JohnEGreen]

You can have both if you so wish then you would have a standby meter if needed.

 

[Jenny15]

Thanks Ringi, I've only just bought the SD codefree so not going to swap to the only option our pct provide - the True Twist I believe.

I can afford it so I stick with the code free

I find the meter affordable but not the number of test strips I want to use, so that might be something to consider. IIRC the test strips can work out at about 50p each, but less if you buy them online. It can also be useful to remind HCPs of the issue, in case they are forgetting to give them to others on Glic, thus creating an unnecessary hazard on the road for all of us.

 

[DCUKMod]

Life is mental at the moment with work, the end of my studies in sight, health etc. So with my cuppa I thought I'd check in and catch up

Have lost 1 stone since March lchf where possible and the only thing I'm struggling with is being prepared and meal planning well - need to get back on that.

Switched meter to the SD codefree, from the Bayer contour, still using MySugr and impressed the nurse with it today , she checked but I can't get the sticks on prescription though!. Apparently in 2010 my Hba1c was 30, in March it was 60 ... told her that it won't take 8 years to get back there!!!!!

Another med switch; now on Gliclazide after both Metformin and the Metformin SR messed up my stomach really badly! Still on amitriptyline to prevent any more migraines, colleagues are still nervy around me so I see a joyful time trying to explain the signs of potential hypos to them!

Booked our first holiday for 10 years the other day, be the first ever where it's just me and hub, we got together with a child each 21 years ago and so excited for that - Gran Canaria here we come!

Had a occ health appt at work, which totally vindicated my absence at the start of the year, but still felt like a warning shot, if you know what I mean.

Trying hard to get back to my yoga and meditation as very overwhelmed, Dad has been ill, sleep absent and my poor boss had me burst into tears on him last week. Uni is out until Sept at least then I just have my Independent study to complete to get my professional qualification and then to make a decision about carrying on another year to get the full Masters!

Life is busy but happy if I can just get the avg blood down from 8s/9s I'll be dancing lol.

phew....

Cal

Callie - What was the reason given for not prescribing your Codefee strips? There is a PIP code, but I don't have it onthis machine. Most pharmacists have to look for it, as it isn't usually on their commonly prescribed lists, but once they have ordered once, it'll be saved for them.

 

[Rachox]

I find the meter affordable but not the number of test strips I want to use, so that might be something to consider. IIRC the test strips can work out at about 50p each, but less if you buy them online

In the UK, SD Code Free strips bought on line, direct from a Home Health using the discount code for buying 10 tubs and claiming VAT refund, work out as 12p per strip.

 

[Jenny15]

In the UK, SD Code Free strips bought on line, direct from a Home Health using the discount code for buying 10 tubs and claiming VAT refund, work out as 12p per strip.

Good to hear. I was thinking of the test strips people can buy at a pharmacy. I like that I don't have to pay for my test strips, because if I waste some because I can't get enough blood out in time, I don't feel so bad about it. I should wait before putting the test strip in the meter but sometimes I forget to.

 

[callieuk]

Callie - What was the reason given for not prescribing your Codefee strips? There is a PIP code, but I don't have it onthis machine. Most pharmacists have to look for it, as it isn't usually on their commonly prescribed lists, but once they have ordered once, it'll be saved for them.

As far as I am aware our CCG (?) have supplied a list to all the practices outlining what they will support. I know the True Twist is one, but can't remember the other. The PN did do a search on her PC to see if she could get me them on prescription but they weren't supported. She never save any reason, I only know the rest because I'm nosey online

 

[callieuk]

In the UK, SD Code Free strips bought on line, direct from a Home Health using the discount code for buying 10 tubs and claiming VAT refund, work out as 12p per strip.

This is what I do, 5 tubs last me about a month, so I just reorder each time I'm paid.

 

[callieuk]

You can have both if you so wish then you would have a standby meter if needed.

I still have my contour and a tub of test strips in the cupboard as a "just in case" supply. The only reason I've switched is that the codefree strips are cheaper. (I also have True Twist given to me by a PN about 7 or 8 years ago but I really don't like that one)

 

[Rachox]

This is what I do, 5 tubs last me about a month, so I just reorder each time I'm paid.

As @ringi and @DCUKMod say, I agree you should pursue getting the Code Free strips on prescription, however if you continue to buy your own you can use bulk purchase codes for Code Free strips from Homehealth, just incase you didn’t know about them here they are:
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833