Rolling With My Pancreas: Getting Back in the Flow
After a long five-year hiatus, I finally made my return to the mats to start training in jiu-jitsu again. This inauspicious return actually happened about six months ago, but I’m still in the process of getting my fitness back.
You see, over my five year sabbatical, I became a fairly soft, fairly sedentary fellow, and I knew it would be a long road back. In my first class back, I was wiped out after the warm up and had a fear of myocardial infarction. Seriously, I was a mess physically.
I kept at it, though, and tried to keep working, learning and pushing in order to get my conditioning back where it needs to be.
Getting back on the mats was an additional challenge as I had to factor in my pump and CGM use, too.
The pump situation was solved pretty easily: I’d disconnect for the hour-long class and reconnect as soon as I got back to the locker room.
The CGM situation, however, has been a more complex one. You see, jiu-jitsu is a very close-contact, very sweaty proposition. Sometimes (read: often) sensors have been pulled out while training.
“That’s to be expected,” you say. “What are you complaining about?” you ask.
Well, sensors are expensive. Like, to the tune of about $100 a pop. So I’ve been trying to find the right combo of location and covers/bandages that will allow the sensors to stay intact. It’s still a work in progress, though.
My return to training has also hit some roadblocks in the form of shoulder tendinitis, not being as young as I once was and a recent battle with bilateral pneumonia that, in combination with a trip overseas with my lovely wife, kept me out of the gym for about six weeks.
Anyway, I’m also still walking a blood sugar balance beam, ensuring my glucose doesn’t bottom out during the sparring (or “rolling,” hence the title) sessions every class. The key, of course, is to listen to what my body is saying and try to limit the risks I’m taking
As I said, it’s a long road back, but I’m thrilled to be doing it again. I’ll write more to share my glucose experiences, and hopefully I’ll be able to share that I’m able to start improving my skill set again soon.
It’s been a little while since I’ve written, and I had been planning on posting something since the month of November started, as it’s American Diabetes Month. However, November has not been terribly kind to me, diabetes-wise. In honor of World Diabetes Day 2014, which is Nov. 14, I felt like I had to recount what I’ve been dealing with.
Apple: New Products, New Possibilities
While I was diligently working Tuesday afternoon, I checked CNN’s tech blog to follow Apple’s product announcement to see what my soon-to-be-purchased iPhone would provide. These latest iterations of Apple’s products seem to be more health-focused, which opens up a lot of possibilities for me and others who are pancreatically challenged.
New Season, New Cycle and Chasing a Cup
Fall is coming. The leaves will start turning. The air will get crisper with each passing day. That can only mean one thing: Soccer has returned.
It’s been a busy time for the beautiful game, as the English Premiership is back and we’re just on the heels of the transfer deadline. We also just had the poorly timed international friendlies break, which nicely disrupts the start of the season, as well as the playoff push (and a cup final) for the Union in Major League Soccer.
Great times to be alive.
Fighting About My FSA
When my company’s enrollment time came for insurance companies, I decided to take advantage of the flexible spending account (FSA) option available to us. With an FSA, I’d be able to set aside money, pre-tax, for medical expenses. I’d be able to save money in the long run for these necessities.
It was a win-win. Except sometimes things can get a little difficult if you don’t pay attention.
The Case Against Chad Ford
I’ve known a lot of sports columnists. There are certain truisms about them: They have strong opinions. They think they’re always right. They usually don’t think they need editors to review their work. Here’s another: A lot of them are jackasses who don’t put enough of an effort in when they write their columns.
Case in point: ESPN.com’s basketball columnist Chad Ford.
Dear Doctor: You’re Fired
I’ve been trying to figure out how to have this conversation, but I think it’s probably best to be direct. I’m breaking up with you, Doctor. I’ve already taken steps to see someone new. And let me assure you, it’s not me, it’s you.
Football Friday: The World Cup Is Coming
The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off in just under two weeks, on June 12, and I can’t wait for the action to begin. The U.S., playing in this tourney’s Group of Death©, starts play Monday, June 16, against Ghana.
I’ve read a lot of commentary that says the U.S. don’t have a chance this year and will go out, possibly without a win (or a goal, as Jozy Altidore is on the heels of a horrid season with Sunderland). Me? I have different ideas.
Still Learning After All These Years
I made a mistake late last week: I got comfortable with the way I was feeling.
Every once in a while, I get a sense of complacency with how I’m caring for myself; I mistakenly think things are under control, and they’ll stay that way. Usually, just a couple days after having this feeling, my faulty pancreas senses this and colludes with my liver to say “You’re not in control!” and knock me on my ass.
Type 1 Philly 