PatientsLikeMe ™

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." - Steve Jobs

Welcome to the jungle that is my life!

On October 30 of 2008, I was placed into the ICU on an emergency admit where I was diagnosed as a type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic, despite losing 116 pounds over the past two years. I was also admitted to the hospital in August and November of 2009 for complications related to my other diagnoses. I currently take 850 mg Metformin three times daily, 30 mg Actos once daily, use an OmniPod (with Novolog).  I did wear a Dexcom SevenPlus CGM to help prevent severe hypoglycemia, as I am hypoglycemic unaware until I hit the 50s; however, it was uncompatible with my pain medications, so I've had to stop wearing the CGM for now.

I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, arthritis, bulging discs and pinched nerves as well as a heart murmur and take several prescriptions for treatment of them as well. With the discovery of a vitamin D deficiency and usage of prescription vitamin D 50,000IU each week as well as tanning, I feel like I've gained back  some of the ground that I have lost in the past, although I still have my bad days...

Shawn is still working at M&F Gauge in the press room, and I am hoping to go back to full time work soon for my parents at our family business, Brownwood Glass and Alignment. I've worked a few half days so far but nothing full time yet - however, I am able to work here at home as well as at Nana's, so that helps.

We enjoy Paislee to no end! It's hard to believe that she is already headed to second grade! She learned so much this past year and became a little chatterbox at home; she does a great job of teaching her "stuffies and babies" when they play school! She also enjoys getting to visit my parents and spending time with other friends and family members. I'm really proud of Paislee for being awarded "Most Improved Reader" and being in the 200 club (reading 200 books during the past school year). She did super!!

We are blessed to live in the same area as my parents, my Nana, my Papaw and Mamaw and other family members. Shawn's parents, his grandmother and other family members are only an hour and a half away from us, and we are blessed to have them so close.

If you have any questions about me or my medical conditions, please don't hesitate to write me and ask them.  I want to learn from y'all just as much as you want to learn from me...