Day 38

After discussing my injection  problem with the Dr., it was decided that I  should inject more so that I remain at the desired level of medication.  I feel better about it.  I would hate for any islets to be jeopardized.

I showed my ringworm to a friend who had seen it before, and she thought that it is indeed ringworm.  I picked up some lotion  at the pharmacy that will hopefully take care of it quickly.  Its not too  uncomfortable, just kind of gross to think about.

I have been feeling good.  I still get a little more tired than I feel I should.  I am hoping that gaining weight will help with this.  Also, the islets seem to be working harder every day.  So I am still fighting with low blood sugars.  I am finding that any exercise at all really lowers my blood sugar.  I have been turning off my pump whenever I go for a walk, but I still usually end up low.  I am going to have to try turning it off for awhile even before I start my walk. I  don't think the islets should take me low, so it is probably due to  the insulin in my pump.  This is what I would call a good problem.

I used 8 units of insulin yesterday.

Day 33

Today when I was injecting my Raptiva, one of the  immunosuppressants, some came back out after the injection. I was concerned, because I was afraid if I did not get an adequate amount, I might be able to reject the islet cells.  I called my coordinator, and we decided that I probably got  more than I thought, but she would discuss it with the Dr on monday.  Later, I thought to take the syringe and expel some and see how much I thought came out.  I decided that it was probably only about one or two tenths of a cc.  I was supposed to inject 5 total.

Later in the evening, I noticed a strange red mark on my shoulder.  Upon closer inspection, I thought it looked like ringworm.  I googled ringworm pictures, and sure enough, that is what it looks like.

I am now at 10 units of insulin/day.  I am still wearing my pump, and seem to  constantly be turning it down or off.

Day 30

Yesterday, we drove the rest of the way back home.

Today, I am busy getting my youngest ready to leave for college.  I  had a walk in the  morning and shopping in the afternoon.  I  was tired by the end of the day.  

I am still at 11 units of insulin/day.

Day 28

Today was my 28 day checkup at the clinic.  Each week I have blood drawn and one of the things being tested is the C-peptide, which measures islet cell activity.  Before the transplant, mine was zero, meaning that I had essentially no functional islets.  

Last week, my fasting C-peptide was 0.51 and my stimulated (after eating) C-peptide was 4.32.

Today, my fasting C-peptide was 1.11 and my stimulate C-peptide was 2.14.  

I am not sure why the stimulated one went downward,  I need to  learn more about this.  But, the increase in the fasting is good.

My cholesterol is higher than before the transplant which is due to  the drugs.  I will have to watch my fat intake a bit closer than before.  I did not really worry about it before.  I thought watching carbs and total calories created enough limitations.  So, I do have some room to  cut back with cholesterol.  

I  haven't seen my other lab results from this visit.  So  I assume that  my wbc count and immunosuppressant levels are within range.  

I am developing two  mouth lesions on the inside of my cheeks, but so far they are not too bad.

After the visit, we drove back to Madison where  we spent the night with my dad  and his wife.

Day 27 back to Minneapolis

Yesterday, we had a nice day again doing fair-related activities.  We usually stay most of the day at some friends house that is right on the parade route.  We watch the parade, eat well, play games, and visit.  It is  always one of my favorite days of the year.  I saw several people that I  haven't seen all summer and enjoyed sharing my experience with them.  Most were incredulous and very excited and happy for me.  We have a few friends who have a   diabetic child, who  are watching me with keen interest.  It  was a fun day, but I did get quite tired by the end.

Today we drove back to Minneapolis.  I was again a nice sunny day and we stopped a few times to walk and sightsee, which helped to break up the trip.  We stayed with our friends again.  I am still at 11 units of insulin/day.  I had a few blood sugars above 120 today.  I can tell that I spent most of the day in the car with not enough exercise.

I think I might be getting some mouth lesions, which are side effects of the immunosuppressants.