JDRF walk 2011 and TrialNet

My JDRF walk for this year was again fun and successful.  I had 17 people at the walk and many others who couldn't participate in the walk, but gave generous donations.  It was a warm and sunny day which makes a walk along Lake Erie a real pleasure.

Before the walk began, I wandered along the booth and education area and came across a TrialNet study.  I had heard of this before, but didn't know exactly what it was.  Its actually very simple.  Its a blood test that can help determine if the relative of a Type 1 diabetic has antibodies that can cause diabetes.  Four antibodies are tested for.  The more a person has, the more likely they are to develop diabetes.  I called Cassie and Becky over to be tested.  They had their blood drawn and it was sent to a test lab.

The results came back a few days ago.  Both girls had good results.  They had 0 of the 4 antibodies which is the best possible result.  It was a relief for me.  Especially for Becky.  She had mononucleosis in 6th grade.  I had mono in high school and it was soon after that that I developed symptoms of diabetes.  It can never really be known for sure, what causes a specific case, but mono is one of the most likely culprits.

Gary is in the process of having this test done as well and I'm hoping he will have the same good news.


My health has been good, but with some worries lately.  My creatinine has increased to 1.1 which is the highest its been.  I'm still getting some ankle swelling and am thirsty all morning.  I see the nephrologist at the end of this month and am hoping for a good report.  I think that if the worry factor was decreased, I wouldn't notice the other things so much.  After my initial visit, I was told that my results were nothing to worry about.  I will be drawn again in a few weeks and the results will be compared to the initial tests.

I have also had some stomach symptoms.  Twice now, I have had an upset and irritated feeling stomach that has lasted several days.  Its hard not to blame the immunosuppression, but since it has cleared up on its own, I am thinking it wasn't the pills.  I have been very busy lately, and am wondering if the stress of that was causing my stomach to react.

My cholesterol and LDL have been higher.  Cholesterol 227 and LDL 127.  I'm expecting an increase in my statin the next time I see my endo.

None of these things has any uncomfortable symptoms, so I am still feeling good.  My BGs have been good lately.  I have increased my Lantus to 8 units/day and now can get away with not taking any Novolog with dinner on some days.

The Senator is doing well.  His barking is better with few relapses.  He has been doing really well on our outings. He's very attentive to me and not as easily distracted.

Becky, left for California last week.  They drove and will be living with Cassie for a week or so until they find an apartment near where she will be working in San diego.  Again, I was happy and proud for her to be able to do this, but sad for us.  We really miss her.  And Senator is missing Callie.  I already have a trip planned for a visit next month.  :)

JDRF walk - number one

Sunday was my first JDRF walk.  I think it all came together very well.  I had 18 people there walking with me and raised over $700.  The weather that day started out cold and gloomy, but was warm and sunny by the time everything began.  It was difficult being the leader and now really knowing what I was doing.  Next year, I'll know better how to organize both before and during the event.

I made a poster to show what kinds of research the JDRF was sponsoring.  I stood by it and explained to anyone who had questions what I was trying to show.  Again, it was the parents of diabetic children who were the most drawn to the idea.  I also had a nice conversation with a few of the other volunteers about my experience.  One was a new doctor who is specializing in treating diabetics.  She knew of the procedure and asked some good questions.  I asked her if she would recommend it to her patients.  She says that she would inform them, but that the timing of the surgery would have to be up to the patient.  I agreed with that.  Its such a complicated decision.

The walk itself was short.  They had some problems with fallen trees and had to shorten the course.  I was a little disappointed by that.  Some of my family had travelled a long way for this and I didn't get to spend much time with them.  We did decide to go out to eat afterwards which allowed us some time together.

My sister Liz made the t-shirts.  They came out really well.  This is the design.  Notice the pig in one of the shoes.


Here is my Mom and me standing in front of my poster.



This is the entire walk group.

Cassie came home from San diego for a visit.  She timed her trip to coincide with my walk.  Becky was very supportive too.  I was really touched.



I'm still struggling with high blood sugars.  The option to begin taking a small amount of insulin is being considered again.  It would be disappointing, I admit.  But, I know that it would be a tradeoff to seeing better numbers and a lower A1c.