Sunday, July 5, 2015

On the Road Again

So, this is my first blog post in a while. I've been slightly unmotivated, mostly because of diabetes burnout. In March, I had knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear. I was only supposed to be on crutches for two weeks, so imagine my surprise when I awoke to find out they had to put micro-fractures in my patella to make the healing process easier. With all the stress of that, diabetes seemed like an impossible feat to face.

I went times without checking my blood glucose because I couldn't bring myself to do it. Exercise was impossible being immobile, with the exception of physical therapy, which was incredibly limited with one leg. I'm naturally an extrovert and I work as a bartender so I was on the couch for almost six weeks, spending a good deal of time by myself. Diabetes was put on the back burner.

As I started to heal, and my knee felt better, I started incorporating little diabetes regimens back into my every day. I got back on my pump after being on shots for about a month. Then I started checking my blood sugar again. Diet is back under control (I say that after I had pizza tonight, but every one gets a cheat, right!?) And now, I can exercise again. I missed the elliptical and swimming so much. It feels good to be back to (almost) normal.

Well, a few weeks ago, I saw a contest to win a trip to MasterLab: a diabetes conference in Orlando, FL. I never thought submitting what I submitted would win. You see, MasterLab is hosted by The Diabetes Hands Foundation and Medtronic, my insulin pump therapy pump provider, offered a chance to win a trip to go. To my shock, on Wednesday, I was called and said they were honored to invite me to attend. 

I WAS ELATED. I was excited, and nervous, and frenzied, and honored, and had a MILLION emotions going on at once. I rushed to make sure I could get out of both my office job and working at the bar. To my delight, I was fully supported by employers and coworkers alike.

Next step? Tell my loved ones. They were thrilled and amazing. My mom (being my mom) was maybe the most excited and proud, followed closely my siblings, my best friends, and boyfriend. 

So, I sit here, on the eve of my flight to sunny Orlando, with my blog up and running, and stoked to be apart of this very special experience.

I get to see diabetic friends I haven't seen in years. I get to meet people I've talked to online since my diagnosis on July 23, 2011. Even better? I am going to make new friends. I will talk to the folks at Medtronic and the Diabetes Hands Foundation. I am so lucky to be a part of this.

Now, the only trouble I'm facing, is if I will even be able to sleep tonight.

Look for pictures, tweets, Facebook posts, and blog posts. It's going to be an amazing few days!!!

*Medtronic nor Diabetes Hands Foundation paid me to write this post. All of these thoughts are my own.

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