Feeling better
O.k. folks I’ve got my “Why me (us)” blues out of the way for a while
at least. I’m sure they will sneak back in at times. We started
Chelsea on N and R when all of this first came up. Which as you know
is pretty restrictive about carbs and times to eat etc. She wants to
now switch to Lantus and (whatever the other one is called) and use
the pen needles so that she can eat whenever she wants, even though it
means more shots. Does anyone have experience with this and did your
children like it? She is not at all interested in the pump.
Ginger
November 21st, 2003 at 6:26 am
So glad to know you are feeling better! After reading your situation last week, I finally came out of “lurkdom”. It is a change but what else do you do but get on with your life and deal with it!!
Anyway, Cole started on Lantus in April. He absolutely loves it. He has struggled with the carb counting as it is a little stricter, not a good choice of words, but what I mean is you count actual carbs rather than carb choices. Then take Humalog/Novalog (depending on which pen you prefer, is my understanding) as fast acting each time they eat. Being as he is 16 yrs old. He likes to stay up late and sleep in. Couldn’t do that prior to Lantus. She will have to do her post meal checks but for those two weeks or so, it is a great price to pay. (Of course, I am not the one pricking my finger tho am I??) The carb counting isn’t difficult just a little more math. Cole really does enjoy this much more.
I am very excited. Tuesday was a check up, after what I thought has been a horrible 3 months, his A1C went from 7.9 to only 8.1. I can handle that. His Dr explained that yes his numbers I see on the meter are what I am thinking about but part of the day, he is in bed sleeping which then there is control. I hadn’t thought about that. We had a good visit, the educator had a chance to explain to Cole how important it was to keep notes on his day so that if he has lows or highs, she isn’t adjusting his insulin so drastically that she puts him in the hospital.
I actually have a question for you. Cole was diagnosed 1 yr and 3 months before they talked about lantus, well that wasn’t true. He didn’t want to do the extra testing it requires. Once he got over that, sleep deprivation took over!! J Is your doctor/team willing to make the switch to Lantus on someone so newly diagnosed? I know each doctor is different, I was just curious. I also think each patient is different. Probably her age and you helping so closely, has a lot to do with it.
I did feel good at his appointment because the educatior told Cole he owed his good A1C to me. Because I make sure he follows his program. Of course, as he is 16, he looks at it as if I have too much control so I am learning to back off and let him make his own decisions. We will see where we are in three months!!
Well, I have babbled on again. Good luck to you and keep posting your updates!!
This group has a wealth of knowledge!!
Nanette
November 22nd, 2003 at 12:36 am
Cole uses the Novalog, Jr which uses the disposable cartridge and delivers in halves. Interesting enough, Cole prefers the vial and syringe! How lazy is he???? Too many steps to getting the pen ready which is what he explained to the educator this week. I was surprised but that is his choice. He will use the pen once school starts again.
He has also noticed the Lantus has a wear off time before bed. Acitivity has a huge impact on him probably more than any of the others he has been on.
When Cole was diagnosed, he was on N & H. Worked for awhile until honeymoon was over. I agree with Kat, the sooner she can do her own injections the better off everyone will be!
Nanette
November 22nd, 2003 at 11:29 pm
My daughter Sommer started on lantus and humalog from day one.I think its easy for her. The math was alittle tough on her at first but she caught on quick.Her doc put her on 26 units of lantus at bedtime and humalog after meals.So far its worked great no lows and very few highs.
She is almost 18 and will not even talk about the pump.It is not even an option in her mind.She spends alot of time at the lake wearing a 2 piece swim suit and said she would hate it. I would at least like to see her try it.
Tonja
November 2nd, 2004 at 3:22 am
Hello Kate,
Actually the pens I know of come in Humalog, Humalin, and the Novalog. There are at least two more coming out sometime later this year, and I believe I’ve forgotten one as well. But most are understandably the short acting insulins…
Jeff