Friday, August 29, 2008

Lifesaver


I found out last week that BCBS of TN is going to be making their decision regarding if they are going to continue to pay for CGMS for certain patients. The decision is supposed to be in the next week or so. I have known that CGMS coverage was important. I have even know that CGMS coverage was important to me. But I didn't realize how important it was until last night.

After having only 1 low in the past two months, I have been fighting lows for days. On Tuesday I had 2 lows. Wednesday 1. Thursdays I had one in the afternoon and another yesterday evening during the graduation of one of my oldest and dearest friends.

As I stood in the back of the room, holding her 2 year old son as he yelled "Yeah Mommy!" even though no one else was yelling, I knew my blood sugar was dropping. I had rung in at 79 right before the ceremony and quickly ate a cupcake, no icing, before I headed off to the church where the service was being held.

During the ceremony, I tested again. 68. Drank some juice. Later in the ceremony, tested again, 69. Ate 4 glucose tabs since I was out of juice.

After the ceremony, there was a small reception. By the time I got to the table, my blood sugar had dropped to 49. I was shaky and sweaty. I drank a cup of punch and by the time I left the church, I was back at 89.

I came home, ate a little something. When it came time for bed I was 160. I gave a bolus since I knew I had eaten and not bolused earlier. I didn't want to fight a raging rebound.

I went to bed.

Suddenly, around 1:30, my pump was wailing and vibrating and it woke me with a start. I rolled over and realized immediately that I was low. I was having trouble with my movement. I tested, somehow, and rang in at 36.

I can't remember a time when I have been that low and still be alert. I reached up to my bedside table and grabbed the juice box that resides there and drank. I waited. Trying not to fall back asleep, but knowing that my pump would start going off again in a few minutes. After 20 minutes passed I realized I was floating in and out of sleep. I re-tested. 39. Not coming up quickly enough for me I made myself get out of bed. I turned on every light that I passed and came into the kitchen where I consumed two more juice boxes, a spoonful of peanut butter and a single size cup of ice cream. Total cab intake (including the first juice box) was 57 grams.

I was in haze and I knew it.

I was dripping in a cold sweat and burning up at the same time. I kicked my air conditioner down so it would come on.

I contemplated calling someone to let them know what was going on. I was afraid to sit down or lay down because I thought I might pass out. I thought about getting out my glucogon shot and using it on myself.

I ended up walking around my kitchen for an hour. I finally tested again. 89. I feel safe to sleep. But I was still afraid.

I knew, in my mind, that my blood sugar had dropped so quickly the sensor couldn't keep up. And unlike previous times in my life, I didn't wake myself up naturally when I hit 45 or 50.

Had I not had my CGMS I fully believe I wouldn't have woken up. I think I would either be dead or in a hospital right now. I live alone. I would have been hours before anyone realized anything was wrong.

And that scares me so badly that I don't have words. I don't have anything to say.

So I have two options if BCBS decides to stop paying for my sensors. I can get a second job and try to pay for them myself. Or I can find a very understanding roommate.

6 comments:

meanderings said...

Here's hoping you'll be able to continue using your CGMS.
I'm sorry you had such an awful night.
Good thoughts being sent your way.

Lee Ann Thill said...

I got the good news today that I got approved for a 90-day supply (I'll have to battle them again most likely for the next batch...). Even though having a complete meltdown on the phone with the lady at BCBS wasn't part of my "appeal plan", it got the lady's attention enough that she resubmitted my request to her supervisor even though it was supposed to be done and moved on to the Appeals Dept. She asked me if I thought it a life or death matter, and I told her it was. Hopefully, you won't have to jump through any more hoops, and I've got my fingers crossed for you, but in the event it isn't a positive determination, don't give up and make sure they understand the urgency. Post an update when you get one!

k2 said...

Cara Girl -
Glad your OK and so sorry to hear that you had to battle the lows.

Sending positive vibes your way - especially regarding your CGMS.
Keep us posted!
Enjoy your holiday weekend ;)
k2

Donna said...

Praying they approve your CGMS. Hope you don't have any more of those nasty lows.

Lynnea said...

Boy, your post really scares me....I don't think I'll ever let my son leave my house(just kidding!)...but still for his sake I am hoping and praying ya'll fight really hard to get the CGMS approved.

He doesn't need one now, but he may in the future, and it's pioneers like you that make it easier for the "next generation".

Technology will only get better on these things...so I don't know why they are denying them....they need to approve them so the companies can stay in business to improve upon the technology....well, that's my simplistic way of looking at it.

I hope you're not going low quite as much! Take care!

Kelsie said...

Good luck!!

By the way, I wanted to let you know that I picked your blog for the Arte y Pico award. Although I haven't been reading your blog for very long, it's a good blog

http://snazzy-cakes.blogspot.com/2008/09/que-maravilloso.html