Monday, October 02, 2006

Sweet 16 - Pun Intended

Where to begin?

We had an amazing time at Walt Disney World. I will post more about that when I get some pictures off of my camera and into the old PC. Also, I have some I need to scan and really need to think about what all to share and what not to so I don’t bore all of you.

The one thing I did want to mention is that today is my 16th anniversary of diagnosis. My sister emailed me this morning with…

Congrats?

Yeah, good use of punctuation. Do you congratulate? I guess you say, “well at least I am here.”

“Congrats!” not so much.

Maybe congrats at not having any complications? But that is not true. I ended up in a wheelchair on Thursday at Epcot because my feet were (and still are) covered in blisters from walking so much and I didn’t even feel it until I took off my shoes Wednesday night and saw open bleeding sores on my feet. My feeling is so bad in my feet that I did not even feel the pain that people without neuropathy would feel to alert them to the problem.

How about, Congrats on not having any real life threatening situations. But that is not true either. Last year I had a very bad stomach flu that put my in ICU for a few days. DKE was in full affect in this BAD Guy and my wife thought for a while that this may be the end of me. I cannot remember most of what happened. I have a post in my brain all about that situation. I am going to not detail that out right now because I am still pretty “high” from my vacation. (Not “high” like BG is high or the Willie Nelson kind in case you were wondering.)

I guess, “Congrats on making it through 16 years of struggle. Ups and downs. Continuing to not give up and learning more and more about your disease each day. Congratulations on finally owning this disease and wanting to make a difference for other diabetics in the world. Congrats on having so many people who are there for you and care about you to help with your difficult situations and people to offer advice and just generally listen to you when you need to be heard.”

There is so much to be thankful for this day and everyday.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey there,

I'm just back from my vacation and in the same boat as you regarding the pictures to post, etc.

Sorry to hear that you walked your feet into blisterville, though. Take care of those sores before they get any worse. Like, pronto.

Glad you had such a nice time on your vacation, and you're right there is indeed much to be thankful for.

Here's to another 16!

Kevin said...

Whoops. That was me, Kevin, who posted that last comment. Don't ask about the ketevanjg thingy, I don't have a short answer...

Sorry.

art-sweet said...

The feet thing is scary, but I think we have to celebrate whatever we can and take the best care of ourselves as is possible for each one of us as an individual.

What more can we do?

Penny Ratzlaff said...

Congrats on taking control of your disease and inspiring others to do the same!!!

Scott K. Johnson said...

Bummed to hear about the feet man - that's kind of scary.

I'm anxious to see pictures from the vacation!

And yes, I do think congratulations is in order - you have come a long way!

Annie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your feet. Please take care of yourself as you recover.

I'm also glad you enjoyed the Mouse House - looking forward to photographs soon!

And yes, congratulations! You're still here, educating yourself and keeping healthy. I'm proud. We're all in this together, man.

Minnesota Nice said...

cpkndGee I really like that term "owning" the disease, rather than "struggling" or "battling" (which, of course, we all do). Yup, I own it, it belongs to me, and I am responsible for taking care of it.
I have had two episodes of DKA and both left me exhausted for weeks after - really sucks the sap out of a person. And, to then be recovering from a stomach problem on top of it - mercy.
Your sis sounds like a wonderful lady.
Best wishes for a great year ahead.
Build on the victories!!!!

HVS said...

Please take care of yourself-stuff has a way of happening to the most vunerable of body parts. Especially feet.(everything seems to gravitate toward mine)Its scary.
Congrads on 16 years!!!!(you've had D twice as long as me, + anyone who has put up with this for so long is my inspiration.)

Sarah said...

Wow, It's good to hear you had a good vacation. Take care of your tootsies! I had a nasty blister that turned into cellulitis on my right foot last year, not fun! So I can't imagine having more than one all at once! Hang in there and way to go on conquerring one more year of this condition. You might have diabetes but diabetes doesn't have you.

caramaena said...

Congrats for everything in the last paragraph.

Glad you had fun, look after your feet.

Kerri. said...

SuperGeorge,

Catching up on older posts. Sorry I'm so late with this comment!

Congratulations on achieving 16 years with the D. Your hard work and dedication to yourself and your family is something to be very proud of.

Congratulations on being such an inspiration to me. I'm so glad to know you.