Friday, August 24, 2012

I'll Try This One more Time

Last night I had one of those “Oh Rats” moments. I was almost finished typing a new post when I noticed that I had several windows open. (Laptop screen – Not house) I started closing windows and, sure enough, I closed the one with the new post. “OH RATS” Actually. “rats” was not the word I used. Feel free to substitute your favorite expletive. The post was about my first visit with my new primary care physician. My prior physician has become the medical director of a large prestigious hospital in our area. I had a very good first impression of my new guy. He proved to be very knowledgeable about diabetes and all the extra “stuff” that comes with it. Also, he, like my previous doc, listens. They both realize that a PWD has more insight as to what is going on with their body and what works in controlling their disease than anyone else. I did manage to score an Accu-Chet Nano meter. It will be a welcome addition to my management routine. I’ve been using a Compact Plus (See my post of 8/18) and have been very pleased but that sucker is kind of large to carry around. Now I have one that is extremely small and light weight and can load data into the same software program. Yesterday I also had my first visit with a podiatrist, I’ve been diagnosed for over 15 years so it’s about time. The visit was prompted by a small black spot that appeared on my right big toe. It was just a hematoma that was quickly and painlessly removed by the quick flip of a scalpel. I do realize that professional foot-care is something I need to add to my regimen of care.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

TOYS!!!


One of the few benefits, if you are a male, of being a PWD (Wouldn’t that be a MPWD?) is that you get nifty toys to use in your control regimen. Yes, I’ll admit that we guys never really quit being boys. I’ll be 69 next month and I still like toys. My latest is an ACCU CHEK Compact Plus Blood Glucose Meter. This was supplied by Liberty Medical, my source for testing supplies since I became eligible for Medicare. Between Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield I am truly blessed out-of-pocket expense wise.

I’ve been quite pleased with the device. The display is bright and easy to read. The 17 strip cartridge is easy to handle. The lancing device is attached so you can’t lose and/or forget it. The lancets that fit it are virtually painless. I have cross checked the accuracy against other meters (One does tend to accumulate them),  and it seems to be spot on. I invested a little money in Roche’s 360 software and the interface works great.

The only disadvantage is that it is a little cumbersome. Being a guy and not usually carrying a purse, I carry a One Touch Ultra-Mini when I’m not wearing enough pockets. Yeah, I do have a “go-bag” but it’s not always convenient to take everywhere.

On the whole I give it 4 ½ out of 5 stars.