The calm before the...

Since May I’ve been thinking about August. Not because of hot weather or some kind of love of summer; although I’ve been enjoying the lush flowers and sunlight, but rather because of my A1C test, a test that measures blood sugar levels over three months.

March 15, 2022: 9.5

May 11, 2022: 8.0/8.1

August 3, 2022: ??

 

My doctor told me that she believes that since my blood sugar level was so high in March, it is unlikely that I will be able to manage my diabetes through diet and exercise alone. This was hard to hear, but I kept working on my diabetes management by working my ass off, prioritizing physical activity and food that kept my blood sugar levels in the good zone (before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L; 2 hours after meals:      5 to 10 mmol/L or milimetres per litre).

Today I went for the test. I go to the Dynacare Lab on Kent Street, a fifteen-minute walk from my apartment. I checked in via Dynacare’s Net Check in, which allows people to be in a virtual queue and not have to wait too long in the waiting room.

I wore one of my favourite dresses. I drank lots of water beforehand. I was nervous, but I calmed myself. I have been doing meditation and I believe it is helping me face things calmly. I had printed out my initial requistion but all I needed to do was tell the person at the desk that I was there for my 3 month A1C test and hand them my health card. It was that simple.

I read poetry in the waiting room. The technician complimented me on the dress. It was a quiet and good experience.

After I went over to Staples to use the washroom and to buy myself a pen, a small reward for not freaking about about the unknown and the possibilities that I may need medication. I encountered a dear friend and we chatted for some time.

I have changed my attitude greatly from the initial diagnosis in March. I know it is possible I may need medication. If I do, I will learn as much as I can about it, continue to work on diet and exercise and attitude, taking good care of myself and communicating to my health care team. I understand now that I am responsible for my health care and that others are there to help me achieve what I need in terms of physical and mental well-being. I have the amazing support of my darling husband for whom I am infinitely grateful.

I am signed up to the Dynacare Plus, so I will know my results in a few days. Then I will make an appointment to discuss follow up with my doctor.

 Doubtless my husband and I will be checking the app a lot in the next few days, but regardless of the outcome, I feel capable of handling it. I feel as if I’ve grown up a lot during the process of initial diagnosis to management of my diabetes. It’s a lot to learn. Gee, I’m 58 and still have a lot to learn. Ain’t that grand.

 I’ll let you know the results in the next post!