A Gift From #Diabetes

Diabetes and I have a unique relationship. It moved in unexpectedly, refuses to leave, and does not do dishes or pay rent. As fun as it is to think that my body is so hardcore it decided to stage a mutiny aboard the U.S.S Spartacus, everyone knows that Diabetes is hardly the fun that my sarcasm tries to make it out to be. Diabetes is always around, even if the casual observer can never tell. Diabetes does not compromise. Diabetes will not relent. Diabetes is teh suckorz. But, there have been a few non-suckorz that I have gained from Diabetes. Because even that crappy roommate can still remember your birthday, or at least Christmas…

I don’t really think I ever had a fear of needles, but I’m certainly no longer apprehensive around them. Granted, if I didn’t get over any of my worries, I would probably would have died, but I guess it takes extreme measures to motivate people to do what is necessary sometimes. Just ask Jack Bauer. Besides, it what other situation can you say “I stab myself 4 times a day”? Oh wait, did I say stab? I meant give myself insulin injections. Freudian Slip.

Before #diabetes I was never a pill person. When my endocrinologist prescribed Synthroid I didn’t think anything of it, mainly because I didn’t know what it was. Then I looked at the bottle. And the pills. OK, they are the size of mini-M&Ms. Beyond harmless. But for a non-pill popper, this was a daunting task. With a little effort, it became a piece of cake. Now it’s just a part of the routine. I consider it a gateway drug to all kinds of pill popping awesomeness. I’m still practicing taking NyQuil without water, it’s a bit more difficult than I initially anticipated.

And if any of my previous posts haven’t made it clear (Exhibit A, Exhibit 2, Exhibit C), I found some pretty cool people in the Internet. I’m not much for sharing, so the anonymity of the Internet has helped with being honest about my exciting adventures with diabetes. It really has made a difference. I’ve sent out private shout outs in the past, but here’s another public one. Thank you.

Admittedly this post is somewhat of a stall tactic while I work on a few more serious posts I have sitting in draft mode. But I still think this topic is worthy of ponder. So I ask you eager-reader (and member of the Wilford Brimley Fan Club): What presents have you received from diabetes? What good has come from this generally crappy situation?