Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I'd really like to have a pool or spa this Christmas. I'd like this one. Or maybe this one.

I think the possibility of exercising in water are very exciting and would really help me with my diabetes control. There are a couple of problems however.

1. I think you'd also have to include a home or piece of property to fit either one. I just don't think how we could fit such an item in our current 25' x 50' sloping lot.

2. I don't really remember ever having believed in Santa. My mom and my dad gave me presents.

So, this is it. My first letter to Santa. Merry Christmas, big guy. Thanks for cheering people up. They need lots of love and cheering, and some folks only get it from you.

Love,

Lori Rode

Tenth Anniversary

I was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago this month.

I had given blood at the local Red Cross, and got a letter from them saying that my blood was rejected, due to high liver enzymes.

I went to my physician, saying "What's wrong with my liver?"

Ultimately, his answer was, "Nothing's wrong with your liver, but you have diabetes."

And thus, my diabetes life was launched.

I had to remind my current physician that I am now 10 years post-diagnosis, as there is often a change in this disease that seems to happen 8-12 years after diagnosis. Previous control methods may stop working, and new meds or new eating or exercise plans may need to take place.

I've had to step up my medications. I'm now on Januvia. Hooooray!

It controls my numbers very nicely. I'm still on the other meds, metformin, glipizide, etc.

I remain discouraged about my diabetes, and about my ability to reach my goal of being a very old, very healthy [person with diabetes]. My feet still hurt, but I'm able to function. I'm scared to walk my dogs, though, or do other standing exercise for fear of debilitating pain.

My weight is about 200 lbs. I am discouraged about my ability to get it back down to about 150-160, which would be very healthy for me.

But, life is good.

I'm hoping to become more active in my blog. I know, I know. I took a year off. So sue me.

We'll see how it goes. With this disease, with me, with my life, I've got to focus on the positive. I've got to focus on the next step in front of me, not the 999 miles beyond that. One step at a time, and, in a flash, ten years have gone by.

PS. I owe Bernard $100. I have not forgotten. He is a saint. I'm writing the check today.