Summer is coming and I am enjoying the weather we are having. I live in southeastern New Mexico near the Pecos River. As a matter of fact, for the desert, we actually have a lot of water in this part of New Mexico. I always loved spending my summer days and nights at the river. I have such fond memories of outdoors in the summer.
The past few years have taken me away from those memories. I have been going through tests and diagnoses for the past 9 years almost consistently. Having diabetes slowed me down a lot. In the beginning, I was an avid runner. That coupled with the honeymoon phase of diabetes (along with the unknown at the time that I am unable to properly absorb nutrients) lead to a lot of low blood sugars. I began to avoid activities beyond my daily runs. Once I was put on an insulin pump, swimming became such a challenge, I avoided it completely.
For those of you who don't know, insulin pumps deliver fast acting insulin. There is not a maker of water proof (that you can fully submerge) insulin pumps. This means, when you get into the shower or go swimming, you must detach your pump. This is ok for a short period of time, but if you plan on being in a pool for longer than 20 minutes you run into the challenge of not receiving insulin. This will lead to high blood sugar levels within a couple of hours. Low blood sugars as well as high blood sugars should be avoided. So what do you do? Get out every 20 minutes to connect and give yourself tiny doses as the day goes on? Then you run into the challenge of having your pump/ insulin in high temperatures which can render insulin useless. My thought, take an ice chest (you'll want food and drinks anyway) and a Ziploc bag and stick your pump in the ice chest while you swim?
I also have a connective tissue disease. I have trouble with high temperatures. Temperature extremes hot or cold. Most people get uncomfortable when they are hot or cold. Minor adjustments to clothing or activity usually can help. For myself, it is a complete intolerance. My body will get very exhausted trying to regulate itself. In cold, I am in a lot of pain. In heat I tend to get very bad headaches, rashes, and become very weak. It seems no matter how much water I drink, it is never enough when I am overheated. Add to that photosensitivity that comes with connective tissue diseases, and a day at the river sounds out of the question.
Or so I thought........I have been learning to adjust small things in my life to accommodate my limitations thus allowing me to join the real world a little more often. Although it is easier and much more comfortable to stay at home where everything I need is at hand, I want to stretch out every now and then. I would like to come out of my cave in the summer. With so much at our fingertips these days, like Facebook, I am bombarded with images of people living the life I used to live and I miss it so much. BUT change is inevitable, even for the healthy, so accept it, grow from it, learn to love it.
Here is my challenge for you. I am the only person I personally know with these issues. I have no one to turn to with questions or for advice. I am determined to take my son to the river this summer. A full day. A true southeastern New Mexico, small town fun summer day. That means hitting the river early, packing plenty of food and drinks, and enjoying every second we can in and out of the water. I can take an ice chest with almond milk and my protein shake powder (a vegan mix with tons of nutrients), plenty of water, a little fruit, and some nuts for sustained energy and hydration with no fear of contamination or digestive complications. I can pack all of my pills (every few hours I have some form of medication that is needed for one condition or the other). I will wear sunscreen and pack extra, along with a hat and sunglasses....possibly even an umbrella. Maybe a Tupperware-type container rather than a plastic baggie for my pump to go in the ice chest while I jump in the water. Plenty of bug spray (do all diabetics get eaten up compared to their counterparts? I do). What else? Does anyone have suggestions?
I am sure there are insulin pump wearing diabetics who are surfers and river rats. I am sure there are people with lupus who enjoy outdoor activities despite stamina and weather related frustrations. These are the two main illnesses holding me back for this particular activity. I will not just let life pass me by. I will not watch while everyone enjoys life. I will find a way to incorporate the things I love into my life, limitations and all. I will find new passions and hobbies that are more conducive to my current life. I can, I will.
Will you help me?
Someday you may need help. I will gladly be that person that holds your hand and walks you through your unknowns; granted I have the experience to offer. I will happily be the person that helps you go out of your comfort zone in the name of happiness and fulfillment.
Let's all find a way to quit hiding from our fears and avoiding things we once loved. Even as a healthy individual, we all lose things as we age that we once enjoyed. It is not impossible to maintain these things with a few adjustments.
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