I've really been struggling with keeping all this diabetic "stuff" organized. When first diagnosed in 2009 I was clueless that there was going to be so much to keep track of and I was so overwhelmed with sudden onset T1 and my hectic work schedule that I really let things get out of control as far as paperwork, perscriptions, supplies, etc.
I recently started tracking things on a calendar (like when is my CGM sensor going to need to be replaced; what day did I put in my infusion for my pump; when do I need to place an order for new pump supplies, etc., etc., etc.)
I also dedicated more drawer space for keeping all supplies together and a filing cabinet to organize medical records, receipts, instructions, warranties, etc.
Still, I feel so disorganized and overwhelmed. T1 is hard work in and of itself and all this "extraneous" responsibility that comes with it is terribly time consuming. I feel frustrated and like it's all too scattered.
I wish there were some kind of computer program like Quicken where a T1 could keep track of EVERYTHING in one place.
Do any of you also struggle with this issue?
Any advice, small tips, or (understanding) comments would be welcome. For instance, do you use a paper calendar verses a computer or smart phone calendar? (my computer broke down and I was without my calendar for 10 days--I felt lost).
yeah, it is a lot. your CGM sensors will tell you when it should be replaced. you can get on a monthly shipping schedule or 3 months for your pump and CGM supplies. Write on your insulin vial box when to toss it and just look at it every few days. Or, as you suggested, just write it out on a calendar or use some type of app or automated system to remind you. I have a full open file cabinet in my pantry where I keep my supplies, I just look and see when I'm about to run low on stuff. seems I'm at the pharmacy all the time, they - the pharmacist (all of them) know me by name..ha! It sucks but we gotta do it, ya know.
Thanks Sarah,
I need to get that 3 month shipping order scheduled, that will help, good advice. I've just been doing the look and see method too, so I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. And appreciate your remark about the pharmacy, same here. Love your last line and attitude (it sucks but we gotta - ha!). LOL. Thank you for taking time to reply, you cheered me up. ( :
Gina
I love a spreadsheet, but you are new and overwhelmed a bit. Use the tech you have. Your pump is your best friend. It records the date you changed both the pump set and the CGM, cartridge levels, BG readings--it is all there and available for review 24/7. No calendar required! The pump is truly a godsend in record keeping. Also, downloading readings, knowing if your glucose is high or low, daily insulin use amounts, basal settings. I could go on and on.
I use baskets in my linen closet to hold sensors, infusion sets, alcohol, IV preps, batteries..the list goes on and on. All in the same place. Makes it easy to inventory supplies when the order form arrives.
No calendar needed, just use the tech you have. And, relax. Diabetes is hard enough all by itself, GinaY--try not to overstress yourself. Look for the easy answers.
Dear Spock,
yes, exactly. You understand too!
I just went from shots to pump in December 2012. Freaked when I got replace battery warning and couldn't find where I had put my lithiums.
Order form you say? WHAT order form? (joking: I will figure that out).
I just got Dex G4 in late February- love it, but figuring out how to make it actually stay stuck - hate it (waterproof bandaids work well).
Diabetes is sooo complicated! Information OVERLOAD! So many new strange words to learn, what is that "thingy-majig" called again?
Where is that EOB my ins. co. wants a copy of before they will pay? How much of my deductable have I met so far? Where did I put that lab test order my Endo gave me last month that I'm supposed to go get in May one week before my next Endo appointment. Somewhere in this huge pile of paperwork in my "to-be filed" box?
So many new medical bills to work into my already tight budget, a different account no. for each, medical billing nightmares: "sorry our website is down for repairs."
Will I remember to pick up alcohol swabs since I'm down to only two?
So many complications. So MUCH to learn! So much to organize and keep track of.
So many mistakes: Ketostix don't like to be stored in bathroom where you take hot showers.
Yes pump equals better BG's and less math (hate math!).
Why did my husband use up my supply of AAA batteries for my meter remote that I stashed in the "junk" drawer in the kitchen and not tell me? No one understands but my fellow T1's...sigh. Thank you TuD (Manny).
Thank you Spock for reminding me to relax and try not to overstress! Easy answers? You said "look for them." Excellent advice. Simplification is what I desire. Thank you, truly.
Note to self: "Look for the easy answers."
(You said, my Ping can also record when I changed my CGM! really?)
Relax, GinaY, just breath, just breath. In through the nose - out through the mouth.....keep repeating.
OMG! There are people here that really do get it here! I gave upon alcoholswabs and just did the KISS method -Keep it simple stupid! Cotton balls and the bottle of alcohol-less expensive 9 Can put in a small
spray bottle to travel too- but organizing all of it is another thing. Saw a video on you tube that said to get oneof those plastic house holdcontainers you know the typeused for cleaners and ive seen phlabotmist use them in the hospital. They say that this can be used to organize almost everything. Next thing onmy list of to dos! I am treading water trying tostay positive. Seems everytime I turn around I am at the dr or the pharmacy counter-trying to stay positive but its all drainingme dry offunds and a happy outlook onlifein general. I am feeling very old before my time.
Sugar Free,
Treading here most of the time too. Sometimes I just roll over and float for a while, then come the rough waters again and I gotta get back to it. Once in a while I can actually swim.
Sometimes when I feel like maybe I'm drowning I give a shout-out and my TuD friends like you, Sarah, Spock, throw me a floater.
Going to toss my "to do" list and replace it with a new one with just one thing on it: "Get Happy."
KISS (great acronym!), Gina
Hi Gina, good to hear from you! I can't be of much help though. I keep most of my stuff in my storage room; spring cleaning in there is desperately needed. I need to replace the cardboard boxes that my supplies arrived in with plastic containers. I do carry a messenger bag from Adorn, which is filled with D stuff, something for lows and a breakfast bar -- always ready to go with the addition of my insulin and an ice pack. Cheers!
Oh Gina....I hear ya....it is just so much. So much of everything, every day, never ends, it's exhausting, especially first starting out. Vent and rant away, that's what we're here for. Stay focused if you can, let those who love you shower you with love and support, if needed. yes, breath...breath. They tell me it will become just like 'brushing your teeth'..yeah, right. Not finding that cause every frickin day holds a challenge it seems. We're a strong bunch, we type 1's. hugs to you!
Here is my D shelf in the linen closet. The basket on the right holds my infusion sets and reservoirs. Next to it is a plastic bag with all the manuals, as well as Think like a Pancreas and Pumping Insulin. The polka dot box in the middle is my emergency kit (for basically fleeing the area!) and it also holds my battery collection (pump, monitor, etc) a supplies of sensors and the red bag has the sensor charger and inserter. In the front are extra lancets, those covers for the sensor, IV preps, alcohol pads and an empty test strip container to hold the wicked used sensor needles. On the left is a paper bag of test strips and a box of sensors. In the summer I keep the sensors in the frig.
I have a drawer of supplies in my dresser. Pods, wipes, batteries, test strips, prescription drugs that came in before I needed them, etc. In the drawer, I have a make-up bag that contains my current vial of insulin, some wipes and some syringes for back-up (probably more, but I can't recall at this moment). I add to this bag a few pods if I'm going to need to change while I'm away. I also subscribe to the "keep it simple" theory and use a bottle of rubbing alcohol and cotton ball at home - they're in the bathroom. It lasts forever. Well, almost. I also take coupons from my specialist's office - for glucose tabs, among other things. I take advantage of one or more coupons every time I shop and have a backup in the drawer.
I sometimes still leave the house without supplies needed for a mid-day change. I could use a bit more organization in my life (you can probably tell that by the jumping around nature of this reply). The first time I traveled after getting the OmniPod, I left my PDM at home. It had to be FedExed to me in California but by the time it arrived, my current little barnacle had died. It screamed from the closet for hours!! Oh, the excitement (and sheer panic) diabetes has provided me!!
Speaking of organizing/planning: if available at your work, enroll in a FSA (Flexible Spending Account). It will save you 10-20% on your medical bills/diabetes supplies.
I did this for 2 years.
But when the re-enrollment reminder came in November, I was disorganized and forgot to re-enroll. Ouch! So I set up a reminder on my calendar for NEXT November.
I'm really glad I started this discussion. Thank you all for your replies, tips, and especially your understanding and comforting words.
GinaY
All of my scripts and supplies are on auto order and come every 3 months. It takes the pressure of of keeping track but that means A LOT of boxes every three months. Pods, strips, sensors, insulin and meds. I have completely taken over a large desk with 'betis cr*p!
I also have my 'betis bag with me at all times. It has my Omipod remote, test strips, extra Pod,insulin pen, needles, glucose tabs, smarties, alcohol pads, and Dexcom receiver.
We are SO high maintenance! :)
High maintenance....
Besides everything else in a regular life, I have to do the following:
-Check my BG at least 6, maybe 10 times per day.
-Change my infusion set every three days. (10 minutes)
-Change my sensor (this takes what? Half a day?)
-Calibrate my sensor (4-8 times per day.)
-React to CGM alarms, as well as my OCD relationship with my BG readings.
-Refill my pill tray weekly (oddly, I HATE that--too much like my father's world that I am moving towards)
-Deal with problems, such as not being able to attach the infusion set after a shower this morning, with a group of workman due any moment! MADE IT, though.
-Check my blood sugar every time I get in the car--and every hour on a long distance drive.
-AIR TRAVEL__non-machine searches, running supplies through security, worrying what will happen (I have seen it all in my travels), nasty TSA people ,as well as those abroad.
I totally understand that I am griping, but sometimes PWD are totally overwhelmed. It gets to be way too much sometimes.
Refilling the weekly pill trays. Ugh! Makes me feel like I'm 90 lol!
Thanks Gina -it's really nice to know I am in good company. The burn out ratio in this die or beat this is very high. am ususally a happy cheerfulm kind of person but lately finding this overwhelming. Seems the harder I try the worse I do! ( nickname for this when I am rockbottom! Die or beat this! )