Another fine Indian Summer day has dawned, beckoning us to the bike trail. After a quick stop by the apple tree for treats later, and a supply of water for all of us, we pedal off in the golden light. The trail in our area has several long hills, easier for our dog to trot than human muscles to scale. However, the trail’s pavement can be trying on Lu’s service dog’s paws. So on one such hill, Lu commanded his dog to jump up in his lap and to Gilbert’s delight, they rode down the gentle, but long slope together. Now, they take most hills in tandem, Gilbert’s tail wagging all the way.
Recently, Lu has been completing doctors’ visits. Gilbert is often a curiosity in the waiting room, especially among children. A little girl kept peeking around her father at Gilbert, and finally her older brother came over and asked if they could pet him. Lu thanked the child for asking, and as usual when Gilbert sees a child, his tail starts wagging, as he loves a little petting and attention. Gilbert doesn’t recognize people by sight, but recognizes them by smell. He likes one of the RNs who always comes up to Gilbert and gives him a big hug. He laps the attention right up!
Insurance has approved the newest pump, the 630 G, and it has already been delivered. Lu will be trained how to use it on Friday. He has already done his homework by reading the information sent with the pump. The new pump has a different display that is easier to use and different algorithms that help with highs and lows. It also works with a sensor, inserted under the skin. The sensor communicates with the pump, so Lu can adjust his insulin level accordingly. This pump will qualify him for the 670 G, due to come out in April of 2017. The newest pump is being called the closest device yet to an artificial pancreas. The pump has made such a difference in our lives, as Lu no longer has to take shots and has much tighter control of his disease. Ambulance calls, once frequent, are now rare. His doctor can easily review his numbers, after being sent by computer to her office. She told him at his last appointment she was very pleased with the few low numbers in his last readout.
Gilbert still plays a huge role in the whole process. Last night, Gilbert started alerting Lu by placing his paw on him. Lu thought his blood sugar was pretty good, but when he checked his pump, noted his numbers had dropped five points, with an arrow going down. We marvel that Gilbert can often catch on to the fact his blood sugar is going down before it actually gets low. Gilbert deserves the thrill of a few rides down a hill, as he helps Lu to keep good control in this uphill battle.
Best Playdough Recipe
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 T alum
• 1 T oil
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• food coloring
Stir the salt, alum, and oil together in the hot water until dissolved. Add food coloring. Then add flour and knead until smooth. If kept in a tightly covered container will last a very long time.