The other night I was snuggled up at home, catching up on the latest episode of The Good Doctor. I was drawn in to a particular sub-plot of the episode. One of the main characters, who is receiving chemo, finds himself being pestered by his neighbor in the treatment room to join their cancer support group. Long story short, the character resists for the whole episode, arguing that he doesn't want cancer to define his life, it's not who he is, he doesn't need a support group, all that jazz. In the end, he comes around, and joins his chemo neighbors for a game of cards.
Throughout the course of this, I couldn't help but think about how many times I've heard this dialogue before - whether it's about diabetes or any other chronic illness. People don't want to be defined by their condition (understandably so). Because of this, it's common for people to push away when approached with support groups or communities for people who share their diagnoses. We want to be more than our diagnoses, so we don't want to over-identify with it.
But here's the thing - there's a difference between identity and community. Belonging to a community of type 1 diabetics doesn't mean that you yourself are only diabetes and nothing else. Your identity is still yours. Sure, diabetes and the community are a part of your identity, but they are not the whole thing.
We can't always change what we're living with. We can't make diabetes go away. So why not find solace in the fact that there are others out there who share our struggle? You may find that they don't like to over-identify with their disease either. You may not even talk about diabetes when you're together. But having that support system there undoubtedly inserts a positive aspect into living with a disease that you cannot change.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Friday, March 1, 2019
Where is the love?
Healthcare has been a hot button issue lately here in the states. Of course for those of us who live with a chronic illness, it has always been an issue. But with the 2016 election, healthcare along with many other public policies have come to the forefront of the nationwide conversation. And frankly, the conversations have been quite alarming.
There is an overwhelming population of people who believe that healthcare has to be earned. That the right to live is not an inherent right for all humans (even though our US Constitution specifically states otherwise). People feel that if you work hard, pay your dues, and play by the rules, you will A: Stay healthy, and B: Be granted great insurance coverage, God forbid anything should happen to you. This logic is flawed. Chronic and/or acute health issues can happen to anyone, at anytime, for a variety of reasons. As a species, humans don't like to believe this. It creates what's called "cognitive dissonance," which is when we are presented with a reality that doesn't match up with what we've always believed. It therefore causes dissonance, or disruption, so we do everything in our power to ignore the reality and continue on with our faulty beliefs. We cannot reconcile reality with our wishes because it causes discomfort.
Most people grow up hoping or believing that they will have good health. This is normal - it's a positive outlook on life. However, as we grow older we tend to experience certain realities - maybe we're diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, someone we love is in an accident, our parent gets laid off and we almost lose our insurance - and we are able to shift our beliefs accordingly to read more like this: things may not always be easy. Things could happen to us and our family. But for some people, this adjustment doesn't happen. They continue to believe that bad things come to those who deserve it and that healthcare should be earned.
So is the issue that people are inherently bad and have complete disregard for others? I hope not. No, what I think is happening in the majority of cases is that people are simply rigid in their beliefs due to concerns about their own self-preservation. And this needs to change. We need to challenge our beliefs because they are flawed. Yes, it is a frightening reality to accept - that we could be struck with an illness or hit by a car at any time. But we are doing more harm than good by holding on to the flawed belief that we are in total and complete control of our health or our circumstances. It is not reality.
The reality is, every human has an inherent right to live. And for some humans, what they need to live - and live well - is a bit more extensive than what others need. So I challenge you all - what belief do you cling to that begrudges others their inherent rights? How can you start to chip away at that belief and re-frame it?
There is an overwhelming population of people who believe that healthcare has to be earned. That the right to live is not an inherent right for all humans (even though our US Constitution specifically states otherwise). People feel that if you work hard, pay your dues, and play by the rules, you will A: Stay healthy, and B: Be granted great insurance coverage, God forbid anything should happen to you. This logic is flawed. Chronic and/or acute health issues can happen to anyone, at anytime, for a variety of reasons. As a species, humans don't like to believe this. It creates what's called "cognitive dissonance," which is when we are presented with a reality that doesn't match up with what we've always believed. It therefore causes dissonance, or disruption, so we do everything in our power to ignore the reality and continue on with our faulty beliefs. We cannot reconcile reality with our wishes because it causes discomfort.
Most people grow up hoping or believing that they will have good health. This is normal - it's a positive outlook on life. However, as we grow older we tend to experience certain realities - maybe we're diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, someone we love is in an accident, our parent gets laid off and we almost lose our insurance - and we are able to shift our beliefs accordingly to read more like this: things may not always be easy. Things could happen to us and our family. But for some people, this adjustment doesn't happen. They continue to believe that bad things come to those who deserve it and that healthcare should be earned.
So is the issue that people are inherently bad and have complete disregard for others? I hope not. No, what I think is happening in the majority of cases is that people are simply rigid in their beliefs due to concerns about their own self-preservation. And this needs to change. We need to challenge our beliefs because they are flawed. Yes, it is a frightening reality to accept - that we could be struck with an illness or hit by a car at any time. But we are doing more harm than good by holding on to the flawed belief that we are in total and complete control of our health or our circumstances. It is not reality.
The reality is, every human has an inherent right to live. And for some humans, what they need to live - and live well - is a bit more extensive than what others need. So I challenge you all - what belief do you cling to that begrudges others their inherent rights? How can you start to chip away at that belief and re-frame it?
Friday, January 25, 2019
Using Anger as a Tool - The Global Insulin Crisis
Being a social worker means I'm rarely surprised by anything. We are often witness to every kind of bizarre and disturbing occurrence out there. We work in the medical field and see people struggle with a complicated healthcare system while trying to care for themselves or their children. But every news story that blasts through the screen about another diabetic dying from insulin rationing hits me like a punch in the gut.
Insulin prices have been slowly climbing over the past decade. It's a reality that seems to have been kept under wraps - except, of course, from the patients and families who have been struggling in silence each year their copay goes up. As someone who's been privileged enough to not have this issue constantly weighing on me, I could easily turn a blind eye to it. Mutter "yeah, that's a shame," and go about my everyday life. I'll be frank - this path is tempting. This is a beast of an issue that has numerous parties involved, and differs from nation to nation. In a recent New York Times article regarding insulin prices, Danielle Ofri wrote, "It's hard to know where to direct my rage." And it is. It's overwhelming. Where do we begin? The only answer I can formulate is this: we start with raising our voices. And this has already started: with numerous articles like Ofri's, protest trips to Mexico to exhibit pricing differences, TV news features, and type 1 advocates blasting pharmaceutical companies on social media. Now that the fire is catching, we have no choice but to roll with it.
To be clear, insulin prices are an issue everywhere - not just in the USA. While insulin in Mexico may be affordable for us, it is not the case for most residents of the country. Insulin prices looked at as a percentage of income paints a better picture of the bleak reality. Aside from countries like Canada and England who have universal healthcare, insulin prices are unmanageable for most populations. The cost of living with diabetes takes up the bulk of individuals' or families' income, leaving people scrambling for rent, food, and other necessities.
While coming up with the money is the initial struggle for most, an issue that is specific to the US is the ability to then get your hands on insulin. You need a prescription. You need that prescription submitted. Maybe it gets denied. Then it needs pre-authorization. Then it gets approved, but you have a bigger co-pay than expected. Then you have to download a co-pay card (if you qualify). And then you can pick up your insulin. This process can take days at best, weeks at worst. And contrary to what many people may think, not everyone has the time to be battling on the phone with insurance and refereeing between the doctor, insurance, pharmacy and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). We do have lives outside of diabetes.
This issue isn't specific to insulin, either. The price of test strips are exorbitant. They are considered a luxury in many 3rd world countries. Even here, some insurance companies (mine included) only cover enough strips for 3 tests a day. To get coverage for more, a letter of medical necessity is needed. In what world does someone with type 1 only need to test 3 times a day? It's clear that insurance regulations don't seem to be based on diabetes care best practices recommended by physicians.
As I said, it's a beast of an issue. And it angers me. A lot. Instead of sitting on that anger or turning a blind eye, I decided to get involved. Becoming an advocate for T1International is step one for me. T1International is a non-profit that takes no donations from pharma companies and advocates for people all over the world to have access to the medications and education they need.
Enough of suffering through this issue in silence. We're demanding change. We're not waiting. We want #insulin4all, and we want steps to be taken towards it starting now. If you want to get involved, check out T1International, search the hashtag #insulin4all on social media, and check out what other diabadasses have been doing below.
Insulin prices have been slowly climbing over the past decade. It's a reality that seems to have been kept under wraps - except, of course, from the patients and families who have been struggling in silence each year their copay goes up. As someone who's been privileged enough to not have this issue constantly weighing on me, I could easily turn a blind eye to it. Mutter "yeah, that's a shame," and go about my everyday life. I'll be frank - this path is tempting. This is a beast of an issue that has numerous parties involved, and differs from nation to nation. In a recent New York Times article regarding insulin prices, Danielle Ofri wrote, "It's hard to know where to direct my rage." And it is. It's overwhelming. Where do we begin? The only answer I can formulate is this: we start with raising our voices. And this has already started: with numerous articles like Ofri's, protest trips to Mexico to exhibit pricing differences, TV news features, and type 1 advocates blasting pharmaceutical companies on social media. Now that the fire is catching, we have no choice but to roll with it.
To be clear, insulin prices are an issue everywhere - not just in the USA. While insulin in Mexico may be affordable for us, it is not the case for most residents of the country. Insulin prices looked at as a percentage of income paints a better picture of the bleak reality. Aside from countries like Canada and England who have universal healthcare, insulin prices are unmanageable for most populations. The cost of living with diabetes takes up the bulk of individuals' or families' income, leaving people scrambling for rent, food, and other necessities.
 |
| Info-graphic created by T1International |
This issue isn't specific to insulin, either. The price of test strips are exorbitant. They are considered a luxury in many 3rd world countries. Even here, some insurance companies (mine included) only cover enough strips for 3 tests a day. To get coverage for more, a letter of medical necessity is needed. In what world does someone with type 1 only need to test 3 times a day? It's clear that insurance regulations don't seem to be based on diabetes care best practices recommended by physicians.
As I said, it's a beast of an issue. And it angers me. A lot. Instead of sitting on that anger or turning a blind eye, I decided to get involved. Becoming an advocate for T1International is step one for me. T1International is a non-profit that takes no donations from pharma companies and advocates for people all over the world to have access to the medications and education they need.
Enough of suffering through this issue in silence. We're demanding change. We're not waiting. We want #insulin4all, and we want steps to be taken towards it starting now. If you want to get involved, check out T1International, search the hashtag #insulin4all on social media, and check out what other diabadasses have been doing below.
- Libby Russell at I Have the Sugars is selling statement tees to benefit T1International.
- Robin Cressman raises her voice and led a group of type 1s across the border to purchase insulin in Mexico to protest accessibility and pricing issues.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
The Power of Words
"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic." - Albus Dumbledore.
 |
| Sticker from Pimp My Diabetes |
So many nuances exist in communication. If someone casually asks "you're diabetic?" versus a brash "you're a diabetic?", I'm likely to have different reaction. There's so many nonverbal cues - body language, tone, facial expression. No one wants to feel that someone is accusing them of something, and most people don't like to be the recipient of sad puppy eyes. The words themselves aren't the whole picture. But they're a big part of it.
Compliance vs. Adherence
I've talked before about the word compliance in the medical field and the negative connotation it can have. The word "comply" is so similar to "obey." People living with chronic illness are already stuck with a disease they didn't ask for. Admonishing them for not "obeying" to this illness will convey that you're on the illness' side, not theirs. Because of how long and how heavily the word has been used, it's gained a derogatory nature . Hearing "non-compliant" being used to describe someone feels like hearing a dirty word. It stains a person's medical record, strikes trepidation into most providers, and causes bias when assessing a person, whether you realize it or not. There have been recommendations to switch to the word "adherent," which to me makes more sense and is kinder. Asking if someone is adhering to their regimen acknowledges the patient's role in their illness, while creating a comfortable space for them to have a conversation about what their barriers are to self-care.
Control vs. Manage
Recently I was listening to Rob Howe's podcast, Diabetics Doing Things, and came across his interview with Erin Aker, founder of the Diabulimia Helpline. In her interview she talked about the word "control," and how detrimental it can be for mental health. While control is important for diabetes management, intense desire for control can manifest into different forms of anxiety. Especially when it comes to managing a chronic illness that is so difficult to control.
While I've had my own struggles with control and fear of losing it, I've never given much consideration to the power the word itself holds and how we can shake that power. Aker talked about using the word "management" versus "control." I felt like a light bulb went off in my head. Such a simple shift - swapping out one word for another - could make such a difference. If we keep thinking about our diabetes in terms of control, we're more prone to become obsessive. Re-training our brain to use the word "manage" eases some of the pressure. It is a more benign word, from a mental health perspective. I encourage everyone in the chronic illness community to consider what Aker talked about.
What language do you prefer when it comes to your diabetes? Do you have a preference? Many people say words don't matter to them as much as the content of the conversation. Comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Making Endo Visits Suck Less
It's no secret that we all dread going to the endo. No matter how much we like our docs, there always seems to be a level of anxiety that accompanies us to the office. If nothing else, this visit is a strong reminder of the chronic illness that we are living with and managing every day. After more than 20 years of doctor visits and a handful of different endocrinologists, I've learned some ways to make these trips suck a little less.
Treat. Yo. Self.
This idea was actually inspired by my older brother. Like most normal humans, once a year he goes for blood work. He's not the most comfortable with docs and needles, so after his appointment he stops for a Snickers bar. After hearing my mom talking about this I thought, why don't I get in on that?
It doesn't have to be candy (unless you're low). It can be something a little more betes-friendly, and it doesn't have to only be before/after your endo appointment. When I go into the pharmacy to pick up my medications, I look for a little something for myself. Whether it's a mini-cactus for my office, a Justin's PB cup, or a new face mask; it makes the trip a little happier.
After my endo appointment I'll do a little something more - stop at Starbucks or Playa Bowls, or I'll book a facial for the same day. It can be something small (or big!), but you get the general idea - do something pleasant for you.
Write out your questions.
If you're like me, you have a lot of thoughts that gather in the couple months between appointments. It's easy to let these float around in your head and then have your mind go totally blank once your butt hits the exam table. This can lead to feeling flustered and defeated after the appointment. Something I've started doing is writing down my thoughts and questions as they come, and bringing the list with me when I go to the doctor. That way, when my doc asks how things are going I actually have something productive to work on.
Stand your ground.
It's essential as a type 1 to have an endo who is willing to work with you. Someone who is on your team, not trying to act as your boss. If you have ideas - taking a pump vacation, switching insulin, trying a sensor - speak up! This is your time to advocate for yourself. Your doc may not be on board right away, but they should listen to your input and hear what you have to say. After all, you are the one living with this disease 24/7.
Bottom Line.
Medical management can be boring, at best. But mixing in little joys and treats when we can acts to improve our outlook and quality of life.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Trust & Type 1
The glucometer.
This is the OG diabetes tech. It's what I've been using since infancy. When I was a baby, my parents used to prick my toes to test me (I was diagnosed at 13 months old). Because of this, my glucometer often feels like my lifeline. It's been there literally my entire life, giving me the data I need to treat myself. Granted, there are days that my numbers are so wacky that I stare at my meter in frustration and wonder, are you lying to me?
The meter has evolved over the years - becoming slimmer, quicker, and requiring less blood from my callused fingers. But the idea is still essentially the same. Prick the finger, get the number, react accordingly. I would say that I rely heavily on my glucometer - because I trust it.
The pump.
Coming along in my grade school years, the pump took some time to earn my trust. When it first came out, I remember writing in my diary in wonderment, marveling at the fact that I didn't have to use MDI (multiple daily injections) anymore. I remember putting my "very last syringe" in my memory box the night before my pump training. It was a huge deal for me.
Maybe because of this, I was crushed when I had a rough go of it the first time around. I struggled with highs; had one particularly traumatizing, painful, kinked catheter; and site changes for some reason terrified me. I eventually went off the pump for a year or two until my parents & I felt I was ready to try it again. I've remained a pumper since then.
But still, there are days where I feel that doubt niggling at the back of my mind. What if my pump malfunctions? What if I can't get my insulin? What if I get too much? Can I really trust this device functioning as my pancreas? Clearly, this doubt isn't significant enough to cause me to switch back to MDI, but still, it is there.
Maybe because of this, I was crushed when I had a rough go of it the first time around. I struggled with highs; had one particularly traumatizing, painful, kinked catheter; and site changes for some reason terrified me. I eventually went off the pump for a year or two until my parents & I felt I was ready to try it again. I've remained a pumper since then.
But still, there are days where I feel that doubt niggling at the back of my mind. What if my pump malfunctions? What if I can't get my insulin? What if I get too much? Can I really trust this device functioning as my pancreas? Clearly, this doubt isn't significant enough to cause me to switch back to MDI, but still, it is there.
The CGM.
Thus far in my diabetic life I've had two CGM experiences - Medtronic Enlite and Freestyle Libre, the system that I currently use. I was weary of this tech at the beginning, and was adamant that I didn't want something else attached to me. I was also a high schooler, and annoyingly stubborn. As I got older, I began to grow curious. But alas, it wasn't meant to be - my insurance did not think that this (statistically proven life-improving) technology was "medically necessary." So, I went without until I enrolled in my own insurance this year.
If you follow me on Instagram or read my blog, you know that I'm in love with my little Libre. But it's a new love. It's still deepening. The trust still needs to grow. I get asked all the time, "So you don't have to prick your finger anymore?" And I wince, because I know I really don't have to as often as I do. But kicking an almost-26-year habit is hard.
To be fair to myself, there are discrepancies between the readings, and for the Libre it is recommended to check via finger stick before making treatment decisions. Still, there is room for improvement on my end. I feel the doubt trying to drown me, telling me "just make sure" or "just prick your finger, it's no big deal." I am hoping that with time, I'll develop a functional doubt:trust ratio.
Bottom line.
As human beings, we're comfortable with what we know. We are, in fact, creatures of habit. It's been my experience that people who were diagnosed at a younger age, or many years ago, are more familiar with the older tech and are more weary of relying so heavily on the new stuff. But those diagnosed during this stage of the game, where CGMs are the norm, feel much more comfortable trusting in their gadgets. A big part of this is about feeling safe. I feel safest testing my sugar the old-fashioned way, because it's what I knew for so long.
My hope is that with time and practice, my trust will continue to deepen. My other hope is for you to know that if this is something you struggle with as well - you're not alone!
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Planes, Trains & Snow Delays - Costa Rica 2018
Pura Vida.
"Pure life." It's the phrase of Costa Rica, where I spent the last 6 days. I can say with certainty that the country measures up to this saying. It was beautiful: lush with wildlife, green forest, and full of amazing views and experiences. Every day, especially those where we ventured outside the resort, felt full of life.
Me and my best friend, who I've known since babyhood, traveled together and this is the farthest south we've gone so far. The flight from Newark was about 5 hours. We stayed in the northwestern part of the county, in the province of Guanacaste. This was my first trip with my Omnipod as well. Overall, my diabetes wasn't troublesome during vacation.
What I packed.
To say I over-pack for vacation is an understatement. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? For this trip I knew I would have to change my pod twice, so I packed six pods - four more than needed, just in case any didn't work or fell off in the jungle. I packed extra batteries for my PDM. An extra pump - my old Medtronic - with two infusion sets and reservoirs to go with it if needed. A full vial of insulin, an extra glucometer, charger for my glucometer, some extra lancets, and two full bottles of test strips. Oh, and low supplies.
For my lows I packed a big baggie of gels, and two juices. I've learned recently that you can bring your juice through TSA at the airport in your carry-on. If you inform them why you're carrying it, they will swab it and let you bring it through. We didn't check any baggage, so this was super-helpful. I also have a small army of pills I take daily, so I filled up my 7-day pill case and packed all the bottles as well - that way I can show what the pills are and that they are prescribed to me, if needed.
Lately I've been using Vial Safe to keep my insulin safe during travel. I kept my PDM, libre, and glucometer with a gel in my Clark double zip bag from Myabetic. This was my go-to bag for vacation - brought it to the beach, carried it in my backpack at the airport, and used it as a little clutch at night. I also brought the new Jay sling bag from Myabetic which I found VERY helpful during our excursions. It fit lots of stuff and is more sporty and water-resistant than the other bags, which was good because it poured during our rainforest walk. When we went zip-lining, I was able to clip it around my waist like a fanny pack. All of my extra supplies go into my zippy "All My Diabetes Shit" bag by Casualty Girl.
For my lows I packed a big baggie of gels, and two juices. I've learned recently that you can bring your juice through TSA at the airport in your carry-on. If you inform them why you're carrying it, they will swab it and let you bring it through. We didn't check any baggage, so this was super-helpful. I also have a small army of pills I take daily, so I filled up my 7-day pill case and packed all the bottles as well - that way I can show what the pills are and that they are prescribed to me, if needed.
Lately I've been using Vial Safe to keep my insulin safe during travel. I kept my PDM, libre, and glucometer with a gel in my Clark double zip bag from Myabetic. This was my go-to bag for vacation - brought it to the beach, carried it in my backpack at the airport, and used it as a little clutch at night. I also brought the new Jay sling bag from Myabetic which I found VERY helpful during our excursions. It fit lots of stuff and is more sporty and water-resistant than the other bags, which was good because it poured during our rainforest walk. When we went zip-lining, I was able to clip it around my waist like a fanny pack. All of my extra supplies go into my zippy "All My Diabetes Shit" bag by Casualty Girl.
Keeping the shoogs in check.
Something I've learned about myself is that I run high on vacation. Whether it's the adrenaline, the high fat food my body isn't used to, the drinking, or a combo of the three, I'm not sure. What I did this time is created a "Travel" basal program with doses .2 units higher than my regular basal. It worked well with a little tinkering. After dinner I still would need a jacked up temp basal for a couple of hours. It's amazing how sensitive our bodies are to change. At home I really don't drink with dinner and we eat very healthy. Even having 1-2 drinks on vacation and eating food that was richer but that I didn't necessarily think was "high fat," my sugars would skyrocket without that extra basal.
Something else I strongly recommend is water. It's so important to stay hydrated when you're laying out in the sun, especially if you're drinking. I grabbed a water with every drink I had, and every hour or so out by the pool even if I wasn't drinking. It just makes my body feel better.
Our second trip was much longer. We took a bus to Lake Arenal, which was about a 3 hour ride. However, we had a great tour guide who taught us all about the history of the country and showed us all the sights. We had lunch in a local town where I met a little cat and fed her some of my tilapia. After lunch, we took a boat across the lake and had an amazing view of the volcano. Afterwards we stopped at another eco-park and took a walking tour through the rainforest, followed by some time at a hot springs lodge, then wrapped up the day with dinner at a beautiful hotel up in the mountains over the lake. There are tons of eco-hotels in the mountains near Lake Arenal that I would love to stay at one day. The views are amazing and you really are surrounded by the beauty of the country.
Excursions.
As lovely as it is to lay by the water, have some cocktails and just do nothing, mixing in excursions is a must for me on vacation. I love to see the country I'm in, learn about its history and its people, and experience everything I can in the time I have.
Our first trip was to Diamante Eco Park, which has an animal sanctuary and an aerial zip-lining course. We got to see monkeys, jaguars, sloths, and toucans! I never realized how beautiful toucans are and now have developed just a tiny obsession with them.
After the animal sanctuary it was off to zip-lining over the mountains. I've zip-lined before, but this was something else. The second zip was Superman style - face first. It was high over the ocean, and we could see our resort in its entirety from above. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but an amazing experience for those who love these kinda things.
Our second trip was much longer. We took a bus to Lake Arenal, which was about a 3 hour ride. However, we had a great tour guide who taught us all about the history of the country and showed us all the sights. We had lunch in a local town where I met a little cat and fed her some of my tilapia. After lunch, we took a boat across the lake and had an amazing view of the volcano. Afterwards we stopped at another eco-park and took a walking tour through the rainforest, followed by some time at a hot springs lodge, then wrapped up the day with dinner at a beautiful hotel up in the mountains over the lake. There are tons of eco-hotels in the mountains near Lake Arenal that I would love to stay at one day. The views are amazing and you really are surrounded by the beauty of the country.Airport Shenanigans.
I'm a fairly light packer, so I try not to check baggage unless absolutely necessary. For this trip, I brought a mini-suitcase as a carry-on, and a big backpack for a personal item. Some airlines also allow you to carry a medical bag at no additional charge - make sure you look into this! It can be super helpful, especially if you have to check some bags.
Coming home to New Jersey, we were expecting some snow. Some snow. We were not at all expecting the hot mess that was to come.
In retrospect, we should have had some sense of foreboding when the hotel phone rang at 2:40 AM. Our shuttle ride was scheduled for 3:20 AM, but there must have been a miscommunication - the driver arrived at 2:30. We scrambled our things together and hustled down to the lobby, still half-asleep.
Things went relatively smoothly after that until we got to Houston. We had a layover there, and once we landed and had lunch we saw that our flight was pushed back an hour. Okay, not so bad. However, just as we were about to get on the plane, we were stopped. There wasn't anymore room for carry-ons. We would have to check a bag. Quickly, I crammed all my medical stuff into my backpack and forked over my little suitcase. We boarded, got comfy and waited.
And waited.
And...got delayed another hour.
Once we finally took off, everyone's nerves were a little frayed. This didn't improve when, two hours into the flight, the pilot made an announcement that Newark was totally iced out. We would be landing in Cleveland and waiting the storm out. It turned out that we would have to wait until the next morning to fly back home.
Small calamities like this are why it's so important to be over-prepared medication-wise. Also, to have everything essential on your person. We had no access to our checked bags overnight. I may not have had a toothbrush, but at least I had my insulin.
After an airport dinner with our fellow stranded souls, we made our way to a hotel airport, punch-drunk from exhaustion and missing our pets. At the end of the day though, we were happy to be safe and sound from the ravages of the storm.
In retrospect, we should have had some sense of foreboding when the hotel phone rang at 2:40 AM. Our shuttle ride was scheduled for 3:20 AM, but there must have been a miscommunication - the driver arrived at 2:30. We scrambled our things together and hustled down to the lobby, still half-asleep.
Things went relatively smoothly after that until we got to Houston. We had a layover there, and once we landed and had lunch we saw that our flight was pushed back an hour. Okay, not so bad. However, just as we were about to get on the plane, we were stopped. There wasn't anymore room for carry-ons. We would have to check a bag. Quickly, I crammed all my medical stuff into my backpack and forked over my little suitcase. We boarded, got comfy and waited.
And waited.
And...got delayed another hour.
Once we finally took off, everyone's nerves were a little frayed. This didn't improve when, two hours into the flight, the pilot made an announcement that Newark was totally iced out. We would be landing in Cleveland and waiting the storm out. It turned out that we would have to wait until the next morning to fly back home.
Small calamities like this are why it's so important to be over-prepared medication-wise. Also, to have everything essential on your person. We had no access to our checked bags overnight. I may not have had a toothbrush, but at least I had my insulin.
After an airport dinner with our fellow stranded souls, we made our way to a hotel airport, punch-drunk from exhaustion and missing our pets. At the end of the day though, we were happy to be safe and sound from the ravages of the storm.
Bottom Line.
Bottom line from this trip: Be prepared. Over-pack. Visit Costa Rica if you love the outdoors and love outdoor activities. And again: Over. Pack.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)