A1C Payoff.
I've worked very hard over the last few weeks. There's no denying that.
I've logged blood sugar numbers on the Kevin spreadsheet and busted my butt to keep up with the maintenance of those logbooks.
Chris and I have counted carb after carb, making sure that I'm dosing accordingly.
I have changed some of my "bad habits" here and there in efforts to get crap under better control in pursuit of BabySparl. (I even gave up coffee. For anyone who knows me, THAT is a huge thing. Huge-r than logging numbers.)
And yesterday, after spending the entire day under the weather, my phone rang. Dr. CT was calling with my A1C results.
"Kerri? This is Dr. CT. I have your blood work back."
I was napping off my illness just before she called, so I had to shove the cat off my head and rub the sleep from my eyes. "Okay. How'd I do?"
"Wonderful. This is just great - such progress! You're at 6.3%. You have done a fine job."
"No kidding? 6.3? That's the lowest I've had in years. Ever, maybe."
"Well I wanted to call and tell you personally. I saw these results and said, 'Oh. This will be a fun call!'"
"Thanks, Dr. CT. Thanks for calling."
And that's that.
There's so much swirling around me right now and so much change on the horizon that I'm excited, ready, scared, and overwhelmed and all I can think is that tomorrow marks 23 years that I've been living with type 1 diabetes and I'm still learning so much every. single. day.
Comments
Great job! I just emailed Kevin for a copy of his spreadsheet. Thanks for the help.
Posted by: Bryan | September 10, 2009 09:16 AM
YAY! Woo Hoo!!! Cheering and clapping...Congratulations Kerri!
Posted by: Andrea B. | September 10, 2009 09:18 AM
CONGRATS KERRI!!! That is amazing! When I got my 6.9 a few months ago, my doctor literally gave me a copy of the paperwork to hang on my fridge. What a great accomplishment. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Lindsay | September 10, 2009 09:19 AM
I may have already told you this but when I got my first A1C result after buckling down in prep for getting pregnant and they told me it was 5.7, I gasped and threw my hands up to my face like they'd just crowned me Miss America. :)
It's a good feeling. Revel in it because you've earned it.
Posted by: Genie | September 10, 2009 09:21 AM
That's great work, well done! I have to say I am terrible at logging my results, and just store them in my glucometer. How much had they gone down by? It's so satisfying to see that hard work really does pay off. You must be super pleased, and so you should.
Posted by: Lauren Turner | September 10, 2009 09:21 AM
Congrats! I know you're so happy right now. :) You DID earn it! :) You giving up coffee would be like me giving up my diet pepsi, so believe me when I say I think you made a great sacrifice! :)
Posted by: Cara | September 10, 2009 09:22 AM
Awesome. :)
Posted by: Rachel | September 10, 2009 09:22 AM
That's so awesome, Kerri! I know you've been working super hard to get that down, and speaking from experience, I know it feels darn good when those efforts pay off :)
Good news indeed!
Posted by: Lee Ann Thill | September 10, 2009 09:24 AM
Did you cry? I remember last year when I had a 6.4 I bawled so much it was embarrasing! I cannot express how happy I am for you ... I know this is a common saying but seriously keep up the good work because you are obviously doing lots of things right :) And happy diabetesversary btw! I wish you many, many more healthy years to come!!
Posted by: Stacey Divone | September 10, 2009 09:25 AM
Xcellent job Kerri! Good for you (Chris included).
Posted by: Bernard Farrell | September 10, 2009 09:25 AM
*golf clap*
Posted by: Chris | September 10, 2009 09:25 AM
Applause! Way to go, Kerri. you've worked so hard for this and it's fantastic news. So very happy for you - and glad you're feeling betterer too.
Posted by: Gaelyne | September 10, 2009 09:27 AM
Congratulations, Kerri! What wonderful news.
Posted by: Laurel | September 10, 2009 09:40 AM
What an accomplishment! Inspiration or jealousy - I want to improve my numbers - eithter way your influence is for positive results! Also, I have e-mailed Kevin for the spreadsheet; but, have not yet received a copy. Is there anyway you can get in cahoots with him to share this infamously amazing tool, please!
Posted by: Deneen | September 10, 2009 09:47 AM
Congrats!.....Does this mean you can go make baby now? Have fun at it.
Posted by: dargirl | September 10, 2009 09:48 AM
Congrats! Wonderful news! Hope you are feeling better.
Posted by: CALpumper aka Crystal | September 10, 2009 10:01 AM
Congrats Kerri! I got mine yesterday and I'm at 6.8. I just started using Kevin's spreadsheet last week and am confident if I keep up with the logging I can be under 6.5 just like you. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Posted by: Chelsey | September 10, 2009 10:03 AM
Congratulations; I love reading about your progress and your positive attitude. Good luck and keep up the good work.
Posted by: Amy | September 10, 2009 10:15 AM
Great job Kerri!! After posting this, I'm emailing Kevin for a copy of his spreadsheet to improve my A1C.
Posted by: Kevin | September 10, 2009 10:29 AM
How exciting!!! You continue to be an inspiration for me! I celebrate 20 years of Diabetes this Saturday. Looking to tackle my A1C as well this year so my husband and I can work toward having a baby too. Seeing a new endo next Friday. I'm excited and encouraged. Keep it up!!!
Posted by: Jen | September 10, 2009 10:32 AM
Go Kerri! That is fanTASTic for you both!!!
Posted by: kelly close | September 10, 2009 10:38 AM
Congratulations!!!! Wonderful news ;)
Posted by: Rachel | September 10, 2009 10:46 AM
Is it weird that I welled up a little? I think I may have a plumbing problem..
I am so proud of you even though I still hate your disease but I love how you are kicking its bee-hind.
Posted by: SuperG | September 10, 2009 10:50 AM
Brilliant!
Posted by: Amanda | September 10, 2009 11:01 AM
Congratulations, Kerri and Chris! I must feel terrific to see the hard work pay off!
Go stand on the bow of a giant ocean liner with your fists in the air!
Posted by: Bob Bolton | September 10, 2009 11:10 AM
This is outstanding! Congrats! You should celebrate.
Posted by: 'Chelle | September 10, 2009 11:10 AM
Great job Kerri - the hard work did pay off - you should be very proud of yourself!
Posted by: Penny | September 10, 2009 11:16 AM
Congrats!
Posted by: RickS | September 10, 2009 11:18 AM
Congratulations, Kerri! It's amazing I can feel so proud of someone I don't even know personally! You rock. And you inspire.
Cheers,
Laura
Posted by: Laura | September 10, 2009 11:22 AM
Congratulations, Kerri! You have inspired me to hop back on the wagon. Went to endo yesterday with HBA1C of 7.4. Committed to lowering it below 7.0 for my appt in December. Thanks for posting link to Kevin's blog to request his spreadsheet. Actually looks like it will be fun to track BGs now!
Congrats again,
Kristin
Posted by: kristin | September 10, 2009 11:31 AM
Good work ..you have worked hard for this and you got it nailed!!! HUrrah
Posted by: LauraF | September 10, 2009 11:39 AM
Nice!
Posted by: Kevin | September 10, 2009 11:49 AM
Congratulations, Kerri! That 6.3 is a tiny little number (thankfully) for the huge effort you put into it. PS: Babies grow just fine living in a womb that's steadily 6-7%.
Posted by: Kelly Rawlings | September 10, 2009 11:58 AM
Great job!! Congrats on all your hard work!!
Posted by: Michelle | September 10, 2009 12:24 PM
Go Kerri! Woohoo! VERY excited for you and for Chris!
Posted by: Amy | September 10, 2009 12:53 PM
Awesome news!! And an inspiration to all of us who live with or support someone living with this disease!!
Posted by: Amy Kosanovic | September 10, 2009 01:24 PM
Congrats -- I hope you and Mr. Sparling celebrated appropriately -- wink, wink, nudge, nudge...
BabySparl, we await your presence!
Posted by: Anonymous | September 10, 2009 02:06 PM
It's amazing when the hard work pays off, isn't it. We think/know we're doing better but that A1C comes back (my last one was 5.9% - which was the lowest EVER - in 19.5 years) and I didn't even believe it, AT ALL. Keep it up! You are obviously doing something right!!!! Whoo hoo!
Posted by: karyn | September 10, 2009 02:38 PM
Happy for you Kerri!!! Everyone has the congrats, atta boys, etc. covered. I want to wish you a Happy Birthday!!!! I think I remember that you were diagnosed on your sixth birthday......weren't you or did I just dream that? Anyway, Happy Birthday!!!! What a great gift of a lower A1c.
Posted by: Brenda | September 10, 2009 03:34 PM
That's awesome! What a relief to know that all that hard work paid off for you.
Posted by: Shannon | September 10, 2009 03:51 PM
I received Kevin's spreadsheet many moons ago but never bothered to use it. Now that I'm a spreadsheet maven for my finances, maybe I'll use a spreadsheet for the big D. My own doctor's appointment is in about 2 months, just enough time to knock it down a percent... You had such a hard time getting your A1C down (or at least it seemed like it) so if you can do it, I think anyone can.
Posted by: Allison Blass | September 10, 2009 04:16 PM
Thanks, guys! And while the spreadsheet is a kickass tool, it's just one part of the equation. I think it came down to me actually paying attention to everything and having a goal, instead of going at it piecemeal. Nothing motivates me more than the thought of a Future Baby. And now I'm on track. :)
Posted by: Kerri. | September 10, 2009 04:20 PM
"If you can do it, anyone can?" Nice vote of confidence, Mrs. Blass!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous | September 10, 2009 04:24 PM
Nice job, Kerri! I hate logging a lot but it seems like sticking with the logging plan helped you get there. I'd like to "get there" too. I think I need a copy of Kevin's spreadsheet. Can you send one to my email?
Posted by: Link | September 10, 2009 04:36 PM
Congrat's on the great A1C. It's always good to see positive results of hard work. Now you know you can do it. Keep up the good work.
Lynna
Posted by: Lynna | September 10, 2009 04:37 PM
Anonymous,
I'm not sure what's with the question regarding my statement, but yes, I think that Kerri's story shows that even people who have a difficult time lowering the A1C can accomplish their goal. Kerri worked really hard and I'm proud of her. I think she's inspirational for not giving up! I think those of us who are frustrated with our A1Cs and unsure of how to do this can learn a lot by how she did it. She didn't like logging, and has admitted some bad habits, but she was able to accomplish her goal. If she can overcome her obstacles, than I have faith that we call can do it.
I'm also not married.
Posted by: Allison Blass | September 10, 2009 04:47 PM
Anon - I think I agree with Allison - if I can do it, I think it's possible that anyone can make progress. I suck at a lot of this diabetes stuff, and I don't think that getting a good A1C is always easy. But I'm thankful that things aligned in my favor this round. I worked hard, so I feel that this is a deserved result.
Also, feel free to use your name when you leave a comment. We don't bite. At least not when you leave your name. ;)
Allison - Thanks for the true vote of confidence, "Mrs. Blass." ;)
Posted by: Kerri. | September 10, 2009 04:50 PM
Congrats!
Posted by: Lyrehca | September 10, 2009 04:50 PM
Congratulations Kerri, and happy D-b-day to you!!
Posted by: sara | September 10, 2009 05:31 PM
Nice work, Kerri! Hard work and discipline does indeed pay off. Awesome!
Posted by: Sherry | September 10, 2009 06:12 PM
I am so happy for you. I cried silently a little at work when I read your post. -- Out of happiness of course...
meredith
Posted by: Meredith | September 10, 2009 06:47 PM
Congratulations Kerri! Where can I find this amazing spreadsheet everyone is raving bout?
Posted by: emily | September 10, 2009 07:34 PM
Congrats on the A1C! Hope you're feeling less under the weather, too. :)
Posted by: Beth | September 10, 2009 07:47 PM
YAY Kerri! Congrats! 6.3 is awesome!
Posted by: Faye | September 10, 2009 08:10 PM
You go, girl!!
Posted by: Paula | September 10, 2009 08:22 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Suzanne | September 10, 2009 08:22 PM
Kerri I am usually lazy and read your blog via the instant email send out. You can't comment when you access it that way. So even though I feel like crap, I had to come tell you how proud I am of you!!!!
Posted by: tina | September 10, 2009 08:26 PM
Kerri I am usually lazy and read your blog via the instant email send out. You can't comment when you access it that way. So even though I feel like crap, I had to come tell you how proud I am of you!!!!
Posted by: tina | September 10, 2009 08:26 PM
You're an inspiration to all. I can not tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts.
Thank you for so many great blogs. I'm rooting for you!!
Posted by: rosenmarl@aol.com | September 10, 2009 08:34 PM
That's awesome, Kerri! I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Harry | September 10, 2009 09:26 PM
YAAAY! Congrats Kerri!!! Now go make babies and celebrate!! HAHA!
Posted by: Windy | September 10, 2009 09:37 PM
Congrat's!!!!!!! You go girl!!!
Posted by: Cherise | September 10, 2009 10:42 PM
Made my day! I am so proud of you!
Posted by: Christine | September 10, 2009 11:50 PM
Kerri-
Thanks for your honesty on your blog. I would love it if you and Chris get pregnant around the same time as my husband and I. It will be comforting to share that journey with a fellow type 1. And congrats on getting the A1C into baby-making range!
Posted by: Autumn | September 11, 2009 04:46 AM
giving up coffee...wow
Actually, that's awesome. I remember when I started following your blog under 7 was the goal. (if i remember correctly)
Take care. good news. --AP
Posted by: Andy at Ramey | September 11, 2009 05:54 AM
Well done, wish I was that good! Mine was 10.4!!
I've been trying to do a "what's in your handbag" video but can't get it to upload. What did you use to record yours?
Posted by: Donna | September 11, 2009 07:13 AM
Congrats!! Job well done!
Posted by: lesia | September 11, 2009 09:24 AM
Congrats -- that's awesome! Is it for sale ... I'd love to buy a 6.3!!!
Posted by: zip | September 11, 2009 12:10 PM
Great job Kerri!
Posted by: Laurie | September 11, 2009 01:23 PM
Congratulations. That is an excellent number to have.
Posted by: Doctor D | September 12, 2009 01:42 AM
I don't know what is more amazing... the6.3% or giving up coffee! You gave me the push to go caffene free!!
Posted by: Chrissy | September 12, 2009 09:35 AM
Congrats Kerri! Awesome work!
Posted by: Alison | September 13, 2009 11:34 PM
Congrats on a terrific A1C! You go, girl!
Posted by: Barbara | September 14, 2009 06:12 AM
Congrats, Kerri. I'm so excited for your next chapter.
Posted by: MelissaBL | September 14, 2009 08:30 AM
Way to go Kerri!
I'm also commenting my vote that "the Kevin spreadsheet" should be capitalized, to emphasize its epic awesomeness.
The Kevin Spreadsheet
See - that is so appropriate! :-)
Posted by: Scott K. Johnson | September 14, 2009 10:14 AM
That is great. I am working on an A1C that good and am expecting it in about 3 months. Great job and I like your blog. Unfortunately mine might not be as good as yours but we all try--great job on the A1C
Posted by: Ski2 | September 26, 2009 05:37 AM
Thank you for this post and for your blog. I've had diabetes for 20 years and for the last 10 or so, have doubted if pregnancy would be possible for me. I haven't always been in the best control, but three days ago, I got my monthly A1C checked, and it had dropped to 6.3. It's the best feeling! Finding this blog has given me so much hope. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Posted by: Emily | March 25, 2013 10:07 PM