Where have I been?

So sorry to keep everyone in suspense.... As some of you may know I went to LA. to help with the Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina survivors. I was deployed for a total of 8 days at the begining of Sept. I have to say it was the most spiritual experience I have ever had. I worked in Baton Rouge at the Southern University "mini dome" arena, where over 500 survivors were housed. I did not venture out into the most affected areas, but the devastation was everywhere. I heard the most uplifting, and at the same time tragic stories. I met the most wonderful people, most were full of hope for a better future. I watched as families re-united, new life was born, and sadly one death. I met a couple from Baton Rouge on the plane over, they invited me to have dinner with them to show their appreciation for what I was doing...complete strangers. They were wonderful people and their southern cooking (creole) was to die for. I knew nothing about southern culture when I got to LA. and left feeling like I've lived there my entire life. I wish California had that ole' "southern hospitality." It was hard for me to keep up with eating properly while there. I had a few low blood sugar crashes and ended up a few times in the nurses unit getting treated. It was very hard for me to take care of myself when so many others needed basic everyday things that we all take for granted. I stayed in a shelter, exactly the same as the survivors, I slept on a cot and ate mostly high carb snack foods. My day started at 6am and ended at 8:30 pm. I was exhausted most of the time but the rush of a new day kept me going. Coming home was another story, the Red Cross warned about the high possibility of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the devastating events you would here and see while deployed. Much like combat when your taken out of your element and thrust into an unknown highly charged enviroment your mind and body go into complete survival mode. I had no family I could call ,my phone never worked the whole time I was there, I relied solely on the support of complete strangers, which was fine. Thank God there were so many great people I now call my friends. But not realizing it while going through such an event and being constantly on and charged took alot outta me. I had a few nightmares about hurrricanes, even though i was not in the actual hurricane, just hearing the stories over and over and seeing how this devastating event changed so many lives, it affected me. When I came home it took a little while to re-adjust. I had actually felt bad for leaving LA. when so much more work needed to be done, so many more people needed me. That is still hard for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The low-blood sugar crashes, the slight P.T.S.D., the high-carb snacks as meals....I would do it all again. Why? because it is God's work and those are God's children. And...at the end of everyday I felt proud to be a part of making someones life better. I quit my job at the end of Nov., I still work-out, am still going to school, and still have a mound of issues with my blood sugar..... any advise would be great. My husband and son's are (for the most part) doing good. My current weight is 180 lbs. Hugs to all~ Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the best New Year!! Diane

Diane, How are you doing? I have missed you so much. Most of us here are at some time asking about you. You are a true I am glad you are safe and sound. Lets start with your Angel Wisdom again Ok? When I put up my Christmas Angels this year, I thought of you. Lorraine Hugs to an (((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))

WOW is all I can say.....I am glad you got to experience such a great thing.....I for one feel like I never have anything good to do for people...the most I have ever done besides donating money, is donating blood. That must be such a great feeling. Sounds like your doing great tho How is school? Also sorry for the bad memory..but did you have the blood sugar issues before WLS? I had some issues before, and now they are running high again, so just curious. Well thanks for the update.....it is a little slow around our December boards.....but I still check in every once in awhile to see how all are friends are doing Besides a tummy bug that went around the house throughout Christmas everything was good.....and looking forward to 2006 Take Care jesi

Hey Jesi~ You say you don't do anything good...did you know that your donated money and blood saves lives :smile: you may not see it, but it helps ...alot. You keep donating when you can. I was very fortunate to have been able to help the way I did, it is an experience I will never forget. School is going very well and I will be graduating this June!!! I am soo happy and proud of myself. I did get the shakes from not eating before surgery, but nothing like now. My blood sugars dip so low it absolutely freaks me out. I am scared to drive anywhere alone. I have re-active hypoglycemia, which means it does not matter how often I eat, I can and do cra**** really scares me. I am glad your Holidays went well. Have a great day!