[HollyB]

Hi there,

I know you are dealing with some really big issues here, and glad to hear that you have a counsellor to help you with that. It takes courage to wrestle with the kind of past you've had, and raise kids, and keep yourself together too. And it takes courage to come to a place like this for help, knowing that there are major changes you need to make.

But I wondered if a few really practical little suggestions might help too? As mom to a 16-year-old, I know how remembering to test/bolus when you get busy can be a problem! But sometimes little adjustments in your routine can help get a new habit started. Like:

• you say you have trouble finding your meter when you need it. Aaron's meter is almost always right in his pocket. Could you dig up a small purse with a shoulder strap, sling it over your head and across your body so you can be hands-free, and wear your meter for a few weeks so it's always with you and you're aware of it?

• you can program most meters, and all pumps, to give reminder alarms at set times. You can set your meter to alarm at mealtimes, for example, or 3 hours after you eat to remind you to check that you took enough insulin. Or if you tend to forget to bolus, you can have your pump alarm if a certain number of hours pass without a bolus. Get into your manuals and see what they can do!

• I like the idea of enlisting your family. You look after them a lot; maybe they'd rise to the chance to do a little something for you. For example, get your sister to call you every evening for a week to ask how many times you tested and encourage you to keep it up (if you think that would help -- having someone to report to often does help). Or ask your kids to remind you to test when you sit down to eat together. Fight that mindset that you are taking AWAY from them to look after yourself. Families look after each other, and it's good for kids to learn to think about someone besides themselves. And besides, you're a better mom when you're healthy.

Good luck, we're all rooting for you. Let us know how things are going OK?