->snipped<-

SD>I admit that before, I've been really bad at keeping track of everything, bu
SD>if I can do this with this new meter, it would help a lot.  What I'm asking
SD>this: have any of you used or heard about this meter and its quality?  Also,
SD>I go buy my own lancets and strips, is it tax-deductible?  I can get 100
SD>lancets here from the Publix (a supermarket) pharmacy that not only fit my
SD>lancet pen better than the ones from the VA, but are smaller and hurt less t
SD>prick my finger with for $4.99 (a good deal!).

I found after loseing 22 pounds I was less able to produce useable
blood drops from other portions of my body with One-Touch, Lifestyle
and others I tried when they had a sizeable rebate; so I have returned
to my Accu-Chek Compact with the test strips in a drum more manable
with my 70 years of arthritic conditions.

SD>I don't mind paying for this out of pocket if I can keep track of my health
SD>better... the VA's health care is minimal at best... I'm hoping that after I
SD>get my A+/Network+ certs and find a decent job, I can get health insurance t
SD>cover me and get away from the VA...

SD>On an aside: can I get life insurance since I'm a diabetic?  I'd really like
SD>have some for my wonderful wife in case I kick the bucket before my time.
SD>She'll outlive me anyway since she's ten years my junior. :)

SD>Any and all advice, answers, suggestions or ancedotes about any of the above
SD>greately appreciated... I'm not one to make friends here locally and I reall
SD>don't have anyone to talk to about my diabetes except y'all here and my mom
SD>dad.

I am 84 ae T2 wm; outlived Vioxx because it blew a couple bleeding
stomach ulcers a couple years ago; benign enlarged prostate (beats
the alternative 8-); hospitalized three times in past 20 years for
heart attacks; and today I bought a new car battery with a 7 year
warranty for my Olds Cruiser
(It helps to keep a positive attitude Sean !-)

Ciao, Ack.

---
 þ SLMR 2.1a þ Bakers do it because the knead the dough.