# Beckdawrek is bad, bad, bad, yet once again. (or: my life was spared once again) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 22, 2019, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035 "2019-08-22T02:05:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/21 "2019-08-22T16:09:02Z")
A Rational Number? ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/22 "2019-08-22T16:27:49Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > … my Continuous Glucose Monitor crapped out. It was displaying ‘System-error’. If the failure of this device can be life-threatening, you need better. Maybe look for a more reliable model - or have a second one as backup. Or both. Right away. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/23 "2019-08-22T17:16:12Z")
Any device is subject to failure at any time. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/24 "2019-08-22T17:28:50Z")
Update: they want me to have an insulin pump that connects wirelessly to the CGM. Well, great another device attached to me. I feel like Seven of Nine. Too bad I don’t look like her. Dang it! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/25 "2019-08-22T17:32:36Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Update: they want me to have an insulin pump that connects wirelessly to the CGM. Well, great another device attached to me. I feel like Seven of Nine. Too bad I don’t look like her. Dang it! “I am Diabetes of Borg. Sugar is futile…” ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/26 "2019-08-22T17:35:20Z")
The CGM is the hot stuff of glucose testing. Backup is the regular stick-your-finger-and-bleed testing. My granddaughter has a CGM now, and OF COURSE it went whack when she was spending the night at the Other Grandma’s house. Mom and Dad were having seven kinds of fits getting the phone calls about horrendous blood sugars. Other Grandma reverted to the finger stick testing, and when Granddaughter came home, they installed a new sensor and everything was hunky dory again. The newfangled toys are supercool, but they are NEW. I’m glad your various and sundry support systems swooped in like Mighty Mouse and saved the day! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/27 "2019-08-22T17:39:51Z")
> [@The\_Vorlon](#): > > “I am Diabetes of Borg. Sugar is futile…” Beckutus of Borg. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/28 "2019-08-22T19:24:36Z")
> [@DorkVader](#): > > I’m starting to recognize which of your posts I have to read through my fingers and which I can just read normally. > > As long as there continue to be posts to read… > [@VOW](#): > > The CGM is the hot stuff of glucose testing. Backup is the regular stick-your-finger-and-bleed testing. > > My granddaughter has a CGM now, and OF COURSE it went whack when she was spending the night at the Other Grandma’s house. Mom and Dad were having seven kinds of fits getting the phone calls about horrendous blood sugars. > > Other Grandma reverted to the finger stick testing, and when Granddaughter came home, they installed a new sensor and everything was hunky dory again. > > The newfangled toys are supercool, but they are NEW. I’m glad your various and sundry support systems swooped in like Mighty Mouse and saved the day! > ~VOW So true. I’m notoriously bad with electronics anyway. VOW does your granddaughter have a insulin pump too? ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/29 "2019-08-22T21:13:29Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > If the failure of this device can be life-threatening…have a second one as backup. Hey Beck - this is what I was going to say. Even aside from the more obvious considerations, peace of mind is a very valuable thing - what’s the downside? j ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/30 "2019-08-22T21:33:00Z")
Yikes! Yet another close call for you and retroactive worry for the rest of us. I know all devices are subject to glitches, but I’m with Sema and Treppenwitz: having a backup GCM is essential in your case. And think how much better your vigilant DIL and the anonymous Doper would sleep knowing you have a backup! We’d all sleep better. Help us sleep, Beckdawrek! Help us sleeeeep! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/31 "2019-08-22T22:02:48Z")
So…it seems the crapped out monitor can go back to the company and they will ascertain whether I broke it or it just broke itself. Either way I’ll get it back, refurbished. And can use it as back up. I went many, many years reading my blood glucose with a finger poke. Before that I pee’d on a strip of paper and watched for a color change. Now that was iffy, folks. I think of the monitor as a tool. It’s only as good as it is. I can’t expect it to cure me or save me. I get it. It makes the Worlds-bossiest-DIL feel in control and informed. With a bit of peace of mind that helps me too. I’m one bad set of circumstances away from death. I’ve made my peace with this long ago. Don’t get me wrong, I wanna live. I’ve spent my whole life trying to stay alive. What has been so surprising to me, in these whole long, long months is how serendipitous my connection with certain Dopers has been. It’s just amazing. If I believed in anything I would think there is someone else in charge. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/32 "2019-08-23T01:05:49Z")
**What jobs have been eliminated due to automation. Is health care being given too much attention?** YES. THERE IS NO PROBLEM HERE. NOW. STICK OUT YOUR LEG. AND SAY, AAAHH. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/33 "2019-08-23T01:08:59Z")
That’s funny because the first thing they say to you at a diabetic clinic is ‘lets see your feet’ ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/34 "2019-08-23T03:26:34Z")
Maybe we should set up a schedule and call your daughter-in-law if you don’t answer. We can take turns doing the check. (I’m only half kidding…) ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/35 "2019-08-23T03:36:19Z")
A rotating Beck Check? Sounds good to me! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/36 "2019-08-23T03:51:42Z")
I love it. But, I’ve yet to disclose the Dope to any of them. They still ask me every now and then who the ‘dope’ is. They would find it amazing I’ve used as many words as I have here. Mr.Wrekker might actually faint. The lil’wrekker has some curiosity as to why I’m always looking at my screen. She thinks she’s cute when she gets the chance to tell me put that screen down and talk to me, like I used to do her. I suspect my DIL will eventually figure it out, she’s all up in my business. And she’s very good with computers and electronics. I kinda like my secret, safe place to go. Away from all the nosy folks around me. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/37 "2019-08-23T16:38:21Z")
Great numbers this morning. Cats have decided I’m not velcro and moved onto their beds on the dryer. Being their bratty selves. Nazi-DIL has come and went. She’s calmed down a bit. Yay!! (Now…how to get corndogs??) ---
**Author:** ![adhemar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@adhemar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhemar)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/38 "2019-08-23T17:44:27Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > So…it seems the crapped out monitor can go back to the company and they will ascertain whether I broke it or it just broke itself. Either way I’ll get it back, refurbished. And can use it as back up. I went many, many years reading my blood glucose with a finger poke. Before that I pee’d on a strip of paper and watched for a color change. Now that was iffy, folks. I think of the monitor as a tool. It’s only as good as it is. I can’t expect it to cure me or save me. I get it. It makes the Worlds-bossiest-DIL feel in control and informed. With a bit of peace of mind that helps me too. I’m one bad set of circumstances away from death. I’ve made my peace with this long ago. Don’t get me wrong, I wanna live. I’ve spent my whole life trying to stay alive. > What has been so surprising to me, in these whole long, long months is how serendipitous my connection with certain Dopers has been. It’s just amazing. If I believed in anything I would think there is someone else in charge. some CGM will also hook up to a cell phone (if you activate the monitor first ad then the cell phone apparently. My phone won’t handle that but lots of folks seem to have good luck with it. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/39 "2019-08-23T18:37:58Z")
> [@adhemar](#): > > some CGM will also hook up to a cell phone (if you activate the monitor first ad then the cell phone apparently. My phone won’t handle that but lots of folks seem to have good luck with it. Oh, god. I’m hooked up to cells, in spades. I would like less. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035/40 "2019-08-23T19:11:12Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Great numbers this morning. Cats have decided I’m not velcro and moved onto their beds on the dryer. Being their bratty selves. Nazi-DIL has come and went. She’s calmed down a bit. > Yay!! > (Now…how to get corndogs??) Outstanding! Now, to start looking for corndogs on Amazon Prime, that can be shipped to rural Arkansas. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beckdawrek-is-bad-bad-bad-yet-once-again-or-my-life-was-spared-once-again/839035.md?page=3)