Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
What your parents said
Last week I was invited to be a speaker at a local camp for families with diabetes.
There were four groups of children(as well as their parents), divided by ages . In preparing, I created a sheet that asked a series of questions.
Namely,
1. The easiest thing about dealing with diabetes is..
2. The hardest thing, etc....
3. The best thing, etc.....
4. The worst thing, etc.....
5. I wish my child knew....
The parents had the above questions, and the kids' sheets had the same questions, but the 'tense' was altered. For example, Q.1 read, "the easiest thing about having diabetes is..." and the last question was, "I wish my parents knew..."
Being that the responses were anonymous, I had hoped for honesty. What I got was beyond what I had hoped for. Here's a sampling of the parental responses...
The best thing about dealing with diabetes is...
-"There is treatment for the disease my son has."
-"Seeing the courage my daughter has.."
-"you can still do the same things that everyone else does"
And more than one parent said plainly,
-"nothing"
The worst thing about dealing with diabetes is...
-"dealing with potential restrictions on future activities."
-"missing activities with other children."
-"having it for the rest of your life??"
-"not knowing the future."
-"feeling like I am always bugging him about his sugar (level) or treating."
Now, let me address some of these answers: diabetes should not restrict or hinder you from anything. That's outdated info. Kids with diabetes do not need to miss anything. Further, we are on the cusp of the cure. As I said at camp, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO HAVE DIABETES!!
Not knowing the future can cause anxiety in anyone (with diabetes or not), but faith and a secure foundation can really counteract your fears.
And finally, "I wish my child knew..."
-"I would trade places with him if I could.."
-"How smart he is.."
-"how proud of her I am."
-"highs and lows will still happen even if you do everything 'by the book'"
-"there's nothing she can't do"
-"by not testing and taking care of himself how he is hurting his body."
These answers reveal much of what all parents feel for their kids. How many of us would do anything to take away our child's hurts, fears, or struggles?
Now compound that with a chronic disease that takes no prisoners, and the helpless feelings must multiply.
Yet there is another side to these answers that shows how diabetes affects more than just the diabetic. It affects the whole family, and includes friends, classmates, and more. Education is real power when it comes to effectively managing diabetes. There's no reason a child today should feel limited or inhibited in any way by diabetes.
All of this reinforces the conclusion I had previously reached, which is everyone with diabetes should be on the insulin pump.
It allows freedom and flexibility; but most importantly it is the best tool we have today to treat diabetes.
Stay tuned, because the next post will highlight what all the children with diabetes had to say, and you are NOT going to want to miss it!!
Until there's a cure, there's the pump.
That's why iPump.
There were four groups of children(as well as their parents), divided by ages . In preparing, I created a sheet that asked a series of questions.
Namely,
1. The easiest thing about dealing with diabetes is..
2. The hardest thing, etc....
3. The best thing, etc.....
4. The worst thing, etc.....
5. I wish my child knew....
The parents had the above questions, and the kids' sheets had the same questions, but the 'tense' was altered. For example, Q.1 read, "the easiest thing about having diabetes is..." and the last question was, "I wish my parents knew..."
Being that the responses were anonymous, I had hoped for honesty. What I got was beyond what I had hoped for. Here's a sampling of the parental responses...
The best thing about dealing with diabetes is...
-"There is treatment for the disease my son has."
-"Seeing the courage my daughter has.."
-"you can still do the same things that everyone else does"
And more than one parent said plainly,
-"nothing"
The worst thing about dealing with diabetes is...
-"dealing with potential restrictions on future activities."
-"missing activities with other children."
-"having it for the rest of your life??"
-"not knowing the future."
-"feeling like I am always bugging him about his sugar (level) or treating."
Now, let me address some of these answers: diabetes should not restrict or hinder you from anything. That's outdated info. Kids with diabetes do not need to miss anything. Further, we are on the cusp of the cure. As I said at camp, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO HAVE DIABETES!!
Not knowing the future can cause anxiety in anyone (with diabetes or not), but faith and a secure foundation can really counteract your fears.
And finally, "I wish my child knew..."
-"I would trade places with him if I could.."
-"How smart he is.."
-"how proud of her I am."
-"highs and lows will still happen even if you do everything 'by the book'"
-"there's nothing she can't do"
-"by not testing and taking care of himself how he is hurting his body."
These answers reveal much of what all parents feel for their kids. How many of us would do anything to take away our child's hurts, fears, or struggles?
Now compound that with a chronic disease that takes no prisoners, and the helpless feelings must multiply.
Yet there is another side to these answers that shows how diabetes affects more than just the diabetic. It affects the whole family, and includes friends, classmates, and more. Education is real power when it comes to effectively managing diabetes. There's no reason a child today should feel limited or inhibited in any way by diabetes.
All of this reinforces the conclusion I had previously reached, which is everyone with diabetes should be on the insulin pump.
It allows freedom and flexibility; but most importantly it is the best tool we have today to treat diabetes.
Stay tuned, because the next post will highlight what all the children with diabetes had to say, and you are NOT going to want to miss it!!
Until there's a cure, there's the pump.
That's why iPump.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Perspective
This is a picture of the grand canyon from afar.
Here is a picture from the grand canyon on the ledge.
Here is picture of the grand canyon from inside.
Notice how all three photos offer differing views and alternate perspectives. Additionally, from a distance the canyon does not appear all that impressive. But as you get closer to the ledge, and ultimately inside the behemoth, you gain a new appreciation for its formidable essence. And if you've ever been there, you know pictures don't do it justice.
To me life with diabetes is just like that.
In the past I thought of tight control and healthy management as unattainable. I heard, read, and acknowledged all the possible complications, yet to me the complications were like the canyon from afar.
20 years in to diabetes, and still complication free I could feel myself getting much 'closer,' yet still was denying the enormity of my future if I did not change course, and fast.
Finally a series of life-events combined and I was standing on the ledge. One of which was a slight foot tingle, and I feared that denying the 'canyon' any longer was just not possible.
So 22 years in to diabetes I took a figurative leap of faith over the edge, and much to my surprise I did not go plummeting downward at break-neck speed.
The most amazing thing happened, actually.
For the past 7+ months it's as if I have been carried up on eagle's wings. The insulin pump has opened up a whole new world for me.
The least way I have been affected by the insulin pump is by having normal blood sugars. That's right, the normal readings are the least of my gains. My focus, my energy level, my patience level, my everything...better!
Being on the pump does not mean the years of mismanagement have not affected me adversely, or that it may not in the future.
But for the first time in my life I am now walking away from the ledge rather than toward it, and I feel GREAT in the process!
Until next time, I'll keep pumpin'....
Here is a picture from the grand canyon on the ledge.
Here is picture of the grand canyon from inside.
Notice how all three photos offer differing views and alternate perspectives. Additionally, from a distance the canyon does not appear all that impressive. But as you get closer to the ledge, and ultimately inside the behemoth, you gain a new appreciation for its formidable essence. And if you've ever been there, you know pictures don't do it justice.
To me life with diabetes is just like that.
In the past I thought of tight control and healthy management as unattainable. I heard, read, and acknowledged all the possible complications, yet to me the complications were like the canyon from afar.
20 years in to diabetes, and still complication free I could feel myself getting much 'closer,' yet still was denying the enormity of my future if I did not change course, and fast.
Finally a series of life-events combined and I was standing on the ledge. One of which was a slight foot tingle, and I feared that denying the 'canyon' any longer was just not possible.
So 22 years in to diabetes I took a figurative leap of faith over the edge, and much to my surprise I did not go plummeting downward at break-neck speed.
The most amazing thing happened, actually.
For the past 7+ months it's as if I have been carried up on eagle's wings. The insulin pump has opened up a whole new world for me.
The least way I have been affected by the insulin pump is by having normal blood sugars. That's right, the normal readings are the least of my gains. My focus, my energy level, my patience level, my everything...better!
Being on the pump does not mean the years of mismanagement have not affected me adversely, or that it may not in the future.
But for the first time in my life I am now walking away from the ledge rather than toward it, and I feel GREAT in the process!
Until next time, I'll keep pumpin'....
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stinking complaining never did anyone any bloody good
Diabetes is not the end of the world.
It's not impossible to manage, nor is it the great hindrance to a charmed life.
It can be a challenge, yes. It can be an inconvenience, yes. It can even be difficult. But it doesn't need to be any more than that. We can (and I certainly have in my lifetime) given it much more credit (or blame) than it deserved. It's been a crutch at times, but it has also been a motivator as well.
I don't think I need to be heralded or congratulated for having diabetes. My plight is not necessarily worse (or better) than any others.
Growing up, I had a brother that was so severely handicapped that he could not talk, walk, sit up or communicate in any way. Developed only as a 2-month old and with a life expectancy of 2 years, he lived to be 36 years old having only passed away 8 years ago.
No one in my family complained about him. My parents literally sacrificed their lives to take care of him. And they said nothing negative, ever - not a peep.
Depression and other mental issues run strong in my family. OCD, bipolar, even schizophrenia. No complaints, no whining.
I took shots. Took, past tense; as now thankfully I woke up and tried the pump! So I deal with diabetes. Big deal.
I'm divorced, I'm diabetic, and I have a son with Down syndrome. And......????
I'm blessed.
Our readings may go hay-wire once in awhile. We may not always feel awesome. Waking up in the middle of the night is scary. Complications and the threat therein can be daunting. Counting carbs can be tiring.
But complaining about any of it will never help. Ever.
I'm blessed. And if you're able to read this, listen to it, or in any other way receive this message - so are you.
Keep pumpin'....
It's not impossible to manage, nor is it the great hindrance to a charmed life.
It can be a challenge, yes. It can be an inconvenience, yes. It can even be difficult. But it doesn't need to be any more than that. We can (and I certainly have in my lifetime) given it much more credit (or blame) than it deserved. It's been a crutch at times, but it has also been a motivator as well.
I don't think I need to be heralded or congratulated for having diabetes. My plight is not necessarily worse (or better) than any others.
Growing up, I had a brother that was so severely handicapped that he could not talk, walk, sit up or communicate in any way. Developed only as a 2-month old and with a life expectancy of 2 years, he lived to be 36 years old having only passed away 8 years ago.
No one in my family complained about him. My parents literally sacrificed their lives to take care of him. And they said nothing negative, ever - not a peep.
Depression and other mental issues run strong in my family. OCD, bipolar, even schizophrenia. No complaints, no whining.
I took shots. Took, past tense; as now thankfully I woke up and tried the pump! So I deal with diabetes. Big deal.
I'm divorced, I'm diabetic, and I have a son with Down syndrome. And......????
I'm blessed.
Our readings may go hay-wire once in awhile. We may not always feel awesome. Waking up in the middle of the night is scary. Complications and the threat therein can be daunting. Counting carbs can be tiring.
But complaining about any of it will never help. Ever.
I'm blessed. And if you're able to read this, listen to it, or in any other way receive this message - so are you.
Keep pumpin'....
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Here's a graph I've created to illustrate the point...
Just to be clear..
It can only do so much, you know!
It can only do so much, you know!
Monday, June 1, 2009
What I regret about choosing the insulin pump over taking shots or any other diabetes management technique
(nothing)
The pump will change your life in ways you cannot imagine. The fears you or your loved ones have will evaporate. The hesitations will feel like silly excuses after you make the switch. There is no good reason to at least give it a try.
I figured I'd hate it and be back to my old regimen within weeks. After 4 hours I knew that I would never go back. 4 hours. 240 minutes.
The cost was an excuse. Turns out insurance covered almost all of it, sans about $600. Knowing what I know now, even if I had to pay FULL PRICE ($7,000+) I would.
My only regret is not making the switch earlier. But the way I see it, I just added a bunch of years - good, healthy, feeling GREAT YEARS - on my life to make up for all the lost time.
I had a virtual book of excuses in my mind of why it just wasn't for me. I could not have been more wrong. I'm just like you, just like your diabetic friend, just like your diabetic cousin. Wanting to feel better, but thinking it was as good as it could be. Thinking 20 shots a day would be better than that awful tubing, and being connected all the time. Wrong, wrong, wrong! When you're not on the pump, you can't imagine what it's like, because you don't really feel that good. Even if you're A1c is o.k., you're probably on the diabetes-rollercoaster (a 250 and a 30 = a 140 average, but so do a 120 and a 160; do you think they feel the same?)
I am committed to telling everyone, everywhere that this is the most logical, sensible, and practical way to manage diabetes.
What do I regret about choosing the pump over shots?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
What I'm scared of
I hate to admit that I'm afraid. I try to reason it away out it out of my mind, or at least place it far enough back there that I don't have to deal with it regularly. Then there's the faith element, where I know that I have nothing to fear.
But if I'm being honest, I'd say I'm not doing too great in any of the aforementioned areas. The truth is, I am leery - no apprehensive - all right, out with it....scared.
Of what?
I am coming up on 23 years of being a type-1 diabetic. That's a looong time. The last 6+ months have been better than ever (literally), the best ever. But that doesn't negate the other 22+ years (although I wish it could). So I think of the long-term effects of high blood sugars, knowing full well that decades of highs are not beneficial to the body.....of how I THOUGHT I was doing my best, but I was coming up far short....of how the complications were non-existent, so I chose not to acknowledge them in any way.
And that's what makes me scared.
There is very little research on this topic. Many professionals agree that the body can and does recover well by controlling blood sugars. But to say that diabetes affects each diabetic the same would be lunacy. I know diabetics who managed well that experienced terrible complications early on, and others who have no control and no complications nearly 40 years in to it.
I have come to realize the fargility of life and am trying to take advantage of each moment given. I'm learning that although diabetes may be controllable, its ramifications are simply beyond my control.
I'm mostly good with that, but still a little scared.
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
But if I'm being honest, I'd say I'm not doing too great in any of the aforementioned areas. The truth is, I am leery - no apprehensive - all right, out with it....scared.
Of what?
I am coming up on 23 years of being a type-1 diabetic. That's a looong time. The last 6+ months have been better than ever (literally), the best ever. But that doesn't negate the other 22+ years (although I wish it could). So I think of the long-term effects of high blood sugars, knowing full well that decades of highs are not beneficial to the body.....of how I THOUGHT I was doing my best, but I was coming up far short....of how the complications were non-existent, so I chose not to acknowledge them in any way.
And that's what makes me scared.
There is very little research on this topic. Many professionals agree that the body can and does recover well by controlling blood sugars. But to say that diabetes affects each diabetic the same would be lunacy. I know diabetics who managed well that experienced terrible complications early on, and others who have no control and no complications nearly 40 years in to it.
I have come to realize the fargility of life and am trying to take advantage of each moment given. I'm learning that although diabetes may be controllable, its ramifications are simply beyond my control.
I'm mostly good with that, but still a little scared.
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
Friday, May 15, 2009
6 month review of the insulin pump
Greetings friends!
It's been 6 months (+ 5 days - but who's counting?!) since my life drastically changed due to the insulin pump. I've learned a lot about the medtronic paradigm system, and I wanted to share my review with you here.
The 'honeymoon' phase of feeling invincible wore off after a few weeks, but in general I cannot compare now to 6+ months ago. A few general observations:
-I sleep much better. I used to always wake up tired and lethargic, no matter how many hours of rest I got. Now I pop out of bed promptly at 5:15 AM daily whistling "It's a wonderful life!" Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but really I wake up feeling refreshed, and that has everything to do with the blood sugar averages thanks solely to the pump.
-I'm less moody. Again, operative word: less! All kidding aside, my overall attitude, motivation, and energy level are much higher. Irritation levels have decreased [ note: that's my irritation level of how I feel, not how much I irritate others - :) ] Why do I hear a booming, "A-MEN" coming from my wife and kids??!
-I like testing my blood sugar. 20+ years of ka-ka-me-me readings makes you a little jaded towards testing. But when you see those normal readings on a consistent basis, you start to think, "hmmm, when can I test again?!"
On to the review:
1. "Low resevoir" means I should change my set soon.
I know, I know - thanks a lot Captain Obvious! But for some reason I think of insulin as liquid gold, and treat it as such. A while back I learned that there's about 10 units of insulin in the primed tubing, so even when the pump reads "0 units left" you still have around 10. Again, I should know better. I had to learn the hard way...I ran out of of insulin (bone dry) in the middle of the night, and awoke at 511 mg/dl. Yes, I said 511. Even when my average was high 511 felt horrible - but when your average is normal, 511 feels like your worst nightmare. Lesson learned.
2. De' ja' flu
I was worried about getting sick and being on the pump. I normally get the flu every few years. Well, I got the flu this year (despite the flu shot), and it was really no biggie (see a previous post). But then, I got it again. Not quite as easy the second time around, but being really sick stresses out the body, and after a day or so I recovered fine. Having the pump actually makes it easier to control the blood sugars while sick, so that's a bonus.
3. The meter & the pump talk.
So you test your blood sugar, and moments later, "voila" your reading is displayed on the pump. Magical (actually, RFID, but still impressive). They say it works up to about 8 feet or so, but the other day I had my pump off (shower) and tested my blood in the kitchen. My pump was in the bathroom - around the corner, down the hall, in the room, take a left, through 3 doors and 2 walls. Suddenly I hear the familiar 'bzzzzz bzzzzz' and I think, "whaaat now?" I look at the pump and there it is, "113." You've got to be joking me...nope, that's how cool this stuff is.
This communication makes taking your insulin easy. And who really remembers to test 2 hours after you last ate...exactly after 2 hours? The pump and meter combo make it a cinch.
4. Dress up.
Medtronic calls them 'skins,' and it's an adhesive you can put on your pump to personalize it. Being baseball season, I now sport the Milwaukee Brewers pump. Ironically, ever since the pump and the brewers got paired, the brewers have hardly lost. Who knew the team needed the paradigm insulin pump?
5. Painless.
I can't remember the last time inserting the infusion set actually hurt. Usually it's totally pain-free, as in I cannot feel it at all. Once in a blue moon it's slightly uncomfortable, but no where near the 'muscle shot' pain. And to think you only have to change it once every 4 days (I mean, 2-3 as they recommend - lol), again: awesome!
6. Care link.
It's a usb dongle that plugs in to your computer (pc only - I've logged plenty of complaints!) that reads EVERYTHING from your pump. Every setting, blood sugar reading, insulin dose, time, carbohydrate value, correction amount, basal, and bolus. As if that weren't cool enough, you can customize a variety of charts and graphs to visually see everything that's happening with your diabetes management. You can go from a daily report up to SIX MONTHS! This tool has been invaluable to me, and helps you identify trends that you might otherwise miss. I can't endorse it more highly.
7. CGMS
Fancy acronym for "continuous glucose monitoring system" which in English means a sensor that you wear that remotely sends your blood sugar to your pump every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day! (that's 288 blood sugars a day!!)
I tried the sensor twice before and we didn't get along well. So many stinking error messages, it caused more anxiety than anything. Now I know how to get around all the drama, and realize it's just the sensor and transmitter courting (who doesn't have a few minor issues while courting?!), it has nothing to do with the pump.
I gave it another try and absolutely love it. Well, mostly love it. See below for what I don't like, but I would definitely endorse it and think it's another great way to get tight control.
Here's my current screen...oh the bliss of the straight line (means blood sugars are steady)..
Notice the 'skin'? Brewer time. Also I have no clue what that is under the ACT button. My guess? Some Reese's Peanut Butter cup derivative...(I love having ratios that work!!)
What I don't like:
1. No back light on the meter.
An obvious design oversight. My one touch ultra smart has one, my one touch ultra has one, the one touch ping pump meter has one...the one touch ultra link does NOT. I've logged my frustration with Life Scan (one touch maker), but they have no plan to resolve the issue. When you test at night, or when out to dinner, or when driving at night, or at the movies....you get the point....YOU CAN'T READ THE SCREEN! So I use my cell phone as a light. Lame.
2. No back light on the pump buttons (halo lights).
Again, I don't know how this went unnoticed. Although the screen lights up beautifully, the buttons themselves do not. Having back lit buttons would ensure the proper buttons are being pressed. This would be an easy fix, and I'm going to photoshop a pic of what it could look like in the future.
3. Insulin delivery is slow.
You wouldn't think it would matter, but if you bolus (take your insulin) before a shower, you may have to wait a bit until you disconnect. If the delivery was faster (ala animas ping), you'd be ready quicker. Not a huge deal, just a minor preference issue.
4. Tubing options limited.
The tubing is what connects the pump and insulin reservoir to your body. The current options are 23" & 41." I use the 23" as I stay around the abdomen for infusion sites. But I could use a 6 or 9" as the pump and site are often just inches away from one another.
5. Care link log book
Although I sang the praises of care link above, the log book feature is useless. I called and made many suggestions for changes, none of which were incorporated. You need to be able to enter blood sugars and notes outside of the defined times, and you can't now. It's not very intuitive or user friendly, and I bypass it altogether.
6. CGMS
Yes, we're happy together now. But I have to admit, it is somewhat finicky and high-maintenance. The thought of the CGMS can be better than the reality of it at times (the CGMS is generally about 20 minutes behind your actual blood sugar). However, through proper calibration and updating, you can get the numbers to be fairly uniform. The errors and hassle therein can be a drawback, but if you simply insert the sensor and connect the transmitter WITHOUT TURNING IT ON on your pump...and leave it in for at least 2 hours before turning on (doing it before bed works best), then when you turn it on, within 15 minutes or so you calibrate and you're off and running (thanks Kevin for that great tip!)
My biggest frustration is keeping it on. The sensor uses adhesive, but the transmitter does not. I've yet to find adhesive that works well for me, and I prefer none at all (although that's risky and I've learned the hard way that the sensor can become dislodged this way rendering it useless).
7. Low blood sugar symptoms
I am much less sensitive to low b/s symptoms than before the pump, because my average is so much healthier now. I still have them, just not as pronounced. Not really something to complain about, more an observation than anything. This is where the CGMS comes in handy!
One final thought....I've noticed many diabetes suppliers and manufacturers believe we hate testing our blood sugar because it hurts. Further, many pump companies think we despise taking shots. My contention is that we don't like testing when control is difficult as more a psychological issue than a physical (pain) issue. Additionally, I never thought needles were a big deal. I mean, sheesh, they're so small and narrow you can hardly feel them at all. Again, a mind (mental) issue.
For me, being on the pump isn't great because of no shots. Before the pump I thought, "I'd rather take 10 shots/day rather than be hooked up to that pump." What you can never imagine until you experience it is how it will affect your...everything.
I'm a better husband, better father, better son, better friend, better man, better child of God, better employee.....
I'm just plain better -
Because of the pump.
So get better, and get pumpin....
It's been 6 months (+ 5 days - but who's counting?!) since my life drastically changed due to the insulin pump. I've learned a lot about the medtronic paradigm system, and I wanted to share my review with you here.
The 'honeymoon' phase of feeling invincible wore off after a few weeks, but in general I cannot compare now to 6+ months ago. A few general observations:
-I sleep much better. I used to always wake up tired and lethargic, no matter how many hours of rest I got. Now I pop out of bed promptly at 5:15 AM daily whistling "It's a wonderful life!" Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but really I wake up feeling refreshed, and that has everything to do with the blood sugar averages thanks solely to the pump.
-I'm less moody. Again, operative word: less! All kidding aside, my overall attitude, motivation, and energy level are much higher. Irritation levels have decreased [ note: that's my irritation level of how I feel, not how much I irritate others - :) ] Why do I hear a booming, "A-MEN" coming from my wife and kids??!
-I like testing my blood sugar. 20+ years of ka-ka-me-me readings makes you a little jaded towards testing. But when you see those normal readings on a consistent basis, you start to think, "hmmm, when can I test again?!"
On to the review:
1. "Low resevoir" means I should change my set soon.
I know, I know - thanks a lot Captain Obvious! But for some reason I think of insulin as liquid gold, and treat it as such. A while back I learned that there's about 10 units of insulin in the primed tubing, so even when the pump reads "0 units left" you still have around 10. Again, I should know better. I had to learn the hard way...I ran out of of insulin (bone dry) in the middle of the night, and awoke at 511 mg/dl. Yes, I said 511. Even when my average was high 511 felt horrible - but when your average is normal, 511 feels like your worst nightmare. Lesson learned.
2. De' ja' flu
I was worried about getting sick and being on the pump. I normally get the flu every few years. Well, I got the flu this year (despite the flu shot), and it was really no biggie (see a previous post). But then, I got it again. Not quite as easy the second time around, but being really sick stresses out the body, and after a day or so I recovered fine. Having the pump actually makes it easier to control the blood sugars while sick, so that's a bonus.
3. The meter & the pump talk.
So you test your blood sugar, and moments later, "voila" your reading is displayed on the pump. Magical (actually, RFID, but still impressive). They say it works up to about 8 feet or so, but the other day I had my pump off (shower) and tested my blood in the kitchen. My pump was in the bathroom - around the corner, down the hall, in the room, take a left, through 3 doors and 2 walls. Suddenly I hear the familiar 'bzzzzz bzzzzz' and I think, "whaaat now?" I look at the pump and there it is, "113." You've got to be joking me...nope, that's how cool this stuff is.
This communication makes taking your insulin easy. And who really remembers to test 2 hours after you last ate...exactly after 2 hours? The pump and meter combo make it a cinch.
4. Dress up.
Medtronic calls them 'skins,' and it's an adhesive you can put on your pump to personalize it. Being baseball season, I now sport the Milwaukee Brewers pump. Ironically, ever since the pump and the brewers got paired, the brewers have hardly lost. Who knew the team needed the paradigm insulin pump?
5. Painless.
I can't remember the last time inserting the infusion set actually hurt. Usually it's totally pain-free, as in I cannot feel it at all. Once in a blue moon it's slightly uncomfortable, but no where near the 'muscle shot' pain. And to think you only have to change it once every 4 days (I mean, 2-3 as they recommend - lol), again: awesome!
6. Care link.
It's a usb dongle that plugs in to your computer (pc only - I've logged plenty of complaints!) that reads EVERYTHING from your pump. Every setting, blood sugar reading, insulin dose, time, carbohydrate value, correction amount, basal, and bolus. As if that weren't cool enough, you can customize a variety of charts and graphs to visually see everything that's happening with your diabetes management. You can go from a daily report up to SIX MONTHS! This tool has been invaluable to me, and helps you identify trends that you might otherwise miss. I can't endorse it more highly.
7. CGMS
Fancy acronym for "continuous glucose monitoring system" which in English means a sensor that you wear that remotely sends your blood sugar to your pump every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day! (that's 288 blood sugars a day!!)
I tried the sensor twice before and we didn't get along well. So many stinking error messages, it caused more anxiety than anything. Now I know how to get around all the drama, and realize it's just the sensor and transmitter courting (who doesn't have a few minor issues while courting?!), it has nothing to do with the pump.
I gave it another try and absolutely love it. Well, mostly love it. See below for what I don't like, but I would definitely endorse it and think it's another great way to get tight control.
Here's my current screen...oh the bliss of the straight line (means blood sugars are steady)..
Notice the 'skin'? Brewer time. Also I have no clue what that is under the ACT button. My guess? Some Reese's Peanut Butter cup derivative...(I love having ratios that work!!)
What I don't like:
1. No back light on the meter.
An obvious design oversight. My one touch ultra smart has one, my one touch ultra has one, the one touch ping pump meter has one...the one touch ultra link does NOT. I've logged my frustration with Life Scan (one touch maker), but they have no plan to resolve the issue. When you test at night, or when out to dinner, or when driving at night, or at the movies....you get the point....YOU CAN'T READ THE SCREEN! So I use my cell phone as a light. Lame.
2. No back light on the pump buttons (halo lights).
Again, I don't know how this went unnoticed. Although the screen lights up beautifully, the buttons themselves do not. Having back lit buttons would ensure the proper buttons are being pressed. This would be an easy fix, and I'm going to photoshop a pic of what it could look like in the future.
3. Insulin delivery is slow.
You wouldn't think it would matter, but if you bolus (take your insulin) before a shower, you may have to wait a bit until you disconnect. If the delivery was faster (ala animas ping), you'd be ready quicker. Not a huge deal, just a minor preference issue.
4. Tubing options limited.
The tubing is what connects the pump and insulin reservoir to your body. The current options are 23" & 41." I use the 23" as I stay around the abdomen for infusion sites. But I could use a 6 or 9" as the pump and site are often just inches away from one another.
5. Care link log book
Although I sang the praises of care link above, the log book feature is useless. I called and made many suggestions for changes, none of which were incorporated. You need to be able to enter blood sugars and notes outside of the defined times, and you can't now. It's not very intuitive or user friendly, and I bypass it altogether.
6. CGMS
Yes, we're happy together now. But I have to admit, it is somewhat finicky and high-maintenance. The thought of the CGMS can be better than the reality of it at times (the CGMS is generally about 20 minutes behind your actual blood sugar). However, through proper calibration and updating, you can get the numbers to be fairly uniform. The errors and hassle therein can be a drawback, but if you simply insert the sensor and connect the transmitter WITHOUT TURNING IT ON on your pump...and leave it in for at least 2 hours before turning on (doing it before bed works best), then when you turn it on, within 15 minutes or so you calibrate and you're off and running (thanks Kevin for that great tip!)
My biggest frustration is keeping it on. The sensor uses adhesive, but the transmitter does not. I've yet to find adhesive that works well for me, and I prefer none at all (although that's risky and I've learned the hard way that the sensor can become dislodged this way rendering it useless).
7. Low blood sugar symptoms
I am much less sensitive to low b/s symptoms than before the pump, because my average is so much healthier now. I still have them, just not as pronounced. Not really something to complain about, more an observation than anything. This is where the CGMS comes in handy!
One final thought....I've noticed many diabetes suppliers and manufacturers believe we hate testing our blood sugar because it hurts. Further, many pump companies think we despise taking shots. My contention is that we don't like testing when control is difficult as more a psychological issue than a physical (pain) issue. Additionally, I never thought needles were a big deal. I mean, sheesh, they're so small and narrow you can hardly feel them at all. Again, a mind (mental) issue.
For me, being on the pump isn't great because of no shots. Before the pump I thought, "I'd rather take 10 shots/day rather than be hooked up to that pump." What you can never imagine until you experience it is how it will affect your...everything.
I'm a better husband, better father, better son, better friend, better man, better child of God, better employee.....
I'm just plain better -
Because of the pump.
So get better, and get pumpin....
Monday, May 11, 2009
Diabetes Sucks
Diabetes Sucks. That is a very strong statement. Two short words, but generally those that say it have years of struggle behind it.
Lately I've encountered many fellow diabetics that have used this phrase (and some much stronger verbiage). If you know me, or have been around this blog for awhile, you know my approach. In a nutshell, 20+ years of intense high and low blood sugars - mostly high on average. Diabetes affects everything and everyone it touches (including family, friends, and loved ones), so it's been a long road for all of us.
I've been thinking about the phrase for awhile, here are some thoughts to consider:
Diabetes sucks?
Compared to what...those without it?
Do you know anyone in the grips of cancer? Parkinson's? Bi-polar disorder? AIDS? Poverty? Unforgiveness?
Diabetes sucks?
Even if that's true to you, does complaining make it any better?
Diabetes sucks?
That's a bad way to approach a disease that does not inhibit it's recipients like other debilitating diseases do. What hindrances must we face? The fear of future complications? Why would we waste time worrying about what may or may not transpire in the future? We need to do all we can do today, and tomorrow will be here soon enough.
I don't consider myself any better than anyone else. I'm not smarter, more wise, or more mature. That being said, I really don't think 'diabetes sucks.'
I think it's obvious that diabetes can be a struggle, but so can anything else. Life can be hard, and often is. But that doesn't mean we should all sit around and complain about it, because that's not going to benefit anyone.
I'm not suggesting we ought to be disingenuous or insincere, pretending everything is o.k. when it's really not. What I am saying is that we get one chance to make a difference, one chance to give it our all, so rather than focus on how hard our plight is, I think we should be grateful for the medical advances that allow us to live full, long, healthy lives. Remember, it wasn't all that long ago that type-1 diabetes was a death sentence, a time when there was no insulin to take; no pumps, no blood sugar meters, no shots - nothing.
In reality, we are living in the best time ever as diabetics. We are on the cusp of a cure, and living with diabetes has never been easier.
Diabetes sucks?
Not to me.
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
Lately I've encountered many fellow diabetics that have used this phrase (and some much stronger verbiage). If you know me, or have been around this blog for awhile, you know my approach. In a nutshell, 20+ years of intense high and low blood sugars - mostly high on average. Diabetes affects everything and everyone it touches (including family, friends, and loved ones), so it's been a long road for all of us.
I've been thinking about the phrase for awhile, here are some thoughts to consider:
Diabetes sucks?
Compared to what...those without it?
Do you know anyone in the grips of cancer? Parkinson's? Bi-polar disorder? AIDS? Poverty? Unforgiveness?
Diabetes sucks?
Even if that's true to you, does complaining make it any better?
Diabetes sucks?
That's a bad way to approach a disease that does not inhibit it's recipients like other debilitating diseases do. What hindrances must we face? The fear of future complications? Why would we waste time worrying about what may or may not transpire in the future? We need to do all we can do today, and tomorrow will be here soon enough.
I don't consider myself any better than anyone else. I'm not smarter, more wise, or more mature. That being said, I really don't think 'diabetes sucks.'
I think it's obvious that diabetes can be a struggle, but so can anything else. Life can be hard, and often is. But that doesn't mean we should all sit around and complain about it, because that's not going to benefit anyone.
I'm not suggesting we ought to be disingenuous or insincere, pretending everything is o.k. when it's really not. What I am saying is that we get one chance to make a difference, one chance to give it our all, so rather than focus on how hard our plight is, I think we should be grateful for the medical advances that allow us to live full, long, healthy lives. Remember, it wasn't all that long ago that type-1 diabetes was a death sentence, a time when there was no insulin to take; no pumps, no blood sugar meters, no shots - nothing.
In reality, we are living in the best time ever as diabetics. We are on the cusp of a cure, and living with diabetes has never been easier.
Diabetes sucks?
Not to me.
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Testing 1, testing 2....(A high low)
This morning at about 1 AM I woke up scared. I've had two low-blood sugar induced seizures in my lifetime, and one was during the night. I've also had my fair share of really bad lows - barely conscious, stumbling, bumbling, and hanging on by a thread.
Even the thought of those episodes brings a bit of anxiety to me. Historically, I've done much better (mentally) with the during-the-day low blood sugars. I know there's a psychological trigger going off at night, and yet it's still a battle for me.
Before the pump, I would wake up and eat so many carbs that my blood would be 400 or higher in the morning. I knew it was dangerous, but feeling so helpless when low, I simply refused to stop eating until I started to feel better. Part of the problem back then was that my blood sugar average was in the mid-200's, so a 60 felt absolutely horrible.
Since the pump, my blood sugar averages are 1/2 of what they used to be, and fall in the normal range now. This makes me feel (literally) wonderful! However, my blood sugar generally has to drop a little lower for me to feel it in a similar fashion as before. Not the same, mind you - the low symptoms are now much less severe.
Consequently, the over-treating for lows is primarily a thing of the past.
Notice how I said, 'primarily', and not just ...'a thing of the past?'
This morning at 1:00 AM was not my best moment. I woke up immediately (or so it felt), as if someone had yelled, 'fire.' I jumped out of bed, and my obvious symptoms of a bad low were present and getting worse:
I popped out of bed, adrenaline rushing, single minded to where my coveted antidote lay waiting. Pineapple juice and other delicious high sugar carbs motivate and get me there in record time. But for some odd reason, I instead reach for the milk, do 180 to the food pantry and grab the cheerios. After haphazardly pouring my cereal, I grabbed the sugar.
Cue the music, "duuuuh, da dum dum...."
Confirming my low at this point is useless, but good for keeping the overall average down. I'm just kidding there. So I set up a blood sugar test, and wait 5 seconds for the result. Five seconds,
no big deal, right?
1....Come on...
2....This takes foreeeever...
3....Seriously, my blood is already lower than the reading....
4....Can I wait annny longer?
5....Nope.
And this morning's reading.....the blood sugar that had me so freaked out...?
What the...?? That can NOT be right!
Test again....
Ahhh, that's better. Well no, not better, it's worse. Well, not worse, but at least I know I am in fact low and truly have the right to feel super-crummy!
If you can't see the time, the top one says, 12:53 AM. Bottom: 12:53 AM! So it mut have been a bad test strip or something weird like that.
Back to the low...
I pour on the sugar (Cheerio's), and start in. Again, I normally pick the pineapple juice (from Sam's club, check it out..)
But this morning I fell back to my old ways - sugar and lots of it.
Sometime later I realized I had consumed waaaay to many carbs for the low, so before going back to bed..oh wait, I forgot to mention I also enjoyed some ripples french onion chips (see previous post)....o.k., where was I?
Waaaaaayyyyyy too many carbs. So I start figuring out how much too many and take some insulin. Even writing that is hard, because that is lame and really poor diabetes management. Zero self-control. But knowing the blood sugar is going to skyrocket if I just 'let it ride,' I take a few units.
6:30 AM wake up: 330 blood sugar - feeling as bad as ever. Arrgh. Take insulin, and get ready for a great morning!
Where? At 'Walk to cure diabetes' where I've been invited to talk about how awesome the pump is, and how it makes diabetes management easier!
Oh, the irony.
The lesson?
It's not the pump that failed, it was 'user-error!' The pump didn't give me too much sugar, I (quite willingly, I might add) did.
The pump is a necessitiy for every diabetic, I am convinced. But it will only work as well as you (and I) allow it to. It's still up to me to do my part, and early this morning, I blew it. Thankfully, every day, every meal, every moment is another chance to get it right.
Stay encouraged, do your best, and tell every diabetic you know to either start or keep pumpin...
Even the thought of those episodes brings a bit of anxiety to me. Historically, I've done much better (mentally) with the during-the-day low blood sugars. I know there's a psychological trigger going off at night, and yet it's still a battle for me.
Before the pump, I would wake up and eat so many carbs that my blood would be 400 or higher in the morning. I knew it was dangerous, but feeling so helpless when low, I simply refused to stop eating until I started to feel better. Part of the problem back then was that my blood sugar average was in the mid-200's, so a 60 felt absolutely horrible.
Since the pump, my blood sugar averages are 1/2 of what they used to be, and fall in the normal range now. This makes me feel (literally) wonderful! However, my blood sugar generally has to drop a little lower for me to feel it in a similar fashion as before. Not the same, mind you - the low symptoms are now much less severe.
Consequently, the over-treating for lows is primarily a thing of the past.
Notice how I said, 'primarily', and not just ...'a thing of the past?'
This morning at 1:00 AM was not my best moment. I woke up immediately (or so it felt), as if someone had yelled, 'fire.' I jumped out of bed, and my obvious symptoms of a bad low were present and getting worse:
- Shaky. Not outwardly, but inside, hard to explain, easy to identify.
- Sweaty. Always starts on my nose (weird, I know). When it's bad, my whole body perspires, and it feels like you're sitting in an internal sauna.
- Slight blurred vision. Just in the center of my vision, and not constant.
- INDESCRIBABLE HUNGRY! Famished, craving carbs and lots of them.
- Scared. Considering the aforementioned history, night low's are not my cup of tea.
I popped out of bed, adrenaline rushing, single minded to where my coveted antidote lay waiting. Pineapple juice and other delicious high sugar carbs motivate and get me there in record time. But for some odd reason, I instead reach for the milk, do 180 to the food pantry and grab the cheerios. After haphazardly pouring my cereal, I grabbed the sugar.
Cue the music, "duuuuh, da dum dum...."
Confirming my low at this point is useless, but good for keeping the overall average down. I'm just kidding there. So I set up a blood sugar test, and wait 5 seconds for the result. Five seconds,
no big deal, right?
1....Come on...
2....This takes foreeeever...
3....Seriously, my blood is already lower than the reading....
4....Can I wait annny longer?
5....Nope.
And this morning's reading.....the blood sugar that had me so freaked out...?
What the...?? That can NOT be right!
Test again....
Ahhh, that's better. Well no, not better, it's worse. Well, not worse, but at least I know I am in fact low and truly have the right to feel super-crummy!
If you can't see the time, the top one says, 12:53 AM. Bottom: 12:53 AM! So it mut have been a bad test strip or something weird like that.
Back to the low...
I pour on the sugar (Cheerio's), and start in. Again, I normally pick the pineapple juice (from Sam's club, check it out..)
But this morning I fell back to my old ways - sugar and lots of it.
Sometime later I realized I had consumed waaaay to many carbs for the low, so before going back to bed..oh wait, I forgot to mention I also enjoyed some ripples french onion chips (see previous post)....o.k., where was I?
Waaaaaayyyyyy too many carbs. So I start figuring out how much too many and take some insulin. Even writing that is hard, because that is lame and really poor diabetes management. Zero self-control. But knowing the blood sugar is going to skyrocket if I just 'let it ride,' I take a few units.
6:30 AM wake up: 330 blood sugar - feeling as bad as ever. Arrgh. Take insulin, and get ready for a great morning!
Where? At 'Walk to cure diabetes' where I've been invited to talk about how awesome the pump is, and how it makes diabetes management easier!
Oh, the irony.
The lesson?
It's not the pump that failed, it was 'user-error!' The pump didn't give me too much sugar, I (quite willingly, I might add) did.
The pump is a necessitiy for every diabetic, I am convinced. But it will only work as well as you (and I) allow it to. It's still up to me to do my part, and early this morning, I blew it. Thankfully, every day, every meal, every moment is another chance to get it right.
Stay encouraged, do your best, and tell every diabetic you know to either start or keep pumpin...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Here's the problem...
I'm a label reader (of the nutritional variety), a/k/a a carb counter. I don't mind it at all, actually I rather enjoy it. Sure, I long for the days of just tearing in to a big pack of chips and eating them without counting how many....some of us have strange dreams I guess!
But hey, to know that I can have whatever I want and simply count up the grams of carb and bolus (take insulin) for it is awesome! Then to see that "96 mg/dl" reading two hours later, now that's just good-old-fashioned fun!!
And how hard is it? I mean seriously, everything has a label. It's the law now, so all the manufacturers have to include their info. You get to know it by heart after awhile...2 grams per ritz cracker, 11 in 5 premium saltines, 13 in a taco bell hardshell....easy-peasy.
But then the potato chip people mess up the whole process. Take a look here:
Your standard chip, right? (No offense Nacho-Cheese Dorito. You, by no means, are standard!)
But when you dig a little deeper in the bag, you're rewarded with these:
Broken, fragments of dorito delight. These are the real keepers, because they have unusually high amounts of "cheese" coating (or whatever that dark orange stuff is).
But what are we supposed to do? Piece them together to equal one 'regular' chip? I mean seriously, it's hard enough to keep count as you're eating, now you have to do a 'dorito puzzle' to figure out how many you've actually eaten?
And even if you could somehow do that, there's this little issue:
See the problem yet? HINT: Look at the serving size....
I can figure out *around* how many chips (by piecing the shards together, Dorito-puzzle style) I've inhaled , I mean eaten, but then to have the serving size be "ABOUT 11??" Come on..
I guess I can go with 'about 11,' (to me I see...13 :) but then I have to with my ultimate (current favorite) chip:
Just seeing the bag makes me hungry. Couple that with some Dean's French Onion Dip, and you're in chip-topia!
But check this nonsense out:
Now let's be real...which side of the 'about' are you going to favor? Not which side do you want to believe you'll use, be honest.....oh yeah - 15 (at least, right?)
So that's the problem. Even when you carb count and label read like you're supposed to, it STILL can be more of an art than science.
Hmmm, the art of potato chips, now that's a degree I would have magna cum lauded!
Keep pumpin'....
But hey, to know that I can have whatever I want and simply count up the grams of carb and bolus (take insulin) for it is awesome! Then to see that "96 mg/dl" reading two hours later, now that's just good-old-fashioned fun!!
And how hard is it? I mean seriously, everything has a label. It's the law now, so all the manufacturers have to include their info. You get to know it by heart after awhile...2 grams per ritz cracker, 11 in 5 premium saltines, 13 in a taco bell hardshell....easy-peasy.
But then the potato chip people mess up the whole process. Take a look here:
Your standard chip, right? (No offense Nacho-Cheese Dorito. You, by no means, are standard!)
But when you dig a little deeper in the bag, you're rewarded with these:
Broken, fragments of dorito delight. These are the real keepers, because they have unusually high amounts of "cheese" coating (or whatever that dark orange stuff is).
But what are we supposed to do? Piece them together to equal one 'regular' chip? I mean seriously, it's hard enough to keep count as you're eating, now you have to do a 'dorito puzzle' to figure out how many you've actually eaten?
And even if you could somehow do that, there's this little issue:
See the problem yet? HINT: Look at the serving size....
I can figure out *around* how many chips (by piecing the shards together, Dorito-puzzle style) I've inhaled , I mean eaten, but then to have the serving size be "ABOUT 11??" Come on..
I guess I can go with 'about 11,' (to me I see...13 :) but then I have to with my ultimate (current favorite) chip:
;)
Just seeing the bag makes me hungry. Couple that with some Dean's French Onion Dip, and you're in chip-topia!
But check this nonsense out:
Now let's be real...which side of the 'about' are you going to favor? Not which side do you want to believe you'll use, be honest.....oh yeah - 15 (at least, right?)
So that's the problem. Even when you carb count and label read like you're supposed to, it STILL can be more of an art than science.
Hmmm, the art of potato chips, now that's a degree I would have magna cum lauded!
Keep pumpin'....
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Mac vs. PC
Hi, I'm a mac....and I'm a PC.
We've all seen the ads. They're clever, simple, and if your computer savvy you also know.... they're pretty accurate!
Lately I've been cruising through blogosphere and come to realize there's a similar brand war/loyalty happening with the pumps...
Hi, I'm an animas....and I'm a minimed!
The lines have been drawn, and anyone who crosses party lines is heralded as either a traitor or hero (depending on which side your on!) Sounds a bit like politics, huh?
Here's my take on it:
I did a tremendous amount of research on all the pump brands before making my decision. I've outlined my criteria and relevant factors in a previous post, but in a nutshell I'd say the medtronic paradigm's are like PC's.
It seems like everyone started on one, they learned how to use it, master it, and although it may not have been the most intriguing piece of technological intuitiveness, it gets the job done. It's not the 'coolest,' and for heaven's sake it doesn't even work with a mac (the software to download your pump info). So the approach is a bit archaic. But the popularity is undeniable. And the occasional crash (just like windows) keeps you on your toes...
So if the paradigm is the PC, the Animas Ping is definitely a Mac. And not just any mac, we're talking a MacBook Pro with souped-up memory and all. The color screen - ahhh, bliss. The functions and features galore, oh so appealing (but not always the most used). And of course it works with a mac (or a pc), just like a real mac.
And the parallels continue with the brand loyalty. As previously mentioned, the loyal users are fiercely loyal. Once you've committed to your 'brand,' the other seems inferior. But some people have taken it a bit far.
Recent quotes, "The paradigm is totally unreliable. I hated everything about it...."
Then, "The paradigm is incredible! I've never had a problem, and the 24-hour customer care is unbeatable!"
Or, "The Animas Ping is a lot of bark, no bite. Nice features, but overrated."
But then, "The Ping is king of all pumps!"
One camp proclaims 'their' pump is superior while the competitors is junk that shouldn't even be dispensed in a cracker jack box.
To me, both of the pumps are simply incredible! To think we can monitor our levels with so much precision and accuracy - despite your brand - is astounding to me! I admit I feel a sense of pride wearing my pump, but it's only because of my long, arduous journey to control.
Let's not get too carried away with slamming the other manufacturers, after all they are both helping millions of diabetics around the world! Hey, a PC (paradigm) and a MAC (animas) are both far better than a Commodore-64 (injections!), right?
So what am I? A MAC guy, through and through....
but I wear a Paradigm.
Go figure.
Keep pumpin'....
We've all seen the ads. They're clever, simple, and if your computer savvy you also know.... they're pretty accurate!
Lately I've been cruising through blogosphere and come to realize there's a similar brand war/loyalty happening with the pumps...
Hi, I'm an animas....and I'm a minimed!
The lines have been drawn, and anyone who crosses party lines is heralded as either a traitor or hero (depending on which side your on!) Sounds a bit like politics, huh?
Here's my take on it:
I did a tremendous amount of research on all the pump brands before making my decision. I've outlined my criteria and relevant factors in a previous post, but in a nutshell I'd say the medtronic paradigm's are like PC's.
It seems like everyone started on one, they learned how to use it, master it, and although it may not have been the most intriguing piece of technological intuitiveness, it gets the job done. It's not the 'coolest,' and for heaven's sake it doesn't even work with a mac (the software to download your pump info). So the approach is a bit archaic. But the popularity is undeniable. And the occasional crash (just like windows) keeps you on your toes...
So if the paradigm is the PC, the Animas Ping is definitely a Mac. And not just any mac, we're talking a MacBook Pro with souped-up memory and all. The color screen - ahhh, bliss. The functions and features galore, oh so appealing (but not always the most used). And of course it works with a mac (or a pc), just like a real mac.
And the parallels continue with the brand loyalty. As previously mentioned, the loyal users are fiercely loyal. Once you've committed to your 'brand,' the other seems inferior. But some people have taken it a bit far.
Recent quotes, "The paradigm is totally unreliable. I hated everything about it...."
Then, "The paradigm is incredible! I've never had a problem, and the 24-hour customer care is unbeatable!"
Or, "The Animas Ping is a lot of bark, no bite. Nice features, but overrated."
But then, "The Ping is king of all pumps!"
One camp proclaims 'their' pump is superior while the competitors is junk that shouldn't even be dispensed in a cracker jack box.
To me, both of the pumps are simply incredible! To think we can monitor our levels with so much precision and accuracy - despite your brand - is astounding to me! I admit I feel a sense of pride wearing my pump, but it's only because of my long, arduous journey to control.
Let's not get too carried away with slamming the other manufacturers, after all they are both helping millions of diabetics around the world! Hey, a PC (paradigm) and a MAC (animas) are both far better than a Commodore-64 (injections!), right?
So what am I? A MAC guy, through and through....
but I wear a Paradigm.
Go figure.
Keep pumpin'....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Intervention
There are two programs on TV that inevitably move me emotionally (read between the lines....I always end up crying). One is Extreme Home Makeover, and it's always after "move that buusss.."
My guess is that I'm not the only one tearing up at that moment...
The other is a program on A&E called, "Intervention." It's a show about people whose lives are in the vice-grip of addiction. Some are eating disorders, others drugs & alcohol. There was even a video game addict once. But last night I watched in amazement as they followed "John C." and were preparing his surprise intervention. 'For what?' you may be thinking - unmanaged type-1 diabetes.
(Cue the water works)
This is a young guy that has been diabetic for 6 years, and simply has lost hope. He's given up the will to fight, and doesn't consider (or care) about any long-term complications. Now, before we all start shaking our heads in disgust, lets remember that diabetes is at best a very difficult disease to manage, and each person's battle is uniquely challenging.
There was a bit of misinformation (showing him eating a piece chocolate cake with ominous music playing in the background). It's still hard for me to believe, but as long as he's counting his carbs and taking insulin to cover it, no problem.
But for John C., it's a big problem because not only is he NOT counting his carbs, he's not taking the extra insulin, and worse yet, he's not even testing his blood.
Again, at this point he's given up, so it's not all that surprising.
The program is increasingly difficult for me to watch, because I want to reach in to the television and tell him, "Keep fighting John. It's going to get better. Please, let me help you, let me encourage you. Hang in there, I know how hard it can be, I've been there."
The program reaches its pinnacle as John is confronted by his family pleading with him to enter a treatment program - or face severe consequences. This portion of the program is very emotional for the participants (and in my case, the viewer!). It seemed (seems) strange to me that a diabetic would face the same intervention as a habitual drug user, but the truth is that both can spin out of control.
When John realizes he's not just hurting himself but his entire family by quitting on his control, he agrees to the treatment plan.
It's a very emotional episode (especially if you're diabetic), and can be viewed online here: http://www.aetv.com/intervention/video/index.jsp?bcpid=1452232410&bclid=21147029001&bctid=21217025001)
A few observations and a word of encouragement:
1. It's never too late to start trying. Whether it's to manage your diabetes or anything else, it's simply never too late.
2. Hopelessness is a alienating and devastating. His family was hurting terribly, and the loss of hope and the lack of will to fight compounded the misery for everyone.
3. Diabetes affects more people that just the diabetic. Everyone who loves and cares about the diabetic is affected in one way or another.
It's a daily battle, an intense fight, an internal war; and we have to do everything we can to live long, prosperous, healthy lives! I am praying for an opportunity to reach as many diabetics as possible, hoping that this forum of blogging will open doors to reach all those who are hesitant, afraid, or unsure about what the pump is and how it can help.
The pump is our best chance for consistent, 'normal' blood sugars, and I am convinced (after 2 decades of miserable failure, and 5+ months of healthy readings), every diabetic should be on the insulin pump!
If you're out there John C., your story was and is a good one. Now give yourself the best shot (pun intended) you can and join the ranks of those who are feeling so much better because we're...
pumpin'
My guess is that I'm not the only one tearing up at that moment...
The other is a program on A&E called, "Intervention." It's a show about people whose lives are in the vice-grip of addiction. Some are eating disorders, others drugs & alcohol. There was even a video game addict once. But last night I watched in amazement as they followed "John C." and were preparing his surprise intervention. 'For what?' you may be thinking - unmanaged type-1 diabetes.
(Cue the water works)
This is a young guy that has been diabetic for 6 years, and simply has lost hope. He's given up the will to fight, and doesn't consider (or care) about any long-term complications. Now, before we all start shaking our heads in disgust, lets remember that diabetes is at best a very difficult disease to manage, and each person's battle is uniquely challenging.
There was a bit of misinformation (showing him eating a piece chocolate cake with ominous music playing in the background). It's still hard for me to believe, but as long as he's counting his carbs and taking insulin to cover it, no problem.
But for John C., it's a big problem because not only is he NOT counting his carbs, he's not taking the extra insulin, and worse yet, he's not even testing his blood.
Again, at this point he's given up, so it's not all that surprising.
The program is increasingly difficult for me to watch, because I want to reach in to the television and tell him, "Keep fighting John. It's going to get better. Please, let me help you, let me encourage you. Hang in there, I know how hard it can be, I've been there."
The program reaches its pinnacle as John is confronted by his family pleading with him to enter a treatment program - or face severe consequences. This portion of the program is very emotional for the participants (and in my case, the viewer!). It seemed (seems) strange to me that a diabetic would face the same intervention as a habitual drug user, but the truth is that both can spin out of control.
When John realizes he's not just hurting himself but his entire family by quitting on his control, he agrees to the treatment plan.
It's a very emotional episode (especially if you're diabetic), and can be viewed online here: http://www.aetv.com/intervention/video/index.jsp?bcpid=1452232410&bclid=21147029001&bctid=21217025001)
A few observations and a word of encouragement:
1. It's never too late to start trying. Whether it's to manage your diabetes or anything else, it's simply never too late.
2. Hopelessness is a alienating and devastating. His family was hurting terribly, and the loss of hope and the lack of will to fight compounded the misery for everyone.
3. Diabetes affects more people that just the diabetic. Everyone who loves and cares about the diabetic is affected in one way or another.
It's a daily battle, an intense fight, an internal war; and we have to do everything we can to live long, prosperous, healthy lives! I am praying for an opportunity to reach as many diabetics as possible, hoping that this forum of blogging will open doors to reach all those who are hesitant, afraid, or unsure about what the pump is and how it can help.
The pump is our best chance for consistent, 'normal' blood sugars, and I am convinced (after 2 decades of miserable failure, and 5+ months of healthy readings), every diabetic should be on the insulin pump!
If you're out there John C., your story was and is a good one. Now give yourself the best shot (pun intended) you can and join the ranks of those who are feeling so much better because we're...
pumpin'
Monday, April 20, 2009
"He's A Bad Boy"
About 3 weeks ago I spent the day skiing and at the end of the day as my oldest son and I were getting ready to leave we overheard a commotion next to us.
"Where is it?"
"I don't know..."
"Where could it be??"
"I had it on, and it must have just fallen off..it has to be on the mountain somewhere"
"We HAVE to find it.."
I interrupted and asked, "Did you misplace something?"
The family looked over (panicked) and replied, "an insulin pump."
I pointed to my waist and revealed my minimed and said, "like this?"
A look of understanding set in, "yes, exactly like that."
We struck up a conversation and I inquired about how long my younger comrade had been diabetic, his readings, and his overall health. Shortly thereafter, they asked if they could use my meter, as his meter was also gone. 5 seconds later we saw a '304,' and I told him I had a spare needle and Novolog if needed. I pressed on about his diabetes management when out of the blue a relative spoke up and said,
"He's a bad boy."
Frankly, my heart sunk and I was mutually embarrassed (he's 16), and devastated for this young man. I turned to his relative and emphatically said,
"No, He's Not."
It's hard enough being a teenager. But when you add in the challenge of trying to control and effectively manage a disease that reacts negatively to stress, hormones, and every other developmental stage of growing up, it compounds the difficulty of becoming an adult.
Maybe it was the years of being scolded by doctors and nurses who could not understand how hard it was to try your best and still 'fail' at attaining normal blood sugars. Or maybe it was the absurdity of defining a young mans character, his essence, his fragile identity by something as fickle as blood sugars. (I wonder how many of us would be 'good' if all of our life struggles were measured and displayed for others to see?) Maybe it was all of that, and more.
Regardless of why I felt so strongly, I feel equally as compelled to say (and keep saying), your blood sugars do not define you! Sure we could all do better (not just at diabetes management, but everything in life), but lets not be too quick to judge one another when we simply have no idea what their struggle may be.
No, he's not a bad boy. He's a young man coping with a devastatingly deceptive disease that will turn him in to a strong man that is more in tune with his health than most others.
I challenge each person reading this blog to be an encourager to your diabetic friends, family members, or even yourselves! The world is full of enough discouragement, let's agree to help build one another up, even when we stumble and fall!
Until next time, keep pumpin'....
(P.S. His pump was later located on the mountain!)
"Where is it?"
"I don't know..."
"Where could it be??"
"I had it on, and it must have just fallen off..it has to be on the mountain somewhere"
"We HAVE to find it.."
I interrupted and asked, "Did you misplace something?"
The family looked over (panicked) and replied, "an insulin pump."
I pointed to my waist and revealed my minimed and said, "like this?"
A look of understanding set in, "yes, exactly like that."
We struck up a conversation and I inquired about how long my younger comrade had been diabetic, his readings, and his overall health. Shortly thereafter, they asked if they could use my meter, as his meter was also gone. 5 seconds later we saw a '304,' and I told him I had a spare needle and Novolog if needed. I pressed on about his diabetes management when out of the blue a relative spoke up and said,
"He's a bad boy."
Frankly, my heart sunk and I was mutually embarrassed (he's 16), and devastated for this young man. I turned to his relative and emphatically said,
"No, He's Not."
It's hard enough being a teenager. But when you add in the challenge of trying to control and effectively manage a disease that reacts negatively to stress, hormones, and every other developmental stage of growing up, it compounds the difficulty of becoming an adult.
Maybe it was the years of being scolded by doctors and nurses who could not understand how hard it was to try your best and still 'fail' at attaining normal blood sugars. Or maybe it was the absurdity of defining a young mans character, his essence, his fragile identity by something as fickle as blood sugars. (I wonder how many of us would be 'good' if all of our life struggles were measured and displayed for others to see?) Maybe it was all of that, and more.
Regardless of why I felt so strongly, I feel equally as compelled to say (and keep saying), your blood sugars do not define you! Sure we could all do better (not just at diabetes management, but everything in life), but lets not be too quick to judge one another when we simply have no idea what their struggle may be.
No, he's not a bad boy. He's a young man coping with a devastatingly deceptive disease that will turn him in to a strong man that is more in tune with his health than most others.
I challenge each person reading this blog to be an encourager to your diabetic friends, family members, or even yourselves! The world is full of enough discouragement, let's agree to help build one another up, even when we stumble and fall!
Until next time, keep pumpin'....
(P.S. His pump was later located on the mountain!)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Vacation
Vacation - ahh, what a wonderful word!
Since I'm now part of the 'pumper nation,' I've learned that vacation has an alternate meaning for many pumpers, which is defined in the Kocian Abridged Standard Dictionary (2009 first edition) as:
Taking your pump off and going back to shots for awhile.
Now, I've only been pumpin' for around 5 months, and with the dramatic results I've seen (a complete turnaround), I'm thinking even when they cure diabetes I might still wear it for good fortune!
So maybe I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I just can't foresee wanting to be on a pump vacation anytime in the near future. However, the colloquial 'vacation' premise is one I'm always up for, and last week me, the minimed, and my family set off for sunny Arizona!
As it was my first major airline trip with the pump, I of course prepped as if I was about to endure a 90 day quarantine! I had my dr.'s note (allowing me to carry juice, candy, food, needles, supplies, and every other thing that the TSA finds to be an annoyance related to diabetes), lancets (the last time I changed my lancet?.....months!!), extra testing strips, needles, insulin, multiple infusion sets, reseviors, and more. I was virtually a traveling, mobile medtronic insulin pump supple store!
We made it to AZ without any problems, and I was wondering what the vacation would do to the blood sugars. My life is usually a uniquely orchestrated organized chaos, so my routine is generally changing day to day. I've learned to adapt, and I rather enjoy the lack of monotony.
My blood sugars were a little off (average slightly higher - high 140's), but I've also backed off my basal rates recently because the lows have been much more frequent. I stuck with the carb counting, and although meal times varied daily, the control remained fairly tight.
It's funny how a few months can change one's perspective, as a 140's average seemed not only implausible, but impossible a few months ago. Now, here I am bumming a bit...how soon we forget!
So the lesson from the past week is that prepartion goes a long way with the pump and a vacation. Have the lifesavers (and my favorite - Dole pineapple juice from Sam's Club) handy to combat any low's, and keep counting the carbs!
I was not only able to do more this vacation then any ever before (see and hike the Grand Canyon, climb a small mountain with the kids, play golf, swim, relax, eat, relax, get sun, relax, and eat), this time I was actually able to enjoy it like never before, thanks to normal blood sugars and this incredible piece of technology known as the inulin pump!
Now if there was only a way to vacation 2 weeks out of every month, I'd really be on to someting...
Until next time, keep pumpin......
Since I'm now part of the 'pumper nation,' I've learned that vacation has an alternate meaning for many pumpers, which is defined in the Kocian Abridged Standard Dictionary (2009 first edition) as:
Taking your pump off and going back to shots for awhile.
Now, I've only been pumpin' for around 5 months, and with the dramatic results I've seen (a complete turnaround), I'm thinking even when they cure diabetes I might still wear it for good fortune!
So maybe I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I just can't foresee wanting to be on a pump vacation anytime in the near future. However, the colloquial 'vacation' premise is one I'm always up for, and last week me, the minimed, and my family set off for sunny Arizona!
As it was my first major airline trip with the pump, I of course prepped as if I was about to endure a 90 day quarantine! I had my dr.'s note (allowing me to carry juice, candy, food, needles, supplies, and every other thing that the TSA finds to be an annoyance related to diabetes), lancets (the last time I changed my lancet?.....months!!), extra testing strips, needles, insulin, multiple infusion sets, reseviors, and more. I was virtually a traveling, mobile medtronic insulin pump supple store!
We made it to AZ without any problems, and I was wondering what the vacation would do to the blood sugars. My life is usually a uniquely orchestrated organized chaos, so my routine is generally changing day to day. I've learned to adapt, and I rather enjoy the lack of monotony.
My blood sugars were a little off (average slightly higher - high 140's), but I've also backed off my basal rates recently because the lows have been much more frequent. I stuck with the carb counting, and although meal times varied daily, the control remained fairly tight.
It's funny how a few months can change one's perspective, as a 140's average seemed not only implausible, but impossible a few months ago. Now, here I am bumming a bit...how soon we forget!
So the lesson from the past week is that prepartion goes a long way with the pump and a vacation. Have the lifesavers (and my favorite - Dole pineapple juice from Sam's Club) handy to combat any low's, and keep counting the carbs!
I was not only able to do more this vacation then any ever before (see and hike the Grand Canyon, climb a small mountain with the kids, play golf, swim, relax, eat, relax, get sun, relax, and eat), this time I was actually able to enjoy it like never before, thanks to normal blood sugars and this incredible piece of technology known as the inulin pump!
Now if there was only a way to vacation 2 weeks out of every month, I'd really be on to someting...
Until next time, keep pumpin......
Monday, March 30, 2009
A1 See, I Told You
I despised the doctor.
Irrespective of the specialty (if any), any doctor I frequented seemed to be against me, not for me. I couldn't catch a break from anyone, and figured the less I went, the less scolding I'd get - so go as little as possible!
In retrospect, I can see the folly of my thinking. Although many of the aforementioned doctors may have lacked tact, that certainly did not entitle me to dismiss their message altogether. I had convinced myself I was doing all I could. I was trying: counting carbs, working the ratios, testing my blood sugars constantly; all to no avail. I was trying everything except the one thing I feared - the insulin pump! (cue scary music)
Yeah, well - that was then and this is now!
Back at the end of December I saw my new doctor (only 2nd appointment), after been having been on the pump for about a month. He wanted to run an A1C test (a lab test that reveals your 3 month blood sugar average), and I said, "no!"
He looked at me quizically and asked why. As previously mentioned, I used to dread and prolong these tests, and would cite obscure reasons to delay..."I've been feeling ill.....I just started a new exercise routine (go to Krispy Kreme, get a free donut; run to car and change clothes, re-enter Krispy Kreme for another free donut, repeat indefinitely..).....Taylor Hicks won American Idol and the whole thing confuses me...." you get the point here.
But alas, this time my motive was pure...I replied, "I've only been on the pump for a month, and it's a clean slate, a new start, a fresh beginning for me! I want to wait until I have three good months on the pump, so let's wait." (Remember the A1C averages the prior 3 months, so at that point I would've had 1 good month, and 2 bad).I was working too hard to get a bad report, and knew I just needed a little time on the pump to get those results that had eluded me for over twenty years.
Fast forward to last week and the doctor appointment. After the obligatory greetings, I got right down to the brass-tax.
"Well...??!"
The A1C is perfect, all the tests look perfect, keep up the great work!
And just like that, after 20+ years of toil, I finally experience triumph!
The test result was 6.3%. The ADA recommends 7% or less. Even the most strict endocrinologists prefer a 6.5% , so a 6.3 is a milestone achievement!
There have not been any major lifestyle changes, no radical diets or extreme exercise routines. My last A1C was 10.7; and now it's 6.3, and there's only one reason....
It changes your life!
(A1) See, I told you.....
I'm hooked (literally and figuratively), so until next time, I'll be pumpin'.....
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Average Obsession
Before I was on the pump, I was not all that concerned with my average blood sugar levels. 'After all,' I reasoned, 'life is an art, not a science!' But now that I've been pumpin' for a few months, I have become militant with every reading and how it affects my averages (7/14/30 day - all easily viewable on the One Touch Ultra-Link meter); hence I've come to terms with the fact that I've developed an....
Average Obsession!
Sure, it sounds like an oxymoron. You've got your overachievers and underachievers; your winners and losers; your leaders and followers - all of which have their place and their people - but who on earth obsesses over being "average?"
Apparently, me. :)
While it is funny, and not all together a bad thing, I've come to realize that there's more to feeling great than a 108 mg/dl 30-day blood sugar average (although, admittedly; that helps!)
The technology side of the pump and all of its related accessories is amazing. To think you can get your 1 - 30 day averages of not only blood sugars, but carb intake, carb ratios, insulin doses, etc. all on the pump is staggering. Then when you add the ability to remotely download all your pump info wirelessly to your computer, allowing you to see it all in a variety of spreadsheets and graphs - it's a tech-savvy, chart-lovers utopia.
As an aside, does anyone see the irony of being able to send all the information from the pump to the computer wirelessly (without any cables or cords), yet medtronic still hasn't mastered the wireless insulin distribution yet?!!
Back to the point...the charts and graphs are an incredible tool, an invaluable resource - one which has served me indispensably well. But I find myself thinking that a 120 average isn't low enough. I wonder if any diabetic has ever had an a1c (a blood test that averages your last 3 months of blood sugar levels) of 4.9% (equaling an average pf 95 mg/dl). Note: The American Diabetes Association recommends an a1c level of 7% or less to avoid complications).
Whereas I was in the lead for worst control of the decade (x2), suddenly I want to be first! I'm willing to concede I'm highly competitive, but even I can see how this approach is not 'healthy' for the long-term.
So I'm setting realistic goals - any a1c under 7% will be my FIRST EVER, and that is reason enough to celebrate with a Dairy Queen Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard (76 grams of carbohydrate!!!).
The simple fact is, life is not art, and life is not science; it's a complex mixture of both that changes moment by moment, day by day, and season by season. Sometimes we do all we can, and the numbers just don't add up, and sometimes we do very little and they add up just right.
As a diabetic, my journey has been a rocky road, but one I wouldn't trade, even if I could. The pump has literally changed everything for me, and I am committed to telling as many people as I can to tell every diabetic they know to get on it - now!
I feel the pressure of the average obsession fading now....it's down to an addiction....headed toward a fixation....one day to be a mere preoccupation!
Until next time, I'll be pumpin'
Average Obsession!
Sure, it sounds like an oxymoron. You've got your overachievers and underachievers; your winners and losers; your leaders and followers - all of which have their place and their people - but who on earth obsesses over being "average?"
Apparently, me. :)
While it is funny, and not all together a bad thing, I've come to realize that there's more to feeling great than a 108 mg/dl 30-day blood sugar average (although, admittedly; that helps!)
The technology side of the pump and all of its related accessories is amazing. To think you can get your 1 - 30 day averages of not only blood sugars, but carb intake, carb ratios, insulin doses, etc. all on the pump is staggering. Then when you add the ability to remotely download all your pump info wirelessly to your computer, allowing you to see it all in a variety of spreadsheets and graphs - it's a tech-savvy, chart-lovers utopia.
As an aside, does anyone see the irony of being able to send all the information from the pump to the computer wirelessly (without any cables or cords), yet medtronic still hasn't mastered the wireless insulin distribution yet?!!
Back to the point...the charts and graphs are an incredible tool, an invaluable resource - one which has served me indispensably well. But I find myself thinking that a 120 average isn't low enough. I wonder if any diabetic has ever had an a1c (a blood test that averages your last 3 months of blood sugar levels) of 4.9% (equaling an average pf 95 mg/dl). Note: The American Diabetes Association recommends an a1c level of 7% or less to avoid complications).
Whereas I was in the lead for worst control of the decade (x2), suddenly I want to be first! I'm willing to concede I'm highly competitive, but even I can see how this approach is not 'healthy' for the long-term.
So I'm setting realistic goals - any a1c under 7% will be my FIRST EVER, and that is reason enough to celebrate with a Dairy Queen Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard (76 grams of carbohydrate!!!).
The simple fact is, life is not art, and life is not science; it's a complex mixture of both that changes moment by moment, day by day, and season by season. Sometimes we do all we can, and the numbers just don't add up, and sometimes we do very little and they add up just right.
As a diabetic, my journey has been a rocky road, but one I wouldn't trade, even if I could. The pump has literally changed everything for me, and I am committed to telling as many people as I can to tell every diabetic they know to get on it - now!
I feel the pressure of the average obsession fading now....it's down to an addiction....headed toward a fixation....one day to be a mere preoccupation!
Until next time, I'll be pumpin'
Monday, March 16, 2009
A "prime" candidate
I'm an avid sports fan. Without apology, I follow the Milwaukee Bucks zealously. I'm also a big NFL fan. I particularly enjoy tracking athletes who are diabetic. Knowing the diligence required to manage diabetes, coupled with the dedication needed to compete and excel in sports' most elevated arenas is quite noteworthy and deserving of respect.If you're a sports fan, you know about all the drama surrounding Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. If not, here's the quick backstory...
Jay is a good quarterback who had a fine season last year. Known as being both temperamental & sensitive, he led his team to a fast start, only to see their playoff hopes dashed by losing their last 4 games of the year. The coach retired, and the new coach inquired about trading for a different Q.B. Jay found out, and he's REALLY MAD.
So mad, in fact he now wants to be traded. He refuses to show up at team meetings. He's creating a huge distraction and frustrating everyone around him.
So in some ways, he's the typical diabetic!
But with ALL the DRAMA, I can't help but think the guy's blood sugars must be all over the board! Why else would he be acting this way?
So in my opinion, he just needs the pump! Think of it - stable blood sugars, moods, reduced sensitivity...ahh the joy of the insulin pump!
Come on Jay, get with the program. Join the ranks of us (increasing daily) that say,
"until next time, I'll be pumpin.."
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"What can't you do?"
"What can't you do?" is a question I hear a lot. It's a really good question, considering most people without diabetes cannot fathom how good it is just to have normal blood sugars! If there are some trade-offs, most of us pumpers would gladly agree, it's well worth it.But despite what you may think, the simple answer is, "nothing!" I mean, I guess technically speaking I can't go through an x-ray machine (it messes with the pumps electronics), and I need to take it off before a raging roller-coasters with steep drops and upside-down inversions; but is that really a limitation? Hardly!
This past weekend my wife & I went to our favorite resort in Michigan to enjoy some incredible skiing & snowboarding action. I've been skiing as long as I can remember, and switched to the board when I was about 16 (around when it first came out). I took a hieatus during my 20's, and now am back at it! Being on the pump and snowboarding (and skiing) is really not an issue at all. I simply adjust my basal rate (the continuous trickle of insulin) down due to the excessive exercise and go for it!
Before the pump I would allow my blood sugars to hover higher while snowboarding, knowing they would be crashing down because of the exertion. As you can imagine, it is not a reciepe for feeling great! I also noticed that when my sugar levels were high, my reaction time was a bit slower. Normally not an issue, but blazing down a mountain at break-neck speeds, you need every bit of reaction time you can muster!
So now my levels are normal and I feel better before, during, and after the weekend on the mountain. It allows me to fully enjoy each moment, and helps to create life-long memories like this:
Stay encouraged, and tell everyone you know to keep pumpin...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
100 days
Well, I made it! The first 100 days! It sounds somewhat presidential to do a 100-day review, but I'd like to recap what it's been like:
-I made the switch from insulin injection 'therapy' (taking 4-7 shots per day) to using the Medtronic 522 insulin pump. I was scared and skeptical, but within 24 hours I knew it was the right decision!
-I had many appointments with my C.D.E. (Certified Diabetes Educator / R.N.). I was in constant contact with her, reporting on progress and making slight changes to the new routine. This is an important step, because just like computers have the POTENTIAL to assist us greatly in daily life, the pump will only be as effective as your education and commitment level.
-I endured Prednisone and its negative effects on blood sugars! (see an earlier post)
-I switched from the 522 to the 722 (different model, virtually same pump sans the fact the 722 holds 300 units of insulin vs the 180 of the 522). My 522 was glitchy, so I wanted the larger insulin capacity and made the switch. Again, definitely the right move!
-I got the flu.
I was wondering how it would all work with the pump, but for me, I ended up just not eating anything, thereby not taking any 'bolus' (short term) insulin. I let the basal (long term) continue, and it worked like a charm.
-Tried the CGM, and it may not be for me. More about this at a later time.
-Went to the eye Dr. and got a clean bill of health. This was particularly nerve racking, as last time (2 years ago - tsk tsk) I was told they 'saw something' - a hairline something or other related to Diabetes.
When I finally (begrudgingly) returned (die to an expired contact lens rx, I got the full works. So when the Doc said 'perfect' I about fell out of the chair! I reminded her about my last appointment, and she checked the chart. "Sure enough," she said, "How are your sugars now?" "Perfect" I responded, and she said, "The spots on the eyes are related to blood sugars. They can GO AWAY if your levels are normal." I told her she just made my month, as I didn't know that, and left a happy camper!
-I no longer dread the doctor. This is big for me.
-I FEEL healthier, have more focus, drive, determination, patience, and energy!
So in review, there have been no negatives and an abundance of positives. Sure, it's been an adjustment, but considering what is at stake, it is incomparable to the benefits!!!
I'd love to hear from you, so please drop me a line.
Stay encouraged, and until next time, I will undoubtedly be pumpin....
Thursday, January 15, 2009
N.R.E.
I knew instantly. It was about 3:30 AM when I got up and I had this really sour taste in my mouth. I was insatiably thirsty, and I felt lethargic and jittery. I knew my blood sugar was really high, and I hadn't felt this terrible in quite some time. A quick test revealed a 434 (yikes!), so I took my insulin and was going to wait it out.
I started racking my mind, trying to account for this reading. Did I miscount my food intake, forget to take some insulin, was I stressed before bed? No, No, and no. I did have a low blood sugar at about 7:30 PM, but was 125 before bed. No rational explanation.
And there you have it.
No Rational Explanation - herein referred to as "N.R.E.!"
It's so disappointing. Really, I'd feel so much better if I could write it off as, I forgot to Bolus for that King Sized Peanut Butter Twix Bar! But that's not the case.
The fact is, it could be one of 100 small contributing factors that I may be totally unaware of. Sometimes our bodies fight off sickness (while we may not necessarily be feeling 'flu-like') and the increased internal stress makes theh blood rise. Maybe there was an air bubble I missed in the pump resevoir that inhibited (but did not hinder entirely) the proper flow and distribution of insulin. Doubtful, but possible. I DID have an unexplained 247 earlier today, so maybe...
But then again, maybe not!
In some starnge way, being on the pump has ALMOST made me feel like I don't have diabetes any more. Almost? Compared to my prior regimen, coupled with my previous averages, it's hard to call this 'diabetes management' if that is what I was doing before the pump.
But I did say, 'almost,' because my blood sugar still rises and falls - quickly, I still have to count every single gram of carbohydrate I consume, and there are still the daily multiple blood sugar tests.
And in another strange way it's disappointing to have these VERY INFREQUENT spells of "n.r.e." highs, because sometimes I subconsciously believe EVERY single blood sugar will be perfect. It's a great expectation, but one that is sure to disappoint.
This insulin pump is awesome. The best thing to ever happen to me and my health - ever! But it is NOT a pancreas that automatically distributes the right amounts of insulin intuitively; and this forray in the 400's is a harsh reminder of that.
Having, managing, and controlling diabetes is a daily adventure. The pump gives the diabetic a distinct advantage over their blood sugars and overall health.
But until we are all cured, there will be days (and nights) like these.
And it's not that it's acceptable; this is a horrible feeling. It's just that sometimes it is fruitless to attempt to reason ecerything when the simple fact is, sometmes it's no more complicated than:
"N.R.E!"
I started racking my mind, trying to account for this reading. Did I miscount my food intake, forget to take some insulin, was I stressed before bed? No, No, and no. I did have a low blood sugar at about 7:30 PM, but was 125 before bed. No rational explanation.
And there you have it.
No Rational Explanation - herein referred to as "N.R.E.!"
It's so disappointing. Really, I'd feel so much better if I could write it off as, I forgot to Bolus for that King Sized Peanut Butter Twix Bar! But that's not the case.
The fact is, it could be one of 100 small contributing factors that I may be totally unaware of. Sometimes our bodies fight off sickness (while we may not necessarily be feeling 'flu-like') and the increased internal stress makes theh blood rise. Maybe there was an air bubble I missed in the pump resevoir that inhibited (but did not hinder entirely) the proper flow and distribution of insulin. Doubtful, but possible. I DID have an unexplained 247 earlier today, so maybe...
But then again, maybe not!
In some starnge way, being on the pump has ALMOST made me feel like I don't have diabetes any more. Almost? Compared to my prior regimen, coupled with my previous averages, it's hard to call this 'diabetes management' if that is what I was doing before the pump.
But I did say, 'almost,' because my blood sugar still rises and falls - quickly, I still have to count every single gram of carbohydrate I consume, and there are still the daily multiple blood sugar tests.
And in another strange way it's disappointing to have these VERY INFREQUENT spells of "n.r.e." highs, because sometimes I subconsciously believe EVERY single blood sugar will be perfect. It's a great expectation, but one that is sure to disappoint.
This insulin pump is awesome. The best thing to ever happen to me and my health - ever! But it is NOT a pancreas that automatically distributes the right amounts of insulin intuitively; and this forray in the 400's is a harsh reminder of that.
Having, managing, and controlling diabetes is a daily adventure. The pump gives the diabetic a distinct advantage over their blood sugars and overall health.
But until we are all cured, there will be days (and nights) like these.
And it's not that it's acceptable; this is a horrible feeling. It's just that sometimes it is fruitless to attempt to reason ecerything when the simple fact is, sometmes it's no more complicated than:
"N.R.E!"
Through it all, I'll be pumpin...
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Perfect Day
I thought it would never happen.
I had hoped for it, dreamed about it, and even prayed for it. But I didn't really believe it could be. 22 years is an awful long time of bouncing blood sugars. Waking up in the middle of the night at 35, then sky rocketing to 490 because I over-treated with too much sugar. Then taking a massive dose of insulin to get that high reading down only to plummet too far, too fast and end up in the 50's again - all by 10 AM.
That's just a microcosm of an atypical day (what diabetic day is really typical? Especially when your numbers are all over the board). So you can see why I had all but dismissed the possibility of reaching my goal; a milestone; a modest request with great implications for me....."The Perfect Day!!"
You may be wondering what exactly does that mean? 'Sleeping in until 10 AM, playing Wii, writing songs, eating Dorito's, and consuming unusually large quantities of Diet Pepsi?' Although appealing, that's not it! How about one day of children getting along with one another all the while being obedient and pleasant to their parents? Ohh, the bliss of such a notion - but again, not my perfect day!
The Perfect Day means blood sugars that are perfect - ALL DAY LONG! No matter when I test (or how often) - bingo every time! A small disclaimer here..I have in fact tried to manufacture the perfect day by getting a perfect reading in the morning and then not testing all that much (as much as I should have). Yes, sheesh, I know - I'm not proud of it...plus it didn't even work!!
So the other day started pretty well: 84. What's worth mentioning here is that a few months ago 84 would have meant going low quick, so no time to enjoy it, get some juice...fast! (Thankfully those days are gone).
Noon: 72. Hey, perfect. (The 'normal' range used to be 80-120, but now it's 70-140, as the b/s level rises 2 hours post-meal)
3:30 PM: 91.
5:30 PM: 86.
8:45 PM: 64 (no problem - a little pineapple juice...)
So that's it:
84 ("B")
72 ("i")
91 ("n")
86 ("g")
64 ("o")
So how did I feel? Funny you should ask, because the truth is: TIRED! :)
I have no idea why, because in my la-la land dreamworld I figured readings this good would most likely enable me to leap small buildings in a single bound, or at the very least allow me to enjoy limitless energy. Not so, at least not that day. Just....tired!
Ahhh, but that is not the point of the story. There will be (and have now, since been) other 'perfect days.' It's not that the readings unlock some magical utopian experience only enjoyed by those whose pancreas's actually produce insulin. No, it's that after all this time, and nearly giving up hope - it was possible, and despite not having a all that much energy, it STILL feels GREAT!
If you are someone who struggles with diabetes control, please don't give up. Maybe a loved one battles high blood sugars, or is on that elusive up/down roller-coaster of blood sugar chaos - please don't lose hope. This pump has changed everything - including what I thought was possible. What was once a pipe-dream is now a daily reality, and there is no price too high to pay for knowing you are in good health.
I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave your comments, or drop me an e-mail anytime.
If you're serious about taking care of yourself, don't wait so long like I did. Get a pump and then together we'll be...
pumpin.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Fears and Truth
In the last month a lot of people have been asking me, 'why did you wait so long,' 'do you wish you had done it earlier?,' and other questions of the sort.
Truthfully, there are a multitude of factors that went in to my radical mindset transformation, but I try not to dwell in the past. For example, it would be easy to grieve over what might-have-been had I started the pump 10 years ago - how much better I would have felt, how my health could and most certainly have been exponentially improved. Sure, that's all well and true, but here's how I see it....better to start the pump NOW than next year, in ten years, or never. So the last 22 years have not been the greatest, well the next 22 will be!
Now that you understand my mindset, I'll share some more about this transitional experience. As mentioned in an earlier post, I want to share some of my prior fears with you, and namely some of the great inhibitors to making the switch from needles (injections) to the pump.
1. I dreaded the prospect of being 'connected,' 'wired,' 'hooked up,' or as the pump companies call it, 'tethered.' No matter what words you try to use to make it more appealing, the simple fact is you've got a small tube attached to your body - generally at all times.
I could think of 1,000 reasons that it simply wouldn't work for me. I mean, with my busy exercise schedule (o.k., maybe it was busy 15 years ago!), it would be difficult. And even though I hadn't exercised seriously this side of Y2k, hey, I could get started again at any time!!
Then there's my recreational sports. You know, flag football, pick-up basketball, weekend street hockey with the kids, family camp ping-pong, Nintendo wii, you get the idea. Again, in my mind I am quite the involved athlete, but in actuality the amount of time spent on the aforementioned "sports" annually could most likely be numbered in one hand!
Of course there's the fear of the unknown - what about showers, baths, swimming, sleeping (this was a big time concern for me) and other miscellaneous activities? You simply take it off for showers, baths, and other stuff (when you want) for up to an hour without really affecting anything. There's a little piece on the end of the tubing that snaps into place at the infusion site that is easily disconnected for short periods of times. Sleeping? Leave it on. That concept freaked me out, because I am not one of those lay perfectly still sleepers. So you just clip the pump to your wasitband, and sleep! It's not a bother in any way, shape or form.
You know what's so startling to me now, after one month on the pump? I thought it would be embarrassing to have that mini-tube showing (it doesn't have to), and it would look ridiculous. I figured I could hide it easily enough, but was still concerned about it. Now, rather than hide it, I'd prefer to show it. This small piece of brilliance has transformed my entire life, and I'm very proud to be on the pump!
2. I thought that wearing the pump meant I lost and diabetes won. I even stated aloud that I preferred multiple shots (I was on at least 5 per day) over 'being connected' to a pump. I reasoned that I had more control by sticking with the injections, and that by wearing the pump I was conceding defeat.
How idiotic of me. Even writing that is a little distressing. Ignorance is not bliss, and willful ignorance is even less blissful. I was totally wrong, completely uninformed, and unwilling to accept anything other than my own fears and imagined strongholds.
The simple truth is that diabetes is really difficult to control - even in the best of circumstances. Diabetics need to use every single tool available to manage, treat, control the disease, and proactively stave off any future complications. Wearing the pump is not losing, it's stacking the deck in your favor. You've still got to play the game (count your carbs, follow your regimine, etc.) but you just moved the odds of victory greatly in your favor!
3. I thought it was 'abnormal.' Why this bothered me, I have no clue. Admittedly, I am a little weird anyway (who isn't, right?), but there's something about the anonomyity of diabetes I liked.
For so many of the chronic diseases, recognition is immediate. Diabetes is different - but it wreaks havoc on the inside, and often by the time it surfaces outwardly it's too late to make an appreciable change. The pump just seemed so regimented, so official, so dorky, and so "hey, I'm diabetic and have to wear this awful thing 24 hours a day for the rest of my life" that I wasn't really keen on.
Again, it's easy to discount something when you have no experiential knowledge. It's funny to look back (not that far back, I might add), and see the error of my ways.
I've often thought how cool it would be if we could all see each other's struggles. We go through our days and assess others as having it together (or not) without realizing that everyone of us has a struggle - a battle - a daily trial.
For some it's health, others addictions, some the past, others the present, and some the future. Regardless, each has their own struggle; and I bet we'd be a lot more compassionate and understanding if we could see beyond the surface.
That about does it for my pre-pump fears. It doesn't seem all that big of deal now, but then...whoooooa - major league inhibitors!
In closing, I want share one final admission: I was comfortable in my routine, even though my routine was unsuccessful. That's not easy to say, but it's the truth. Somehow, I justified it; even though the excuses are now (and were then) sorely empty.
Asking Christ to save me from certain spiritual death changed my spirit inside, and altered my eternity. Overcoming my fears and having enough faith just to try the pump has changed my physical state in a similar fashion. My body is beginning to get healthy by utilizing this amazing pump, just as my spirit is nourished by God's Word. For quite some time now the spirit man was healthy, but the physical man was not. Try as I may, I cannot find the words to say how wonderful it feels to know that finally the physical man is getting healthy as well.
With great enthusiasm and eternal gratitude, I am gladly pumpin...
Truthfully, there are a multitude of factors that went in to my radical mindset transformation, but I try not to dwell in the past. For example, it would be easy to grieve over what might-have-been had I started the pump 10 years ago - how much better I would have felt, how my health could and most certainly have been exponentially improved. Sure, that's all well and true, but here's how I see it....better to start the pump NOW than next year, in ten years, or never. So the last 22 years have not been the greatest, well the next 22 will be!
Now that you understand my mindset, I'll share some more about this transitional experience. As mentioned in an earlier post, I want to share some of my prior fears with you, and namely some of the great inhibitors to making the switch from needles (injections) to the pump.
1. I dreaded the prospect of being 'connected,' 'wired,' 'hooked up,' or as the pump companies call it, 'tethered.' No matter what words you try to use to make it more appealing, the simple fact is you've got a small tube attached to your body - generally at all times.
I could think of 1,000 reasons that it simply wouldn't work for me. I mean, with my busy exercise schedule (o.k., maybe it was busy 15 years ago!), it would be difficult. And even though I hadn't exercised seriously this side of Y2k, hey, I could get started again at any time!!
Then there's my recreational sports. You know, flag football, pick-up basketball, weekend street hockey with the kids, family camp ping-pong, Nintendo wii, you get the idea. Again, in my mind I am quite the involved athlete, but in actuality the amount of time spent on the aforementioned "sports" annually could most likely be numbered in one hand!
Of course there's the fear of the unknown - what about showers, baths, swimming, sleeping (this was a big time concern for me) and other miscellaneous activities? You simply take it off for showers, baths, and other stuff (when you want) for up to an hour without really affecting anything. There's a little piece on the end of the tubing that snaps into place at the infusion site that is easily disconnected for short periods of times. Sleeping? Leave it on. That concept freaked me out, because I am not one of those lay perfectly still sleepers. So you just clip the pump to your wasitband, and sleep! It's not a bother in any way, shape or form.
You know what's so startling to me now, after one month on the pump? I thought it would be embarrassing to have that mini-tube showing (it doesn't have to), and it would look ridiculous. I figured I could hide it easily enough, but was still concerned about it. Now, rather than hide it, I'd prefer to show it. This small piece of brilliance has transformed my entire life, and I'm very proud to be on the pump!
2. I thought that wearing the pump meant I lost and diabetes won. I even stated aloud that I preferred multiple shots (I was on at least 5 per day) over 'being connected' to a pump. I reasoned that I had more control by sticking with the injections, and that by wearing the pump I was conceding defeat.
How idiotic of me. Even writing that is a little distressing. Ignorance is not bliss, and willful ignorance is even less blissful. I was totally wrong, completely uninformed, and unwilling to accept anything other than my own fears and imagined strongholds.
The simple truth is that diabetes is really difficult to control - even in the best of circumstances. Diabetics need to use every single tool available to manage, treat, control the disease, and proactively stave off any future complications. Wearing the pump is not losing, it's stacking the deck in your favor. You've still got to play the game (count your carbs, follow your regimine, etc.) but you just moved the odds of victory greatly in your favor!
3. I thought it was 'abnormal.' Why this bothered me, I have no clue. Admittedly, I am a little weird anyway (who isn't, right?), but there's something about the anonomyity of diabetes I liked.
For so many of the chronic diseases, recognition is immediate. Diabetes is different - but it wreaks havoc on the inside, and often by the time it surfaces outwardly it's too late to make an appreciable change. The pump just seemed so regimented, so official, so dorky, and so "hey, I'm diabetic and have to wear this awful thing 24 hours a day for the rest of my life" that I wasn't really keen on.
Again, it's easy to discount something when you have no experiential knowledge. It's funny to look back (not that far back, I might add), and see the error of my ways.
I've often thought how cool it would be if we could all see each other's struggles. We go through our days and assess others as having it together (or not) without realizing that everyone of us has a struggle - a battle - a daily trial.
For some it's health, others addictions, some the past, others the present, and some the future. Regardless, each has their own struggle; and I bet we'd be a lot more compassionate and understanding if we could see beyond the surface.
That about does it for my pre-pump fears. It doesn't seem all that big of deal now, but then...whoooooa - major league inhibitors!
In closing, I want share one final admission: I was comfortable in my routine, even though my routine was unsuccessful. That's not easy to say, but it's the truth. Somehow, I justified it; even though the excuses are now (and were then) sorely empty.
Asking Christ to save me from certain spiritual death changed my spirit inside, and altered my eternity. Overcoming my fears and having enough faith just to try the pump has changed my physical state in a similar fashion. My body is beginning to get healthy by utilizing this amazing pump, just as my spirit is nourished by God's Word. For quite some time now the spirit man was healthy, but the physical man was not. Try as I may, I cannot find the words to say how wonderful it feels to know that finally the physical man is getting healthy as well.
With great enthusiasm and eternal gratitude, I am gladly pumpin...
Thursday, December 4, 2008
space mountain
It's funny how fast things change. Sheesh, just a few short weeks ago I was riding high in the 200/300's consistently, not all that worried about it. Now my b/s level hits 220 and I'm greatly disappointed. A 300? Don't even ask how much I despise it these days!
So anyway, like I said in my last post, I was averaging 115 since last Saturday with only 2 lows. I tell you the amount of lows because you could get a 300 and a 30 and say, "it's not so baaaad, my average is 165 after all!!" You know what I'm saying, right?
Yeah, well I'm feeling great about the blood sugars, but there's another problem that's bugging me big-time. A couple years ago I had carpal tunnel surgery along with 'trigger finger' release surgery. This past summer my fingers started aching again pretty bad - but nothing 4 advil at a time can't handle (I know, I know). I went to see the doc who did the surgery and he put me on prednisone.
Apparently it makes your blood sugar rise, but frankly, considering the amount of pain I was in, I didn't much care.
Fast forward 4 months (to a couple weeks ago). I wake up in the middle of the night and my right index finger feels like it got smashed by a jack hammer which was being carried by a large Mack truck that was transporting a large trailer full of 1,000lb dumbells that simultaneously rolled over my finger.
Exaggerating you say? No, it hurt so bad I could not even bend my finger. So I got up, soaked it in hot water, took my standard 4 advil, rubbed every topical relief product in the house on it, and tried to think of happy things. 2 hours later...back to sleep.
So I say, 'nonsense, that's enough!!,' and promptly place a call to the aforementioned doc to get a new Rx. But then I start the pump and I have no time for any other ailments - until the joint pain strikes back. So yesterday I decide, I HAVE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE. And that really stinks because FINALLY my readings are great, and here I go WILLFULLY screwing them up??! Craziness.
Well, it started off o.k., but went south in the afternoon. AM: 137. bolus. Mid AM: 165 (ut oh..bolus) Lunch: 199 (what the heck?) - bolus. 2 hours later: 305 (aargh) - bolus. 2 hours later: 265 (bolus again). Dinner: 114.
Just when I thought I was off the roller-coaster...nope, I guess I'll get back on. It reminds me of "space mountain" at Disney World (do I have to pay them to even type that? only kidding) A roller coaster zooming around....in pitch blackness. That's diabetes and prednisone together!
On an up note, my hand feels great!!!
I know I said the next post (this one) was going to be about my fears, and trust me, I'll get there. But I wanted to tell you about this latest development. Also, today I started the CGM (continuous glucose monitor). For as amazing as the pump is, this is its equal - and maybe even surpasses it in sheer 'wow' factor points. My new favorite line applies here....more about that later.
Friends, stay encouraged. I welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions. If there's a topic related to diabates, diabetes management, or the living with diabetes, I'd be happy to address it on a future post. Please feel free to drop me an e-mail (the link is over there ---->).
I heard 'in the next 10 years we'll have a cure'....22 years ago. I've been waiting a long time, and maybe you have, too. I strongly believe we'll see the cure in our lifetime, so HANG ON! Get healthy - it affects you in ways you cannot comprehend until you experience it consistently over time.
Take good care of yourself. Until next time, I guarantee - I'll be pumpin...
So anyway, like I said in my last post, I was averaging 115 since last Saturday with only 2 lows. I tell you the amount of lows because you could get a 300 and a 30 and say, "it's not so baaaad, my average is 165 after all!!" You know what I'm saying, right?
Yeah, well I'm feeling great about the blood sugars, but there's another problem that's bugging me big-time. A couple years ago I had carpal tunnel surgery along with 'trigger finger' release surgery. This past summer my fingers started aching again pretty bad - but nothing 4 advil at a time can't handle (I know, I know). I went to see the doc who did the surgery and he put me on prednisone.
Apparently it makes your blood sugar rise, but frankly, considering the amount of pain I was in, I didn't much care.
Fast forward 4 months (to a couple weeks ago). I wake up in the middle of the night and my right index finger feels like it got smashed by a jack hammer which was being carried by a large Mack truck that was transporting a large trailer full of 1,000lb dumbells that simultaneously rolled over my finger.
Exaggerating you say? No, it hurt so bad I could not even bend my finger. So I got up, soaked it in hot water, took my standard 4 advil, rubbed every topical relief product in the house on it, and tried to think of happy things. 2 hours later...back to sleep.
So I say, 'nonsense, that's enough!!,' and promptly place a call to the aforementioned doc to get a new Rx. But then I start the pump and I have no time for any other ailments - until the joint pain strikes back. So yesterday I decide, I HAVE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE. And that really stinks because FINALLY my readings are great, and here I go WILLFULLY screwing them up??! Craziness.
Well, it started off o.k., but went south in the afternoon. AM: 137. bolus. Mid AM: 165 (ut oh..bolus) Lunch: 199 (what the heck?) - bolus. 2 hours later: 305 (aargh) - bolus. 2 hours later: 265 (bolus again). Dinner: 114.
Just when I thought I was off the roller-coaster...nope, I guess I'll get back on. It reminds me of "space mountain" at Disney World (do I have to pay them to even type that? only kidding) A roller coaster zooming around....in pitch blackness. That's diabetes and prednisone together!
On an up note, my hand feels great!!!
I know I said the next post (this one) was going to be about my fears, and trust me, I'll get there. But I wanted to tell you about this latest development. Also, today I started the CGM (continuous glucose monitor). For as amazing as the pump is, this is its equal - and maybe even surpasses it in sheer 'wow' factor points. My new favorite line applies here....more about that later.
Friends, stay encouraged. I welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions. If there's a topic related to diabates, diabetes management, or the living with diabetes, I'd be happy to address it on a future post. Please feel free to drop me an e-mail (the link is over there ---->).
I heard 'in the next 10 years we'll have a cure'....22 years ago. I've been waiting a long time, and maybe you have, too. I strongly believe we'll see the cure in our lifetime, so HANG ON! Get healthy - it affects you in ways you cannot comprehend until you experience it consistently over time.
Take good care of yourself. Until next time, I guarantee - I'll be pumpin...
Monday, December 1, 2008
Victory
Since my last post, my readings have been great! My high has been 188, and that's just because I slightly over-treated a low blood sugar during the middle of the night last night. Changing the site and priming a bit more in the tube seems to have been it.
To me, the last two posts typify type-1 diabetes. Complete aggravation and total frustration to sheer elation and indescribable jubilation! I'm willing to concede that I may be more 'numbers and average focused' than the average joe, but you've got to know that comes from twenty-two LONG years of struggle and un-control.
About that...to all the doctors, endocrinologists, nurses, diabetes specialists, and certified diabetes educators: a little compassion goes a long way. It is dangerous to assume that every diabetic that has unsatisfactory readings is in that state due to apathy, lethargy, or laziness. I used to DREAD the appointments with my 'team.' Frankly, it felt like a one-man team - me. To lecture people about the possible long-term consequences of their prolonged high blood sugars is not altogether helpful. A simple tip: ask questions. Get to know the individual. The blood sugars are not the whole person, just a part. One final suggestion: you are not always smarter than your patient, and even if you are don't act like it. Nothing is more annoying to me as a diabetic than to listen to someone who has no clue what a 400mg/dl blood sugar feels like tell me I ned to try harder, do more, etc.
Whew, that was a long time coming...I feel much better now!
Along the way there have been a few CDE's and doctor's that I think may be borderline incompetent. That's some, but not all.
Conversely, my current team of professionals is incredible. I went through a few Endro's and more CDE's, but getting the right combination of people is a great, and well worth it. If you as a diabetic are feeling like you're not connecting with your team, get a different team. At the end of the day, it's your health at stake, not theirs.
I was so frustrated I (speaking very quietly...) stopped going regularly to my appointments.
(gasp gasp)
Was that their fault? No way, that was all on me. Dumb. Really dim witted. But when I made the decision to consider the pump I found a new team, and it has made all the difference in the world.
That brings me back to my main point (I did have one..)
Diabetes can be a roller-coaster, even in the best case scenario. The pump has given me the readings that I never thought were achievable. There was a string of about 3 days in there (starting on Thanksgiving) where things went a little haywire, but now order is restored!
Coming up in a future post: my biggest fears about the pump, and how I feel about them now.
Hang in there friends, and until next time, I can assure you, I'll be pumpin...
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Aaargh!
Seems like the initial 'honeymoon' period has passed - at least temporarily. I could see my reservoir running down, so I figured I'd change my infusion set (the spot where the insulin goes in) on Thursday AM - before we traveled north for the day.
By the time we eat, I'd already been low 3x, and unlike before the pump, I actually DON'T over treat any longer. But let's be real - 3 lows by noon can make for an aggravating morning! Regardless, I sit down and eat the deep-fried turkey and count every carb (I mean EVERY carb!) like usual, only to see a 385 glaring at me a couple hours later. Highest yet (on the pump, that is.) Pre-pump I would hardly sweat that, but like I said before; everything's changed now.
So I bolus (take short acting insulin, just like an injection of Novo Log) and figure in 2 hou
rs I'll be good. 2 hours later, 285. WEIRD. Bolus again, 2 hours later 235. By now I know something's wrong, so I decide to check the site. I removed the quick-set (the area attachched to body that the tubing connects to - where the insulin goes in, see attached image) and the spot is bleeding pretty bad. I called minimed and they say maybe it hit a muscle or blood vessel and to change spots.
Now, a couple days later the same thing is happening again. No 385's, but riding the mid-200's. So I just changed the set AGAIN and we'll see.
Even with the hardships though, it's still exponentially better than the injection routine.
Until next time, still pumpin...
By the time we eat, I'd already been low 3x, and unlike before the pump, I actually DON'T over treat any longer. But let's be real - 3 lows by noon can make for an aggravating morning! Regardless, I sit down and eat the deep-fried turkey and count every carb (I mean EVERY carb!) like usual, only to see a 385 glaring at me a couple hours later. Highest yet (on the pump, that is.) Pre-pump I would hardly sweat that, but like I said before; everything's changed now.
So I bolus (take short acting insulin, just like an injection of Novo Log) and figure in 2 hou
rs I'll be good. 2 hours later, 285. WEIRD. Bolus again, 2 hours later 235. By now I know something's wrong, so I decide to check the site. I removed the quick-set (the area attachched to body that the tubing connects to - where the insulin goes in, see attached image) and the spot is bleeding pretty bad. I called minimed and they say maybe it hit a muscle or blood vessel and to change spots.Now, a couple days later the same thing is happening again. No 385's, but riding the mid-200's. So I just changed the set AGAIN and we'll see.
Even with the hardships though, it's still exponentially better than the injection routine.
Until next time, still pumpin...
Monday, November 24, 2008
22 years coming....
It was a long road.
Frankly, I had all but eliminated the possibility of ever wearing an insulin pump. I was totally against the concept, and hated the thought of being 'wired up' 24 hours a day.
Frankly, I had all but eliminated the possibility of ever wearing an insulin pump. I was totally against the concept, and hated the thought of being 'wired up' 24 hours a day.
I was diagnosed as a type-1 diabetic on June 20, 1986. So that means for twenty-two years now I've struggled mightily with obtaining ANY thing resembling control.
I used to laugh at those One Touch commercials that always showed a perfect '120' reading. I thought, 'yeah, right...'
My family and friends had encouraged me to give it a try, but I just could not wrap my mind around being tied down with this thing 24/7. But when my son, who has Down syndrome was born, I started to think about things differently.
I began to think about the importance of good health. Further, I considered the path I had been on for over two decades and what the long-term implications were. It was (and is) scary. So one night I googled "insulin pump" and began to research the options.
In a later post, I'll compare and review each of the pumps I was considering and give my reasoning as to why I ended up with the Medtronic/Minimed 522. But for now, suffice it to say I feel I made the right choice.
So my last A1C was about 10.5, which equates to an average blood sugar of approximately 255. (to calculate your average, check this out: http://bloodsugar101.com/A1Ccalc.php)
After two weeks on the pump, my average is 146 (6.7 A1C) and headed down!! Honestly, I've never felt anything like this. The energy, focus, positivity - I simply cannot recall ever feeling anything like this.
All of my fears were unfounded. Being 'wired up' is no big deal whatsoever. And going from 6 shots a day to 1 infusion set every 3 days is a major benefit!
If you are a diabetic struggling with control, I understand where you're at. I had been told I was in the top 2%...just so 'brittle' that no matter what I tried, control may not be attainable. Listen to me, that is false information. I just want to encourage you to consider a more progressive approach to diabetes management.
In this day and age, there is no reason to suffer through the 400's only to crash in to the 30's. There is hope. If I can do it, most certainly anyone can!
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
My family and friends had encouraged me to give it a try, but I just could not wrap my mind around being tied down with this thing 24/7. But when my son, who has Down syndrome was born, I started to think about things differently.
I began to think about the importance of good health. Further, I considered the path I had been on for over two decades and what the long-term implications were. It was (and is) scary. So one night I googled "insulin pump" and began to research the options.
In a later post, I'll compare and review each of the pumps I was considering and give my reasoning as to why I ended up with the Medtronic/Minimed 522. But for now, suffice it to say I feel I made the right choice.
So my last A1C was about 10.5, which equates to an average blood sugar of approximately 255. (to calculate your average, check this out: http://bloodsugar101.com/A1Ccalc.php)
After two weeks on the pump, my average is 146 (6.7 A1C) and headed down!! Honestly, I've never felt anything like this. The energy, focus, positivity - I simply cannot recall ever feeling anything like this.
All of my fears were unfounded. Being 'wired up' is no big deal whatsoever. And going from 6 shots a day to 1 infusion set every 3 days is a major benefit!
If you are a diabetic struggling with control, I understand where you're at. I had been told I was in the top 2%...just so 'brittle' that no matter what I tried, control may not be attainable. Listen to me, that is false information. I just want to encourage you to consider a more progressive approach to diabetes management.
In this day and age, there is no reason to suffer through the 400's only to crash in to the 30's. There is hope. If I can do it, most certainly anyone can!
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
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