My new reader pointed out that my last post seemed out of place.
I used to blog in that manner a lot more often a few years ago, but not so much these days. I'm generally a very happy-go-lucky guy. There aren't many things that get me pissy, but boy - watch out when they do, haha!
The background - I've been diabetic since I was 7 years old, totalling 18 years now. Over the last 3 years, I've been relearning Diabetes and making some strong improvements to my control and approach. I wish I had the time to add labels for all 7 hundred posts so that you could filter the diabetes ones...
Anyway, this last year I have felt IN CONTROL of my diabetes. While the numbers could improve, I had a good understanding of how my body worked in most situations and what to do to work WITH my body and its lack of insulin.
Since starting on the pump, I feel that I've lost that control. Don't be scared away by what I say- I'm sure I will love it in a few weeks, but this new regimen and all the change are testing my patience. Also, spending an entire day above 10 is something that I hadn't done in a long time, and I really really dislike it - as you gathered from my last post.
I want to wish Gary the best of luck tomorrow as he starts on his pump!
Congrats!
I hope that the experience is great for you, and I want to hear all about it. Are you keeping a blog also?
In addition to the pump, the company sent me the Contour Link glucose meter. It has a feature that allows it to communicate with the pump wirelessly. Unfortunately, my meter reads everything at 2mmol higher than my other 3 meters say. I will be sending it back for a replacement when I have time.
In terms of the Continuous Glucose Monitor - I bought the sensor and the things I'll need to use it, but the training I'm doing instructs us to not use it until we are fully operational on the pump.
I did however have previous experience with the CGM. Go here to see what I wrote about it, also check the archive for the days before and after that. Like here or here.
In conclusion, today was a better day.
I'm getting the physical manifestations of the cumulative stress in my life. Jaw tension and arm tension abound!
A quick view of things to do:
Lesson tomorrow that I haven't done much writing for - I'll do much tonight and tomorrow morning.
Anxiously awaiting both Macbook and pump supplies in the mail.
I've almost finished off a piece that I'm excited to hand over to the singer in the next few days.
Dance exams on Friday - need to find time to practice, AND they're at 9am! in the morning!
McGill and Toronto applications need to be sent out within the week. ish.
I need to have finished 25% of my thesis in a few days to stay on track.
3 comments:
Michael
You might find the book Pumping Insulin is a useful read, just make sure to get the latest edition.
Also check out TuDiabetes.com if you need help with the pump or CGM. Best of luck, ironing out the challenges on getting these going can be frustrating but it's generally worth it.
Thanks Bernard.
I indeed have read the book and have been to the website as well as others.
It might sound a little pompous, but if I were in charge of my pump start set up, I would be under much better control right now.
Unfortunately, since the pump is funded by the government, I have to jump through certain hoops. The main hoop is the fact that I have to give all control to the nurse who is "following me for a few weeks", ie, they look at the sugars I email her twice a week, and are only willing to make a change once it establishes a 3 day pattern.
I am doing everything I can to follow their orders and provide them with clear information.
I am not satisfied with the level of communication thus far - that would be the source of my frustrations mostly.
Anyway, thanks for the kind words and help!
Hi Michael
My background: had D for just 7y, I am 43y now. Skinny.
Today, I started on the pump Minimed 722.
I hear you when you talk about lost of control. I feel like I am being bullied by Trainer nurse (of course it’s not her fault). I like to be in control. I don’t like being treated as some idiot who doesn’t know a thing about diabetes control. My A1C is around 7%. Not perfect, but within the acceptable range.
I have OneTouch Ultra. Now with Contour, my results are also higher most of the time. Something is wrong here. Bayer had a recall with test strips in Dec 2007 in the beginning of manufacturing process (just Google it). They said they fix it. May be not.
The chances I will keep the pump are 50/50 now. It’s a lot of hassle with infusion sets, cartridges refills, inflammations chances and etc. and you pretty much have to keep all other supplies (except long lasting insulin, of course).
It just doesn’t make sense to me. I can test 7-8 times a day (and these costs are 100% covered my insurance) with the same good BG control. And nobody to bug you. Just visit my endo once in 6m. But of course, you have to know what are you doing – carb counting, how different foods affect your BG and many more. My favourite books are: check this ISBN 0-316-09906-6 and 1-56924-396-4
If my Diabetes God (Dr. Bernstein) is not using the pump, may be I should not too.
I don’t even think about CGM. The costs are astronomical and are not covered yet in Canada. I have the transmitter too.
A lot of stuff is going on at work, with kids. I feel like this pump is tipping point for me.
I have your email now. But let’s just communicate though blog. Maybe same other people will read it too.
P.S. I don’t blog, no patience for that. You are the Mac guy. I have iPhone too.
Do you live in Ontario. I am in Oakville (Ontario).
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