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So when my doctor told me I was going to be getting my first ever pump in the mail by 2nd Day Air, I was excited to get home to check it out. In all honesty, I just wanted to use my allotted insurance for medical devices before I moved to Canada in case I wanted to eventually try the pump. Five days after my tracking was published, I rushed home from work to meet a nurse to walk through the functions of my pump since it was supposed to be delivered by 3pm. I talked to multiple UPS representatives that assured me my pump would be delivered, but it never showed. My nurse had to leave, so she showed me some basics for the infusion site in the trunk of her car, but not much help. The following day it arrived. I opened my new Animas Ping and three months worth of supplies! This was all covered by insurance, how crazy! Thousands of dollars! I am so thankful!  After opening the boxes, it told me to do it..."Let's get started." So I know, I didn't have any training, but I am not one to read directions, so I am sure I could figure it out! Thank you youtube for some direction. Diabeticdanica and diabeticteen were my trainers. A funny video was explaining how the pump is water proof, but showering can be difficult because you really have no where to put the pump, never thought about that. Anyways, funny solutions starting coming to mind if I really wanted to shower without disconnecting. Maybe time for another post. Hahaa.  I was surprised to see how many athletic looking people were on all the boxes. The pump is actually really cool. The slim design and ability of the pump is actually pretty amazing. Below is the actual pump and the receiver that can control the pump remotely and also acts as a blood glucose monitor to track all of your figure sticks. You don't necessarily need to carry both around because you can control the pump completely from the actual pump. The meter will be handy if the pump is tucked away and you need to deliver insulin.   I have always been kinda against having a pump because of the tubes and having something always attached to my body. I have gotten over having a device attached to me through my dexcom, but the tubes will take some getting used to. I went ahead and hooked it up, and loaded it with a saline solution and wore for a couple days. It was a lot to think about dosing with the "fake" insulin and then taking "real" insulin with my pen and a lot to carry around when I went out of the house. I was sick, so didn't leave the house much, so that was easier. So my doctor doesn't want me to start on insulin yet until I get a doctor in Canada, so she wouldn't give me a basal rate. I understand, but doesn't mean ill listen. I am waiting until I get my new dexcom G4 up and running so I can really watch my sugars closely when I actually start using "real" insulin in the pump. I figure the basal rate is somewhat of a guess and adjust anyways, but I have again watched some youtube videos and have a pretty good idea of where I will start my basal rate when I do. Likely not till I get a little more settled in Canada.  Would love to hear where you wear your pump and any tricks and tips to carrying around in the comments below.
5 Comments
Karen
1/8/2013 03:34:12 pm
Hey Bram, good job on your first injection site. I do it there where you have it and I also do it on my back. I wish I could take a pic but since I can't I'll explain the best I can. Like if you are looking at your pic of your stomach on your post, just imagine you are looking at your back, and mark the same place..... Just under the ribs, at arms reach.... Its much better than on the hip which is where I used to give my insulin shot. When I tried to do the injection site there it would come out easily when I would be getting dressed when taking off my pants. I'd rip it out every time. So, just up a bit but under the ribs works great for me. Gives me more sites than just the stomach. You can use your legs and arms too but personally I don't. Good luck! Oh, I love those girls on the YouTube also, they helped me a lot too!
Karen
1/8/2013 03:35:10 pm
Forgot to check off the notification of new comment box
Bram
1/9/2013 06:48:44 am
Thanks Karen! I typically don't like my stomach area, but thought it would give me peace of mind to see it and make sure it stays connected. Great all the information out there on these gadgets and appreciate everyone's willingness to put it out there.
Amanda
6/6/2013 08:01:19 am
I just came across your blog today and I find it very inspiring. I was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 17 too (diagnosed 9.5 years now). I used to swear I'd never wear a pump for the same reasons you've listed. I've been pumping now for 6.5 years and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It was hard to get used to the tubing at first but the amount of control and freedom I have is worth it! I place my sites in the same spots you'd inject insulin-outer thigh, abdomen, butt, upper butt...I don't use my outer arms tho...I love the Animas Ping and having the meter remote, it offers discretion so you don't have to run to the washroom to ''bolus'' (inject) or have people ask questions that you don't want to answer. I'm stoked to hear that Canada has approved the Dexcom and I hope to be getting one, when they become available! Have you found a doctor in Vancouver? And started using the pump? Amanda
Bram
6/7/2013 01:57:24 am
Hi Amanda! Sounds like we have very similar situations. I am sure once I get used to a pump, I am sure I will like it. I have yet to find a doctor in Vancouver or start to use my pump yet. I think once the rainy season starts, it will be a perfect time to start on the pump. Yes, you should really try the dexcom 4 once you can, it was a real game changer for me. Glad you found my site, and I will try to update on a more regular basis once a get a little more settled. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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BRAM HUTCHINSON
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