Comments (6)

By shannon, August 26, 2010 9:00 am

It started almost immediately.  Buyer’s remorse or something worse? 

Way back when I was jumping off of the Medtronic sinking ship, I had to choose a new life raft.  Did I go with the OmniPod or the Animas Ping?  We all know which raft I chose: the OmniPod.

For a while, it was great.  It was so nice not to have to worry about tubing and “where to put the pump.” Although a bit large and bulky, the Pods seemed to do so well on the back of my arms.  I had good absorption and they didn’t get in my way too much.  It was such a great solution, I wrote a poem about it (which led to the Dexcom poem - whiney bitch!).

Then it happened.  I started running out of real estate.  I evicted the Dexcom sensors from my arms, and they took up residence on my ass.  But, when I started to have absorption issues on my arms, I had to find a new home for the Pods. 

My abdomen was out (thank you MM CGM sensors), and my butt was taken ( honestly, it is big enough for both – I just couldn’t get the Pod not to interfere with clothing and sitting, etc.).  I decided to try my legs. 

Normally, I’ll put a tubed infusion set right at the top of my thigh, but I couldn’t do that with the Pod.  First, I still have these annoyingly large seromas on each leg, from the top to the mid-thigh area. So, I had to find a spot even lower on my leg.  I settled on the lower thigh area, which seemed pretty good.  I wear lots of skirts, dresses, and wide-leg pants, so you couldn’t see the Pod at all. 

Sadly, I am a klutz.  Seriously, if there’s a wall, table, edge, corner, or other protruding object, I’m going to hit it when I walk by.  I began losing Pods left and right.  That’s when the doubts came full force.

At the same time, I read Sarah’s post at Sugabetic about how she’d ditched the Pod in favor of the Ping.  She wrote about the Animas Access Program, whereby you can trade in your current pump, pay $200, and get a reconditioned Ping. 

The seed of doubt grew.  That same week, I went through four Pods in three days.  Three were knocked off, and one occluded.  And that’s all it took.

I called Animas, set it up, and got my pink Ping.  It’s been almost a week, and I really feel like I made the right decision.  Sure, it’s somewhat annoying to be tethered again, but the Ping makes a lot of the things I disliked about tubed pumping irrelevant.  For example, I always hated having to find a home for the pump (usually in my bra) and then, have to go diving for it when I needed to bolus.  This always made for an awkward moment amongst new company.  Problem solved with the Ping’s meter/remote.

I also didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t swim without taking off my pump.  Even with the OmniPod, this was a concern.  The Ping is totally waterproof, which means I can even shower with it if I want to (not that I want to).

I’m slowly getting used to the tubing again.  Since I don’t sleep with the pump attached to my PJs, I have to remind myself during those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks to grab it before it hits the floor.  And I have to double check my clothing in the mirror to make sure I don’t have tubing hanging out anywhere.  But to me, these are small prices to pay for the extra real estate – I have so many more options with the small infusion set – and, frankly, cheaper co-pays. 

Overall, I’m very happy with this decision.  I feel a little bad about packing my PDM up and sending it away, but not *that* bad.  We all have to do what’s best for us, and right now, I think the Ping is it.

Now, if they would just get that Dexcom integration thing DONE!

Comments (3)

By shannon, February 12, 2010 12:11 pm

When I first went on a carb counting regimen,  after six months of pills that did nothing except make me sick, and another six months of NPH and R, which dropped me like a stone at random, unpredictable times, I used Humalog. 

I liked Humalog.  I was able to keep my TDD low, and I seemed to respond well to its peaks and duration.  At some point, I don’t even know when, I was switched over to Novolog.  It might have been for insurance purposes or maybe it was when I moved to insulin pump therapy.  I honestly can’t remember.

I have a point (I’m just getting there slowly, like everything else I’m doing today).  Since using Novolog, my TDD has slowly been creeping up.  Is it insulin resistance because I’m a lazy putz who doesn’t want to exercise?  Possibly.  But, it could also be that Novolog’s peak time and duration have so totally screwed up my dosing that I’m taking more and more correction boluses for foods that shouldn’t require a correction.  I’ve had to tweak my basals more, too.

So, not liking the fact that I’m taking so much more insulin than I used to, I did some research.  I know, I know, you’re all shocked and amazed.  What I learned is that Novolog has a reputation for being the slowest acting of the three rapid insulins (Novolog, Humalog, and Apidra).  What most people say is that Apidra is the fastest.  Some people have even cut down their TDD with Apidra. 

While I’m not expecting miracles, I do think it’s time to make a change.  So, first thing this morning, I dialed up Dr. S’s office to see about making the switch.  I know he must think I’m a complete pain in the ass at this point (first the switch from MM CGM to Dexcom, then from MM 722 to Omnipod, and now from Novolog to Apidra), but my goal is to achieve better numbers, so that should be commended, right.  I’m still a pain in the ass, though.  I know it, and I’m ok with it.

So, I’ve tried Humalog (and liked it), I’m using Novolog (not happily), and I now I’m switching to Apidra. 

I’m also starting an exercise schedule and eating more healthier (yes, I know that’s not grammatically correct, but I like it, so deal).

Comments (1)

By shannon, December 28, 2009 11:08 am

It’s been a few days, and I’m feeling the need for a good, old-fashioned rant.  So, here it is . . .

In roughly two weeks, I’ll be flying down to Florida.  This will be my first flight in a while, and I’m not looking forward to it.  I’m a bit of a nervous flyer; I usually take Xanax to help keep me calm.  It helps, but I still don’t like it.  But, since I’m trying to get pregnant, Xanax is out of the question.  I’m going to have to find another way to endure.

So, when I heard about this dickhead “terrorist” who attempted (in the name of religion – ugh!) to blow up a plane headed to Detroit, I got angry.  Why (WHY!) is it necessary to do these things? 

So now, because of this pathetic asshole, we’re going to be restricted to our seats for the entire last hour of each flight.  And during that last hour, all reading material, electronic devices, and anything else that we use to distract ourselves will be banned.  We’re going to have to sit there and think about all the things that could go wrong.  

And what about all of the tools I need to manage my diabetes?  Is a Glucagon kit going to be a red flag now?  It’s a powder that is activated with a syringe full of liquid.  And what happens if I have to test my BG or bolus during that last hour of the flight?  Or, what if I go low and need to eat or drink something?  Then, there are all of the d-related supplies that I carry when I travel.  I’m going to have vials, needles, extra Pods, and other things.  Am I going to have to struggle to take them onboard?  All because one selfish fuck decided to try to blow up a plane full of people. 

So, whether it was his mission or not, this jerk managed to accomplish something.  He’s made flying that much less enjoyable for us all.  I hope he rots in prison until he dies, then rots in hell forever.

Comments (3)

By shannon, December 24, 2009 8:46 am

I had no idea that when I wrote that first poem,

That you’d kick and scream and disrupt my whole home.

If I’d known I’d have taken greater care,

To ensure that your response wasn’t too much to bear.

But, I didn’t expect your reaction to it all,

Keeping me up for two nights with your HIGH alarm call.

Yes, I know that deep down, I deserve all the blame,

But I’ll continue to throw it on you just the same.

I know it’s not fair and it’s definitely not right,

But never before had you put up such a fight.

Since we met, you’ve been there through thick and through thin,

You’ve saved my life and brought peace from within.

I know I had to bump you from your spot on my arm,

For the Pod because there, he can do me no harm.

Besides, you stick so well in your new home on my butt,

Where you’re safe from the edges and doors that slam shut.

So, this rhyme’s for you, Dex, you don’t have to cry,

Now shut the fuck up!  Kthanksbye.

Comments (2)

By shannon, December 23, 2009 9:59 am

It has not been a good week for sleep, and I’m exhausted.  

I’m the type of person who NEEDS at least eight hours of sleep per night.  If I get less, I do not function at the level that I should.  I get headaches, I’m cranky, and I spend the day in a fog.  

I know that everyone is different; Brian needs much less sleep to function, while others need more.  But eight hours is my minimum.

I can’t remember the last time I got eight hours of sleep.  Between getting up for work at 5:30 everyday (I’m so not a morning person) and rarely getting to sleep before 10:00pm, I’m averaging between six and seven hours per night.  This does not a happy Shannon make.

Which brings me to my current state of luggage-ness.  I’ve been eating like crap.  I know it, and I know I shouldn’t, but with so much going on (i.e., preparing for Christmas at our house, which includes painting our kitchen and other assorted home repair projects), we haven’t had a chance to hit the grocery store in a while.  With no food in the house, we either go out to eat or order in EVERY NIGHT.  Weight Watchers is a fond, but distant memory at this point.  I’ll get back to it, but not until this craziness is over.

For the past two nights, we’ve eaten very high carb, very high fat meals.  I’ve done my best to SWAG bolus, but I’ve been way off.  Each night, I’ve gone to bed high, but with a correction bolus pumping away.  Each night, every hour, Dex has alerted me to his unhappiness with my BG. Every.  Single.  Hour. 

I know, I know, I could have changed the alarm settings.  But, normally I *like* the settings I use, and I didn’t want to mess with them.  Besides, the point is to correct the high or low BG, not ignore it.  That’s why I got the DexCom in the first place.

So, back to the story.  Monday night was awful.  I think I got a total of four hours of sleep.  I rage bolused all night, but my stubborn high BG wouldn’t budge. Finally, when I got into the office, I was at a nice 110 mg/dl.  Dead tired, but good BG. 

I have no idea how I made it through an entire workday – probably because there’s absolutely no work this week and I could zone out at will.  I got home before 5:00pm determined to get a good night’s sleep:  eight hours minimum! 

After having the usual “what do you want for dinner” conversation with Brian, we decided a quick trip to Chili’s would be best.  It was early enough that we’d be able to beat the rush.  I bolused, we ate, we came home, I tested, I corrected, and went to bed.  

Dex was unhappy again.  I was high all night.  But, Oliver (my Omnipod) was also displeased.  It seems that I was nearing the expiration of my pod, and it was necessary to inform me of that fact in the middle of the night.  Another sleepless(ish) night.  Unfortunately, I can’t be luggage today – there’s too much to do.  So, I’m drinking coffee like there’s no tomorrow and hoping I can make it through without killing anymore (or getting fired). 

D-technology, I love you because you make it easier to control the beast.  But, I hate you right now because I’m so, so tired.  Have you seen the size of my to-do list?  C’mon man!

Comments (2)

By shannon, December 19, 2009 8:23 am

It’s hard to believe it’s been just a week since we met,

Before you, I thought this is as good as it gets.

But since you came along, I’ve ditched the old tubes,

And the pump at the end, in my bra with my boobs.

And oh how those tubes loved to grab onto things,

Like doorknobs and pets and even earrings.

Now you, my dear Pod, you stick to my arm,

And that’s all you need; it’s the source of your charm.

Unlike my old pump, you’re not scared of things wet,

You’re with me in the shower or the tub with the jets.

So, as we continue to learn how we fit, how we mesh,

I’m certain I’d rather none other on my flesh.

There are times when I think of my old pump and smile,

Because it gave me many years and traveled many miles.

But our time together had to come to an end,

And I feel like my A1c will soon be on the mend.

So, even though I’m not religious, I think I’ll thank God,

For you, my new friend, my dear Omnipod.

Comments (2)

By shannon, December 11, 2009 11:21 am

Yesterday felt like the longest day ever while I was at work.  I tired to get into the office super early so that I’d be able to leave early. Why?  Because my new Omnipod would be waiting for me when I got home.  But the bad drivers of Baltimore were conspiring against me.  I ended up getting to work 30 minutes later than I’d intended.

Once I arrived, I spent far too many minutes checking and rechecking the FedEx tracking page.  Finally, at 12:28, the package was delivered, and from that moment on, I was completely useless at work (not that I’d been all that productive anyway).  I just wanted to go home to my new present.

Does it make me a complete geek to be that excited about an insulin pump?  Do I care?  Nope.  Not even a little.  I wear the geek title with pride.  The other badge I wear, although not with any pride, is impatience.  I’m a type A personality (as if you hadn’t already figured that out for yourself).  I’m extremely high strung, and I want what I want when I want it.

Finally, at 3:30 pm, I hopped in my Tahoe and started home.  First, I had to stop at the pharmacy to pick up my new Freestyle Test Strips to use with the Omnipod PDM.  Since I’m well known at my local Walgreens, it was a quick in/out process.  Once again, I was back in the Tahoe heading home.

As I pulled into our driveway, I saw it.  Like a big, beautifully wrapped Christmas gift, there sat the plain brown cardboard box that held the next phase of my diabetes life.  I hurried out of the Tahoe, grabbed my 30 lb (well, probably not 30, but it’s damned heavy) bag that I have to carry because I must cart tons of diabetes supplies around, and bent over to pick up the box.

It was a lot heavier than I expected.  I remember all of my Minimed supply shipments being really light.  For some reason, the extra weight of the box pleased me.  Almost like the whole system had more . . . I don’t know? Substance?

Once upstairs, I ripped the box open, and the heavens sang.  It was beautiful (I should have taken a photo, but I suck).  My starter kit and five (5!) boxes of pods were carefully packed.  Also in the box:  a white silicone “skin” for the PDM, a Freestyle Flash meter (I guess to use as a backup), and a USB cable for uploading data to a PC (note my only disappointment – no Mac compatibility).

I immediately went to work setting up the PDM according to the instructions and the online tutorial I had watched earlier (while pretending to work).  I entered all of the typical date/time/etc. stuff, basal rates (I have seven!), my I:C ratio, and my correction factor.  After all the settings were done, the PDM asked it I wanted to activate a new Pod.  Why, yes.  I did!

I filled a new Pod with Novolog according to the instructions (the PDM walked me through each step of new Pod activation), removed the needle cap and adhesive backing, and stuck it on my arm.  I pinched the skin, pressed the magic Start button on the PDM, and felt a tiny prick as the needle inserted the cannula.

That’s all it took.  I looked through the little window on the pod, confirmed that the cannula was inserted properly and that there was no blood, and I was done.

I removed the Minimed infusion set, pulled the battery, and placed it in the small box that the Omnipod PDM came in.  I felt a moment of sadness – this pump has been with me through most of the recent big events in my life.  But, when I lost faith in Minimed, my pump had to go.

As I was completely wrapped up in my new device, cooking dinner was out of the question.  We decided to order a pizza, which meant . . . The Pizza Bolus.  It was the first test of my new Omnipod, and the extended bolus worked perfectly.  I was in love.

I tested my BG before bed, calibrated Dex, and crashed.  I slept great!  I woke up once to use the bathroom, and for the first time in years, I didn’t have to search for my pump before sliding out of bed (I often dropped it during that process).  I didn’t have to clip it to my pajama bottoms when I got up this morning, and I didn’t have to disconnect anything before taking my shower.  And my loofah didn’t get stuck on anything!  It was a beautiful moment, and I almost cried.

When I got to work this morning, I download the CoPilot and Extension software to my new Netbook (more on that later), connected my PDM, and uploaded my pump settings and data (so far).  It was painless, and I’m impressed with the software (I just wish I could use it for my DexCom, too).

So, after 18 hours, I’m a very happy Pod person!

Comments (7)

By shannon, December 7, 2009 9:06 am

As you guys know, I’ve decided to change insulin pumps next year.  I’m still trying to decide which one – I received a demo OmniPod last week, but I was too sick to care.  

But, I was recently asked why I wanted to jump ship from Medtronic.  I responded with a laundry list of features and benefits of the other guys, but what it really boils down to is trust.  I’m just not as comfortable with Minimed as I once was.  There are two big reasons why:

The Recall. 

One day last July, I found a UPS package outside when I got home.  Since I LOVE presents, I got excited.  But, when I tore into the box, all I found was a box of infusion sets and a letter telling me to discontinue all infusion sets from “Lot 8.” 

As a diabetic, I receive recall notices all the time.  Sometimes it’s for test strips, sometimes it’s for meters.  Never before had I actually had in my possession one of the recalled lot numbers.  Not once.  So, I meandered on over (I was feeling swanky) to my stash of D supplies.  Sure enough, all of my infusion sets were the dreaded Lot 8.  I couldn’t believe it.  I’d spent years stockpiling (more on that another time) these infusion sets, only to have to send them back to Medtronic!

Like a good little customer, I boxed them all up and sent them back.  They promised they’d send a replacement box for each one I sent back, so I felt a little better.  For a while.

Then, I started thinking about my crazy BG numbers over the past few months.  I know, I know, you’re going to say, “Shannon, your numbers are always crazy!”  But, this was different – it was CRAZY crazy.  Like, I need to change by basals kind of crazy.  It was so frustrating because I couldn’t explain why my numbers were so unpredictable.  But, I assumed it was my fault (don’t we always).  Lo and behold, it was Minimed’s fault.  (Note, since using the new infusion sets, I’ve had better stability – well, at least “normal” crazy.)  I stumbled across a discussion on Tu Diabetes about The Recall, and I was happy to read that I wasn’t alone.  

The fact that Medtronic issued a recall isn’t what killed my trust.  It was how they did it.  I knew nothing about the problematic infusion sets until I received a brand new box to replace the defective ones.  Where was my “heads-up” that there could be a problem?  How long did it take from their discovery of the issue, to the release of replacement infusion sets?  Days?  Weeks?  Months?  Seriously.  Why didn’t they send a notice saying, “hey, we know that there’s a problem, so you might want to switch to MDIs until we figure it out.”  Something, anything would have been better than silence.

My second reason is a little less directly-relevant to me, but it bothers me none-the-less.

The Death.

I recently learned of the death of Steven Krueger, although he passed away over three years ago.  At first, I didn’t believe what I read regarding his death.  It seemed impossible.  However, further discussion at Tu Diabetes (yes, I spend a lot of time there and you should, too!) revealed that many others experienced the same problem that caused Steven’s untimely (and preventable) death.

In a nutshell, while he slept, Steven’s pump went into Prime mode.  His model pump (MMT-511) emptied the ENTIRE RESERVIOR of insulin into his body.  Steven never woke up.

While the situation is tragic, and I place the blame completely at Medtronic’s door, I also don’t like the fact that there’s been a cover-up.  Yep, according to the lovely Anna, “The pump left the coroners office in B.C., Canada – intact (pictures were taken prior to being sent off) – but a week later – Medtronic sent back the pump stating that the case was cracked – therefore they could not perform any tests!”

WTF, Medtronic?  I don’t like that kind of sneaky crap.  It makes me feel dirty and in need of a shower.

So, those are my reasons.  If I could, I’d dump Minimed today.

Comments (5)

By shannon, November 19, 2009 2:06 pm

Dear Insulin Pump/Glucose Meter/CGM Manufacturers,

First, let me tell you how much I love your products.  I’m a big geek, who actually gets excited at the prospect of new diabetes technology.  When I get a new meter, it’s like my birthday.  CGM arrival day is like Christmas.  And, well, new pump day?  That only happens once every four years, so I can’t even compare it to any other day.  I don’t know what it is about new tech gadgets that gets me so excited.  It’s just all so shiny and new and wonderful.

Until I look at the minimum requirements for using your software.  Why-oh-why won’t any of you support Mac OS? Imagine my disappointment when, after carefully unboxing my new Accu-Check Compact Plus meter, I found that in order to use the software, I had to use Windows.  Windows!?!  

What is it?  Did Apple beat you up in grade school?  Did they steal your college girlfriend?  Did they get you fired?  Seriously.  What is it?

Because, when/if one of you guys ever steps up and makes Mac-friendly software, I’ll be first in line to give it a try.  Hell, I’ll even beta test it for you!  Just.  Make.  Something.

kthanksbye,

Shannon

Comments (4)

By shannon, November 18, 2009 1:27 pm

Which is better?

Next year, I’m going to get a new insulin pump.  I’ve used a Minimed 722 pump for three years, and while I like it, I don’t *love* it.  I admit to some pump envy.

At this point, I’m torn between the Omnipod and the Animas One Touch Ping.  I really like both of these guys for similar reasons.  

I LOVE the idea of remote bolusing.  Now, before you tell me about Minimed’s remote control for the 722, let me say that I have it and don’t like it.  I’m not a math person, so if I have to calculate a bolus, without the luxury of a “wizard,” I’m not happy.  So, score one for the Omnipod and one for the Ping. 

Next, I’m tired of tubing.  I’m constantly getting it wrapped around a doorknob or caught in my dog’s feet (he’s a bit of a lap dog).  I feel limited to certain pump sites because of the tubing issue.  Point for the Omnipod.

I’m somewhat intimidated by the size of the Pod.  I don’t want it to be visible under my clothes.  This is especially true because I’ve gotten used to using my arms and legs as pump sites.  My abdomen is so scarred that absorption is pathetic there.  I keep my DexCom sensors on my arms, and they’re already pretty visible, so what will adding a Pod to the mix do?  Point for the Ping.

So, I’m back to square one.  Which is the better pump and why?