Insulin Pump Saga: Getting Closer…

February 3, 2014 ~ JodiLea

When I said “stay tuned…” I had no idea that I would be leaving you hanging for a whole month. Yikes! 2014 has begun with a calendar full of appointments, events, etc and that’s my excuse for the long lull in this Insulin Pump Saga.

I passed the requirements to get into the February pump training classes. Yippee!! Next week I see my Endo (endocrinologist) and she will look over my “numbers” and write a prescription for my pump programming. The trainer will come over and go over my pump with me and fill it with saline solution while I am “in training”. This is for when I make a boo-boo and tell the pump to give me more insulin than it would take to kill a horse. That way it’s an “Oooops!” instead of a funeral. I am completely OK with that approach 😉

I am excited, yet anxious too. It will be a huge change in my life, and even though I want this change, it will be a major one.

February is here and so is my pump. Keep staying tuned (but don’t hold your breath or anything) 🙂

Insulin Pump Saga: Same-Same

December 30, 2013 ~ JodiLea ~ 2 Comments

When my granddaughters were learning about matching and grouping things, they pointed out things that matched and said “Same-Same”. I don’t know why I thought of that. Maybe because my abnormal routine of doctors appointments will be continuing well into the New Year.

I passed my test with an A- and was approved to start Pump Initiation then have the 2-day training! This will happen in February, because I’m not going to cram all this before we leave for Laughlin, NV to attend Aunt Kitty’s 90th birthday bash. Both events are too important!

Until February, my homework is to fill out – yep, you guessed it – more paperwork! Not much of it, but I also must get even more precise with the carb counting by using resources (either websites or apps) that will give me a way to break down recipes I usually make for meals, and add these to my personal carb DB, for quick reference, and to keep me from making guesses.

Guessing is strongly discouraged, for obvious reasons. 🙂

Stay tuned…

It’s Here! It’s Here!

December 17, 2013 ~ JodiLea

My insulin pump arrived today – Yeah! NovologSyringe

I haven’t opened the large box yet, because I’m 40% excited and 60% terrified. This pump thing is a major lifestyle change and y’all know how much I love change! Even good changes, like getting rid of syringes and insulin pens.

Even though I am curious, I don’t want to get ahead of the game plan I’m working with the Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE’s). They are committed to preparing me with the knowledge I need to have and records I need to keep in order for the doctor (an endocrinologist) to accurately program the pump to work with my ratios, etc.

I, actually we (because I made hubby come with me), had a class this morning in Modesto. A 2-hour drive there and back for a 1-hour appointment. I have counted carbs for years, but this class was about insulin pump carb counting – a very detailed and meticulous way to account for every single carb to be ingested.

Carb counting has always been important for diabetics. If you are using an insulin pump that acts like a pancreas, slowly dispensing a constant dose of insulin over time and it will give you evenly spaced out insulin to help your body absorb the carbs you eat at meal time.

The next class is Dec 30th. The CDE will review my logs and give me a test. I have homework to do before the class. HOMEWORK!? I’m so happy it is not calculus.

So, I will be reading materials, looking up carbs, fibers and fats, doing math and writing everything I do on a big chart, during the holidays. I hope your holidays are a bit more festive 🙂

I sure hope I have time to blog in between all this ~~crap~~ stuff…

A Merry Christmas to All and a Happy New Year!