Now that two whole weeks have passed since hooking up to my new partner, I am happy to report that the bond is developing well. Sure, we've had our highs and lows, but for most of the time I can safely argue that its been a pretty constant little relationship.
No partnership could ever survive without the standard overkill in analysis. And here are the nuts and bolts of this one for all to mull over:
Prior to becoming attached, I had like most diabetics, heard plenty about 'The Pump' and its magical mystical powers that seems to convince all users that they cannot live without them, and other seemingly sponsored drivel that flows from each of them. At times it seems so unbelievable, especially when these people come from relatively sane backgrounds, not to mention the basic principle of why anyone would love being attached to a relatively heavy, bulkier-than-usual phone attached to your gut by a cord.
BUT..for some reason, I too have become a real fan. Already, I have found myself waxing lyrical, repeating the cries of 'pump-love' like an echo in a diabetic canyon (steady with the analogy, Hanley).
Basic issues and things that have been dealt with already are:
Weight of machine: very weighty to begin with - for today's standards, it is a heavy mobile. But, amazingly, it became lighter after the first 48hours, and now I barely notice the weight of the item. I am surprised as any when I realise this, and
when I show normal people the new toy, they are amazed that I don't notice the weight. Not that it was a huge issue to begin with, but I did think that the extra grams would effect my comfort levels. Not so.
Being attached to machine: There are three major areas to date which
could be considered an issue:
a) toilet - usually you attach pump to top of pants or in pant
pocket, which is the first thing that drops when you attend toilet, particularly without thought during rush hour. I am still adapting to moving the machine to the top half of the body in time. It would be easier of course if I wasn't such a slow learner. Obviously this is a lessor issue for the fellas
b)bed - winter has been a good friend for getting to know the pump in bed, as I don't move around much. On one occasion I woke with it around my ear, but all that really caused was surprise that the dream of having my brain scanned by aliens was possibly not a dream afterall. Usually, my pump partner lies around unattached to anything, and I don't have any problems with rolling on top of it, getting tangled with the cord or stretching the connection to the gut. Hard to believe, but really has been a very minor thing to adjust to. Quite easy, really. Wish all bedroom partners were this easy to get along with.
c) shower - need to disconnect and find the plastic cover to protect gut insertion thingie. I am starting to get separation anxiety in the shower. Whether or not this will encourage me to shorten shower times remain unseen. I'd really hate for the pump to distrupt this period.
d) swimming, sex, etc - not doing much of either at the moment, but apply same principle as the shower. Huge fear of falling asleep without reattaching though. Must set the alarm for that one..
Things that have changed my life:
1) I never knew that injecting was such a pain in the arse. I honestly thought it wasn't that big a deal. BUT, compare the old injection process to a pretty easy press of a couple of buttons seriously reduces time and inconvenience, and increases the ability and flexibility to adjust for everything you eat (rather than, 'well I just had my injection and can't be fucked having 1 or 2 unit injection to cover the small snack,. etc). Unit increments can be 0.1 of a unit, so you can be far more exact than an injection, and much more effective than an injection of 1or2 units (which I never would have bothered giving myself anyway)
2) Exercise has been magnificent, and I never really thought about the benefits of having a pump for this. I simply install a temporary basal rate at a proportion of the set basal rate (say, 65%), and am all ready for exercise. This greatly reduces the need to eat to counter for lows encountered during exercise. When you inject your long acting insulin, you can't really take it back out of you when you exercise, hence the need to eat before, during and after. Now, with a more flexible approach, I can reduce the basal, and minimise hypo chances without needing extra food. Really really fantastic. Feel heaps better during races and training.
3) Hunger. I never get hungry anymore. I think it relates directly to taking around 2/3 of insulin over a 24hour period compared to what I would have injected (the pump has this effect on everyone), as well as spreading out the dosages, leaving me with no huge insulin hit that increases hunger sensations. For the past two weeks I have been recording my eating, BSL and insulin rates, and have noticed that some days I haven't eaten for 11hours - simply because I had forgotten to! Normally that wouldn't have happened because I would have died from hunger. The only problem with this is that I need to force myself to eat, particularly after exercise to help out with recovery. Interesting effect!
4) Changing over the connection site. On Saturday I had a five minute window to get out of the shower, change site and make it to the post office before closing. Managed to do this no worries, despite it only being my fourth-ever changover. I had a huge fear this would be a mega time-consuming and complicated process. Yet I have already got the hang of it, and on a time-saving factor, I am well ahead when you compare this to me looking for insulin pen, searching for bruise-free area and doing the injection.
5) Cost. A little expensive for now until September 1 when they become covered under the NDSS. I have to do something, as I am currently unemployed (not a good time financially to be going onto the pump).
It is hard to find any limits to the contraption or partnership, but I hope to uncover any in the coming weeks. Overall, I have already noticed a net positive change to life that for me it has been well worth the experiment.
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