I hope all of you had a good day without labor.
TRW and I spent time washing the windows and walking the dogs. We cooked a few brats on the grill. The low fat turkey brats added some mozzarella cheese with tomato salad and a nice glass of wine. It should probably be beer and not wine, but we decided on wine this time. Very few carbs with this meal and our walk with the dogs kept the old BG in check. I think we did about 4.5 miles on the walk.
And of course you can't forget the traditional Labor day shopping. I picked up a new pair of hiking shoes to protect my diabetic feet and I found a shirt on the clearance rack for $11.00. TRW found a pair of shorts. We are quite the big spenders on Labor day.
No excursions, high or low and very relaxing weekend.
Work awaits as another Labor day has come and gone.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
CGM has returned
A new Guardian transmitter arrived in the mail a week, or so, ago. The night before I was going to apply the sensor, I shaved a section of my belly. I shave the night before, to reduce the irritation to the skin. Applying the razor and the tape on the same day, tends to cause a skin irritation.
The new transmitter was charged and ready to go. I went through my normal get ready routine. Then I punch the button and zip, the sensor is in. It is still a big scary needle that slides in the cannula, but I felt no pain, so it was a good start. After a ten minute wait and I attach the transmitter. I get the green blinking light that tells me the transmitter and CGM are transmitting data. I finish the job by taping the sensor and transmitter down and heading off to work.
Two hours later I get the message to register the first BG and start the calculations.
So, after many months of being off of the CGM, I am now back on the CGM.
This raises an interesting question. Now that I am on the OmniPod pump and I use the PDA to calculate Bolus dosages; Do I really need the CGM? Is the CGM relegated to an alarm only function to tell me if I have a high or low BG?
The new transmitter was charged and ready to go. I went through my normal get ready routine. Then I punch the button and zip, the sensor is in. It is still a big scary needle that slides in the cannula, but I felt no pain, so it was a good start. After a ten minute wait and I attach the transmitter. I get the green blinking light that tells me the transmitter and CGM are transmitting data. I finish the job by taping the sensor and transmitter down and heading off to work.
Two hours later I get the message to register the first BG and start the calculations.
So, after many months of being off of the CGM, I am now back on the CGM.
This raises an interesting question. Now that I am on the OmniPod pump and I use the PDA to calculate Bolus dosages; Do I really need the CGM? Is the CGM relegated to an alarm only function to tell me if I have a high or low BG?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Low on the road
TRW and I grab a bite to eat at the breakfast bar included with our room. I had fruit, oatmeal, skim milk, coffee and a slice of toast.
How may carbs does that equal?
The toast and fruit I can find in my PDA food list. That sure makes counting carbs easier when you don't remember the number of carbs in a serving.
Oatmeal was not in the list. There was instant oatmeal with cinnamon and spice. No, that is not what I was eating. Just plane old Oatmeal. I did add some skim milk and a splenda to liven up the taste, just a little bit.
Under the cereal catagory you would think Oatmeal would be a fairly common food item.
It had Oatmeal instant with raisins and spice. Nope, that is not it either.
There it is, well, sort of; Tucked between the other two oats is Instant, regular quick cooked with water. I guess that will have to do. 25 carbs.
25 carbs - Oatmeal
15 carbs - Toast
12 carbs - Strawberrys
52 carbs total
Check my BG! Answer the question "Yes" I am going to eat. The Bolus is calculated, transmit to the OmniPod, now it is time to hit the road.
We load up the bike and drop the room key off at the front desk. We are headed north west out of Aspen to Carbondale. When we get to Carbondale we will turn left on Highway 133. This is one of the best rides in Colorado. Very scenic and quite. We have about a half hour before we get to Carbondale, so we sit back and enjoy to cool crisp mountain air.
A few miles out of Carbondale, I sense some tingling in my hands and feet. Then it rises up into the back of my mouth. It has been just barley a half hour, since I did my Bolus. I can't be going low this soon. We only have a two more miles to Carbondale, if things don't change I will pull over and do a BG.
As we roll into Carbondale, I tell TRW we are going to stop, I need to do a BG. Are you all right? Anything I can do? No, just feeling funny and I need to check.
We pull into a grocery store and park. I pull out my BG kit and test. My BG is 59, WTF! I almost instantly start to sweat and get the shakes. I grab some sugar tabs and a bottle of water. TRW heads into the store to pick up more water and a few other things. I hang outside leaning against the bike and wait for the sugar tabs to kick in. I try to stand so the sweat can evaporate, but it is still pouring off of me.
A friendly citizen comes up to me and wants to talk about the bike. He likes the color and has always wanted to take a road trip. Nice, I say to him, but I can hardly stand up right now, much less think of anything to say. I try not to be rude, so I smile and nod my head. He gets in his car to drive off and I wave good bye.
Fifteen minutes go by. The seating is subsiding. My eyes are starting to clear. TRW comes out of the store with a few munchies and some drinks. My strength has returned. We talk about over estimating the Bolus. She is glad I can feel the low coming on. Me too. Especially since I don't have my CGM right now.
We wait several more minutes and then I am ready to go. TRW give me the once over to make sure I am ready. Then she give me the twice over, just to double check.
We load up and head south west on Highway 133. Through the twisties and over the mountain pass. We stop a few places along the way to take pictures. We drop out of the mountains and into the high desert on the western side of the pass. We stop to shed a layer of clothing. We end up in Delta, CO. where the locals are friendly and we stop at a small cafe for lunch.
One more beautiful ride interrupted briefly for a short Hypoglycemic episodes. It was still a great ride.
How may carbs does that equal?
The toast and fruit I can find in my PDA food list. That sure makes counting carbs easier when you don't remember the number of carbs in a serving.
Oatmeal was not in the list. There was instant oatmeal with cinnamon and spice. No, that is not what I was eating. Just plane old Oatmeal. I did add some skim milk and a splenda to liven up the taste, just a little bit.
Under the cereal catagory you would think Oatmeal would be a fairly common food item.
It had Oatmeal instant with raisins and spice. Nope, that is not it either.
There it is, well, sort of; Tucked between the other two oats is Instant, regular quick cooked with water. I guess that will have to do. 25 carbs.
25 carbs - Oatmeal
15 carbs - Toast
12 carbs - Strawberrys
52 carbs total
Check my BG! Answer the question "Yes" I am going to eat. The Bolus is calculated, transmit to the OmniPod, now it is time to hit the road.
We load up the bike and drop the room key off at the front desk. We are headed north west out of Aspen to Carbondale. When we get to Carbondale we will turn left on Highway 133. This is one of the best rides in Colorado. Very scenic and quite. We have about a half hour before we get to Carbondale, so we sit back and enjoy to cool crisp mountain air.
A few miles out of Carbondale, I sense some tingling in my hands and feet. Then it rises up into the back of my mouth. It has been just barley a half hour, since I did my Bolus. I can't be going low this soon. We only have a two more miles to Carbondale, if things don't change I will pull over and do a BG.
As we roll into Carbondale, I tell TRW we are going to stop, I need to do a BG. Are you all right? Anything I can do? No, just feeling funny and I need to check.
We pull into a grocery store and park. I pull out my BG kit and test. My BG is 59, WTF! I almost instantly start to sweat and get the shakes. I grab some sugar tabs and a bottle of water. TRW heads into the store to pick up more water and a few other things. I hang outside leaning against the bike and wait for the sugar tabs to kick in. I try to stand so the sweat can evaporate, but it is still pouring off of me.
A friendly citizen comes up to me and wants to talk about the bike. He likes the color and has always wanted to take a road trip. Nice, I say to him, but I can hardly stand up right now, much less think of anything to say. I try not to be rude, so I smile and nod my head. He gets in his car to drive off and I wave good bye.
Fifteen minutes go by. The seating is subsiding. My eyes are starting to clear. TRW comes out of the store with a few munchies and some drinks. My strength has returned. We talk about over estimating the Bolus. She is glad I can feel the low coming on. Me too. Especially since I don't have my CGM right now.
We wait several more minutes and then I am ready to go. TRW give me the once over to make sure I am ready. Then she give me the twice over, just to double check.
We load up and head south west on Highway 133. Through the twisties and over the mountain pass. We stop a few places along the way to take pictures. We drop out of the mountains and into the high desert on the western side of the pass. We stop to shed a layer of clothing. We end up in Delta, CO. where the locals are friendly and we stop at a small cafe for lunch.
One more beautiful ride interrupted briefly for a short Hypoglycemic episodes. It was still a great ride.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Myth; Better BG control on vacation
TRW and I went on vacation. We decided to do the "old biker" vacation and pick a direction instead of a destination.
Biker lore states: Young bikers pick a destination and ride to that destination. Old bikers pick a direction and ride in that direction.
We watched the weather report at night and in the morning. We looked at here it wasn't raining and then rode the motorbike in that direction. We tried to stop early enough to get a room at a hotel each night. We only had one night when we couldn't find a room and end up riding an extra 50 miles to get a room.
All in all, this was a very relaxing vacation. We arrived when we arrived. This reduced our stress around getting to a destination. The one night we didn't get a room out stress did go up until we found a room.
My belief as we enjoyed our vacation, was that my BG was down and better controlled.
I came back to work and immediately got wrapped up in the work and problems and issues. As I managed my BG after vacation it seemed that every time I checked my BG it was high. I related this directly to the stress level at work and how relaxing my vacation was.
I then downloaded the data from my meter and took a look at it.
43% of my readings over the two weeks, (1 week vacation and 1 week back at work), were high.
50% were within my BG parameters over the two weeks.
7% were low during the two weeks.
All in all these were not bad percentages. I personally try to keep 50% of my BG tests in the "within" range. At least this give me a target to work towards. It is hard to keep those reading at 50% or greater.
BUT, (Behold Ultimate Truth), Looking at the week by week data tells another story.
Vacation week my readings were:
44% of my readings were high.
49% were within my parameters.
8% were low.
Back to work week:
36% of my readings were high.
56% were within my parameters.
8% were low.
I am happier when I am on vacation. I am more relaxed, so I have a brighter outlook on the world and my diabetes management.
At work I am more structured in my daily activities and I have much more consistency in my actions and my diet, which makes diabetes management more effective.
I suppose with practice I would get better at managing my diabetes while on vacation, but I would need a lot more vacation! It will have to be one of those things I work on once I reach retirement. I should have plenty of time to practice tighter control while on vacation.
Biker lore states: Young bikers pick a destination and ride to that destination. Old bikers pick a direction and ride in that direction.
We watched the weather report at night and in the morning. We looked at here it wasn't raining and then rode the motorbike in that direction. We tried to stop early enough to get a room at a hotel each night. We only had one night when we couldn't find a room and end up riding an extra 50 miles to get a room.
All in all, this was a very relaxing vacation. We arrived when we arrived. This reduced our stress around getting to a destination. The one night we didn't get a room out stress did go up until we found a room.
My belief as we enjoyed our vacation, was that my BG was down and better controlled.
I came back to work and immediately got wrapped up in the work and problems and issues. As I managed my BG after vacation it seemed that every time I checked my BG it was high. I related this directly to the stress level at work and how relaxing my vacation was.
I then downloaded the data from my meter and took a look at it.
43% of my readings over the two weeks, (1 week vacation and 1 week back at work), were high.
50% were within my BG parameters over the two weeks.
7% were low during the two weeks.
All in all these were not bad percentages. I personally try to keep 50% of my BG tests in the "within" range. At least this give me a target to work towards. It is hard to keep those reading at 50% or greater.
BUT, (Behold Ultimate Truth), Looking at the week by week data tells another story.
Vacation week my readings were:
44% of my readings were high.
49% were within my parameters.
8% were low.
Back to work week:
36% of my readings were high.
56% were within my parameters.
8% were low.
I am happier when I am on vacation. I am more relaxed, so I have a brighter outlook on the world and my diabetes management.
At work I am more structured in my daily activities and I have much more consistency in my actions and my diet, which makes diabetes management more effective.
I suppose with practice I would get better at managing my diabetes while on vacation, but I would need a lot more vacation! It will have to be one of those things I work on once I reach retirement. I should have plenty of time to practice tighter control while on vacation.
Friday, July 24, 2009
My CGM could be lost forever
I am now at over 2 months and pretty darn close to 3 months with out a transmitter for my CGM. First it was MedTronic with the issues. Then it was the Dr's office with the issues. Third the Insurance company was getting in the way. All of that should have been cleared two weeks ago and my new transmitter was going to be shipped to me over night.
Have I received that over night shipment? Nooooooo!
I am guessing this is now stuck somewhere between the Insurance company and MedTronic.
Am I hotly pursuing the replacement transmitter? Nooooooo!
I am testing more throughout the day. This is a good change for me. Every once in a while you need a little change.
The good news is that all of my puncture wounds on my belly from the sensor have healed. To be honest, Sticking the sensor into my belly is one of the my least favorite things. It is right up there with drinking a gallon of Gator aid with laxative to prep for a colonoscopy.
If the transmitter never shows up, I would have to say it was a good tool that helped me gain better control of my Diabetes.
If it does show up, then I will start to use it again and see how it fits back into my routine.
I am now starting to experiment with my OmniPod pump. I would like to lose a few pounds and increase my amount of exercise. In the past when I wasn't on the pump, I would eat or drink before exercise, so I could get my BG up, so I wouldn't have a hypo. Trying to lose weight, it is more important to not take on extra carbs. So, my new approach is to lower my pumps basil rate, before, during and after the exercise event; Rather then taking on more carbs to keep my BG within an acceptable range.
I did this last winter when I went skiing. I would lower my basil by 80% for 5 hours. This seemed to work.
Last night before exercise I had a BG of 120 mg/dl. I lowered by Basil by 20% for 1.5 hours. I finished Yoga class and checked my BG, it was 80 mg/dl. Not to bad. I didn't take on any carbs before starting the class.
I will let you know how this works out.
Have I received that over night shipment? Nooooooo!
I am guessing this is now stuck somewhere between the Insurance company and MedTronic.
Am I hotly pursuing the replacement transmitter? Nooooooo!
I am testing more throughout the day. This is a good change for me. Every once in a while you need a little change.
The good news is that all of my puncture wounds on my belly from the sensor have healed. To be honest, Sticking the sensor into my belly is one of the my least favorite things. It is right up there with drinking a gallon of Gator aid with laxative to prep for a colonoscopy.
If the transmitter never shows up, I would have to say it was a good tool that helped me gain better control of my Diabetes.
If it does show up, then I will start to use it again and see how it fits back into my routine.
I am now starting to experiment with my OmniPod pump. I would like to lose a few pounds and increase my amount of exercise. In the past when I wasn't on the pump, I would eat or drink before exercise, so I could get my BG up, so I wouldn't have a hypo. Trying to lose weight, it is more important to not take on extra carbs. So, my new approach is to lower my pumps basil rate, before, during and after the exercise event; Rather then taking on more carbs to keep my BG within an acceptable range.
I did this last winter when I went skiing. I would lower my basil by 80% for 5 hours. This seemed to work.
Last night before exercise I had a BG of 120 mg/dl. I lowered by Basil by 20% for 1.5 hours. I finished Yoga class and checked my BG, it was 80 mg/dl. Not to bad. I didn't take on any carbs before starting the class.
I will let you know how this works out.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Taking a day off from my Diabetes
I get out of bed at 6:58 and stumble into the bathroom. I grab the PDA and a test strip to test my BG. It is 167 mg/dl. A little higher then I like, so the PDA calculates a correction of 1.3 units of insulin. It is Saturday, I need to start moving I have a busy day schedule.
A big ride is on for today, but first I have to change the oil in the motorbike. I rack the motorbike and start the oil draining process.
At 8:00, I go inside and eat some breakfast with an estimated 45 carbs and an a bolus of 3.75 units. Then back to the garage to finish the oil change. New oil and a new filter. Wipe down the bike and take it off the rack and back it out of the garage.
Hairy Saddle stops by, he is going on the ride with me. Hairy takes a VROD for a quick spin and then he takes the Ultra for a spin. We settle on Hairy riding the VROD.
Im am tingling and sweating, my BG feels low. I grab the PDA and test. 9:30 and my BG is 63 mg/dal. Shit, I grab a coke and down it quick. I can't ride with low BG.
A few minute later I am feeling better. I pack a couple of energy bars in my bag. Hairy and I head to the saloon to meet the rest of the riders.
The ride stops a break at 11:00. I grab my PDA and check my BG. 98 mg/dl is just about right. I grab half an energy bar and swallow it and chase it a drink of water. Back on the road. another two hours of riding and we stop for lunch near the Colorado and Wyoming boarder.
I am tired of check my BG. I am taking a day off. No more BG testing today.
I eat a hamburger and water for lunch. No fries or soda for lunch.
We ride another two hours and stop for a break. It is hot today. This may be the first 85 degree day in the past month and a half. I drink more water and soak my banana in water and wrap it around my neck to stay cool.
Another two hours of riding and I am home. It has been a long hot day of riding. We did some tough riding, but had laughs and great scenery along the way.
I get home and take a shower and drink more water.
I can't take it anymore. Not knowing where my BG is, so at 6:07 I test and find my BG is 188 mg/dl. The PDA suggests 1.75 units for a correction.
I really wanted to take a day off from my diabetes. No testing, no worrying, no concerns, but I couldn't do it. I did manage to take 7 hours off, sort of. I may have been cautious on what I ate for lunch.
So, I guess I really didn't take a day off, but I did take a few hours off and it was a good day!
A big ride is on for today, but first I have to change the oil in the motorbike. I rack the motorbike and start the oil draining process.
At 8:00, I go inside and eat some breakfast with an estimated 45 carbs and an a bolus of 3.75 units. Then back to the garage to finish the oil change. New oil and a new filter. Wipe down the bike and take it off the rack and back it out of the garage.
Hairy Saddle stops by, he is going on the ride with me. Hairy takes a VROD for a quick spin and then he takes the Ultra for a spin. We settle on Hairy riding the VROD.
Im am tingling and sweating, my BG feels low. I grab the PDA and test. 9:30 and my BG is 63 mg/dal. Shit, I grab a coke and down it quick. I can't ride with low BG.
A few minute later I am feeling better. I pack a couple of energy bars in my bag. Hairy and I head to the saloon to meet the rest of the riders.
The ride stops a break at 11:00. I grab my PDA and check my BG. 98 mg/dl is just about right. I grab half an energy bar and swallow it and chase it a drink of water. Back on the road. another two hours of riding and we stop for lunch near the Colorado and Wyoming boarder.
I am tired of check my BG. I am taking a day off. No more BG testing today.
I eat a hamburger and water for lunch. No fries or soda for lunch.
We ride another two hours and stop for a break. It is hot today. This may be the first 85 degree day in the past month and a half. I drink more water and soak my banana in water and wrap it around my neck to stay cool.
Another two hours of riding and I am home. It has been a long hot day of riding. We did some tough riding, but had laughs and great scenery along the way.
I get home and take a shower and drink more water.
I can't take it anymore. Not knowing where my BG is, so at 6:07 I test and find my BG is 188 mg/dl. The PDA suggests 1.75 units for a correction.
I really wanted to take a day off from my diabetes. No testing, no worrying, no concerns, but I couldn't do it. I did manage to take 7 hours off, sort of. I may have been cautious on what I ate for lunch.
So, I guess I really didn't take a day off, but I did take a few hours off and it was a good day!
Friday, June 26, 2009
I want my Insulin back
Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…..
My OmniPod has an issue. I grab the PDA and turn it on. Beep Beep it goes and I see the message. OmniPod insulin delivery has stopped, please change pods.
OK, I will change the pod. I put a new pod on and all is good.
Three days later it is time to change the pod, so I go through the normal pod changing process. Shut down the old pod, load the new pod, prime the new pod, attach the new pod, then start the new pod. However, as the pod is priming, about three quarters of the way through: Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…..
The error message; OmniPod insulin delivery has stopped, please change pods, is displayed.
OK, so I will start over with a new Pod. I just lost 125 units of Insulin that is in the bad pod.
I fill it up with 125 units of Humalog and start the priming process, again. Shortly after starting the priming process: Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…..
The error message; OmniPod insulin delivery has stopped, please change pods, is displayed.
WTF! Another bad pod and another 125 units of Humalog. Lost.
If I count all three pods with errors, I am now down 375 units of Humalog, almost a whole vial of insulin is wasted. There are 500 units in my Humalog vials.
I grab another pod and fill it up with 125 units and start the priming sequence. This one completes the sequence and is ready to be applied. I peel the backing paper off the tape and apply the pod to a freshly shaven and sterilized spot on my arm.
Is there any way I can recover the lost insulin from the pods?
I took one of the trashed pods and tried to withdraw the insulin inside. My first attempt didn’t work. On the second attempt I injected some air into the pod and then I managed to get a little insulin out of the pod. On the third attempt I inject 125 units of air into the pod and withdrew 100 units of insulin. Excellent, I can recover the lost insulin, or most of it from a pod that has stopped working.
Now, can I recover the lost pods?
I call Insulet’s 800 number and I give them the lot number of the pods. I read the error messages to them from the PDA and they credit my account with 3 pods. Double Excellent.
I can recover the insulin and I can get credit for the pods. Probably some health organization somewhere would not want me to recover the insulin due to contamination in the pod. The pods should be sterile inside the insulin container. It would also be good to only use this process on a newly dysfunctional pod, before it was taped to a body. I wouldn’t want to get an infection and I don’t want to lose a pod because the insulin went bad.
My OmniPod has an issue. I grab the PDA and turn it on. Beep Beep it goes and I see the message. OmniPod insulin delivery has stopped, please change pods.
OK, I will change the pod. I put a new pod on and all is good.
Three days later it is time to change the pod, so I go through the normal pod changing process. Shut down the old pod, load the new pod, prime the new pod, attach the new pod, then start the new pod. However, as the pod is priming, about three quarters of the way through: Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…..
The error message; OmniPod insulin delivery has stopped, please change pods, is displayed.
OK, so I will start over with a new Pod. I just lost 125 units of Insulin that is in the bad pod.
I fill it up with 125 units of Humalog and start the priming process, again. Shortly after starting the priming process: Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…..
The error message; OmniPod insulin delivery has stopped, please change pods, is displayed.
WTF! Another bad pod and another 125 units of Humalog. Lost.
If I count all three pods with errors, I am now down 375 units of Humalog, almost a whole vial of insulin is wasted. There are 500 units in my Humalog vials.
I grab another pod and fill it up with 125 units and start the priming sequence. This one completes the sequence and is ready to be applied. I peel the backing paper off the tape and apply the pod to a freshly shaven and sterilized spot on my arm.
Is there any way I can recover the lost insulin from the pods?
I took one of the trashed pods and tried to withdraw the insulin inside. My first attempt didn’t work. On the second attempt I injected some air into the pod and then I managed to get a little insulin out of the pod. On the third attempt I inject 125 units of air into the pod and withdrew 100 units of insulin. Excellent, I can recover the lost insulin, or most of it from a pod that has stopped working.
Now, can I recover the lost pods?
I call Insulet’s 800 number and I give them the lot number of the pods. I read the error messages to them from the PDA and they credit my account with 3 pods. Double Excellent.
I can recover the insulin and I can get credit for the pods. Probably some health organization somewhere would not want me to recover the insulin due to contamination in the pod. The pods should be sterile inside the insulin container. It would also be good to only use this process on a newly dysfunctional pod, before it was taped to a body. I wouldn’t want to get an infection and I don’t want to lose a pod because the insulin went bad.
Friday, June 12, 2009
My saddle really is sore!
Getting ready for the Saddle Sore 1000, I thought was going to be easy. Load your gear, fill up the motorbike and ride. It is only 18 hours of riding time, how hard can it be? I will use my CGM to make sure I don’t go low or high, but it will need to be easy to use. I can’t hang the CGM on my belt. It could vibrate off and I can’t get to it with one hand. So, the question is: How can I use my CGM on the motorbike with ease?
I need to mount it on the motorbike, where I can see it and press the buttons with my left hand. It has to be in range of the transmitter
Sifting through the web sites, I found a cell phone holder that would hold the Guardian CGM. It will keep it secure and it is easily accessible.
I order the holder. A week later it arrives in the mail and I mount it on the motorbike. I take it out for a spin and it is working great. I am still a little nervous, maybe paranoid that it will vibrate off, so I pick up some Velcro straps and secure the CGM a little more. The next test run it is working better. I can push the buttons and see my BG. Fantastic!
The very next week the battery in the transmitter for the sensor stops working. I won’t be using the CGM on the Saddle Sore 1000.
The plan for the ride is coming together with the rest of the guys. All of our wives/girlfriends said they didn’t want to ride along. There was going to be too much riding and not enough stopping for them.
The guys got together on Thursday night for a planning session. Snake bite, Hairy Saddle, Tooth Ache join me in my garage to lay out the details of our travels. Big Red doesn’t make the meeting, because he has ridden his motorbike to Arizona for vacation.
The morning of the Saddle Sore 1000, we meet at the gas station at 3:45AM. A couple of minutes before 4:00AM we fill up with gas and file the receipts for documentation. Take a picture in the early morning darkness and start the run.
Every 150 miles we stop to fill up with gas. We take a few minutes to stretch, use the bathroom and check the directions. Everyone is hungry after the first fill up, but there is nothing at the location except a gas station. We head down the road and pull over in Big Creek, NE. to have breakfast.
150 miles and we stop to fill up. Quickly back on the bikes for another two hours down the road. Our third stop to fill up and we decide to skip lunch and keep going. I check my BG at every stop. I don’t want to Hypo while on the road. Skipping lunch is dangerous, but can be done. A big breakfast helps with not having lunch. I pick up some nuts and some sour candy to keep me going, both from a BG perspective and to help keep me awake on the motorbike.
The seventh stop puts us in eastern Iowa. It seemed like it took forever, to get through Nebraska and into Iowa. At this stop everyone was tired and we all grabbed some kind of energy drink. Stretched a little more and stood around the station a little longer. On more leg of the journey and we would get gas and eat dinner. My BG is good and I grabbed a few more nuts to eat along the way.
A stop in Rock Falls, IL should give us the gas to make it all the way into Milwaukee, WI. Grab some dinner and hit the road. We managed to get turned around in Rock Falls until we discovered a GPS setting that was keeping us from getting to our destination. The GPS was set to avoid toll roads. We needed to be on a toll road to get to Milwaukee. The GPS had us winding through towns and neighbored hoods. The GPS setting was fixed and we made it back on to the highway.
Last stop for this journey is the gas station in Milwaukee, WI. Just before 2:00AM central time. Twenty one hours over all to go 1000 miles on the motorbikes. But, Hey, I get a pen and a patch and a certificate for the Saddle Sore 1000. Not to mention how sore my but is after sitting in the saddle that long.
Now we get some sleep and do a little sight seeing then turn around and head for home. Yeeeeh ha..
I need to mount it on the motorbike, where I can see it and press the buttons with my left hand. It has to be in range of the transmitter
Sifting through the web sites, I found a cell phone holder that would hold the Guardian CGM. It will keep it secure and it is easily accessible.
I order the holder. A week later it arrives in the mail and I mount it on the motorbike. I take it out for a spin and it is working great. I am still a little nervous, maybe paranoid that it will vibrate off, so I pick up some Velcro straps and secure the CGM a little more. The next test run it is working better. I can push the buttons and see my BG. Fantastic!
The very next week the battery in the transmitter for the sensor stops working. I won’t be using the CGM on the Saddle Sore 1000.
The plan for the ride is coming together with the rest of the guys. All of our wives/girlfriends said they didn’t want to ride along. There was going to be too much riding and not enough stopping for them.
The guys got together on Thursday night for a planning session. Snake bite, Hairy Saddle, Tooth Ache join me in my garage to lay out the details of our travels. Big Red doesn’t make the meeting, because he has ridden his motorbike to Arizona for vacation.
The morning of the Saddle Sore 1000, we meet at the gas station at 3:45AM. A couple of minutes before 4:00AM we fill up with gas and file the receipts for documentation. Take a picture in the early morning darkness and start the run.
Every 150 miles we stop to fill up with gas. We take a few minutes to stretch, use the bathroom and check the directions. Everyone is hungry after the first fill up, but there is nothing at the location except a gas station. We head down the road and pull over in Big Creek, NE. to have breakfast.
150 miles and we stop to fill up. Quickly back on the bikes for another two hours down the road. Our third stop to fill up and we decide to skip lunch and keep going. I check my BG at every stop. I don’t want to Hypo while on the road. Skipping lunch is dangerous, but can be done. A big breakfast helps with not having lunch. I pick up some nuts and some sour candy to keep me going, both from a BG perspective and to help keep me awake on the motorbike.
The seventh stop puts us in eastern Iowa. It seemed like it took forever, to get through Nebraska and into Iowa. At this stop everyone was tired and we all grabbed some kind of energy drink. Stretched a little more and stood around the station a little longer. On more leg of the journey and we would get gas and eat dinner. My BG is good and I grabbed a few more nuts to eat along the way.
A stop in Rock Falls, IL should give us the gas to make it all the way into Milwaukee, WI. Grab some dinner and hit the road. We managed to get turned around in Rock Falls until we discovered a GPS setting that was keeping us from getting to our destination. The GPS was set to avoid toll roads. We needed to be on a toll road to get to Milwaukee. The GPS had us winding through towns and neighbored hoods. The GPS setting was fixed and we made it back on to the highway.
Last stop for this journey is the gas station in Milwaukee, WI. Just before 2:00AM central time. Twenty one hours over all to go 1000 miles on the motorbikes. But, Hey, I get a pen and a patch and a certificate for the Saddle Sore 1000. Not to mention how sore my but is after sitting in the saddle that long.
Now we get some sleep and do a little sight seeing then turn around and head for home. Yeeeeh ha..
Thursday, June 11, 2009
No Transmitter yet!
It has been a month and I still don't have a transmitter. I am back to sticking my finger several times a day. I should stick more, I realized as I looked at my charts from the OmniPod Personal Diabetes Assistant (PDA). I was getting ready to visit the Dr. and I wanted to have my story ready for any potential bad news. As I looked at the charts I realized I was not testing enough. With the CGM I would pull it out of my pocket and take a quick look. Without the CGM I have to stick myself, and we all hate to do that. But, I need to control the BG, so I better get busy and start sticking myself.
At the rate the insurance and MedTronic are moving I will have my next quarterly check up with the Dr. I did good at this last visit my A1C was 6.9, that was down from 7.5 last time. I had a complete quarterly cycle on the OmniPod pump, without adjustments to insulin dosage or medication changes, so this is a good indication that I am tuned in correctly on the OmniPod, at least for now.
A month without the CGM means that I have not had the fun of shoving a big needle in my stomach to get the sensor inserted. I really liked the convince of the CGM. Quick and easy to read. I really hated the insertion of the sensor.
I could get use to not having a sensor, after all, it has been a month! The real test will be at the next check up, to see what my A1C percentage is.
MedTonic better get busy or they just might lose a CGM customer.
At the rate the insurance and MedTronic are moving I will have my next quarterly check up with the Dr. I did good at this last visit my A1C was 6.9, that was down from 7.5 last time. I had a complete quarterly cycle on the OmniPod pump, without adjustments to insulin dosage or medication changes, so this is a good indication that I am tuned in correctly on the OmniPod, at least for now.
A month without the CGM means that I have not had the fun of shoving a big needle in my stomach to get the sensor inserted. I really liked the convince of the CGM. Quick and easy to read. I really hated the insertion of the sensor.
I could get use to not having a sensor, after all, it has been a month! The real test will be at the next check up, to see what my A1C percentage is.
MedTonic better get busy or they just might lose a CGM customer.
Friday, May 15, 2009
A great Book & a new Transmitter
during my last business travels I had time to read "The Borne again Diabetic" by William Lee Dubois. I really enjoyed the book. This book covered more topics on diabetes, in only 200 pages, and in an easy to understand way, then any other book I have read on the topic. Every topic I could think of was covered in the book. It reminded me of a few things I had forgotten about. It gave me new information on Type 1 and especially Type 2. It was also enjoyable to read.
I have asked several member of my family, Type 3s, to read it. The book is aimed at diabetics, but anyone with or without diabetes will come away with a new understanding.
I learned something new about my Guardian CGM this week. It started with my weekly sensor replacement. When my sensor ended on Sunday afternoon and I stuck the transmitter in the transmitter charger, the green light blinked 4 or 5 times and then stay on. It didn't shut off. I woke up Monday morning and it was still on. I didn't think much about it, as I thought the book stated, when it was a solid green the transmitter was fully charged. Wrong.....
I inserted a sensor and went through my morning cleansing ritual. About fifteen minutes after insertion, I connected the transmitter to the sensor and started the new sensor routine. Ten minutes later I received the Lost Sensor alarm. I tried again, while eating my homemade egg muc-muffin with a thin slice of cheese and ham. The same alarm, Lost Sensor. So, I waited. I went to work and then tried two more times. Lost Sensor alarm on each try.
I sat it all aside and waited to go home and make a few phone calls. I also thought it would be a good idea to collect the information on my Guardian, just in case the help desk ask one of those detail questions.
I called the MedTronic help desk and I was told my charger was bad. They will send one to me overnight and I will have it in the morning.
The charger came, while I was at work, so I had to wait until I got home to try it out. I plug in the transmitter for charging. Four or five blinking green lights followed by a constant solid green. Same damn problem. I deduce, that the charger is not the problem, so I call the MedTronic help desk.
The real problem is the transmitter batteries will not take a charge. I was told that my transmitter was out of warranty, it is only a six month warranty. I started using my transmitter in October 2007. I would have to purchase a new transmitter, if I wanted to continue using the Guardian. I did get eighteen months out of this transmitter. I was told nine to twelve months was the usual lifespan of a transmitter battery. You know, battery technology and all, it is hard to predict exactly how long they last. I thought it was great, that the warranty was three months shorter then the minimum life expectancy of the transmitter. sounds like someone engineered in a little extra profit for replacement parts.
Did I want to continue using the Guardian and purchase a new transmitter? The Help desk agent asks?
Oh I don't know let me think about it. Fuck Yes! Is what I said on the inside. Simply "Yes" was my answer to the agent. You really don't want to piss-off someone that you expect to help you.
OK then, lets start the process was her response. We all know what that means. Questions and Answers. Insurance and coverage rules to sort through. I was lucky this time. The agent was doing most of the work for me. See it pays to be nice! They will get back to me and let me know how much I have to pay; Let me know if I need to contact my Dr.; and if there is any more information they need.
So now I wait. Two days have gone by. I am making the assumption that all is well. I will give it till Monday, before I start to bug folks on the status of where my new transmitter stands in the shipping process.
I have asked several member of my family, Type 3s, to read it. The book is aimed at diabetics, but anyone with or without diabetes will come away with a new understanding.
I learned something new about my Guardian CGM this week. It started with my weekly sensor replacement. When my sensor ended on Sunday afternoon and I stuck the transmitter in the transmitter charger, the green light blinked 4 or 5 times and then stay on. It didn't shut off. I woke up Monday morning and it was still on. I didn't think much about it, as I thought the book stated, when it was a solid green the transmitter was fully charged. Wrong.....
I inserted a sensor and went through my morning cleansing ritual. About fifteen minutes after insertion, I connected the transmitter to the sensor and started the new sensor routine. Ten minutes later I received the Lost Sensor alarm. I tried again, while eating my homemade egg muc-muffin with a thin slice of cheese and ham. The same alarm, Lost Sensor. So, I waited. I went to work and then tried two more times. Lost Sensor alarm on each try.
I sat it all aside and waited to go home and make a few phone calls. I also thought it would be a good idea to collect the information on my Guardian, just in case the help desk ask one of those detail questions.
I called the MedTronic help desk and I was told my charger was bad. They will send one to me overnight and I will have it in the morning.
The charger came, while I was at work, so I had to wait until I got home to try it out. I plug in the transmitter for charging. Four or five blinking green lights followed by a constant solid green. Same damn problem. I deduce, that the charger is not the problem, so I call the MedTronic help desk.
The real problem is the transmitter batteries will not take a charge. I was told that my transmitter was out of warranty, it is only a six month warranty. I started using my transmitter in October 2007. I would have to purchase a new transmitter, if I wanted to continue using the Guardian. I did get eighteen months out of this transmitter. I was told nine to twelve months was the usual lifespan of a transmitter battery. You know, battery technology and all, it is hard to predict exactly how long they last. I thought it was great, that the warranty was three months shorter then the minimum life expectancy of the transmitter. sounds like someone engineered in a little extra profit for replacement parts.
Did I want to continue using the Guardian and purchase a new transmitter? The Help desk agent asks?
Oh I don't know let me think about it. Fuck Yes! Is what I said on the inside. Simply "Yes" was my answer to the agent. You really don't want to piss-off someone that you expect to help you.
OK then, lets start the process was her response. We all know what that means. Questions and Answers. Insurance and coverage rules to sort through. I was lucky this time. The agent was doing most of the work for me. See it pays to be nice! They will get back to me and let me know how much I have to pay; Let me know if I need to contact my Dr.; and if there is any more information they need.
So now I wait. Two days have gone by. I am making the assumption that all is well. I will give it till Monday, before I start to bug folks on the status of where my new transmitter stands in the shipping process.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Travel picks up
I haven't take a business trip since early 2008. Over the past 4 weeks I have taken 3 business trips. This have give me several opportunities to see how the OmniPod does with the security screening.
The standard metal detectors do not set of the alarms. Over five times I have walked through the metal detectors. Zero alarms went off. I did go through one detector and I was asked to step into the scanner tube.
The scanner tube was a new process. I was asked to face to the right, with my feet on the green foot prints. Raise my arms and then stand still. A few clicks and buzzes, then I was asked to turn to the left with my feet on the red foot prints. I was asked to keep my arms down, and then there were a few more clicks and buzzes.
The TSA agent, said I was done and thanked me for cooperating. You're welcome I replied, thinking about what would happen if I didn't cooperate.
Not sure if they could tell I had the OmniPod on with this second procedure, but no questions were asked nor were any comments made. Usually, I get the question; eppi pen? When I carry my Humalog pen with me. My response is "Yes". No need to upset the TSA agent's mind set.
So, I am satisfied that the OmniPod will not raise questions or impede travel when going though the airport.
The standard metal detectors do not set of the alarms. Over five times I have walked through the metal detectors. Zero alarms went off. I did go through one detector and I was asked to step into the scanner tube.
The scanner tube was a new process. I was asked to face to the right, with my feet on the green foot prints. Raise my arms and then stand still. A few clicks and buzzes, then I was asked to turn to the left with my feet on the red foot prints. I was asked to keep my arms down, and then there were a few more clicks and buzzes.
The TSA agent, said I was done and thanked me for cooperating. You're welcome I replied, thinking about what would happen if I didn't cooperate.
Not sure if they could tell I had the OmniPod on with this second procedure, but no questions were asked nor were any comments made. Usually, I get the question; eppi pen? When I carry my Humalog pen with me. My response is "Yes". No need to upset the TSA agent's mind set.
So, I am satisfied that the OmniPod will not raise questions or impede travel when going though the airport.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sensitive to the touch
The back side of my left arm has been sensitive to the touch, these past few days. It is an irritation that has now become an issue. It is time to switch arms and apply a new OmniPod. The spent pod is coming off the triceps of my right arm and my right needs a break from the pump.
I shave a new spot for my Guardian sensor and now that spot is red with irritation. Let me shower and see if the irritation will go away. Maybe I will feel better too.
A few minutes later, the sensor spot is much better, still red, but touching the sight does not irritate the skin.
My triceps are another story. They are still sensitive to the touch. So, now, where do I put the OmniPod?
There is no room on my belly, because of the new placement of the Guardian sensor and the tenderness from the old sensor.
I will try my lower back. Finding a spot that will not get caught on a door or door frame. Or a spot that will allow me to sit in a chair comfortably. Some place where my clothing wont irritate the pump.
OK, I think I have it. A couple of inches to the left of the spine and above my belt line. I reach around the left and then I reach around the right. Crap, I can't reach the spot I selected. I can't position my arms and hands in a way, that will allow me to shave the hair or apply alcohol. I twist and try again, nope it isn't going to happen that way. Twist differently, nope, that is no good either.
TRW steps into the room and starts to laugh. I have been playing twister with myself to try and find a way to make this pump placement work. It might be easier if I didn't have a bum shoulder, or if I could twist more. TRW has gotten over her amusement with my twister antics and asks if she can help me.
You bet! Can you shave here.
No, No a little to the left,
More to the right. No the other right.
Not quite so high, maybe lower and to the right.
Are you sure you want me to help you, she asks?
Yes, yes, but you are not doing it like I would. I say.
What do you mean? You can't do it at all, she corrected.
OK, OK, I would like the pump placed in this general vicinity and I make a circle on my back with my hands. Please
Go it. TRW said.
Give me the Alcohol.
Next the OmniPod.
You are ready to go, said TRW.
I push the PDA buttons and click I am back on the pump. That wasn't so hard, yea right, I think to myself. Three days and then I have to remove the pod. Can I do it by myself?
I shave a new spot for my Guardian sensor and now that spot is red with irritation. Let me shower and see if the irritation will go away. Maybe I will feel better too.
A few minutes later, the sensor spot is much better, still red, but touching the sight does not irritate the skin.
My triceps are another story. They are still sensitive to the touch. So, now, where do I put the OmniPod?
There is no room on my belly, because of the new placement of the Guardian sensor and the tenderness from the old sensor.
I will try my lower back. Finding a spot that will not get caught on a door or door frame. Or a spot that will allow me to sit in a chair comfortably. Some place where my clothing wont irritate the pump.
OK, I think I have it. A couple of inches to the left of the spine and above my belt line. I reach around the left and then I reach around the right. Crap, I can't reach the spot I selected. I can't position my arms and hands in a way, that will allow me to shave the hair or apply alcohol. I twist and try again, nope it isn't going to happen that way. Twist differently, nope, that is no good either.
TRW steps into the room and starts to laugh. I have been playing twister with myself to try and find a way to make this pump placement work. It might be easier if I didn't have a bum shoulder, or if I could twist more. TRW has gotten over her amusement with my twister antics and asks if she can help me.
You bet! Can you shave here.
No, No a little to the left,
More to the right. No the other right.
Not quite so high, maybe lower and to the right.
Are you sure you want me to help you, she asks?
Yes, yes, but you are not doing it like I would. I say.
What do you mean? You can't do it at all, she corrected.
OK, OK, I would like the pump placed in this general vicinity and I make a circle on my back with my hands. Please
Go it. TRW said.
Give me the Alcohol.
Next the OmniPod.
You are ready to go, said TRW.
I push the PDA buttons and click I am back on the pump. That wasn't so hard, yea right, I think to myself. Three days and then I have to remove the pod. Can I do it by myself?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Getaway
TRW and I decided we needed a Getaway. Work has been relentless for the past 4 months. Home projects kept us busy when we were not working and so we decided we needed a little down time.
Some place nice.
Some place warm and away from the cold.
Some place with water.
A third world country? Why not!
We chose Belize as a get away location for a long weekend. Our passports are ready, but am I ready? This will be my first airport experience with the OmniPod. I am not worried about the Guardian CGM, because I have been through countless airports and I have never set off the security alarms.
I really hate to set off the security alarm. In my business travels I have watch countless people go through security, completely unaware of security protocol. They hold up the line, everybody impatiently waits for them to empty their pockets, remove their shoes, remove their liquids and unpack their computer. They remove their Texas size belt buckle and take off their jacket. Each time they set off the alarm and one more item comes off. Finally they stand their in their in with nothing more then their superman underwear and a boarding pass and the buzzer does not make a sound. Maybe this is a bad dream, or I am over reacting, but I don’t want it to happen to me.
I packed extra Pods, I knew I would have to change a Pods while we were away. I have an Insulin pen with me as a preventative measure. You never know, all of my Pods could fail. It happened before. I lost two consecutive Pods when I was in the mountains for two day. I used the pen to get by until I could get home and put on a fresh Pod. I have extra sensors, extra tape, extra test strips. I am almost ready to go. I have one more thing I need to do.
I created an “I am wearing a Medical device” card on the computer. I printed it out with my name and the two types of medical devices and I sealed it in plastic.
I am ready to go. We get up early and leave for the airport. I got through the security gate and nothing happens. Awesome! We grab our gear and move on. We transfer in Houston. No security to go through here. We land in Belize City, Belize. We go through Immigration and then we collect our gear and go through customs. We have to transfer to Tropic Airlines to get us to our next destination, San Pedro, Belize. I walk through the security gate and Buzzzzzzzz. The alarm goes off. I quickly whip out my “I am wearing a Medical device” card and the security guards look at me and politely ask me to remove my belt. I do and walk through the gate again, without incident. I guess the OmniPod does not set off the Airport Security alarms.
After one day in the heat, humidity and salt water my Guardian sensor came off. I guess it was a little to much for the tape. I chose not to put on a new sensor until we were returned home. The OmniPod worked great. Snorkeling, suntan lotion and bug spray did not loosen its bond to me.
The travel home was far less exciting. I had confidence that the OmniPod would not set off the security alarm. I still kept my “I am wearing a Medical device” card close at hand, but it was not needed. I did not set off any security alarms on the way home.
Some place nice.
Some place warm and away from the cold.
Some place with water.
A third world country? Why not!
We chose Belize as a get away location for a long weekend. Our passports are ready, but am I ready? This will be my first airport experience with the OmniPod. I am not worried about the Guardian CGM, because I have been through countless airports and I have never set off the security alarms.
I really hate to set off the security alarm. In my business travels I have watch countless people go through security, completely unaware of security protocol. They hold up the line, everybody impatiently waits for them to empty their pockets, remove their shoes, remove their liquids and unpack their computer. They remove their Texas size belt buckle and take off their jacket. Each time they set off the alarm and one more item comes off. Finally they stand their in their in with nothing more then their superman underwear and a boarding pass and the buzzer does not make a sound. Maybe this is a bad dream, or I am over reacting, but I don’t want it to happen to me.
I packed extra Pods, I knew I would have to change a Pods while we were away. I have an Insulin pen with me as a preventative measure. You never know, all of my Pods could fail. It happened before. I lost two consecutive Pods when I was in the mountains for two day. I used the pen to get by until I could get home and put on a fresh Pod. I have extra sensors, extra tape, extra test strips. I am almost ready to go. I have one more thing I need to do.
I created an “I am wearing a Medical device” card on the computer. I printed it out with my name and the two types of medical devices and I sealed it in plastic.
I am ready to go. We get up early and leave for the airport. I got through the security gate and nothing happens. Awesome! We grab our gear and move on. We transfer in Houston. No security to go through here. We land in Belize City, Belize. We go through Immigration and then we collect our gear and go through customs. We have to transfer to Tropic Airlines to get us to our next destination, San Pedro, Belize. I walk through the security gate and Buzzzzzzzz. The alarm goes off. I quickly whip out my “I am wearing a Medical device” card and the security guards look at me and politely ask me to remove my belt. I do and walk through the gate again, without incident. I guess the OmniPod does not set off the Airport Security alarms.
After one day in the heat, humidity and salt water my Guardian sensor came off. I guess it was a little to much for the tape. I chose not to put on a new sensor until we were returned home. The OmniPod worked great. Snorkeling, suntan lotion and bug spray did not loosen its bond to me.
The travel home was far less exciting. I had confidence that the OmniPod would not set off the security alarm. I still kept my “I am wearing a Medical device” card close at hand, but it was not needed. I did not set off any security alarms on the way home.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Saddle Sore, Is it a dream?
The Challenge: Can you ride 1000 miles on a motorcycle in less then 24 hours?
The questions: Where would you ride? How do you prepare? Why would you want to? Who do you ride with? How do you manage diabetes on one of these rides?
I know it sounds crazy, but there are hundreds of people every year the do this ride. The ride is named the SaddleSore 1000. If this isn’t a big enough challenge for you, then you can take on the BunBurrner 1500. The BunBurrner 1500 requires you to ride 1500 miles in 36 hours. I am going to stick with the SaddleSore. Maybe next year I will tackle the BunBurrner.
These rides are sponsored by the Iron Butt Association, (World’s toughest riders). Get more details at http://www.ironbutt.com/about/about.cfm
I will set up a few training rides and load the bike and I with all the gear I plan to carry. I will have an OmniPod on and I should carry two spares. I would also carry a spare Humalog pen. I have a small cooler where I can store the insulin and some water and juice.
I will need a few energy bars and some glucose tablets. Eating will be kept to a minimum. Not many stops. Fill up with gas, go to the Lou and back on the road.
A tank bag with a clear pocket on top would work well. I can slide in the CGM and PDM. Where I can see any messages and press any buttons should an alert go off. I could also press the buttons to see my current BG so I can plan a required stop to eat or adjust my insulin.
The current plan is to head south out of
The weather should be good this weekend. Try to put in 250 miles to get the saddle warmed up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
