The Battery Life

As a diabetic pumper, I am living life with a AAA battery. I am giving my life to Energizer, and hoping that like the commercials promise, they are just will just keep going, and going and going.  Unfortunately, as much as the battery company wants its products to keep going, there is times when the battery must die, and therefore, whatever product is it keeping alive, dies with it.    When that product is something a little more extreme than a talking baby doll or a flashlight, that is when the battery life story begins...

Living the battery life isn't appealing, like your favourite toy you got when you were little sometimes you just don't have the extra battery to keep it going. The difference of course is that when your mother told you that the battery in your train set 'died' the task to get a new battery may have taken much longer than you expected, but you get over it and find a new toy, or steal from the television remote.  For an insulin pump, the moment you get the warning that you have a "LOW BATT"  you need to take some sort of action and while I admit, sometimes that comes with delay due to lack of preparation, the task of the new batteries in the pump happens quickly.

There is something about changing a battery in your pump. It doesn't happen to often, the batteries tend to last a long time, and by long time, I mean usually at least a month.   So, it is often out of the blue that you feel like you have to change your battery, when really it is usually the same span of time, every time.    When you unscrew the battery capsule, and the dead AAA battery falls out, and your pump screen is blank, I feel like all of a sudden my pump is nothing.  The thing that is saving my life is just OFF.  It is an odd feeling, and you would think that this concept would apply to when you leave your pump unhooked, but it just is a different feeling.

Like I said, it seems like your pump dies 'out of the blue'  and for me, I feel like it happens at the worst times possible.  Now, I sometimes get 'feelings' when I know I am going somewhere, or doing something obscure, and feel like the chances that my pump will die are high - usually this doesn't amount to anything, but hey, I was being precautions.  Thinking about this some more I thought of three good examples of 'The Battery Life - Living on The Edge' occasions.

1.  The Cottage  Battery  Life

I packed my bags and headed to Conestoga Lake to visit Michelle and her family for the weekend at the cottage they had rented last summer.   I always remember pump supplies, but for some odd reason, I thought, it's only one weekend, why do I need batteries?  Likely, I didn't actually think that, but something did or didn't cross my mind and the batteries were left behind.     Lying on the grass tanning with Michelle, I felt a vibration. My instant dreaded thought was low reservoir, and I wasn't looking forward to having to change my site and fill a vial, but to my shocking surprise, I had a 'LOW BATT' warning.

We were in the middle of no where and I felt like a huge convenience, but we visited the cottage next to us, to see JUST IN CASE and lone and behold, the nice cottager had a drawer full of batteries. She suited me up with 1 AAA and I was back to pumping and tanning again!

2. Testing, Testing, 1, 2, LOW BATT

I was just about to write a midterm at Fanshawe last year, I had my pencils ready and waited outside the classroom for the Professor to let us in.  But then, once again that awful noise that the pump makes when it wants more batteries!   I had no time to run back, and I am sure I could have made some excuse to run back home, but I knew that it wasn't THAT BIG OF A DEAL.   I quickly text my friend Mitch about it, and he responded with the fact that he had a low reservoir, I instantly didn't feel bad about my bad preparations and headed into the exam.

3. The Dying Beach Date

I had just started 'seeing' Vince and he invited me to come to the Beach with all of his friends and I brought Michelle with me as well.   First, Michelle and I got lost trying to get there and showed up pretty late, but once we got there, my pump realized I was having too much fun and decided to conk out on me mid beaching.    Michelle and I had to head to the general store to buy expensive AAA batteries to keep myself going for the rest of the day!


There are many stories about low batteries, and I am sure everyone has a good story to tell. It is funny, how mad we get when the batteries go out in the television remote, or our remote control car, yet here pumpers are all over telling humours tales of when their batteries went low in the insulin pumps!

Moral of the story:   Always keep a couple AAA batteries on hand!

No Strings Attached

They say, "you'd forget your head if it wasn't attached," and although that seems obscure, how could you forget your head even if it WASN'T attached?  I really am starting to believe, I possibly would forget to bring my head along while heading out shopping or to go to school.  Yesterday I didn't forget to bring my head while running errands, but I did forget a vital part of me - my pancreas.

I usually take my pump off when I am getting changed because it is annoying to have to hold it in your mouth, or tuck it under your armpit while you try and put on a pair of pants or t-shirt.   It is 10x easier just to unclip it and set it on the bed, while I try to figure out what to wear.  Then it gets all the attention as I shift it from pocket, to side of my bra, to front of my bra, to back to to pocket as I try to figure out what looks best and argue with myself if I am striving for comfort or style today.  

Yesterday, I quickly got changed out of my pajamas, setting my pump on the bed as I put on a pair of capris yoga pants and a grey sweater. The next step would have been to think, "okay, my yoga pants don't have a pocket, so I can't put it in there, so I guess I will put it in my bra, but I am not really going anywhere that matters, so maybe I can just put it in my sweater pocket for the day instead..."   this is what SHOULD have went through my mind, instead my old 5.5'er self forgot about the pump, grabbed my purse and car keys and headed out the door.

I went to the bank, I went to Winners, I went to Old Navy and then I went to Wal-Mart... as I was walking about, what felt to be 5 kilometres to get to the entrance of Wal-Mart (Easter has seemed to make the place a little wild) I began to feel up my sides, my back pockets (remember, no pockets on yoga pants) then my sweater pockets, then the side of my bra - I probably looked crazy because my cell phone was in my hand as well.     Then when I realized I    a. hid my pump well this time    or     b. forgot the thing!   I felt the site and realized there was nothing attached to it!  

I didn't fret, instead I laughed thinking to myself,  how can something that I have hooked up to me 24/7 be forgotten so easily!   I never once thought about it until about an hour or so into my trip.   Nothing crossed my mind as I contemplated trying things on, and even bought a pair of black pumps at Old Navy!  Had I just spend a solid hour feeling non-diabetic? did I like that feeling more than I thought?  Kind of.

Once I got into Wal-Mart I decided to check my blood sugar to see what we were working with, a 9.8 [176.4 mg/dl]   not bad I thought... I would be spending at least another hour or so in Wal-Mart and judging my the lines maybe even longer than that. I figured that as long as I wasn't eating anything I would be fine.  I have not worn my pump before, but that was with it close by, not in another location like this time!   

As I was leaving I checked one more time, more so for curiousity, and it was 8.5 [153 mg/dl] I knew I could at least venture to the Dollarstore before I had to get home and reconnect.   I hadn't had lunch at this point either, so I didn't think it would zoom up for no apparent reason, unless I got into the Easter candy I bought at Wal-Mart.    

When I got home, there she was, sitting lonely, unconnected on my bed with a minuscule little puddle of potent tears. I sort of felt bad, leaving her behind and not even really noticing at all.   Sometimes being without a pump makes you feel free like that saying, 'no strings attached'  it's like you have nothing to worry about, when really you do have a lot.  For some reason that little pump vacation I had was good for me, and even though I should probably stick to more local pump vacations, i.e pump in bedroom, myself in the living room.... it wouldn't be so bad taking an hour break every now and then.  

Kayla 

Don't Worry

Letter to Emma (7) from a friend in her class - Had to Share! 

When we are teenagers we feel like certain things we enjoy (that maybe our peers don't)  is not 'cool' or not worth sharing in a conversation circle.  Those who enjoy reading books are seen as nerds and those who volunteer every sunday handing out warm meals are seen as nerds as well.  What is it about youth, young adults and some older adults that we feel like the most important things that we do, the things that make us truly happy are some how embarrassing or not 'cool'.

It's all really a myth, because once you open up to someone and share what you love, the response is enormous.   Most people my age (21/22)  do not do what I do.    I have realized that I am different than most people my age, I am the same in the ways that I attend University, have a boyfriend, social life, enjoy movies, candy and sleeping in -  but there are a million things about me that are different and outstanding.  But, this is just how it seems, not how it truly is.

I know that everyone has something unique about them that they could share and grab the attention of at least a handful of people.  Everyone has that silly talent or outstanding interest that would make a good read.  But, like I said, so many people are embarrassed to stand out and show the world that, "hey, sometimes they like to sit down and knit, and yes they're 16 years old, but who cares!"

We are all incredibly different even though we are all sporting iPods and Ugg Boots. We all have something different to share in the world and even if you just can't wrap your head around the world, at least share with the people we spend the most time with.  It's important to live each day doing something that makes you smile, instead of worrying so much about what others will think of you if you were ever to tell them you call your Grandmother on a daily basis just to chat.

Kayla

El Presidente

Today I walked with a beat in my step, the meeting for the Western Diabetes Association ended and even though it was terribly cold outside and getting dark, I put in my ipod earphones and began smiling as I looked ahead at a bright future.   I walked home thinking how much my life has changed since that very day I was told I have type 1 diabetes.  I couldn't help but smile, and think of how grateful I was to be given such amazing opportunities in my life. How did I get so lucky to be diabetic? Does anyone say that, but me?

So what went on at this meeting that made me skip down the sidewalk listening to "Fine by Me" by Andy Grammer.  Well, hinting at the blog post name and picture I am sure you've guessed it, but just in case -  I was elected president by the Western Diabetes Association for the year of 2012/2013.  I will admit, this was one thing I was super nervous about not achieving.  I never get nervous, speaking in front of hundreds of people, yet just the thought of not getting this position made made me think I would feel like I was doing something wrong for people not to notice that I could make this club amazing.

I stood in front and without pouring my complete heart out knowing that I was president already, I really wanted to make sure they knew they could count on me.  I am beyond ecstatic about what I can do with this club and where it can take me and the many other members. We all are so incredibly lucky to be given such opportunities in life and be able to do what we want and take what we want from them.

More than ever I have realized that it is really important to be patient and never give up. If you believe that you can do something than chances are you're going to reach that goal, you just need to be patient with yourself and others and everything will work out.  If you have positive people around you and a positive reflection of yourself - nothing is unattainable!

Kayla

The Extra Step

Dad, Jacob and Mom

You can't always expect someone to know exactly what you are going through when living with type 1 diabetes, but when those around you step up and show you just how much they are willing to try and understand, that is when you realize just how supportive a person can be.   For Camille and her partner Phil the concept of support has been taken to a whole different level, a level some parents of diabetic children probably haven't considered.

I got the chance to speak to Camille, the mother of Jacob and she shared with me a story that really made me sit back and think about what support means and how people in my life have shown me support in different ways.  This story is an example of outstanding support and understanding.  

Camille and Phil's son, Jacob was diagnosed January 18 2010, when he was only three years old and while Camille admits that it was a text book diagnoses with thirst, bedwetting and extreme fatigue, her and her partner were both shocked and had no idea what was going on with their poor son.    Soon they found themselves at the hospital learning how to manage diabetes, luckily for them one of the nurses also was a type 1 diabetic and sported an insulin pump.

The family, from La Sarre, Quebec, Canada began their journey with type 1 and eventually turned to the new technology that the diabetes world had to offer - an insulin pump.  Like many of us, this moment is a scary, yet exciting one. We have accepted the idea of the insulin pump, but aren't really sure what it is going to be like once we hook up that very first day.

Unfortunately, for the family insulin pumps were not covered and neither were the supplies that were needed.  Camille says, "We are an average family with an average salary, so we did not have $8000 for the pump and CGM that I was dreaming of..."  But with hard work on fundraising the family did manage to save up enough money to buy all that they were dreaming of for their son, Jacob.  Did I mention that the family raised $14 000 and after purchasing all that they needed they additionally donated money to three other causes including purchasing an insulin pump for another family in need. 


Now that you've already completely fallen in love with this family of three, I must tell you what led me to wanting to speak to them in the first place. Upon receiving the insulin pump Jacob began to realize that although this crazy device was saving life it was also setting him apart from others. "A month and a half into our pumping experience he said to me that he felt different, of course I explained that being different is okay and that every one has their own differences, but it is not easy for a 4 year old to wrap his head around - the different is okay concept."

Upon hearing this, like any other parent of a type 1 diabetic, Camille and Phil were heartbroken about their son's new view of his diabetes and insulin pump.  They began brain storming what to do to help their little one change his mind and cheer him up. They both thought it would be a great idea if Jacob was to meet another diabetic with an insulin pump, but they just didn't know anyone around them.  So, then it hit Camille, she thought of the idea of getting themselves some insulin pumps.

Don't worry they didn't raise another $14 000 to get themselves each a pump, instead they headed to the tattoo parlour to get a cheaper, maybe not less painful insulin pump.   In October 2010, they were now branded with two Medtronic look-a-like insulin pumps to show their son Jacob, just how cool wearing an insulin pump can be. "Jacob was totally ecstatic about it!"

Although she admits that soon enough technology will change and Jacob's pump many not also resemble  his parents, she says that, "our love for Jacob will never change and those tattoos will always be a reminder of that!" and later she explains, "I have to say that those tattoos did the trick for our son's self-esteem and that I would do it again in a heart beat!"   So that makes me wonder, will a CGM tattoo be the next step?

Camille, Phil and Jacob are a great example of how support is multi-dimensional. We all find ways to show our support and to help others that need that shoulder to lean on or that extra boost to get us up and running.   These parents took the extra leap right into a tattoo parlour in hopes of improving their sons esteem when dealing with his diabetes.  I am sure he will always be thankful for such loving parents, and will be asking them to lift up their shirts to show their grandchildren just how supportive they are.


To check out Camille's blog visit: www.diabetetype1.blogspot.com

Kayla

  

Oversized Backpack to Cell Phone

My iPhone in comparison to my Pump

Multiple Daily Injections, also known as MDI or if someone says they use a pen or syringe - is usually the first thing people try out when diagnosed; however, I do know of cases of Type 1s being put on Metformin pills before taking insulin. Sometimes people continue to use MDI for the rest of their life, or for a long, long period of time while others look into other possibilities such as an insulin pump.  The choice is really yours.

Having an insulin pump is like having shortcuts which ultimately cuts a tremendous amount of time out of your day. Instead of having to pull out a pen, screw on a needle, count carbs, convert that to your insulin units, dial up and inject, all you have to do is take out your pump, count carbs, type it into your pump and press a button.  You are able to do this while sitting on the table without a single person knowing - saying that, I would take my MDI at dinner tables freely, and many would not even notice I had given myself a shot.

To view this article
The first Insulin Pump invented in 1963 By Dr. Arnold Kadish 

Teaching people about your insulin pump is important, and no I don't mean the random people that pass you by on the street, but the people that are around you.  Sometimes medical equipment can seem scary to those who know nothing about it and that is when you get questions like, "So there is a needle in you right now?" or "how long was the surgery for that?"    Giving them brief information is the best way to go about it, don't even try to explain basal and bolus unless they are actually listening and seem intrigued, because you don't need a refresher at this point, so what's the point if they aren't listening.

The first insulin pump was invented in 1963 and to say the least they have come along way.  The first pump was like a backpack and now it is so small it gets mistaken for a phone or pager; rather than, an oversized backpack.   The diabetes researchers have come along way in providing us with up to date information and technology that we can be thankful for, and while some decide to stay using MDI, there is nothing wrong with that.    After all, some of us own computers, some of us do not, those without computers aren't worse off than others (until they need to google something...)

Kayla

No one's better!

We all have experience with diabetes as diabetics and while some of have had diabetes longer than others that doesn't make us less diabetic or less educated about diabetes than those veteran diabetics.  It feels like as soon as you enter that hospital you instantly become 'diabetic' when previous, although you may have had all the symptoms, you were just a regular person.  As soon as you're diagnosed you gain a whole bunch of knowledge and that begins your journey with diabetes.

I've come across a few 'veteran' diabetics and realized that although they have lived with diabetes much longer than I have, our common knowledge about diabetes is similar and if it differs in any way it would be because of our sources (i.e nurses or endocrinologists.) It doesn't take long to be a professional diabetic when your working hours are around the clock, seven days a week.

Someone once asked me how long I was diagnosed for and after saying three years they replied with, "well _________ has been diagnosed longer, so she/he has way more experience than you."  I have to admit that this offended me.  Yes, he/she may have had diabetes longer than me, but that does not mean that I know less about diabetes.  I have administrated insulin both with syringes, pens and an insulin pump, and I have checked my blood sugar more than a thousand times.   

The truth is, is that we all have different views on our diabetes and we all manage our diabetes in different ways, but really once you're diagnosed you're only a few days away from figuring what diabetes is about and knowing exactly what it is like to live with type 1 diabetes no matter if you're five years old or fifteen.  

Kayla