Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month and today is Blue Monday, I thought I would share some photos of the blue device in my bra that helps me control my blood sugar: my insulin pump. In real life, my pump does not have a name (I REFUSE TO GIVE IT ONE) but today it will be known as Lil Pumpy because A) it gives me a title for this entry and B) it made Kellie laugh last time I used it.
I've had type 1 diabetes for over 30 years, and after giving myself daily insulin injections for most of that time, I decided to go on an insulin pump about a year ago.
Meet Lil Pumpy. Notice how he/she/it is blue. Perfect for Blue Monday.
I put the pump on a hankie with blue flowers on but it was so sheer, you can see the pink gingham sheet underneath it.
The pump continually gives me very small amounts of insulin and that keeps my blood sugar on an even level. When it's time to eat, I can set the pump to deliver an extra dose of insulin to cover the amount of carbohydrates in my food, which is kind of how a pancreas works in a person without diabetes.
Usually, I wear the pump inside my bra, but I didn't want to show off my cleavage today so I clipped it to the pocket of my jeans.
See the tubing coming out of the pump? At the opposite end of that is a super thin needle that I insert under my skin (usually in my stomach but there are other places I can put it) using this springloaded gizmo I have. I can barely feel it going in.
I disconnect the pump when I take a shower but other than that, it's attached to me all the time. Something I'm still not totally used to, but it's not all that bad. I'm really pretty happy with my pump and wish I hadn't waited so long to get one. It has changed how I care for my diabetes because it makes it so convenient to take insulin. There's no longer the hassle of filling up syringes and finding a place to shoot up. (It's never happened to me but I've always heard stories from other diabetics about taking a shot in a public restroom and being accused of doing drugs.) Nowadays, I just push a few buttons and easily get my insulin.
When I was ready to take these pictures, I went looking for some more blue items to add. Let's pretend Lil Pumpy enjoys wearing a miniature sombrero while working hard to keep my blood sugar under control. Go, Lil Pumpito!
Be sure to see who else is joining Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Blue Monday: Go, Lil Pumpy
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17 comments:
The wonders of medicine and science never cease to amaze me. This season I've found another thing to be thankful for. I'm thankful there is a "pumpy/pumpito" to give you your insulin and help you manage your diabetes.
Mr pumpito sure looks muy guapo (handsome) in his sombrero (LOL).
I like the little blue flowers on the hankie.
Hugs and have a great day!
What a wonderful way to help manage your diabetes....I am thankful for all the strides done in meds and tech.
Thanks for sharing Mr. Pumpy..
I found this really interesting. I've had friends who have had to cope with injecting themselves at the most inconvenient of places and times. This seems so much easier, though I can understand it must take some getting used to.
Of course, Pumpy or PumpitA is female because she wears a bra! (Aren't I clever?)
This is one more thing for you and other users of insulin pumps to be grateful for. Happy Blue Monday!
I'm thankful Mr. Pumpito has come into your life, too! Loved his little sombrero! LOL! Too cute!
Thanks for sharing this. It's good info to know and delivered with a sense of fun.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Thank you for visiting my Blue Monday! I like your Blue Monday too. That hat is too cute on your Pumpy! I had to laugh. Happy Blue Monday!
An amazing invention. Just think, some clever person dreamed up that pump and now you have it. Happy Thanksgiving.
I wasn't real sure I liked him until I saw the sombrero - now he's functional AND fun.
Happy Blue Monday! I'm with Rechelle all the way, so grateful you have this little pump to make things easier on you! So cute with its little hat!
I know a couple of people with a pump (one of them diagnosed when he was 2) but I never heard as clearly as this how it worked before. What a wonderful invention!
Thank you for showing us your pump and explaining it. I've heard of them but had no idea what they looked like or exactly how they worked.
Happy and Healthy Blue Monday!
I am so glad that the insulin pump is helping you. We know a teenage girl that has the pump. I never realized how they work. Thanks for sharing - and for maintaining a sense of humor (Lil Pumpito!). Happy Blue Monday.
Sweetie
Okay. As a Christian and a sort-of nice person, I feel compelled to say that I'm sorry that you have diabetes. That really sucks. As an engineer/nerd, I have to say that is a really cool device. I had never heard of anything like that. Do you have to fill it up with the insulin everyday? Or where does the insulin come from?
I love how you dressed up Mr. Pumpito. I know what you mean about trying to get your shot too. I know people who freak out when I just test my blood sugar at work. They're like, "Ewww! You shouldn't do that here! What about bloodborne pathogens!" I answer, "From a drop of blood? Be for real! It's not like I'm bleeding profusely in your area!" I am very sanitary when I test and make sure everything is wrapped before discarding, so what is the problem? Ugh! If they had to do it, they'd feel differently. xxoo
I think Mr. Pumpito looks very fetching and coordinated in his hat.
Hola Mr. Pumpito! Thank you for taking care of Patty. Muy Bien!
Happy Thanksgiving :)
Your entry hits home for me. Several family members and a friend are diabetic, and if it weren't for insulin they wouldn't be here. My friend has a pump, and it is just so neat! It looks so much nicer and more convenient than having to use syringes, and having to find a different place to use the needle every so often. The pump seems to be versatile in that way.
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