Feb 18, 2011 Posted by Kev

Sleeping with an Insulin Pump – Our First Night Together

Falling asleep has always been a bit of an exact science for me.  For example, if my pillow isn’t on the softer side or my sheets are tucked in wrong near my feet, it’s likely going to keep me awake.  I also notice if the air in the house is even 1 degree too cold or too hot.  And if the thermostat is several degrees too low, my ears will start to ache slightly, which will surely keep me awake. ... read more

Feb 17, 2011 Posted by Kev

Medtronic Insulin Pump Class – I’m Now Officially an Insulin Pump User

Meeting at Panera Bread for an Insulin pump class is a little like a heart patient having cardiac rehab at a Dunkin’ Donuts.  Only in my case, the decadent treats behind the counter might actually save me.  My wife Trisha and I entered the local Panera at around 8:45 AM for a 9 AM one-on-one class with Ellen, the local Medtronic insulin pump instructor.  She had already reserved the private meeting... read more

Feb 15, 2011 Posted by Kev

Medtronic Instructor Cancels Insulin Pump Class at Last Minute

Just before noon at 11:57am, I received a call from Ellen, Medtronic’s local insulin pump instructor, who informed me that she was going to have to cancel today’s class scheduled for 1pm.  She said that her two-year-old had come down with a fever.  To be honest, I wasn’t that shocked that she canceled, and I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way. It’s just that the Medtronic rep... read more

Feb 15, 2011 Posted by Kev

Insulin Pump Nightmare – Just a Dream or Scared to Use the Pump?

In a few hours, I’ll be leaving to meet with Ellen, my insulin pump instructor.  Today is the day of my one-on-one class.  It’s strange to think that I’ll be going to bed tonight wearing an insulin pump.  It’s apparently so strange in fact that I had a rather off-the-wall dream last night. I dreamt that my grandma, who used to wear a hearing aid, became trapped inside of it.  However, in my... read more

Feb 12, 2011 Posted by Kev

Medtronic Insulin Pump Pre-Class Online Courses – First Impression

Today I began my at home self-study in preparation for my Medtronic Revel Insulin Pump training class on Tuesday.  I had been emailing the instructor, Ellen, throughout the week to set up a location (she recommended the local library, which is only about 15 minutes from our home).  On Wednesday, the day that my Medtronic Revel Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System arrived via UPS, Ellen... read more

Feb 9, 2011 Posted by Kev

Unpacking My Insulin Pump from Medtronic (Video)

I created the “Unpacking My Insulin Pump” Video below so that everyone can see what came in the 2 boxes  and to also celebrate what is hopefully the beginning of a positive step in the management of my type 1 diabetes.  Note: The contents of the package may be different for each person depending on certain factors.  These factors include, but are not limited to, pump brand, pump model, insulin... read more

Feb 8, 2011 Posted by Kev

I’m Getting an Insulin Pump – Medtronic Revel Insulin Pump and CGM

To pump or not to pump?  That has been the question for the past week.  It wasn’t until yesterday during my appointment with my doctor and a rep for Medtronic named Carlo that I finally made my decision.  I’ve had a variety of concerns regarding an insulin pump, the foremost being what if it malfunctioned and gave me too much insulin?  Thus, would wearing it be a lot like the worry I feel when... read more

Feb 7, 2011 Posted by Trisha

I Didn’t Think it Would Be That Bad – My Husband and Hypoglycemia

The effects of this experience are still rearing their ugly head today, prompting my husband to ask me, “didn’t you think it would be that bad?”  Good question… I was aware that soon after my husband was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes he had an episode of low blood sugar that resulted in him passing out, seizing and being taken to the hospital.  He had been on vacation with his then-girlfriend... read more