[Diabetes-talk] [SPAM] Re: insulin pumps

David Anspach danspach at tampabay.rr.com
Thu Apr 9 01:59:56 UTC 2009 

Hi Chanelle,
Thanks for taking the things I brought up in my message and taking them a
step further. I honestly don't know if I would actually take that step back
to injected insulin, but man there are times when I miss that element of
being in almost total control of how much insulin I get as a basal rate. The
easy bolus is pretty easy, but like you said, it gets rather tedious trying
to make sure you pressed the arrow keys up or down the right number of
times. Plus, the audible beeps on the 722 pump I use now just don't seem to
be as loud as they once were...ok, ok, no comments from the peanut gallery
about my getting older and not being able to hear as well <lol>.

Seriously, I think that Chanelle has hit on probably my biggest pet peeve or
whatever you want to call it regarding the use of a pump as a blind
diabetic. When your pump alarms, you are pretty much left to take a good
guess at why it might be alarming. Is it the battery that is ready to be
replaced? Is there a kink in the tubing? A low reservoir? Fortunately, pump
alarms are pretty infrequent. But they can often come at the worst times and
it gets frustrating when you simply don't know for sure what is going on.

I don't want to make using a pump as a blind person  out to be such a nerve
shattering  ordeal, a totally negative experience or hard to cope with,
because in the end, it really isn't. I'm pretty sure all of the blind
pumpers on this list will agree with me. However, having a sighted person
around when your pump alarms, or you need help adjusting the various pump
settings is totally  "priceless." 

Ok Mike, in regard to your comments relating to being tangled up in a web of
tubing, man! You've been watching way too many insulin pump horror movies
<lol>. Besides, you are not always attached to a machine. I like to think of
my pump as my external, mechanical pancreas that just needs to be filled
every two to three days, that's all <grin>. I don't *have to* be attached to
it 24-7, I do take a shower every day, despite all the rumors floating
around the net to the contrary. During those times, my pump is nestled in
it's spot in my nightstand drawer <grin>. I haven't, however, gone so far as
to give it a name yet <lol>. 

Oh yeah, I do not miss being stuck with a needle three to four times a day
either. It's so nice to have to inject myself once every two or three days
like Di said. So there nyah! Nyah! nyah! 

Besides, appropriately method-neutral language on this list? Dude no way!
<lol>

Dave


-----Original Message-----
From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chanelle Hill
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 8:51 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] [SPAM] Re: insulin pumps

Dear Kelly,
I would also be interested in participating in a study or answering
questionnaires regarding insulin pump development. One of the reasons I
joined this list was to find out more about accessible insulin pumps. I have
been using the Paradigm 512 from Minimed since 2004. I wish that I had not
decided to upgrade my pump a few weeks ago now knowing that DDI will be
coming out with an accessible one. The tasks I am able to do independently
include filling reservoirs, priming the pump, using the easy bolis feature,
and setting and stopping temporary basal rates. If the easy bolis feature
were not available, using my pump would be nearly impossible without sighted
assistance; however, it can be tedious to press in the correct number of
beeps for how many units I want to give and then to listen to make sure they
are correct (for me, four units of insulin is 40 beeps or 20 if I change the
setting for one beep to equal 0.2 units instead of 0.1). When setting a
temporary basal rate or priming the pump, I rely on my memory for the
correct button pushing sequences. If a button is not pressed firmly enough
or if I have forgotten the sequence, I could end up in a menu where I don't
want to be. Pressing escape or escape and then act several times gets me
back to the main screen, but there is always some worry that I have
accidentally changed a setting. I have experienced the same challenges as
Dave pointed out: needing sighted assistance to adjust pump settings and not
being able to take advantage of the pump's more complex features like the
bolis wizard.
Another challenge is not being able to know what the error messages are
saying; they are only indicated by a few beeps. I usually try to figure out
what they might be indicating (e.g., if I have not changed an infusion set
or replaced the battery in a while), but if I don't have a sighted person
around, which is frequently the case and the error message is saying
something else, this creates serious problems.
In addition, sometimes after replacing the battery the pump somehow decides
that the time and date need to be reset. Without sighted assistance, this is
impossible. Despite the inaccessibility of the pump, I would still rather be
using it than going back to taking shots. I am totally blind, so I would
need some audio prompts to guide me in using the pump. Thank you for posting
to the diabetes list this good news of an accessible insulin pump being
developed. Please let me know if there is any way I can be of assistance in
this process.

Chanelle

On 4/7/09, Kelly Massaro <kellym at prodigymeter.com> wrote:
> Hello Eileen and David,
>
> I'd like to thank you both for your feedback regarding the pros and 
> cons of pump usage as a blind diabetic.  Additionally, thank you for 
> expressing your desire to help us with the design of the talking 
> insulin pump.
>
> I have forwarded your feedback to our CEO and Vice President and will 
> contact you when and if they would like you to participate.
>
> I'm excited about our new products in the pipeline.  We have a lot 
> more to come after the insulin pump, so I'll keep everyone posted!
>
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Kelly Massaro
> Senior Marketing and Sales Account Representative Diagnostic Devices 
> 9300 Harris Corners Pkwy Suite 450 Charlotte NC  28269
> Direct: 704-285-6425
> Main: 800-366-5901
> kellym at prodigymeter.com
> www.prodigymeter.com
>
>
> PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL: The information contained in this 
> electronic message and any attachments are confidential property of 
> the sender. The information is intended only for the use of the person 
> to whom it was addressed and should not be used in any manner not 
> authorized by the sender. Any other interception, copying, accessing, 
> or disclosure of this information is prohibited. The sender takes no 
> responsibility for any unauthorized reliance on this information. If 
> you have received this message in error, please immediately notify the 
> sender and purge the message you received. Do not forward this message 
> without permission.
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org 
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eileen Scrivani
> Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 10:14 AM
> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] [SPAM] Re: insulin pumps
>
> David & Kelly:
>
> first to Dave -- I want to thank you for your very honest critique of 
> using your insulin pump as a blind diabetic!  I'm tired of getting 
> rave reviews about products from many in the blindness community about 
> how wonderful certain diabetic devices are while at the same time, 
> totally neglecting to state the problems and challenges they have 
> encountered.  I am very glad you let the list know your experience 
> with the pump.  As you know, I have been wanting to switch to a pump, 
> but have been hesitant because of the lack of accessibility built into 
> them. Reading your message below, I am glad I have held off and not 
> been pushed into it.
>
> To Kelly --  Like David stated there was a mention a while back on 
> this list about asking people for input into the development of a 
> pump.  I did at that time also contact the person looking for 
> participants.  If at all needed I am still more than willing to 
> participate in any type of testing, questionnaires or studies as a 
> person who is blind and has never used a pump, but is insulin 
> dependant and administering one's own insulin injections and BG 
> testing without any sighted assistance.
>
> Kelly, feel free to contact me if you or DI is looking for people to 
> facilitate this type of work.
>
> Thank you both.
>
> Eileen
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David Anspach" <danspach at tampabay.rr.com>
> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 8:50 PM
> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Diabetes-talk] insulin pumps
>
>
>> Hello Kelly,
>> As a long-time and perhaps long-suffering insulin pump user, this is 
>> definitely great news!  I am a long-time Minimed Paradigm insulin 
>> pump
>
>> user.
>> While using a pump definitely has great advantages over taking 
>> insulin
> via
>> injection, it is nearly impossible as a blind diabetic to use a pump 
>> without someone to act as a sighted backup. Sure I can change out the 
>> pump
> i.e.
>> change the reservoir and tubing plus insert the canula into a new
> site,
>> but
>> there is just no way that I can, as a blind diabetic, take full
> advantage
>> of
>> all of the features of my pump. About all I can do is take a bolus
> before
>> each meal and any time I want to eat a snack. I've been a person in
> the
>> past
>> who really would rather be in total control of my diabetes. But with
> this
>> pump, I'm afraid I simply cannot. I can't change the most simplest of 
>> things, such as my own basal rates, as I simply cannot access the
> pump. I
>> have to wait for someone who is familiar with my pump to come to my
> house
>> or
>> my employer and help me adjust it then.
>>
>> It is probably the most frustrating thing I have ever faced as a 
>> blind diabetic. In fact, I have considered time and time again just 
>> throwing
> my
>> pump into the trash and going back to taking insulin via an injection.
> I
>> know that we here in the NFB have written about how using a pump as a 
>> blind person is possible. But I just go back to the same issue, you 
>> must
> have
>> someone sighted who can help you adjust the more complex settings on
> your
>> pump such as basal rates. I know there are some who have managed to 
>> do
>
>> some
>> of the more complex things such as setting a temporary basal rate, 
>> but
> I
>> honestly don't trust not being able to see the screen to ensure I 
>> have
>
>> done
>> the right thing or pressed the various buttons the correct amount of
> times
>> to get to the setting I want to change.
>>
>> Sometime ago, there was a call to anyone interested in taking part in 
>> helping develop an accessible insulin pump to respond via this very
> e-mail
>> list. At that time, the folks at DDI were going to be producing the
> pump,
>> as
>> you have now shown in your message below. But, I volunteered and 
>> never really heard much more. So, are you actively seeking anyone who 
>> can
> lend
>> advice etc. to the development of such a pump? If so, then I am
> definitely
>> very interested in contributing in any way I can. I would love to 
>> have
> the
>> ability of at least offering my input into such a pump and its design.
>>
>> Thanks for reading my rather lengthy e-mail message :). If you would
> like
>> to
>> talk with me further, please don't hesitate to write to me at:
>> danspach at tampabay.rr.com
>> Or at work via:
>> DavidA at FreedomScientific.com
>>
>> Have a great evening,
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org 
>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kelly Massaro
>> Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 1:43 PM
>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] insulin pumps
>>
>> Currently there are no pumps on the market for the visually impaired 
>> however DDI has a talking insulin pump in the pipeline that should be 
>> released within a year.
>>
>> Best Regards,
>>
>> Kelly Massaro
>> Senior Marketing and Sales Account Representative Diagnostic Devices
> 9300
>> Harris Corners Pkwy Suite 450 Charlotte NC  28269
>> Direct: 704-285-6425
>> Main: 800-366-5901
>> kellym at prodigymeter.com
>> www.prodigymeter.com
>>
>>
>> PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL: The information contained in this
> electronic
>> message and any attachments are confidential property of the sender.
> The
>> information is intended only for the use of the person to whom it was 
>> addressed and should not be used in any manner not authorized by the 
>> sender.
>> Any other interception, copying, accessing, or disclosure of this 
>> information is prohibited. The sender takes no responsibility for any 
>> unauthorized reliance on this information. If you have received this 
>> message in error, please immediately notify the sender and purge the 
>> message
> you
>> received. Do not forward this message without permission.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org 
>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of cheryl
> echevarria
>> Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 1:38 PM
>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] insulin pumps
>>
>> there aren't any.
>>
>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>  ----- Original Message -----
>>  From: catdancing<mailto:catdancing at sbcglobal.net>
>>  To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>  Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 10:29 AM
>>  Subject: [Diabetes-talk] insulin pumps
>>
>>
>>  has anyone on here ever heard of an insulin pump for the visually 
>> impaired? if so could u let me know what it is and where to find it.
>>  a friend of mine also a type 1 said a place called ammis. com made
> them
>> but i couldn't find any such item on their web page.
>>  has anyone any ideas?
>>  Debbie
>>  _______________________________________________
>>  Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>  Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>
>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org<http:/
> /w
>> ww.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org>
>>  To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>> for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>>
>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/cheryla
> nd
>>
> maxx%40hotmail.com<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk
> _n
>> fbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kellym%
> 40
>> prodigymeter.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/danspac
> h%
> 40ta
>> mpabay.rr.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/etscriv
> an
> i%40verizon.net
>
> _______________________________________________
> Diabetes-talk mailing list
> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Diabetes-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kellym%
> 40
> prodigymeter.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Diabetes-talk mailing list
> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Diabetes-talk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/chanell
> emh%40gmail.com
>

_______________________________________________
Diabetes-talk mailing list
Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Diabetes-talk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/danspach%40ta
mpabay.rr.com

More information about the Diabetes-Talk mailing list