[Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Thu Mar 16 11:48:39 UTC 2017

Veronica,

     First, I have my audio bolus set for 1 unit, and I take about 3-5 units
per meal with no problems.  Why do you think it won't let you take more than
two units?  I don't have the carb ratio feature or any of the other advanced
features turned on, because I just bolus the amount I know I need.  I've
taken up to eight units  with it wen my blood sugar hit the roof after
inserting one of the infusion sets wrong.  How could that happen?  Getting
used to using them and not removing the insertion device properly.  I was
kind of dislodging the cannula a bit when removing the insertion needle.
I'm doing much better now, but that is why I'm going back to my Ultraflex
sets!  

Second, I haven't had to do a battery change yet, but I understand that it
will not change the date/time or other things if you do it quickly.  Not
sure how fast that has to be, but I'm kind of nervous about doing my first
one.  I'm also not sure how I'll know that the alert or alarm will be
telling me it is time to change my battery.  I wish there was a way to make
it have a separate sound than the low cartridge and other alerts.  I started
with my Vibe on Jan. 19, so I'm guessing that my battery will need to be
changed soon.

As for the infusion sets, I am giving all three of the Animas ones a try.
All three have their pros and cons.  As soon as my insurance allows me to
order another three month supply, I am going back to my favorite Ultrasets
from Roche.  Until I can't get them anymore, I'm going to go with them.  Do
you know how long the Cleos will be available to you?  I may have to try a
sample of them.  When I have to go back to the Animas products, I'll most
likely go with the Insets.  I like the Contact Detach too, but I am finding
that the metal cannula makes my muscle in that area tender for quite a few
days after removing it.  It is the one that looks like a little thumbtack
that you just manually plunge in to your skin.  It doesn't sting or hurt at
all until after it is removed.  It has been a tough decision for me, because
I don't know how long I will be able to keep getting the ones from Roche.  I
really like Animas and their customer service, so I was giving all of their
products a chance.  You have me very interested in the Cleos though.  

I received an e-mail from Dexcom the other day that has me a little
confused.  The subject line is "A Special Promotion from an Insulin
Partner".    It is advertising the Omnipod tubeless insulin management
system.  I thought the Omnipod was discontinued.

I'm glad we have connected via Diabetes Talk.  I need to check out the
waist-it and the other accessories from that site.  Thanks!

				Jamie

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 10:04 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Oh Bridgit, that's funny, well almost. It's also way to real. A couple of
months ago I was at an appointment with my rheumatologist and was lying on
the exam table while he looked at my hip. No kidding! Over a two-minute time
span, he said, four times, now don't fall! Don't fall! Ummm, excuse me!
Where in the world would I go? Some days I feel like I'm either infantilized
or simply written off. Sheesh! I'm happy I'm pretty much left alone with my
pump. I can sit here all by myself and realize I think I guessed wrong about
my carbs tonight. Oops! Just like anyone else.
Right now I do often keep my iPhone in my pocket and don't want to battle
two things. Clipping to my waist band isn't bad but if I can get it in this
waist-it, it's even more out of my way because the pump goes from left to
right, not up and down, if you know what I mean.
And I agree, the prime-rewind thing does seem really stupid to me. It's also
kind of annoying that when you do that, it forgets any temp basals and
insulin on board. I also don't like that if you manually enter a BG over
250, you get an extra screen nagging at you because you're high. Or below a
number I've forgotten now for lows. On the high number, I know you silly
piece of tech. That's why I'm entering it here. Duh! But I think I've more
or less figured out the speed at which I can hit the up and down-arrows
without it jumping. This is what gives me the nerve to play with some of the
advanced functions. Which cannulas do you use. I'm staying with my Cleo's
because, well, I like them. But every once in awhile I sure land one in a
spot that doesn't like it. Somebody needs to make little itty bitty force
fields that won't let us put a cannula in a place that's kind of done.
<grin> Maybe the next generation will look for good spots and insert
themselves. Doesn't that sound nice? <grin> But I am still laughing about
the pump blousing itself. Depending on how I'm holding the pump, I sometimes
find it hard to get my knuckle out of the way so I can hit that little
button. You really do have to mean it. Wow!
And my poor trainer. I did have to explain to her that the alarm was
Beethoven, not Mozart.
Out of curiosity, how many units per single button push for the audio bolus
do you have set? Right now I'm set to one button press for half a unit.
Otherwise you could never take more than 2 units and I can't always make
that one. But I'm still getting used to that dorky scale. <grin> Anyway,
thanks a bunch. Beep!
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on
iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7:25 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Funny story. I had a PA a year ago who accussed me of not knowing how to
work my pump because my BG's were all over the place. Instead of trying to
identify a problem she blamed my blindness. Anyway, She tried to say I was
accidently bolusing or that my pump was maybe bolusing itself like in my
sleep. I was like, "Uh, don't think so, Lady. In order for this pump to
accidently bolus with the touch bolus, all the planets would have to align."
LOL!

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 6:31 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Hi Jamie!
First, it seems like all of the modern pumps assume you'll be taking them
out to look at menus and such. It's just funny that this one which
specifically says, used when pump is hidden in clothing and they make it so
soft and slow. Way too many extra beeps too. And I too have to get used to
the smaller cartridge as I'm like you in that those 300 unit cartridges
lasted me a week. And we'll see what I end up doing with the alarms. Today
at lunch I tried my luck at using the easy carb feature. It's a matter of
counting and hope I got it right but you know, it is faster. And my trainer
didn't leave me any extra anything. <grin> Those battery caps are expensive!

But I haven't tried using the KNFB reader on anything but the home screen so
far.

As for the waist-it, it's a soft velcroe strap which has a soft cotton
pocket in it for the pump. It's designed so that the tubing can come through
one side. I don't wear dresses all that often any more but I did when I
first got them. I do like the fact that the pump is secure while you're
dressing and undressing or doing other things like that. It does keep the
tubing out of the way. I bought them from a company called Unique
Accessories. My Disetronic pump, I wore in my bra. But the Cozmo was heavier
so I switched to the waist. But they make things you can wear on your arm,
your thigh, your leg or in pouches that clip on to stuff. They also have
pump tea shirts which have a pocket designed for the tubing. They even sell
pajamas.
The web site is www.uniaccs.com
The two women who founded this company are very nice on the phone as well.
One of them was my first pump trainer back in 1991.
I also only change the tubing when I change the cartridge. I met someone who
did an art sculpture out of all the leftover tubing he had. It was pretty
cool. 
But so far, other than moments when I get the cannula into a dud of a spot
like this morning, my BG readings seem to be much steadier on the Animas
than on my old Cozmo. Even though I have to wait till the end of the process
and listen to the motor, I'm glad I am able to make use of the smart bolus
features which as much certainty as we have on many things today. <grin>
Anyway, thanks again for the nice feedback. Betty and I are doing okay so
far.
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on
iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 4:04 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Jamie Gurganus
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Veronica,

     I also think the audio bolus is  not as quick to use like my Spirit,
but it is the only way for me to give a bolus.  I also can't hear it without
taking it out of my pocket when out in public or even when my family is
talking at the dinner table.  But, my friend who is sighted and has the new
Medtronic pump is finding the same issue.  He said that he has to take his
pump out of his pocket to navigate the menu just to give a bolus on it.  So,
sighted or not, we are all having to take our pumps out of our pockets to
use them!

And, I couldn't hear Beethoven at all when at the store or with a coat on,
so I changed all of my alarms and alerts to vibrate.  

I haven't found anything except my kids's eyes that can read the screen for
me to tell me what an alarm or alert is saying.  I don't have the KNFB
reader.  I just keep track of when I change my cartridge and expect a low
cartridge alert in about 3 days.  I'm not used to that, since the Spirit
cartridge lasted a week for me.  I also have to change my infusion set every
two days, but I don't always change the tubing.  That uses a lot of insulin.

What is the waist-it?  I don't recall getting one with mine.  I have been
keeping my pump in my pocket since I started on one over 19 years ago, so I
only have clothes with pockets in them.  Dresses are fun though, and I
either tuck my pump up top or strap it to my thigh.  I don't wear dresses
very often though.    I do have to use the clip on certain summer shorts.
It's all good though!   I wouldn't be without one now.

				Jamie
  -----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 1:09 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Hi everyone!
Thanks so much for the responses and suggestions. I did manage to get my
Vibe into a new Waist-it that I hadn't opened yet and other than noticing
the extra weight of the pump, made life more comfy for me. By day three, the
thing driving me the craziest is the darned audio bolus. Man it's slow! I
also can't hear the little beeps if I'm out in public. I tried it on vibrate
and found it even slower. I'm actually about ready to try just using its
easy carb feature. But I've now changed cannulas a couple of times. I can
only wear mine for two days and this morning I landed in a bad spot and up I
went. Oops! I wouldn't mind if the user could control where the default
started you when entering blood sugars so I could start at 100 rather than
80. <grin> And I wonder who decided to have it default to starting at 4
hours for a temp basal. Start at 0 and let me decide. Sheesh! 
As for the KNFB reader, perhaps it makes a difference which iPhone you have.
I have the 7 and do find the KNFB reader works better in other documents as
well. But this morning I checked my cartridge level again. It's really
helping me to have one little exciting benefit like this. Incidentally, my
new pump is named Betty. It's short for better than expected. <grin> Now I
just have to call Animas and straight out my account. It looks like when
they lost my order they lost track of my pump upgrade and payment I'd given
them. Ah, life in the modern world!
Thanks again for all the support and company. I really appreciate it.
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on
iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 6:42 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Veronica,

I wear my pump with the clip on the back attached to my waistband. However,
about every six months or so, I need to replace the clip as it starts to
break. On the Animas website, they have some other options for devices to
wear the pump. I prefer the clip despite it wearing down easily though.

I tried using my KNFB reader and it did not work but maybe I need to try
again.

Glad things are going well so far. You get used to the extra Ok's
eventually, grin.

Keep us updated.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 7:15 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Animas Vibe, I'm live!

Hi everyone!
Pant pant! It's amazing how much mental work is involved here. But I am now
up and running on my Animas Vibe. 
The very first time I filled a cartridge, one of the O rings busted. My
trainer said she'd never seen that before and took a picture of it. Oh boy!
But things went better than I was afraid they might go. I have everything
set up, thanks to my hubby. I've now filled my first cartridge, done a
correction bolus, figured out how to handle temp basals, the easy carbs and
of course, the audio bolus. It's kind of nice how it divides up the whirring
sound of the motor so you have a sense of how much insulin has been
delivered. The only thing I'm still trying to sort out is how to wear this
pump. It doesn't fit in the Waist-it that held my Cozmo because there is a
giant seam right where the audio bolus button is. So for the moment I'm
trying out the clip on the back of the pump. We'll see how it behaves during
certain activities. <grin> I did make one really, and I mean really cool
discovery. I actually used my KNFB reader to read my home screen. As long as
things aren't too cluttered, I was able to read how much was left in my
cartridge. Now that was exciting!
Life will be really cool if I can keep that up! I still get just a bit
nervous about which things need an extra ok and which don't. And I'm already
kind of sick of Beethoven. <grin> So now I'll just see how the rest of the
day goes, calibrating my Dexcom and one more meal. 
Anyway, thanks for hanging with me through my negative anticipation. Now
we'll just see when the breath holding stops. <lol> But any hints on how you
are wearing this pump would be appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on
iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

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