[Diabetes-Talk] Omnipod update.

[Veronica Elsea]

Hi everyone.
Well, as promised, here's my update. It's been two and a half weeks now and
I am still using the Omnipod insulin pump. The honest truth, there are some
things I really do like about the change. There are also some moments that
are really tough on my nerves too. The Seeing AI app has really rescued me
quite a bit. The nice thing is that I'm not trying to read a device which is
attached to my body. I just set the remote on the table and hold the iPhone
over it. It reads much better than it did with my Animas pump. Mostly it's
just pod changing day that still wakes up the butterflies in my stomach. But
giving various types of boluses, temp basals and checking on my insulin on
board are very easy. 
But I wouldn't even come close to being able to say I could have learned
this one on my own without my sighted hubby around. But man it would be cool
if this remote had speech. As for measuring the insulin into the syringe,
Peter and I tried designing a tool and sending the design off to a company
that does 3D printing. We got our first one back and apparently the
measurements aren't quite as precise as everyone thinks they are. <grin> On
to the Mark 2. <grin> For right now I'm putting more insulin in than I need
but hey, beats running out. 
I am wearing the pods in my arms so I've actually had to make some
adjustments in my insulin dosage because the absorbtion is different. The
boluses are especially more efficient, which is nice. The basal delivery
pattern is more like that of the Medtronic pumps than the ones I'm used to,
which gave a small bolus every 3 minutes. The main thing about wearing the
pod in my arms is to make sure I don't get too close to doorways. These pods
are quite sturdy but it's still a bit disconcerting when I crash one of them
into a doorway. But boy do I enjoy not having to go without insulin when I
shower or swim. I also enjoy not sorting out tubing during the night. 
So this is still a learning to be comfortable curve but I'm getting there.
After all, it's not like the Animas was completely accessible either. Now,
Insulet corporation had better not go out of business. <grin> 
I am writing down all of the work-arounds I come up with so I can put them
in writing somewhere in case it might help someone else. 
Anyway, that's where things stand at the moment. I can happily provide more
details to any of you who might want them. Otherwise, stay tuned and I'll
let you know how I'm getting on.
Thanks for reading.
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