[Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

Veronica Elsea veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com
Wed Nov 27 03:19:08 UTC 2019 

Hi Tamera.
First, the Inpen is not made by Dexcom. It's made by Companion Medical.
Dexcom just works with them because the information from the Inpen app can
be uploaded to Dexcom Clarity. But Ed has already reported that the app is
very accessible. 
As for the Omnipod, it's a complex question. I am totally blind and am using
it independently. But in order to do this, my hubby and I designed and made
a tool to help me fill the syringe. We do still have that design which
anyone can send to Shapeways, a company that does 3D printing. He also made
me a little stand which holds my phone in the best position for using the
Seeing AI app when I'm changing the pod, where an app like that is essential
because it's pretty easy to not be on the screen you think you are. It's
been a fair bit of drama for me to learn the placement of the pods on the
back of my arms. 
Obviously, I'm not that special and if you are determined and really have
the commitment in the beginning, it's possible. But I sure wouldn't call it
completely accessible out of the box. My definition of that would be speech
built in. I would suggest you set up an appointment with a trainer to get a
good look at it and to play with it and see for yourself. Of course, I am
more than willing to help where I can if you're really interested in the
Omnipod.
Hope this helps.
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
Tamera via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 6:09 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: fidano at comcast.net
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

Hmm, I see my Endo tomorrow!
 And with time to make decisions on medicates RX part D!
I am very curious about this omni pod...And who is it made by? 
Would it be basically totally accessible to use totally blind and alone? I
read you use the app to see if your about out at times?
Is this strictly basal or bolus insulin?
I got the email about the new pen Dexcom is putting out, anyone tried that
yet?
If it works w/the app as the G5 has, seems a good piece.. as long as its
accessible in both giving insulin and reviewing on my phone.
	Tamera
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Veronica
Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 5:04 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

Hi Rick,
Yes, with the Omnipod, you fill a syringe with insulin, then stick the
syringe in the pod and slowly fill the pod. Once it's filled, you use the
remote to discontinue the previous pod. Then you hold the remote next to the
new one and it programs all the basal information into the new pod. Then it
instructs you to remove the needle cap and inspect. Then you remove two
pieces of adhesive backing and stick the pod on to your body. Then you press
a button on the remote to start and it inserts the cannula. Then hopefully
you're good to go for three days. This cannula inserts at an angle. I've
never had one not insert properly. It's a pretty slick process. 
Now, just ask me about whether I manage to insert the thing where I
intended. Hahaha! There's a pretty big random element there.
Anyway, hope that answered your question.
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
Rick Mladek via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 2:12 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Rick Mladek
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

Hi Veronica, regarding your Omnipod, does this pump have an automatic
inserter of the canula/needle?

TKS,

Rick


-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Veronica
Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 5:05 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

I had one day when I wasn't sure about my pod so I grabbed a pen just in
case. I wanted to attach the needle so it would be easy, should I need it. I
couldn't put that outer cap back on over the needle unless I removed the
outer needle cap. Then I was sure I'd lose that itty bitty pen cap in the
restaurant. As it turned out, I didn't have to prove myself clutsy that day.
<grin.> But even though I'm still using my Omnipod, I'm really appreciating
this thread.
Actually, today when I was out I had a scary moment. In our town, our
sidewalks are now littered with Jump bikes. Today I thought I was getting
around one and a piece of it stuck out and caught on my pod, which was on
the back of my arm. Man you should have seen how fast I froze in position. I
didn't end up ripping it off, but boy it was close! And that would have been
really messy. 
By the way, I wore my first pump in my bra. The really cool thing is that it
had these big bubble buttons so I could just reach up and press them without
taking it out. It also meant that the beeps were close to my ear and I could
hear them in a crowded public setting. That is one thing I like about having
the remote to control the Omnipod. I also like having that flexibility to
use the Seeing AI app if I want to double-check myself when I'm out. 
Anyway, thanks so much, all of you. I am very grateful to have your company
on this unwanted journey.
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: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 6:03 AM
To: 'Bernadette Jacobs'; 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: jamielgurganus at gmail.com; 'Verlyn Baldwin'
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

Exactly!

				Jamie


-----Original Message-----
From: Bernadette Jacobs <bernienfb75 at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 7:41 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: jamielgurganus at gmail.com; Verlyn Baldwin <letsdanceintx at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens

Now you're talking' Jamie!!!  I feel exactly the way you do.  Most people in
a restaurant aren't even looking at anyone in particular, anyway.  I think
we all just imagine they are.  I know I do at times... except, however, when
I'm injecting my insulin.  I really don't give a rip in that case.  It only
takes a few seconds and it's gotta be done.  Right???  If they're not
looking, most others think whatever you're doing is none of their business
anyway.  Right???

Bern

On 11/26/19, Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> Hi all!  In the late 80's, early 90's, I used the first Novapen to 
> give my meal time insulin.  I always used my abdomen, unless my thigh 
> was accessible when wearing shorts.  I didn't care who saw me doing 
> it, but I was discreet about doing it under the table.  Giving my 
> insulin with the pump was often less discreet.  I remember wearing a 
> nice dress for my class reunion and had my pump in my bra.  Reaching 
> in my dress to access my pump was not a very lady-like site at the 
> dinner table!  I never wore it in my bra again.
>
> Don't worry about what others might think.  Those you are with should 
> know that you are a diabetic and need to take your insulin.  People at 
> other tables are probably not staring at you or watching your every 
> move, so don't worry so much about hiking up your shirt to take your 
> insulin.  I can't recall any instance that someone questioned what I 
> was doing, since I did it so quickly under the table.  Just like 
> Bridget, I also breast fed my son in public.  I was careful not to 
> expose myself, but you still knew what I was doing.  Again, everyone 
> has a different comfort level in regards to taking insulin in public, 
> but I really don't think most people notice what you are doing.  Most 
> are too busy looking at their phones these days!
>
> 				Jamie
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of 
> Verlyn Baldwin via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Monday, November 25, 2019 10:42 PM
> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Verlyn Baldwin <letsdanceintx at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Out and About with the Pens
>
> Your sharing your experiences with injecting in public is encouraging. 
> I will give it a go!
>
> The needles are individual and have a paper flap that is peeled off 
> then a cap that pulls off and one more step of pulling off a tiny tube 
> of sorts that covers the needle. Once the paper flap has been removed 
> the needle is screwed on the end of the pen and then the two 
> protective
caps are removed.
> I would imagine that carrying the pen with the needle already screwed 
> on and still being covered with the caps would work out just fine.
> Once the injection has been given replace the tiny tube like cap and 
> place the entire pen back in your pocket or purse, etc.
> Hope this helps to better understand how the needle attaches to the pen.
>
> I have been told that the needles are designed to fit on all the 
> various type of pens.
>
> Verlyn
>
>
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