Back on April 13th I had my first day of pump training, it was a long wait from when I got the pump and I was nervous and excited. This was a big change for me so I was worried about several things:
1. Sleeping with the pump. I wasn't sure how that was going to go.
2. I have a moderately hairy abdomen so I wasn't sure what to do about that (still am unsure on this one)
3. Contemplating having something attached to me 24/7 for the rest of my life.
Although I was very excited as well because I knew in the long run I would be healthier, have better control and couldn't wait to see the freedom so many have told me about.
So it was day one of pump training and I was ready. I had the box of stuff my insurance company sent me (pump and pump supplies). We started training with diet and nutrition part, and it had been a long time since my last education session, at least 5 years but probably more. Carb counting is still the way to go although I have learned it is great to have a refresher as time warps the mind a bit. Plus I have learned there are phone apps available to help with figuring out carbs in foods. Now I just need a new phone so I get on of those apps. The session also gave me a good chance to talk about homemade food. I love to cook but counting the carbs in food I make is difficult to do sometimes. I got some helpful information in the way of breaking down the recipes to be able to count the carbs.
In the second half of day one of pump training we basically got introduced to the pump and them used Saline and started wearing the pump to get familiar with the pump. This was a great first step because then it took some of the worry out of the change. We learned how to set basal rates, do boluses and set the infusion set.
Now I am wearing the pump with saline and it is a little odd at first. Well it was the end of training and time to get lunch and head back home. As I do things I had to get figure out what to do with the pump, for example wear to have it n the car as now I have a seat belt to contend with. Then do I want to put it in my pocket, attach to my belt or to my pocket. Little things I didn't give much thought to I know had to figure out what was best for me. That night I had track practice, I coach an elementary team, and decided to disconnect it for practice since it was day one and I had to do a lot of jumping in practice as was worried about it since I am just starting out. I realize with insulin I can't just make that decision like that but I did know that I could disconnect it for short periods for some activities. Practice went well and I reconnected it.
Now was the first night, what am I going to do with this thing. Considering it is about the size of a pager and has a tube about 32 inches long that is attached to me I was concerned. I sleep in boxer shorts so I didn't have a lot of options. I sleep on my left side and belly mostly so I decided it would be best to be on my right side. I also move quite a bit in my sleep so I was concerned about that too. I actually did alright but was thankful for this little get used to it period.
Day two and three not much else changed, I practiced doing a little bolus with meals just to do the process. Sleeping got a little better as well each night. Then after the third full day it was time to take off the pump and the infusion set. There was much concern on my part as I mentioned my moderately hairy abdomen, I couldn't but help imagine the movie "40 Year Old Virgin" when Steve Carrell's character was getting his chest waxed and when they rip off a strip he yells out "KELLY CLARKSON!" Well it was go time. It hurt a bit and it wasn't kind of on the side in a less dense area. So that still leaves me with the quandary of what to do. I am considering shaving as has been suggested but unsure of that as well. Time will tell and I give updates as I figure it out.
After three days it wasn't so bad wearing the pump. It was great to get to wear it with saline to get familiar with it and helped ease some of my concerns as well as give me a little more excitement for the pump start day with insulin.
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