Last week, we went through our trial run with saline in Corey’s new insulin pump and we went to visit his endocrinologist last Wednesday to get it set up with insulin and really start using it. For about a week or so, he needs to be tested before meals, two hours after each meal, and overnight at midnight, 3 and 6 a.m. so his endocrinologist can figure out how his BG numbers are going to be on this pump. Since DH works two jobs, I pull night duty, but that also means that right now I’m a walking zombie. And I’m also very nervous about this pump therapy because I’m no longer in control of his injections.
For now, he’s sleeping in my bed, and DH is in the spare bedroom. This makes it a little easier on me because I don’t have to maneuver through the house when I’m dead tired. His meter is on the bedside table and all I have to do is turn on the light, grab the meter, find one of his fingers or toes, poke him (most of the time he doesn’t even flinch), test that drop of blood and decide what to do about his BG number. The MiniMed Paradigm 522 he’s using is so technologically advanced, I don’t even have to do any math, either, which is a wonderful thing at 3 a.m. It figures out the current active insulin remaining, correction needed, and total bolus he should get.
Although his pump is a wonderful thing, there are a lot of “what-ifs” in my head, and when it’s time for him to go to bed, I watch him like a hawk until I pass out and the alarm clock wakes me up at 3 a.m. It’s not easy for me to let go and relax, even though I know deep down that he’s going to be fine. Even so, I can’t stop worrying and am very stressed out. Yesterday, I tested Corey 13 times, when we were previously testing him only five times a day with his injections.
So, I have no pictures or anything else right now… one small knitting update though: the scarf I was knitting for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange is done! It’s a good thing I finished it the night before we went to Corey’s endo appointment too, because I am so tired, I can’t even think about knitting, let alone actually do it. No dyeing either.
Aww. Insulin is so scary, it’s no wonder you’re a walking zombie! Hopefully you’ll be able to get some rest soon.
Let me know when/if you want to meet up. Did the scarf soften up with blocking/wool wash?
It’s been 5 1/2 years since my son started pumping. It changed the lives of every member of our family, in a very positive way. My husband and I have never regretted the decision to put him on the pump. All the luck in the world to you and your family!
Hang in there mom and dad!! How scary for all of you. Thank G*d for the medical technology that we have today!! Will the pump be permanant? or will he outgrow it and eventually give himself shots?? Sorry to be nosey. If you don’t want to answer, that’s ok too.
Thanks for the encouragement, guys… I’m a little less stressed about it all now since I’ve gotten a little rest this past weekend!
Pixie: The scarf did soften a bit, but it’s still got some scratchiness, which is annoying me… I’ll show you when next we meet at Panera.
Twitchy: Thanks, I would love to hear more about your experiences with the pump!
SP11 pal: The pump and/or injections will be permanent in his life. He will learn all about his diabetes, how to give himself injections and how to use the pump when he gets a little older, unless they find a cure before then.