First Week With Insulin Pump

XPU and I made it through our first week together. When I first got my pump I was half excited and half terrified. What would pumping be like? Would I be OK with having a tube connected to me all the time? Would it hurt? So many questions ran through my mind. I was nervous when I put my first set in. I didn't know if I was doing it right, even though the pump trainer and CDE were right there next to me. It felt awkward and I fumbled my way through

Thursday I did my first set change. I pulled my set off and a rush of blood came out. I had a little wad of toilet paper standing by in case I bled. I needed ten paper towels to get it to stop bleeding. Fortunately my pump trainer told me about gushers. So did people in the DOC. I can't say I was prepared for it, but at least I was warned. Gushers happen sometimes. I was just lucky enough to get one on my first try.

Putting in a new set and trying again scared me, especially since I was doing it all alone. After that gusher my confidence was shot. Still, I decided to try again anyway. I'm glad I did since my next set didn't bleed at all. Even with the risk of a gusher, I love my pump.

I love being able to dial down my insulin when my husband and I go bird watching. Well, I watch birds. Steve photographs them.

Going on a hike used to send my blood glucose too low. Now I can change how much insulin I get in the background so I don't go low. That has been a gift to me. So is being well enough to go bird watching again. My quality of life took a giant leap up this week.

Deciding to use an insulin pump was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm using less insulin on a pump than i used with pens. I still go too high sometimes and too low sometimes. I've still got diabetes, but a pump makes is easier for me and I"m glad.