Search
Blogabetes

dLife Daily Tips

When is the best time to exercise?

Read More View All Tips

dLife Weekly Poll

If you experience pain as a result of your diabetes, what have you found to be the best way to alleviate it?

May 27th, 2012
Category:
Type 1Type 2Oral MedsInsulin & Pumps
ChildrenFoodHighs & LowsRelationships
ComplicationsEmotionsIn the NewsFitness
Women's IssuesMen's IssuesReal Life


About most things in my life, I'm pretty systematic: I wash the same body parts in the same order in the shower each morning, can't test my sugar without first wiping my finger with an alcohol swab, take the same route to work, ad nauseum.

 

I've learned to be fairly stingy with pump supplies, too. Especially since I'm in a probation period with my employer (everyone is subject to it their first 90 days on the job, so don't think I'm a slacker and they singled me out!) and don't have benefits until Sept. 1.

 

I knew this going into the job and prepared accordingly: got sample bottles of insulin from everyone who would give it up in addition to getting a mail order prescription for three months, reordering testing and pump supplies and asking for a little extra just in case.

 

I've started to not be so predictable with my pump supply regimen. Prior to this probation period, I was diligent about changing my site roughly every two to three days. And my abdomen recovered nicely from the quick site changes.

 

Even though the 100 days of supplies Medtronic sent was more than enough and I requested an extra box of infusion sets to get me through the three month period, I was still really nervous about running out of supplies before Sept. 1. So I decided that I'd try to stretch things by changing my site every three to four days instead. I figured that would get me through.

 

Well, every three to four days has turned into a complete set and reservoir change only when the reservoir is empty, which means that I can go as long as six days with one set. Some of you are saying that's no big deal because you've done it before, right? Except that this is becoming a habit for me. My numbers are good, no worries there, but my belly is paying for it and while I'm not worried so much about how my belly looks, I am worried about creating some scar tissue.

 

I had a funny moment this morning that made me realize I don't need to be doing this every six days thing. I was looking for something in the bathroom closet and my eyes happened to stop at my pump supplies. Probably because I know I need to change my site. I counted the boxes of infusion sets. There were four. Four boxes plus a few extra in an open box.

 

*Sigh* How in the world am I going to make it to Sept. 1 with only four boxes of infusion sets?!? I guess I was being a little too cautious.




Login to rate
Rating (0):
0
Email this Comments (0):: Add a comment

Would you like to comment?

Join dlife for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Sign up for FREE dLife Newsletters

dLife Membership is FREE! Get exclusive access, free recipes, newsletters, savings, and much more! FPO

FPO

Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!

Michelle Kowalski
Michelle KowalskiMichelle Kowalski, a writer, editor and photography hobbiest living in Phoenix, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2005. In January 2008, as part of her quest to start on an insulin pump, Michelle learned that she actually has type 1 diabetes. (Read More)
Lindsey Guerin
Lindsey GuerinLindsey is a typical, yet unique, Texas girl who loves shopping, movies and reading. She loves to travel and take risks. She dreams of diabetes cures, never-ending cheesecake and her own airplane. The rest you can discover in her blog! (Read More)
Our Other Bloggers: Brenda Bell, Carey Potash, Nicole Purcell, MikeDurbin, Megan, Robert Hudson, Julia, George Simmons, Scott Marvel, Kim Doty, Kerri Sparling,