MedToGo

I have a love relationship with my insulin. Every diffused dose I have taken over the years found its way into my system with appreciation, even if it stung like the bejesus at times. Like an addict, the smooth emptying of a syringe or cannula gives me immediate comfort, and I know that my body is staying up to date on its hormonal needs. I know the energy I consume can go to work and my internal hemoglobic labyrinth is not under any stress. This new pumping routine, however, has left more than a few units of Novolog on the frontline, with no medic in sight to bring them home safe.

Each OmniPod has the ability to hold 215 units of insulin, so at first I was filling it up all the way to capacity. I immediately realized that at the end of my three day stretch wearing each pod, there was still some insulin left in there. Should I try and suck it out with a syringe, collectively filling this syringe with each new pod's leftovers? Is it safe and sanitary to do so? It seemed unjust to leave it there helpless.

Alas, there they sit, each spent pod, in a little insulin holding graveyard atop the dresser. I have determined a more accurate 3-day insulin amount, nearer to 150 units. I round up a bit to ensure any carb-loaded days don't drain my supply. Part of me still feels guilty that even a little bit of insulin is wasted as it has become a precious commodity in my life and is in great need in developing countries. I'm going to add this quandary to the list for when I talk to an Insulet representative. Hopefully I can get some creative ideas from them, and hopefully they won't recommend a mass burial.