By: Benjamin Anderson

hoteles MarbellaBenefits/Control lifestyle changes:

Believe it or not, I have found that even though I am 'connected' 24 hrs a day, The pump has given me a tremendous amount of freedom. My schedule is now something I am in control of, rather than diabetes having control of my schedule.

The freedom to not eat at a specific time (providing bsl is in line).

The FANTASTIC ability to sleep in on Sunday morning, knowing that with all in line that my bsl is fairly close to target without having to get up at 4:00AM to verify.

The pump has improved both my marriage as well as my parenting ability, as now my sugars are in much more better shape, I do not have the nasty 'attitude swings' that were prevalent with injections. I find myself having much much more patience with my children, ages 7 and 9 (no sign of D, Thank God!). I am more able to see life through their eyes and share it with them, rather than carrying on about how life has dumped on me, and that I couldn't go out and rollerskate with them, because I had to eat and test and inject in 20 minutes.

Re: Wearing the pump:

After a year, I am entirely comfortable with the pump,I don't try to 'hide' it, or keep the tubing as short as possible, etc. But, initially I was frightened of breaking it, or catching the tubing in my zipper, or catching the tube on something, or having to explain what it was. Since then, I have learned that the damn thing is fairly stout. I have dropped it, stepped on it, and it keeps ticking.

Lugano alberghi tariffe basseInfusion sites are a little of a tricky subject, You have to watch out for spots where your skin 'folds' when sitting or bending. Believe it when they say do not use a site that is closer than 1/2" from a previous site, Infections generated by even the 6mm catheter are a bitch to recover from, and the knot that is formed makes a 1.5"square area unusable for at least three weeks.

discount hotels in HannoverIf you are in a hotter, or tepid climate, be very cautious with regards to tapes, as some are good under "sweaty conditions" and others just plain suck. Tegaderm is fantastic, and in most days I work in an environment that is nearly 100 degrees F daily, I use mastisol adhesive around the outer tape border.

Things I would warn a friend about:

If considering a pump, be serious about it. It requires more testing, better record keeping, and a more level-headed approach to control. You must learn to carry adequate supplies to 'do a quick infuse' in the field. on the quick, as now that there is no long-term insulin aboard, of you have a tube failure, or a infusion set tear out, without proper remedy, bsl will climb quickly and almost uncontrollably.

Also, do as much research as possible with insurance coverage and required procedures, as the cost of consumables (infusion sets, reservoirs, preps and tapes are costly.

Develop a GREAT relationship with your endo, as you will have to rely on at least a bit of what he/she has in the wisdom dept., and it is better if the two of you are on the same page. GOD...Did I ACTUALLY use endo and wisdom in the same sentence....shoot me now!

All said, the pump has been a godsend for me. Is it more work, hell yes!

Is it worth it, undoubtedly.

Ben Anderson