It occurred to me today as I was driving my kids to school that this week marks the start of my 24th year with Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed days before my 19th birthday (it's my bday on Monday) and have been living successfully with it ever since. Technology has really changed since the beginning. For the last 8 years I've had an insulin pump. The pump in my hand contains a small vial of insulin that continuously flows into my body via the tubing and "infusion set" that is attached to my body. Today it's in my belly (it is removed every 3 days). I've NEVER taken a picture of this before and it occurred to me that I should document "My Life Line" with a photo.
Medical technology is amazing! It is good you have something that makes it easier for you. I have not ever seen anything like this so thank you for sharing and educating :)
I also use a pump! I've had type 1 for about 18 years now. People always think mine is an IPod...must be the tubing that's perpetually spilling out of my pocket :p
thanks for sharing this. So happy for you that technology is coming along in leaps and bounds. Hopefully more great inventions are close by to help people who suffer from diabetes.
Beautiful capture. I had to test throughout my entire pregnancy and I had a very small window into what diabetes is like - I can see how it could wear you down - I'm glad the pump is giving you some relief
Interesting shot and story. I like stories attached to photos, sometimes I like telling the story thru the photo, like this one. Hey you share your birthday with my hubby. Hope it was a good one x
Thank goodness for this technology - it got me through my first pregnancy - no not insulin, but reglan a med for hyperemesis. My doctor still blames his grey hair on me and my reaction to pregnancy hormones.
Great photo. Im Type 1 too, only for the last 8 years tho! Have never been offered the insulin pump.. can you feel the needle at all if its always in? Are there any down sides to it? Sorry for all the questions!! :)
@cattypilla I love my pump. I can eat when I want and basically what I want. It rarely hurts when the tiny needle goes in. You actually pull it back our afterwards and just the plastic part is left in your body. I change the "set" every thing days. Occasionally it will go in crooked and it stings a little. The most painful part is often pulling it out because the gauze (the white part in the photo) is sticky and it's like pulling a very sticky bandaid off. I HIGHLY recommend the pump. The only negative is the expense. It's more expensive than traditionl treatment. I have extended medical so most of the $7000 cost was covered and they cover 80% of the supplies. You should definitely check into it.
Very inspiring that you are sharing your diabetes and what your life is like with it. You have such an active life that nobody would have guessed it. And Yes, technology has improved so much; I know someone who uses the pump, and it's very convenient. Another reason to admire you, Kim :)
Fascinating what can be done now. I know someone who recently had a pump fitted and it took a while adapting to it. If only science could do more with the pancreas........hopefully in the not too distant future.
"Keep Smiling"
@gphelps5 Thanks, Bulldog. Thanks for the bday wishes!
Have a great Birthday!!!