Okay, I have an open question. I've been doing some soul searching and I need opinions because, frankly, it freaks me out a little.
I've been diabetic for 25 years (!). Since I was 8, when a violent stomach flu ruined my last opportunity to enjoy Halloween properly. I've had ups and downs, sure, but I've been under fantastic (fabulous!) control for the last 9 years or so. I met my wife 9 years ago too, so you do the math.
Now, with all the cycling and what not, I've reached a point where I need more flexibility with my treatment. I've reached a crossroads.
Should I switch to an insulin pump? In some respects, it would be freeing. And in others, it freaks me out. It would always be on me. When I sleep, swim, shower, ride, wrestle with dog . . . all the time. Always. But it would change my life. I could change my eating habits totally, have more control over when I get insulin, how I get insulin, how long and far I can ride.
I know it all sounds like positives, but I'd have a machine attached to me 24 hours a day. So, what do you guys think? Wait! Before you comment, look at what I would get (obviously, the geekiest version possible) and give me your thoughts. And please, comment on the stuff I'm freaking out about, not just "you will be healthier, blah blah blah blah blah)":
Super Duper Insulin Pump
It seems like you are so active! I wont be the person who says you will be healthier. I'm all about living and doing what makes you happy. If you are going to be able to cycle longer, swim more, and work without breaking to take your sugar I say it sounds like the better choice. You'll have to get used to having something attached to you but think of it as a necessary appendage...
ReplyDeleteA hockey player on the Edmonton Oilers is diabetic and wears the pump. Hockey players are cool - and I always do what cool people do.
ReplyDeleteBesides - you'll be bionic which might just be the pinnacle of cool. Also, add the new iPhone and you can change your last name to Jetson.
OK... While I'm not discouraging you to do something like this, I fear change so am naturally the voice of skepticism.
ReplyDeleteHow many injections do you have to take daily vs. how many times do you have to pee daily? OK... I know you have a lot more control over one than you do the other but I just thought I'd offer you a different view point.
Thank you all for your comments. Especially Colin's cyborg crack because that's the first thing my wife and I discussed.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to the doctor for my quarterly oil change and will discuss it with him. I'm under good control, so it's not a needed step. Really, it would be something of a convenience that would allow me to lead a "normal" life.
Of course, I've been diabetic since I was eight. Diabetes is normal to me.
Not that I wouldn't kill for a Snicker's bar (King size . . . I'd only maim for normal) . . . but it's still normal.