beemerman2k Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 Being an insulin dependent diabetic is kinda like being a motorcycle rider or an airplane pilot; you go quite some time (years) with the mundane punctuated by extreme and sudden crisis! Over the past couple of weeks, I find that I am suddenly waking up, or being awakened by my wife, with terribly low blood sugar levels. Most times, its no big deal as I still have my wits about me. I get up, slog over to the bathroom where my nightly glass of orange juice awaits, drink it, and go back to sleep. Crisis over as quickly as it began. Last night, however, things didn't go so smoothly. I was having terrible hallucinations, and then I thought I heard my wife yell at me. Well, that kinda set me off! I yelled in return, awoke the kids, it was sudden pandemonium breaking up an otherwise peaceful night. No, it wasn't quite a replay of a Charlie Sheen episode(!), but apparently, given my state of mind, my wife wasn't confident that I wasn't about to become violent! So I was kicked out of our bedroom and relegated to the guest room. We don't heat that room unless we have company, so I friggen froze! Now, I have never, ever, been violent with her (or anyone for that matter) in a relationship, so I have no history or record of domestic violence issues. That's just not my character -- when I am in my right mind. I don't know what she saw in me last night as the whole thing seemed like a bad dream sequence; after I got my blood sugar levels back up, I began to realize that what just happened was no dream, and feelings of deep sickness and depression blanketed my mind. It's not easy to realize that in some respects you are a total invalid, and that you can and do sometimes lose the ability to control your life and your actions. So I have to take some serious action, and I'm thinking the Insulin pump might be just the ticket. OK, I can hear you know, "Gee James, you've only been an insulin dependent diabetic for 15 years, shouldn't you be telling us about the Insulin pump?!" Ahhh, sorta Like I said, I go years without issues, so most times it just isn't headline news for me. But I don't want my family living in fear of me, and I don't want to go to bed each night in fear that what happened last night might repeat itself. So I am putting all my other endeavors on hold (books on photography, software development, etc) to investigate the Insulin pump. And of course, when one lacks information, there's Google, there's Wikipedia, and if you're among the fortunate few, there's BMWST.COM the most reliable source of information on the net! So what say you all; know anything about the Insulin pump? Were you me, where would you begin your search for information? For the record, I wrestled over whether to share this information on a public forum like this one. Obviously, I decided to go ahead and do so, and here's why: it does no good for me to suffer in silence. I believe I make things very difficult for myself because I am programmed to deny the existence of my weaknesses. In doing so, I might appear strong on the outside, but those inner problems are not addressed and they don't go away. I must learn to value the rewards of true healing over quick and dirty surface healing, and that's exactly what I am looking to do here. Link to comment
ltljohn Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 I don't know anything about insulin pumps but I do wish you luck on your quest. Link to comment
beemerman2k Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 Thank you. To lose control of your life is a very debilitating thing to experience! I never imagined this condition I suffer would affect my life like this. Makes motorcycling seem downright tame by comparison. Link to comment
David Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 James, my wife has worn one for more than 10 years and I'm sure she'd be glad to speak with you about it. If you are interested in setting that up, just PM me your email address and I'll introduce the two of you. It's been a revolutionary thing for her. Link to comment
Firefight911 Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 James, as a first responder who deals with diabetics on a daily basis, allow me to give this perspective; I have had many patients with your exact description of non-violence, controlled condition, etc. who suddenly have a day where all hell breaks loose. In these situations, police have been called, restraints have been placed, police and ems personnel have "gone for a violent ride" with someone who found super human strength when they were anything but so when lucid. I have also been on the above patients afterchoosing a pump. In the most simple of ways put, it transformed their lives. No more worrisome evenings, embarrassing moments, or, much more importantly, diabetic emergencies that put your life and potentially the well being of those around you at risk. A pump is in no way is an end all be all or a solution to your condition but I know you know this. What it is an invaluable tool that allows your fears and concerns to be addressed and, for the most part, resolved. The long term effects of a pump are wonderful when you delve in to the harsh effects of what your body went through last night and how effectively a pump can help manage things. You risk so many other medical issues in addition to your diabetes and every time your sugar/insulin levels go out of sorts you move yourself closer to them; neuropathy, heart conditions, extremity amputation, brain damage, etc. Do speak with David's wife and do schedule an appointment with your specialist to discuss it. If there are fears of having one, get them out there and put them to rest so you can move on with your life. Oh, and the President of our ride club has one. Since getting one he has done some very long rides, extended travels, and has been able to increase his life activities exponentially as a result. Prior to him getting his pump, he was fortunate to last our monthly club rides. I think you will be very happy with it. I know, from an EMS/First Responder perspective, I hope you get one. I've seen first hand the differnece they have made in my patients lives. Link to comment
REVz Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 James, I know nothing of the pump but certainly will keep you and your family in my prayers... Link to comment
beemerman2k Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 Thank you, David! PM sent. Phil, that's a chilling entry you just posted. OK, message received. Pump is a priority! Some years ago, I did have a difficult time with the traditional syringe/insulin vial method. Then my doctor moved me to an injection method using Novo-Nordisk's injection cartridges. For some reason, that was a great improvement. Now, and maybe its because I am restarting my exercise program, I am having a tough time getting through the night without a low blood sugar episode. Last night put the issue front and center for me. So I appreciate your post and your perspective. Thanks Link to comment
dwightm Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 Being an insulin dependent diabetic is kinda like being a motorcycle rider or an airplane pilot; you go quite some time (years) with the mundane punctuated by extreme and sudden crisis! Over the past couple of weeks, I find that I am suddenly waking up, or being awakened by my wife, with terribly low blood sugar levels. Most times, its no big deal as I still have my wits about me. I get up, slog over to the bathroom where my nightly glass of orange juice awaits, drink it, and go back to sleep. Crisis over as quickly as it began. Last night, however, things didn't go so smoothly. I was having terrible hallucinations, and then I thought I heard my wife yell at me. Well, that kinda set me off! I yelled in return, awoke the kids, it was sudden pandemonium breaking up an otherwise peaceful night. No, it wasn't quite a replay of a Charlie Sheen episode(!), but apparently, given my state of mind, my wife wasn't confident that I wasn't about to become violent! So I was kicked out of our bedroom and relegated to the guest room. We don't heat that room unless we have company, so I friggen froze! Now, I have never, ever, been violent with her (or anyone for that matter) in a relationship, so I have no history or record of domestic violence issues. That's just not my character -- when I am in my right mind. I don't know what she saw in me last night as the whole thing seemed like a bad dream sequence; after I got my blood sugar levels back up, I began to realize that what just happened was no dream, and feelings of deep sickness and depression blanketed my mind. It's not easy to realize that in some respects you are a total invalid, and that you can and do sometimes lose the ability to control your life and your actions. So I have to take some serious action, and I'm thinking the Insulin pump might be just the ticket. OK, I can hear you know, "Gee James, you've only been an insulin dependent diabetic for 15 years, shouldn't you be telling us about the Insulin pump?!" Ahhh, sorta Like I said, I go years without issues, so most times it just isn't headline news for me. But I don't want my family living in fear of me, and I don't want to go to bed each night in fear that what happened last night might repeat itself. So I am putting all my other endeavors on hold (books on photography, software development, etc) to investigate the Insulin pump. And of course, when one lacks information, there's Google, there's Wikipedia, and if you're among the fortunate few, there's BMWST.COM the most reliable source of information on the net! So what say you all; know anything about the Insulin pump? Were you me, where would you begin your search for information? For the record, I wrestled over whether to share this information on a public forum like this one. Obviously, I decided to go ahead and do so, and here's why: it does no good for me to suffer in silence. I believe I make things very difficult for myself because I am programmed to deny the existence of my weaknesses. In doing so, I might appear strong on the outside, but those inner problems are not addressed and they don't go away. I must learn to value the rewards of true healing over quick and dirty surface healing, and that's exactly what I am looking to do here. James, The pump has been the best thing that has ever happened to me! I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 50 years and the last 6 years of being on a pump has been the closest feeling normal that I can remember. Here is a link with a considerable amount of info on pumps and their application to get you started http://www.insulin-pumpers.org/links.shtml The pump is just a small computer that you and you endocrinologist program to fit you life style and bodies needs. The devices are amazing but still it is just a tool, if you commit the time with the skill of the physicians staff you can take back control of your situation. Yes sometimes a diabetic in shock can give a response that seems violent in nature Low blood sugars can do that. Pump use done correctly can take care of those issues. I would suggest you and your family arrange to talk to you care provider so that everyone is aware of the situations and can give you the support you need and everyone can work together on the solution. If you would like PM and we can trade phone numbers/email if you would like to discus further. Link to comment
Lmar Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 I don't know much about them other than when I was helping out our football team we had a Grade 11 player using it. We took an extended trip with the team to Ottawa for 9 days. His mom gave us a couple epipens to take along just in case. We didn't have to use them. I hope you get this sorted out quickly. Link to comment
Uncle Beemer Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 My brother uses one. Has pretty much saved his ass many times. Good luck. Link to comment
yabadabapal Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 James, from what I read on the post replies, you came to the right place. So much knowledge and comfort on this forum. Good luck with the pump. My mom, dad, brother etc are all diabetics. I am the only one who is not. From what I have seen over the years, your interest in the pump is right in the nick of time. Link to comment
beemerman2k Posted February 28, 2011 Author Share Posted February 28, 2011 What a great site this is: I have already spoken with 2 insulin dependent diabetics who can relate first hand with my experiences and who also rely on an insulin pump to help them control their blood sugar levels. Try that with Google or Wikipedia! I am certainly blessed to be a part of this online virtual community. Thank you all for the precious information you have shared, and for the well wishes and support given. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am going to bed tonight feeling a lot better than when I woke up this morning, that's for sure. Here's hoping we all wake up in the same bed we went to sleep in Link to comment
tallman Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 James, A good friend used one for xx years. He adapted his various exercises (bicycle riding, kayaking, dog sledding, yard work, rebuilding homes) to the use of the pump w/out many issues. What I recall is some temperature dependent issues but infrequent events. He no longer uses the pump because something else (a change in insulin) has worked out better, for him. Based on what I saw, the pump was an excellent way for him to "normalize" his life. If I can find oout more about the why of his changing I'll let you know but don't really recall negatives for the pump, saw it used in many different situations. Good luck. Link to comment
ShovelStrokeEd Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 The pump is certainly a more convenient and consistent delivery system. It is still going to require some discipline on your part to maintain carb levels and balance insulin against the amount and intensity of the exercise you do. I no longer am using injection as a delivery method and have gone back to oral glucovance. Once I got the dosage matched to my pattern of eating and exercise, I really got consistent in my blood sugar readings. Fasting in the morning I average 92-95 and peaks after my heaviest meal are only in the 140's. Now if I could only figure out how to get my weight back up to where it belongs, I'll be a happy guy. 260 was too large, 135 is a bit thin. 170 is around just right but I can't seem to get there. Link to comment
JayW Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 I have never had a patient regret getting an insulin pump. They emulate normal insulin release physiology much better than multiple daily injections, and allow a lot of flexibility. They require a certain level of intelligence to take full advantage of them (check with your wife), and are expensive, though most insurances cover them if you meet certain qualifications. The pumps are also tough and durable. You can get reliable objective information at www.uptodate.com/patients about this topic, or any other medical topic for that matter. Just type insulin pump into the search feature. Obviously you should discuss this with your doctor, who knows your particular situation better than any of us do. Some internists prescribe insulin pumps, though in most cases an endocrinologist is involved. Good luck. Jay Link to comment
MT Wallet Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 This is my first post and I hope I don't cross any invisable boundries here.I think the insulin pump is the ultimate solution. But in the interim try another strategy. I was married to a brittle diabetic for years and we often had low blood sugars in the middle of the night. Sometimes she'd wake up dazed other times belligerent. I'd like to suggest that the 1st thing you do is have a family meeting and explain to your wife and kids your aren't responsible for your low blood sugars and you behavior is due to the sugars. Then ask them to look out for you for your protection because you need thier help to recover. When my wife wouldn't accept glucose from me my youngest son could always finnesse her to take something. I think you've already identified the source of your sudden trouble-exercise. Glucose uptake can be unpredictable after exercise. May I suggest a prebedtime snack? Something like a 1/2 sandwich or a half cup cottage cheese. Experiment and see how much food it takes to overcome the low sugars. Good luck I hope I didn't overstep. Link to comment
MT Wallet Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 I was doing some research for my diabetic son and I thought I'd share.I hope it helps. www.physorg.com/news/2011-02-diabetes-reatment-aim-never-ending-honeymoon.html Link to comment
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