...Beep Beep Beep...........

As a pumper, I am in tune to all the sounds my pump makes......this is often tricky at work. My daily sidekick also wears a pump which has the same beep beep beep as mine!!

Tonight, we had a meeting after work. I was in the middle of a presentation, when I heard my coworkers pump alarming. You see, I felt smart having my pump on vibrate, that beeping sound would not interrupt me!

The pump alarmed again....I looked at my fellow pumper, and he was smirking. I whispered said "your plastic pancreas is calling you!"

He shook his head no.

I said "Yeah it is, I can hear it!!"

He smiled, and shook his head again.

Ohh noooo way....sure enough, it was me. I did not feel the vibrations!

I pulled my pump out, just enough to see the screen, cleared the alarm and stuck the pump back in its hiding place...thinking no one would see. I heard a few snickers from those who saw the entire event unfold.....especially from a co-worker on the other side of the room who has a girlfriend on a pump....

Ahh a quirky pump moment for those who understand!!

DMV Medical....yet again

Being a paramedic in Nova Scotia, I am required to have and maintain a class 4 drivers license. This is not an issue for most people, but the government is very particular about people with any sort of medical abnormalities.

Anything cardiac, neurological, metabolic, physiological etc requires advanced medical forms. You can only imagine having type 1 diabetes, especially for the number of years I have, the number of forms I have to fill out every two years to maintain the right to drive!

I came home yesterday to find the letter, from DMV, full of forms for various doctors to fill out. A form for my opthamologist, one for my GP and one for the endo.....after yet another round of blood work. I understand why they are asking for this information. I have been to wayyyy too many car accidents caused by many different medical conditions, but it is still a pain in my BUTT to chase after doctors, spend my money, every two years for the same medical form. Even though our provincial health coverage does cover the cost of the Dr visit, I still have to pay the doctor $$ for the form, as it is not considered a necessity!! OK rant over.....

A beautiful, sunny day in Nova Scotia today. I went for a 10km run in the sun.......and tonight I am heading to see Sara Slean on concert....so a good day all around!!

Enjoying the new Contour Link Meter!

When I hear Medtronic was pairing up with Bayer, I assumed it would based on the new Contour meter. With this in mind, I started using the Bayer Contour a year ago....in hope....and sure enough, last month the Contour Link was released.

I was never a huge fan of the old BD Link meter. I found it clunky, and ugly. I know those are petty reasons, but seeing and handling the same ugly clunky meter many times a day, every day, grows old.

Now my new contour meter, with its matching skin to the pump, is a part of my daily life. The case is a little more user friendly with the meter angled at 90 degrees to the old case. I like that......but the lancet device is terrible. I have also disliked the microlet device, but continue to use it due to its small size! What a dilemma :)

I am prepping for kayak season, and an upcoming day of canoe races. I purchased Medtronic's waterproof pump case. It looks like the pump case from the 500 series (507/508) - and the website states it does not work with the paradigm. I spoke with a customer rep on the helpline, who assured me this waterproof case had been altered to fit the 522 pump, but the website had not been updated. It looks the same as the old waterproof case......and has the same old web description....it will be interesting to see how it works. There were a lot of different case options on the market that looked smaller and easier to use, but I like the guarantee this case carries! If water gets in and harms the pump, Medtronic covers! I'll let you know how it goes! I may do a test run in the bathtub!!

On a softer note, I am craving some peace and relaxation.......so the idea of going out on the water is appealing.......

Training!

My brother does not ask for much.....but as he has been listening to my plans for training for the Medtronic Marathon in October...he has asked that I blog this adventure! I do not think he realizes I already blog, but I am going to add in training information just for him :) Here you go bro!

I find when I run, and my blood sugar is higher then normal (tisk tisk, not good....I know.....but I really wanted to get out and run!!!) the run feels long and tiring. I feel like I am fighting to keep going! Thankfully this does not happen often, but what a difference a good blood sugar makes when going out for a run!

6km run this morning, in the beautiful sunshine! I wish all days could be this nice!!

.......

Medtronic Global Hero?

I was very surprised the other day to receive an email from Medtronic, offering me a spot as a Medtronic Global Hero! They would like to send me to Minneapolis to run a marathon. I did not even think twice about this adventure, and said YES INDEED! I did apply a few months back, but with most applications I submit, I did not expect to hear back. My philosophy is to apply, and decide if or when I am called. Maybe I am just trying to avoid disappointment that way :)

Either way, I was pleasantly surprised .... after that....a little anxiety and panic, but now I am continuing my training and ready to go!

I was out for a lovely hike yesterday. It was a cool day, with overcast skys. I headed out to the coast and hiked the Duncans Cover trail. This is a very beautiful trail, with wartime ruins along the coast. These were watch out shelters during the war. Now, they are refugee shelters for hikers, and open canvas for creative graffiti artists.

Grumble Grumble

Oh who's idea was it to share this gastrointestinal bug?

Don't listen to your mother, it is not nice to share!

Here is a neat little link for all those awaiting the arrival of their new contour meters.....check out the Ascensia website where they are giving out matching meter and pump skin combos!

I am so easily swayed .....