Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve D on October 21, 2011 at 12:04pm

Abud-
Im sorrh, but it is time to lighten up!!! I see that you have only had the big D for a few years, but ignorant people are going to drive you to an early grave if you dont just lighten up and let it be!!! In my 30 some odd years I realize that my pod is a strange sight for people, even doctors whenever I am at an appointment (with a new doc) will lask about it, and when I tell them what it is they ask many other questions about it. If doctors dont know what it is, then you have to understand the ignorance of the general public. If you cant just let it go then the next time you travel (going through security) You are really going to stress out! Also, questions in restaurants about your counting carbs etc. will really drive you nuts! ;I suggest you take a gander at a recent discussion re: ignoant comments on diabetes....it is enlightening as well as entertaining. Especially when the comments are coming from family members who should know better! I just consider myself to be an educator in these situations and feel that these people will find me interesting and strong to be dealing with what we have to deal with on a daily basis! PEACE!!

Permalink Reply by The Diabetic Camper on October 21, 2011 at 12:09pm

I love when people ask me about my pod. When I wear it on my arm I put it on as low as possible just so people will see it. I guess it is the only visible sign of my disease and I love that people don't know what it is. I guess it is my visual reminder to everyone that I am diabetic and it helps to keep them on their toes. But that is just me and I am crazy for disease attention and I could see how annoying it could be for you even though you do not mind them seeing it they just interrupt your life with rudeness.

Permalink Reply by Dinah Luevano on October 21, 2011 at 12:15pm

I don't find it rude when they politely ask. (Being yelled at across the street would be a different story, for sure). My son simply came up with a quick answer to the question. Something along the lines of "It's an insulin pump to help me manage type 1 diabetes". MOst people don't ask anything further. Others are very interested and if he has the time he will educate them. If it's out in the open and highly visible most would think it okay to ask.

Permalink Reply by Mike777 on October 22, 2011 at 7:05am

Dinah,
Let your son know I AM VERY PROUD OF HIM!!! His answer to their question is great, not because it is short and sweet, but because it is the truth. Like I said in one of my earlier post on this blog site, we never hide our sons injections (not on the pod yet) BS testing, or anything. People need to be educated. Who knows someone that may ask your son may just be the person that has the final piece of the puzzle locked away somewhere in their brain that is the cure to this disease.

Adub,
I don't have diabetes, my son does. BUT PLEASE, PLEASE, calm down and if you have time, let them know, be transparent, this is not a closet disease. Millions of people suffer with it. We need to educate them that you, my son, & everyone that has diabetes are normal people.

Permalink Reply by 870allamerican on October 21, 2011 at 1:38pm

I'd chill out Abud.
I've been using a pod for the last 3 years of my 53 year challange since the age of 3. I've had nurses that are not in the know and they have asked me what it is and I then tell them it is an insulin pump. One response was where is the tubing? I loved that one because she was in the know about pumps but not up to speed with the tech chages being made. She also asked me about my Dexcom and I again explained it to her. I have been on cruises to europe and othe places and walk around the pool letting it all "hang out" Some people ask and are very interested in my old "war stories" from the 50's and 60's. It is a good time to eduacate as many people as I can about the issues with D.
Keep smiling it makes people wonder what you have been up to.

Permalink Reply by suezq1949 on October 21, 2011 at 2:00pm

I would just tell them that it is my pancreas; that should shut them up!

Sue

Permalink Reply by Sue59 on October 24, 2011 at 6:46am

I love it when people ask, it gives me a chance to educate them about diabetes.

Permalink Reply by Sophia'smommyLori on October 24, 2011 at 7:44am

I think in this age of technology and how fast things change people are just curious as to what new high tech device is out on the market that they didn't know about. Sometimes they probably ask because they want to know what it is, what it does, and where did you get it. I'm sure if you had a capped off trachea tube they wouldn't ask you what it was......

Permalink Reply by Denise Ventura on October 24, 2011 at 8:51am

I wish they made skin-colored pods, perhaps that would alleviate some of the question-asking. I went wakeboarding a couple weeks ago, and even my own brothers were like, "Will that thing fall off if you wakeboard?" as my sister in law stared admidst sippin on some wine. Yet, I don't really mind people asking me about it-- if anything, I treat it as an icebreaker and from there on, I direct the conversation to become quite sarcastic out of my own amusement, hopeful to illicit a weird look or a nervous laugh. Funny people, funny styles.

Anyway, I just saw a 60 Minutes episode about autistic children that lack speech-- they communicate through Ipads. Good for them and their loved ones- that's truly remarkable and exciting for their futures. Maybe they can tailor ipads that they can wear on their arms.

Permalink Reply by MaiaJane on October 27, 2011 at 6:03am

I am in Italy right now and am having a hell of a time trying to explain what is on my arm...seems everyone thinks it is some sort of niccotine patch, but everyone is just voicing concern, and they seem to be really nice about it when I try to explain in broken Italian that it is a pumpa de insulino para diabetica hehe!

Permalink Reply by Mom2E on October 28, 2011 at 10:57am

My daughter tells people who ask that it is a device that allows her to read their minds! It is fun to see their eyes widen and look away! :)

Permalink Reply by Ellie on October 30, 2011 at 10:58am

Hey girl. Yes people can be rude and mannerless but I understand the curiosity.I am soon to get a Pod, my first pump. I plan to wear it on my stomach under my clothes. The arm and leg look like they would be prone for bumping off. Anyway, when people ask I will tell them either:

1) I was abducted by aliens and they left this on me...LOL
2) It's a pump which is a faux pancreas to help me with Diabetes or
3) It's a 'NUNYA"...none of your business.

Most likely I'll use number two. I can't blame them for curiosity even if they are rude. Some people ask wheelchair users why they are in a wheelchair and amputees where their limbs 'went' or blind folks 'what's it like to be blind?' so you can't control rude people just how you react to them.

Good luck w/your diabetes and try not to sweat the small stuff.

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