They say it takes about a full year to get used to having diabetes. I took shots for the past three years and though I got used to it and I was in good control of my BG's I never had a day I didn't wish everything went back to 'normal'. Because of some serious lows during workouts and because my grandfather (Type 1 for a looong time) said I was old fashioned using shots instead of a pump (haha) I gathered some information (well, lots of information) about all sorts of insulin pumps. And after a year or so I finally got one. And it was so weird not having to take a shot every time I had a meal! I was so used to it, it took me over a week to get in to my mind I just had to push a button!
But the main reason I got the pump in the first place was to make sports easier, and now I have one and I'm so busy with my study (I study dentistry in Amsterdam, that's next to the VUMC) I dont get to exercise as much as i'm used to! Argh, it's so frustrating!
But what's an Irishman doing in Holland? ;)

The needle is only used to get the tube through the skin, when the tube is in place the neddle retreats, so the only thing sticking in to you is a short, thin, flexible tube. So there's nothing to break inside you.



My diabetes is all right, I'm getting used to the pump after 2 months, won't ever go back to taking shots unless absolutely necessary! How are u holding up?

You're welcome Anthony! Here, there are good days....and there are bad days! Fortunately the good days are winning! We all have to hang in there!!
Take care.....
linda

Hello Anthony. How are things with you this fine day? I hope well. We were supposed to get a cold front but it stalled. This has been the worse summer in memory for such prolonged heat and humidity. When I get tired too heavily busy like yesterday. I send one message to all. My BG this morning was 110. How are your readiings?> I hope in good control. And,I hope,too no more auto bombs. Take good care of yourself. I care. Reed

anthony187, welcome to our Happy Diabetic Family. We are here to offer friendships, advice and support through this journey in life. Once again, WELCOME !!

Welcome home Anthony. This is still very new to you....how's it all going?
This is a great place to share, to learn, and to grow...all the while meeting new people world wide, and making friends ♥
Take a peek at some the groups when you get a chance. Just go to the top of your page, and click on "Groups".
Once in, you can either peruse the wide array of available groups....or simply type a specific interest in the space provided.
Take in some of the blogs/discussions as well.
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Hope you find the support and information you came looking for.
Here is a useful link to get you on your way:
http://www.tudiabetes.org/notes
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Take care....and keep in touch!

When you try the hospital in Hilversum you can request to get Jaqueline Putker as your 'diabetesverpleegkundige'.
Yeah, realy like the omnipod, but i switched to the pod directly from insulin shots, so I have never had experiences with other pumps. You can't put the pod back when you take it of (you have to replace it with a new pod, which you normally do every 3 days) so I never take it of while training. I practice jiu-jitsu and we train full-contact. Occasionally it comes loose, but I cover it with an extra layer of tape and was surprised that it wasn't really a problem as long as I wear it on my belly during training days. Most of the pod's that come losse during training get replaced for free by ypsomed, the company that distributes them. And the infusion doesn't bother me at all during training.

Hey Anthony,

I've got no expierience with the VU hospital, so I can't tell you if Tergooiziekenhuizen Hilversum is better. But my experience with this hospital is very good. My internist isn't specialised in diabetes (some of them are) but I have a great 'diabetesverpleegkundige'. She is very kind and alway up to date about what's new in the land of sugar. When the omnipod first came to Holland she even wore one herself for about a week (with a saline solution in it) just so she could tell from experience how this new pump worked. But you have to see for yourself which hospital works for you. I've changed hospitals a couple of times, because I moved and just because I wanted to check out other hospitals. But I ended up returning here.