Guess What! OmniPod has new Software

I am so glad to have my internet back. I moved last week and I had to wait a week for Verizon to set-up Fios. I must say it was worth the wait! The internet service is extremely fast.
I went to visit TuDiabetes and one of the members there posted a discussion about the Omnipod's new software! it user friendly; unlike the PATHFINDER. The only problem I have is that it is only capable with internet explore, not safari! I can get over it as long as the software provides the info I need. Plus, it's better than trying to get the infer red on the pathfinder to match up with the PDM.
Omnipod Partners has a care plan where you can enter the recommended BG levels, meal time slots, basal programs, BG target range, IC Ratio, Correction factor. There is a Insurance tab- you can enter insurance information and a Physician tab. As you can tell, I am very excited.
If anyone as used the software, let me know what you think.

Have a great weekend.

321 OMG!!!

For dinner I decided to eat 2 hot dogs, 2 pieces of Sara Lee weight loss wheat bread (18g per 2 slices) and a chips (14g), that was around 6:45,not bad, I bolused for it. I just checked my bg's, PDM read 321!!! I freaked out I ran to my husband and said you will not believe how high my bg's are... I told him 321 and he couldn't believe it. I checked my cannula, it was still in! I took a closer look at my site (stomach) and there was a huge blood clot! It was gross!!! My husband said it's the price you pay. My
reply was it's worth it. I am not sure what caused my site to have a blood clot... I hope my bg's go down soon, if not it'll be a long night.

Be Blessed
Cherise
Sent from my iPhone

Just curious...How durable is the OmniPod?

I am not sure if anyone else was curious to know how durable the POD is; I was. Quyncee (daughter, 13 yrs old non diabetic) was curious to see how the POD worked, so she tried to take the POD apart. She threw the Pod on tile floor and on the concrete,it still didn't open. I was amazed how a little piece of plastic can be so durable. Quyncee was getting frustrated she she try to pry it open with a screw driver, still no luck. I told her to grab a knife, it opened. I can't believe what was inside; I wish I would've thought of it. Quyncee discovered that the 4 batteries control the wheel, which pushes the insulin down the cannula. The cannula is inserted into your skin w/ a spring. Quyncee tried to figure out how to remake the pod, she couldn't find it. I told her it would be impossible to do because of trademark issues. I asked her if she would recommend the OmniPod to someone looking for a pump, she said she would. Quyncee couldn't believe a small Pod could function the way it does. I am shocked she took so much interest in seeing how the product worked, after all we know what teenagers are into these days.

To sum it all up, if the OmniPod can stand up to Niya (2 year old)poking and kicking it. I think it's a worthy product. Don't get me wrong, I have had a few bad Pods but the pro's of this product out weigh having a bad Pod every once in a while.

Bla, Bla...blog

Last week was a relaxing week! I started the week of very positive! I didn't let my job get to me! I tried to keep a positive frame of mind; easier said than done. I think sometimes people tend to try me but I let it go one ear and out the other!
I had a lot of high fasting bg's, not sure why! I didn't let me it bother me. I figure if it was high Sunday morning I would adjust. Well guess what....this AM it was 114. Last night when I went to bed my bg's were 90!!! I figure the Dawn P is getting the best of me. I'll get it together, no worries


Last Tuesday was Pod change night. I changed my POD went to bed. I heard peep, peep, peep. I got out of the bed, went by my PDM and it read change pod; heck I just put in 150 units in this new pod! I called Insulet and I told them what happened. The Rep asked what I was doing when the alarm went off, I let her know I was laying down. I asked the Rep what could've caused the Pod to alarm. She said she didn't know but it happens sometimes. I let her know I just changed my Pod, she said she would send me another one. I am glad she will be sending a replacement Pod but what about the insulin that was wasted!?! I am thankful for the replacement Pod's but I have to figure out away to get a vial of extra insulin to cover me for Pod changes. I'll talk to my Endo about this when I go back next month.

Bla, Bla...blog

Last week was a relaxing week! I started the week of very positive! I didn't let my job get to me! I tried to keep a positive frame of mind; easier said than done. I think sometimes people tend to try me but I let it go one ear and out the other!
I had a lot of high fasting bg's, not sure why! I didn't let me it bother me. I figure if it was high Sunday morning I would adjust. Well guess what....this AM it was 114. Last night when I went to bed my bg's were 90!!! I figure the Dawn P is getting the best of me. I'll get it together, no worries


Last Tuesday was Pod change night. I changed my POD went to bed. I heard peep, peep, peep. I got out of the bed, went by my PDM and it read change pod; heck I just put in 150 units in this new pod! I called Insulet and I told them what happened. The Rep asked what I was doing when the alarm went off, I let her know I was laying down. I asked the Rep what could've caused the Pod to alarm. She said she didn't know but it happens sometimes. I let her know I just changed my Pod, she said she would send me another one. I am glad she will be sending a replacement Pod but what about the insulin that was wasted!?! I am thankful for the replacement Pod's but I have to figure out away to get a vial of extra insulin to cover me for Pod changes. I'll talk to my Endo about this when I go back next month.

Be Blessed

I made a mistake and I was corrected by Omnipod

I came home from work and my little brother said, "A lady from Riverside County called, she is suppose to call you back in 15 minutes."


The phone rang...


I took the phone from my little brother...

"Hello Cherise, my name is Debbie (Deb)I am the Omnipod Rep for your area."

My first thought was...How did you find me?

She said, "Omnipod keeps a database of all the omnipod users." Oh! makes since right...

The next thing she said was I read your blog and I have a lot of Omnipod users in Arizona and they don't have any issues with the OmniPod staying on during the summer heat. She said there are a few other things I could use when I am in Arizona or Hot weather, alcohol pads are good but you have to use Skin Prep or IV Prep to keep the skin nice and sticky. She said if I have any other issues to call the 800 number and they can help me or call my Endo, they will contact her. I let her know I didn't have any other issues with the OmniPod. I really like using it. She said she uses the Omnipod and has issues with it but it's still a new product.

To sum everything up...I am sorry for blasting Omnipod's adhesive! if I never would have posted the blog I wouldn't have known about Deb and my question wouldn't have been answered. Now I know what to use for my POD in extreme heat and so do you!!!

Thank you Debbie:)

You never know who's reading what you are blogging about...lol

Good to be Home

I had a Great time in Surprise, AZ...lol Your not seeing anything...there is a Surprise, AZ! I needed to get away from California for a while. My Husband and I went on a date while we were there, we went to go see the movie "Wanted"...if you like action you have to see it. I value the time I have with my Husband...

While in AZ...My bg's were wacko the whole time. I am not sure why! I ate low carb burgers w/ side salads and still had high numbers...I am not going to stress out about it! I don't go out of town much...come to think of it I had an eye infection that may have caused my high numbers.

My next issue would be the Omnipod, the adhesive didn't stick good while I was there...I know it was extremely HOT! You would think Insulet tested their product in extreme heat...wouldn't they??? If I were living in AZ I would have to really think about the using the OmniPod during pool parties and BBQ's in the summer; better yet I wouldn't have put a POD on, I would have injected insulin instead of using the POD. Lesson learned...

112 degree's vs OmniPod Adhesive

I am in AZ on vacation and Eboni (Best Friend) invited my family to a pool party for the 4th. I enjoyed myself, I put my feet in the pool and I relaxed a little. Niya was adorable in her life preserver swim suit. Watching her made me realize how much I enjoy being a MOM.

Back to the story...Arizona is extremely hot this time on the year, I know my body poured out over a gallon of sweat. I would love to tell you that the adhesive on my POD held up but it did not. The top of my OmiPod is barely hanging on, I kinda wonder how the POD can stand being under water or even in the bath tub w/o adhesive wearing away...who knows maybe it's the salt from the sweat that caused the adhesive to wear, any thoughts???

I am enjoying myself on my much needed vacation...I was able to eat at one of my FAV-O-Rite places last night...Long Horn Steakhouse; I haven't eaten there in 2 yrs (there isn't one in California)...yummy for my tummy! eating there made me miss Missouri.

Be Blessed
Cherise

P.S.
I will post pic's when I get back to California

First vacation with my Pod

Happy 4th of July!!!! I am in Surprise, AZ visiting my BSF (Best
Sister Friend) for the holiday weekend! It's very relaxing!

I am also happy and proud to say I am going to be a god mom in 8
months!!!! I am proud of Eboni!!!

This is the first time I've traveled with Pod! I did good packing! I
packed 2 extra Pod's, Lantas, Humalog (insulin pen), glucose tablets,
alcohol pads and needles.

My BG's when I left yesterday morning was 80. I ate a peanut butter
sandwhich and 3 hours later... My bg was 200; holy crap what did I
do?? I bolused and ate a snack!!! 2 hours later 249; is my Pod working??

4 hours later...bg's 71, yes, no Pod change! Yes....

I ate dinner, watched movies, ate 40g of carbs....4 hours later 200
again, what's going on??? I bolused
I woke up this morning 113. I told myself not to stress because Aunt
Dottie is here again.

Have a safe and happy holiday!!

Be Blessed
Cherise
Sent from my iPhone

CALLING ALL DIABETIC'S AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS...PLEASE JOIN ME AT TUDIABETES.COM

Type 1, Type, 2 and Type 1.5/LADA...Do you feel alone, don't have anyone to talk about DIABETES or just trying to find someone who understands? Join TuDiabetes.com

Do you have a Diabetic spouse, family member or a friend who you are trying to help, but they aren't trying to listen and feel like you want to Pull Your Hair Out? Join Tudiabetes.com ( There is a group called Type 3 diabetic created with you in mind)

Do you like to cook and share recipes? Join TuDiabetes.com



Children, Teenagers, Young Adults--I know it can be hard to have Diabetes at your age...We have a group for you at TuDiabetes.com

CDE's, Doctor's, Endo's, Dentist, EMT's--Please visit TuDiabetes.com!!

Athletes with Diabetes- We have a group for you also!!

Are you using a insulin pump, omnipod, injecting or taking oral medication??? Join Tudiabetes.com

Do you need to vent about being a diabetic, your life or just need some one to talk to? Join TuDiabetes.com

There are over 3,200 people at TuDiabetes, someone has either been through what your going through or who have gone throught it, WE understand the ups and downs of Diabetes. You shouldn't have to go through the journey alone and you don't have too!

I am Excited to share and invite you to the Best Kept Secret in the Diabetic Community...TuDiabetes.com! Please come join me at TuDiabetes.com, I promise you will not regret it; I know don't.

There are 2 ways you see and be apart of the TuDiabetes.com Community:

1. Click on the Tudiabetes.com badge on the right side of my blog

or

2. Go to Tudiabetes.com


If you have any questions let me know!!

Good Site, Gone Wrong

It looks like a bug bite, is it really? No. The picture you see above is a picture of where my OmniPod sat on my back.
Last night, after I ate dinner (two piece's of chicken tenders, 2 servings of broccoli with cheese) my BG's where 200; very high for what I ate. I had Quyncee look inside of the clear casing to make sure my cannula was still inserted. She said the cannula was still there but it had blood around it and look like a bug bite or a pimple gone wrong. I boloused off of the 200 reading and an hr later my BG's read 217...Ok, what's really going on? I can't be the only person who's had this problem...

I called Omnipod, was told to remove the Pod and to put a new one on. She said a new Pod would be on it's way. No matter what time of day I've called Insulet's customer service, I've always receive great customer service!!!!

I put a new Pod on. I checked my BG's an hour later back down to 157. I am so glad I didn't go to sleep, I would have been Trouble...maybe laying in the hospital.
I am glad I followed my first mind.

Have a Great Weekend.

I knocked my Pod off!!!

Sunday, I completed another site change. I decided to place Polly (omnipod) on my stomach; it's been on my back the last 3 times. I was sitting at the kitchen table reading a Glamour Magazine, the article with Charlize Theron was pretty good. I was getting up from the table, Polly got caught on the edge of the table, it came off, blood was coming from the cannula site. I know it sounds painful but it wasn't. I can't believe I actually ripped it off of my stomach after I filled it with 150 units of insulin and wasted a brand new POD!!!*laughing* I asked my husband if I should call Insulet, he said it was your fault not the Pods! You really can't blame me for wanting something for free, can you?

Happy Monday!!!

OmniPod PDM-Error

Before dinner I had to test my bg's, there's an error...My PDM says, "Remove POD, PDM error" Beep Beep...OMG! What do I do??? I have never had this issue before. Should I remove the POD? beep, beep!!! I can't get the PDM to stop beeping.
I noticed on the bottom of the PDM it says call insulet and it gave me a reference number.
I am trying to fix dinner, my family is staring at me!!!

I can't believe it, I jinxed myself;that's what I get for saying I haven't had any issues.

Katrina (Insulet): "Thank you for calling the Insulet Corp. How can I help you?"
Me: "Hello, I was testing my BG's and the PDM read---PDM error and starting alarming! I have never had this problem before."
Katrina: "Do you have a paper clip? You will have to take the back of the PDM off, it needs to be reset. Push in the little button underneath the battery."
Me: "Ok, will I lose all of my setting's?"
Katrina: "No, your setting's will be ok but you will not be able to bolus. You have to use a new POD."
Me: "Will you send me a new Pod? I just started using my current POD yesterday."
Katrina: "Sure."

I changed my POD and I still wasn't able to bolus

Me: "How come I can't bolus?"
Katrina: "You have to enter it manually the first time and after that it should pick up your setting's."
Me: "ok!"
Katrina: "Do you feel comfortable with using the OmniPod and Do you have any questions?"
Me: "No, thank you for your help."

I was checking my postmeal BG's and my bolus calculator still wasn't set up. GRRRR! I had to tell myself to calm down. I had to reset all of my bolus setting's on the PDM. I am glad I remembered my settings and VERY happy I had the manual or I would've been SOL and still on the phone with Katrina.

1 Month OmniPod Anniversary

June 13, 2008 marked my 1 month Anniversary of becoming a OmniPod user. I am happy with the OmniPod. I am Blessed, I haven't had any Pod failures, deathly highs or lows. I am Blessed, someone was smart enough to come up with a system that allows the Freedom of No wires. I am Glad I don't have to give myself injections anymore. I have learned a lot with the Pod. I am not ashamed to say I still have alot to learn.

I've learned:

With the correct basal setting's my fasting numbers can be controlled. I understand my settings may need to be adjusted again; I just have to roll with the punch(thanks to my friends at TuDiabetes.com).

God will never put more on me than I can bare, stand still and be patient.


Overall:

I am happy that I am an OmniPod user and I am loving every moment of it!

What I learned today

Lesson 1: I will not be putting Polly Pod on my arm again. This morning I had to change my site for the Omnipod. I decided to place it on my arm; for me bad choice. I bumped it once, it stayed on. I bumped my arm a second time, this time against the door and Polly Pod almost fell off. I actually thought I liked it on my arm but I was wrong...lol

Lesson 2: Everyday at lunch I go for a walk, it's about 1 mile or 1.5 miles. I was walking w/ my friend and I realized I forgot to set my temp basal. My friend asked me if I wanted to go back. I don't her no I would be ok. Towards the end of our walk, I realized a made a huge mistake. I could feel my BG's drop. I also left my glucose tabs at the office...another bad mistake. Luckily, I made it back to my job w/ my BG's at 70; God was looking out for me. "Never for get the Temp Basal and glucose tabs while walking."


Cherise

Picture: Scott (husband), Niya and Me

Going Good, Still Steady

I have been using the OmniPod for almost a month, I still like it has much as I thought I would. I am trying to be creative on where to place Polly Pod. I woke up this morning, decided to have Quyncee help place Polly Pod on my back, close to my bra strap. I like it there so far. No bad pods yet!!! My Bg's are staying between 90-100 fasting,post meals 75-100 and sometimes 1 or 2 creep up in the 150's. The good thing is I don't get stressed out, I chalk it up as a learning experience. I haven't had to change my basal setting's. I have changed my carb to insulin ratio from 1 to 18 to 1 to 15. Carb ratio 1 to 15 allows me to have better control. I called OmniPod a week ago to have the PathFinder software sent to me and I still haven't received it yet. I need to call them first thing Monday. I am curious to see what my numbers look like on paper!!! Overall I gave OmniPod 10 out of 10.

The Itch Is Gone....

The itch is gone, the itch is gone baby!!! The last 3 days w/ the OmniPod has been terrible, terrible not because of the Pod or the PDM, but terrible because of where I chose to place the POD. I placed it on my lower back (left side) and I hated it! I think it's odd because I loved it on the right. It was very irritating on the left. I will never place it there again!!! Amen to a 3 day site change; if it was permanent I would be in a DIABETIC COMA. I would have pulled Polly POD off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

F/up with Endo tomorrow

My one week appointment is tomorrow!!! I am excited I want to see how good I did w/ Polly Pod. I went running and I used the temp basal setting...I love it!!! I have heard a lot of bad things about the POD for example bad pods. I can only speak for myself... as of now I haven't had any problems. If I do start having them, God will help me get through it...all man made objects have some type of flaws.....right? I know from experience you can not trust gadgets including pumps and or PODs.
Wish me luck...

Be Blessed

Pod-update

At 3am yesterday morning....I heard an alarm going off; not sure what it was. I went back to sleep. 4am I heard the alarm again...5am alarm again, I went down stairs to check my BG's and it was 78 but my PDM to my POD read..."POD expires at 2:00pm on 5-16-08". How cool is that??? I know some people may think I am a little crazy; I think this POD is the greatest thing since slice bread, colored TV and Cold Stone Creamery (they have ice cream sweetened w/ splenda, I go every once in a while). I haven't dropped since the first day I started and I haven't been over 130:) I am so excited. Changing the POD was easy, I checked my BG's throughout the day to make sure I was getting insulin; I was:)

I LOVE YOU OMNIPOD---INSULET CORP---hehehhehe!

How does my family feel about the new addition to our family?

My Scott (husband) and Quyncee (daughter) came home last night. I had the chance to introduce them to my new friend (Polly Pod); I decided to name it since it has to be on me. My husband is excited. He didn't like me injecting myself. I think he is a little nervous for me. I let him know I would be ok. He is such a helpful person. Gosh I love my Husband:)

Later...

24 hrs later

I know I made the right choice by choosing the OmniPod! I like it. The Pod is comfortable and I can't feel it when I sleep. I took a shower and it still is hanging on. I had to lows, 1 before breakfast and 1 right before lunch; I gave myself too much insulin, I didn't need to do a bolus for snack. For the most part....my numbers are looking good. I might have to lower my morning basal dosage.
I went to see a dietitian today, she had a lot of information and she informed me on a lot of new things; I haven't been to a dietitian since I was first diagnosed. I didn't know you are suppose to subtract the fiber from Carbs and a person should only have 3g of fat per 100 calories. I didn't know that Did you???
I showed all of my co-workers my POD. Genifer (buddy) asked, "What happens when you have relations?" I replied, "It stays on." LOL She said, "It wouldn't bother you." I said, "Nope, Scott (husband) doesn't care about my Pod." I thought that was funny, LOL.

Be Blessed