July 25th, for example. And December 18th.
February 14th is one of them.
She was 3 years old. At the time, insulin pumps were not being widely used in very young children, though they were certainly gaining momentum. Our first endocrinologist was adamantly opposed to the idea, while our second endo began advocating pump therapy right away. She knew that Sugar would benefit from the smaller dosages a pump could offer.
It still took me over a year before I'd even entertain the discussion...and a full 18 months before we were actually hooked up.
We had to fight with our insurance company to get it covered, and prove that a pump would be beneficial for our daughter. Then we had to find a local supply company who could get us supplies. I was faxing here, there, and everywhere. Once we had the pump in our possession, it would be another 2 months before we could be scheduled for training.
I was convinced that anything would be better than those horrible lows.
It had to be.
There weren't tubeless options or remote features. CGM's were just hitting the scene, and insurance companies were denying them right and left. I did my homework, read a few books, and tried as best as I could to prepare.
I had a diabetic 3 year old, a 14 month old, and a baby on the way. After the experience of trying to stick to a regimented schedule while nursing a newborn, I KNEW in my heart that we had a small window of opportunity to transition to the pump before the new baby arrived.
Ready or not....here she comes.
The demands of a third baby on top of a toddler (who, by the way was still nursing!!), and the all consuming reality of managing diabetes -- mixed with constant anxiety about needing to conform to a strict eating schedule in an attempt to avoid those lows ... well ...
I just knew I couldn't do it again.
If I was going to be the best mother I possibly could be, I would need a way to introduce more flexibility in our life.
And so, on February 14, 2007, we took that plunge.
The insulin pump revolutionized this journey for us.
It was an absolute game changer.
The transition wasn't easy. In fact, there were times I wanted to throw the entire thing away.
But I'm so thankful I stuck with it.
I just can't imagine our life without her pump!
PS -- To learn about the reasons Sugar is wearing the Animas Ping, click HERE.
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Got to love the ping, so glad you guys are enjoying it!! I'll remember November 8th for the same reason=)
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute pic of you and your young family. Look how far we've already come with technology just since then...
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel overwhelmed with one kid...you're superwoman! Great picture - and it is amazing how far we've come in just a few years. Gives a person hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this reminder. I will definitely think of this when we start back on the pump again! Happy Valentine's Day to you and those precious girls!
ReplyDeleteWoot Woot for the Ping!! We love ours! today is also Emma's birthday so another Woot Woot for Feb. 14th! :o)
ReplyDeletewow, what a journey!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to think that just 5 years ago you had to work so hard to get a pump. Ally was diagnosed just 2 years later in 2009 and we pumping was the recommended way to go! It took 5 months from her dx day to begin pumping. I was pregnant too! We started pumping 2 weeks before Lexi was born. There were days I thought I would lose my mind, but am now so very grateful that we were able to start pumping so quickly.
ReplyDelete