In 1988 my Asthma and COPD kicked into high gear. I was in and out of the hospital so many times they knew me by sight in the ER. Finally my Dr. ended up in putting me on a year long high dose of Prednisolone. We knew it was a risk as having been adopted in the 50's I had no family medical records to rely on. 1989 my body gave up the ghost and fight and i started running BG's over 600. Finally weaned off the steroids, they still didn't go back to normal. My pancreas had grabbed the Amex and was headed for a lifelong vacation. Pills, combinations of Pills, Pills and Insulin shots, it didn't matter how careful my diet, what I took...they stayed high, as i grew immune to the various pills. They don't tell you that can happen..they just hand you more and more medications that don't work after a couple of months or so.
I fought that battle until 2005, following a strict diet, fighting the depression that hit every time my BG sent me to the hospital. Trying every new thing they came up with including Symlin and Byetta only to find they made me so ill my life was threatened. Finally we tried the pump. I had moved from Type II to Type I. Uncontrolled and brittle, it seemed like I only had to look at a slice of bread to have my BG's soar. Neuropathy affects my balance, my grip, my sight and more.
With the pump I have a life again. Sick days, I can bounce like a yoyo, too high, too low, too whatever, but I have better control now with the pump with only 1 insulin that works for me, Novolog.I also have a diabetic alert dog Shilo who will wake me when my BG goes wacky, and alert anyone nearby. Athena my refill prescription is rapidly learning as well. Without them and the pump, I wouldn't have a life. Bless them all.
Titusville, FL
