I'm already Semi-Bioinc!

Yup, you read that correctly. I'm already semi-bionic. When I was 27 years old I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. Yup. Most people who have type 1 are diagnosed before the age of 16. That's why it's normally referred as "Juvenile Diabetes". People think I have type II b/c I got it later in life...but nope it's type I. My pancreas is kaput...dead...dried up like a prune. Okay, maybe not tried up but it's certainly dead. It's an autoimmue disorder so my body attacked it. I sure didn't do anything I liked my pancreas but I don't now. So, EVERYTHING I eat I have to count the carbs and give myself insulin for it. It was a tough transition and I still have my days that I want to scream. This is how I'm semi bionic...I wear an insulin pump. YUP! I have this handy little device that I wear on my belt and it gives me insulin when I press some buttons on it. So, I don't have to use shots anymore. I just give myself one shot every 3 days (to insert a small cannula in my stomach or leg) instead of 6 shots a day. I did the 6 shots a day for about 2 years and then decided I need an insulin pump. I named my insulin pump. That's how much I love him. His name is Forrest Pump Jr. You see I stole that name from someone else so it's not original at all but it's darn funny! "Pump Forest Pump"! I say that when I eat Mexican Food since I use more insulin than usual for Mexican food. It's well worth it b/c Mexican food is my FAVORITE! I'm very passionate about type I diabetes b/c it is a very misunderstood disease. Kids who have it can lead a very normal life but it's just one of those diseases that is very demanding. I can't go a day without knowing I have it. If I give myself too much insulin I can have a low blood sugar which can be dangerous. If it goes too low I can have a seizure. If it goes to high I can end up in Ketoacidosis. Errr, not fun. BUT the good thing is I'm responsible about this disease and I've never had a seizure and I've never had ketoacidosis! It will make my surgery a little interesting though. If I get nervous my sugar drops, if I shop my sugar drops...it gives a whole new meaning to shop till you drop. Thankfully with the pump I have a lot more options/features that regular shot injections do not provide. If anyone has any questions about my bionic pancreas feel free to ask. Just so you know it's not IMPLANTED!

Isn't it a good thing I love gadgets? I mean here I am with a bionic pancreas. I'm about to have a bionic ear. However, I must confess I really don't want ANY more bionic stuff though. I am willing to stop here....well, maybe ONE more bionic ear down the road. Haha

I will talk more about my love for gadgets another day. I have some non-medical gadgets too! Haha. I am going to write a blog to pay tribute to my new cell phone. My cell phone is the gadgets of all gadgets.

Be back later!