To Pump or not to Pump

Making the choice to use an insulin pump is a personal one. There are a lot of factors involved in deciding if and when a pump will work for your child.

For me, the choice to wait was due large in part to my son's impulsive nature. I was concerned he would treat the pump like a video game and press buttons that could deliver insulin when it wasn't needed.

I didn't know there were pumps with safeguards in place. The one we chose has a three button system to turn it on. It's a requirement of the FDA, a good one. 

After 5 years with type 1 diabetes, we made the call to get the process started. 

First, the doctor gave us brochures to look over and pick the pump that we wanted. Since my son is now twelve, I included him in that process. He is the one that has to acclimate to using it and I wanted him to select a pump that he'd be comfortable with. There are a few out there, and my son's doctor told us it was our choice. 

Insurance companies generally want to see blood sugar logs. Ours wanted to see 2 months worth. Some want three. We keep logs of all his sugars and insulin doses, so fortunately we were prepared. 

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The process went quickly. Within a few weeks, my son was connected. What we didn't expect was the dramatic change in his blood sugars.

He has adapted quickly to the pump...much more quickly than I could have imagined.  It clips to his belt or he tucks it inside his pocket. Every 2-3 days, we change the cartridge and the infusion site. 

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I expect to see a lower A1C at his next check-up. With that, a lowered risk of diabetic side effects.

The decision of whether to pump or not to pump is an individual choice. It was definitely one that we took time to consider before making the transition. 

We're optimistic, so far, that the results will be worth it.

New Book Deals with the Issue of Parenting a Child with Special Needs

I am thrilled to announce that author and super-blogger, Jolene Philo, will soon be a guest on my blog to discuss her newly released book, Different Dream Parenting. Jolene's first child was diagnosed with a life-threatening birth defect only a few hours after birth. He was immediately flown to the University of Nebraska in Omaha for surgery. In her book, she shares her story, as well as those of others who have faced the life-altering whirlwind that takes place in the lives of families who discover their child has a disease or disorder. 

About Different Dream Parenting

If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you are aware of the daily challenges. There are special tasks in caring for your child and other unexpected circumstances that can arise. It is a labor of love with life-long rewards: the smiles, the hugs, and the milestones your child reaches.

Whether you are a caregiving veteran or new to the experience, as I am, Jolene's new book has some welcomed help to offer.

What Issues Are Addressed?

Jolene takes us from diagnosis and coping to preserving the family.  She shares helpful tips for the stressed out parent as well as advice for keeping your other children from feeling neglected. Jolene also addresses the spiritual needs of parents and how to work well needed devotional time into a hectic routine.

I was delighted to find many helpful resources and links for parents of children with various needs. Jolene has done her research and she shares them in Different Dream Parenting so they are readily available. I particularly appreciated the tips for helping deal with stress, as we tend to neglect our own needs while caring for a special-needs child. 

Different Dream Parenting has become my go-to handbook for valuable information. 

How can you be prepared for stays at the hospital? How do you prepare your child for life-changing news? Who can you turn to for help in caring for your child? How do you keep your child occupied during a long hospital stay? Finally, is it possible to keep your spirit nourished when you are too tired to think? Jolene has provided wonderful daily devotionals to keep your spiritual engine running when you don't feel you have the strength to continue.

Jolene does a marvelous job covering topics I hadn't even thought about while I was going through the transition period when my son was first diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. I highly recommend this book to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs. It answers questions you haven't asked yet.

I hope you'll join us at the beginning of December when Jolene will be a guest on my blog to discuss her new book. We will also be giving away copies of Different Dream Parenting to randomly selected commenters. You can purchase a copy now at http://www.dhp.org/Products/UB913.aspx to take advantage of a 10% discount off the retail price. Then, join in the discussion when Jolene stops by for a visit in December, ask questions, or share your story and useful tips.

I know I can't wait to glean from her experience and knowledge on many topics. How about you?