RE: [Philmont]: Insulin Pump and backpacking

Probably the most important thing is to make whatever change you are
going to make right now. Changing to a pump from injections is going to
be the greatest leap in Diabetes care for you. The problems are that, at
first, there is a slight learning curve with the pump. However, the most
important thing to consider is the longer learning curve of how your
body will respond to the steady drip of the pump (fast acting insulin)
versus the periodic injections of both long term and fast acting
insulin. Make the change right now, and work with your diabetes educator
(I hope your ins. will cover that detail 'cause it's important). Start
an exercise program and begin hiking as early in the spring as possible
so you can determine how your body is doing under physical exertion.
Because you don't have the long acting insulin in you during periods of
exertion you're going to run a little less risk of a hypoglycemic
episode, but then you may turn your basal rate down a little too much
and all of a sudden you're hyperglycemic. Don't mistake my comments
here, The pump is a far better way to manage your condition but you have
to recognize the difference and work with it a little while you have
access to urgent medical care. After you figure out the pitfalls you'll
love it and become more confident to take your "show on the road/trail"
 
Ryan was diagnosed with Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes when he was 14. His
first Philmont trek was the following Summer. He was just coming out of
the "honeymoon" period and was doing injections at the time. Philmont
was very good about allowing us to commissary granola bars and etc (3 or
4 per day) so we wouldn't have to carry 10 days worth of these starting
out. I would still recommend this as you never know when you'll need
something to counteract too much insulin. They are also great trade
goods among the crew at the end of the day if you don't want them.
The second trek was with the pump. Hhe had been on it for a little over
a year by then. His only concern was that the pump would break down on
the trail. Of course the cure for that is to have buried deep in your
pack 10 days worth of injection supplies, and both types of insulin. It
was easy to explain to the doctor and get a prescription for that type
of insulin regimen again. It was more difficult explaining it to the ins
co. Much less risk of infection from the regular injections. Don't worry
about the catheter. You'll be moving that around every three days or so.
If you start now you'll find creative ways to position it so it doesn't
become a problem. The tube to the catheter is always in the way so just
expect it and you'll find ways to tolerate it. It is incredibly durable.
My Son sometimes uses it as a tether to pick up the pump or he'll let it
fall out of his pocket and catch it by the tube. (With a $6000 pump on
the other end, we're not amused)
 
Mike Barnhill
 
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On
Behalf Of Doug Kemp
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2005 8:42 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Subject: Re: [Philmont]: Insulin Pump and backpacking
 
>My Son has done Philmont twice as an insulin dependent diabetic. First
time using injections and second time with a pump. There is a lot to
tell you but generally of little use to the population of the list.

Somone out here will want to know of your experience, so please post
your reply to the list rather than to an individual.

Thanks
Doug
2000, 2002, 2004

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Received on Wed Oct 12 11:40:02 2005