My story

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#1

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 7. I don't remember life before diabetes....and honestly, I think that's for the best. My mom is my best friend in the whole world, mainly because she's the only person that understands me and the struggle I have with my diabetes. She's also an amazing lady. It just happens that the diabetes is what has caused us to maintain our close relationship. I was put on a pump at the age of 14, and it has been amazing. Unfortunately, the pump is very old now (8 years old!) and I really need a new one. I don't know what kind to get. Any suggestions?

I went to College of Charleston and majored in biology. Now I work at the Medical University of South Carolina in cardiology doing research. While I do love my job, it can cause some problems for handling my diabetes. I eventually want to go to graduate school of some type, I'm just not sure exactly what it is I want to do.

I just found this website, and I joined to hopefully find some people that understand and help support me. I've lived my entire life around non-diabetics. It will be good to be able to meet and talk with some people that REALLY understand, and don't just pretend.

I love to meet new people, so feel free to send me a message! Can't wait to talk to you!

#2

Being the mom of a child with diabetes (Riley, now 5, diagnosed at 3) I was touched to hear what you had to say about your mom.

Welcome to tudiabetes.

#3

Welcome! Kathyrn! I am new at this too. I just joined today.

#4

Welcome to the community. I am sure you will really like it here. I have not been here that long (about 4-6 weeks) but I have really learned a lot from everyone and it is nice to have people that understand what you are going through. Well, make sure to keep us all informed about what is going on with you and any question you have (or can answer) please let us know.

Take care and stay in control

#5

Hiya kathryn! great to meet ya! If you ahve any questions or wanna talk I would be glad too! have a great day! see ya…miranda

#6

Hi Kathryn,

All of the pump companies should be willing to let you do a trial run (with saline) of their pumps, or at least let you see them and play with them in person. That will really give you an idea of what features each pump has and which ones are most important to you. I’m betting that every pump on the market now has features that aren’t on your current model. I’ve only been pumping for less than 2 1/2 years with a Minimed 715 and I’m pretty happy with it, but of course the other pumps have features I’d like too. None of them will have every single thing you want, so just go for the one you feel most comfortable with!

–
Liz

#7

hey kathryn liz was right about companies letting you try their products out…i have a paradigm 715 and I scheduled an appointment was a rep…she brought the pump and all of the supplies and just let me play with it. she showed me all the features it had.it was very informative…you can call minmed and they can send you info and if you want to a rep can come and visit you…hope this helps

#8

Hi Kathryn,

Thank you for sharing your story. As a Mom of a child with type 1 diabetes, I find it encouraging that you appreciate your Mom so much. I worry that I am going to make him crazy with my over protective ways.

#9

Hey Kathryn
Good to hear that you are doing cardiology research. I’ve had a MI due to undiagnosed type 1 diabetes. Your research could someday save my life!
I’m just learning to be a good diabetic. Still a newbie.
-chuck

#10

Thanks for sharing your story!