Thursday, September 02, 2010

Pump It Up

Nosy's super special day, the day he had been counting down to, had finally arrived.
Pump Class Day!

Jeremy and I have been praying about getting an insulin pump to better control Noah's blood sugars. We have been researching, weighing the pros versus the cons, and praying for clear direction. Once Noah heard that there were much fewer "pokes" involved with having a pump, he was sold! We were the most interested in the Omnipod, a wireless, waterproof, disposable insulin pump that gets changed out every three days. It could seriously change Noah's life! When Children's informed us they were having a class where we could come check out the Omnipod, along with several other options, we signed right up. Noah was to go with us so he could check the pumps out too.

With O and Jones dropped off with Gramps and Yaya, we decided to make it a really special day for Nosy. Gigi joined us for a special lunch at Baker's Brothers to kick things off.

Can you tell he is so excited? Love that big grin! He had to bring along his puppy "pack-pack" just in case he was in urgent of any Hot Wheels or snacks while we were out and about.

Daddy got to put Noah's special hospital braclet on.

Little did we know that there was about an hour of lecture before we actually got to see any pumps. Nosy did really well, but after an hour of sitting super still and quiet even the best boys get a little antsy. Thankfully Gigi could bust out her iphone which is loaded with fun things to keep boys entertained.
At last...The pump rep passed around an actual Omnipod for us to hold and inspect. Noah was thrilled! There were even "parkles" (sparkles-actually the circuit board) on the back! When it came time to pass the pump on to the next family to inspect, he started crying. "That's my pump! I want to hold it porever!"

Noah's pump-love was short-lived, however. He soon discovered that the rep was going to actually insert the pump on his arm so he could try it out for three days. We wanted to make sure that the adhesive didn't irritate his skin and that the pump didn't interfere with his very active lifestyle. Oh, the wailing that resulted. He cried the most pitiful alligator tears, and when that didn't work, he started hollering. Since he was the fist kiddo to get the pump put on, I was afraid he'd scare the other kids off! But when Noah was distracted, the rep popped the pod right on his arm. Noah barely noticed! The insertion takes 2/100ths of a second, faster than I could ever give a shot. It was basically pain-free. I just wish the silly thing didn't make a loud clicking noise when the insertion happens. Otherwise, I don't think Noah would even notice.
Right after the pump insertion. Can you believe that tiny little thing can not only keep my boy alive, but also make his life worlds easier? I pray this works and is an option for him.
So proud of our Boy and all he endures each day.

Daddy's turn! The rep let all three of us sport the pod for three days so we could know exactly what Noah was going through. I appreciated that thoughtfulness so very much.

Daddy was brave, but Nosy made sure we held his hand.

Noah and I both also wore this pump called the Animas. It was really cool too, and much tinier on the skin, but it had tubing attached to a pump worn on your waistband. I just don't think that's very practical for a three year old, crazy-active boy.

O was so sad that he didn't have a pump like the rest of us. We had brought home an extra one that the rep let us have. I taped it on Owie's arm so he could experience the pod too. Now we are a pumping family!

I just pray that God continues to give us wisdom about what is best for Noah. He has so mercifully walked us through every stage of this disease, so I know He is faithful to guide us here too.

5 comments:

Stephanie said...

i forgot to tell you that today Noah asked if he could have some of the snack we were having. I reminded him that he had a special snack so he could make sure his food intake was going great for his possibly future pump. I said something to the effect of "do you hope you can get a cool pump?" trying to say anything to make him not feel like the odd man out. I got a response of "um. it's not cool." I just started laughing, on the inside, and told him to use his muscles to open his jell-o cup and changed the subject quickly. i thought it was cute...

Chrys said...

SO COOL!

Y'all are so awesome. Praying for wisdom.

cheryl said...

Wow! How great that you made it into a special thing for him and you get to experience it as a family for a few days. I hope this really works wonders for sweet Noah!

thesanders said...

Such a brave brave boy. I hope the pump is a success.

Abbey said...

Oh, Rachel, I hope it works!