Today I finally did...it

I have been very fortunate to have had T1 for 2 yrs and never had to give myself an insulin injection. To date, I've never given myself a shot. When I was diagnosed, I was so terrified of needles that the clinic put me on an insulin pump instead. I knew I'd have to learn to give myself shots at some point, as a way to treat myself in the event of a pump failure. Well, it's been two years now, and on the advice from several other co-diabetics in the DOC, I decided it was time. I made the dreaded education appointment. I canceled it once. Then I rescheduled and promised not to cancel it again. And true to my word, I showed up today.

All was fine, as I poked a syringe into a green cushion that represented my stomach. I had no problem injecting that stress ball. Then came time for me to inject the saline solution into my stomach. I don't know what it is about those teeny weeny needles that scare me so much, but tears started rolling down my cheeks and my armpits, hands, feet, and under-the-butt-cheeks became realllllly sweaty. We had to take a few mini-breaks, but I am proud to say that I FINALLY gave myself a shot! Yes, yes, it was only saline solution, but I am ready now to move on to real insulin. In a couple of weeks, I'll be meeting with my doctor, who will set me up on a 2-4 wk plan, whereby I am off of my pump and solely using MDI. It is to get me the practice I need to understand how injections work in case I'm ever in a position where I need to use them, or maybe if I just want to take a pump vacation.

At the end of my visit, my CDE presented me with this sheet, as a proud reminder of this day. She knows what a mountain this has been for me to climb; she was there two years earlier when it all started. I like her very much; she is caring and genuine and a great CDE. I'll be seeing her again when I attend Advanced Insulin Mgmt class.

Obviously celebration-worthy, time for a glass of vino!