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Health & Future Plans Update: A Dramatic Reduction in HbA1c thanks to Medtronic Insulin Pump

By Books & Authors, Creativity, Gigs & Shows, Happiness & Joy, HealthNo Comments

Health Update

There has been a dramatic reduction in my HbA1c thanks to my Medtronic Insulin Pump. I’ve gone from a HbA1c of 99 to 58. This means I’ve gone from being in the red to the green. It’s all thanks to the insulin pump’s SmartGuard, an algorithm that helps manage my blood sugars and insulin through use of a sensor and pump that work together via Bluetooth.

I’m feeling the benefits of a better controlled blood sugar – less tired, more energy, less susceptible to infections and next to no symptoms of a high blood sugar. There are benefits to my mental health as well, I don’t feel like I’m constantly failing to manage my diabetes anymore and like it is a constant battle every minute of the day.

The hole in the roof of my mouth is still there and still causing me problems with talking, eating and drinking. The surgeon wants an MRI and CT scans before proceeding, but there is a two to three month wait for these on the NHS. I often find myself apologising when I can’t be understood by others and it inevitably impacts on all areas of my life. But it will get fixed and that’s the main thing. This is temporary.

Future Plans Update

A friend and I are planning to go to some of Lancaster Literature Festival. This is in part to get ideas for Wigan Literature Festival. A festival I am hoping will be held later this year.

A friend and I are going to see Comedian Larry Dean in Salford.

Mum and I are going to meet some Alpacas and to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Finally, I get to go away to Wales with my unofficial adoptive family.

In October, my next book Z-Virus Monsters is released. You can pre-order a signed paperback copy here. Fanatic Members will get the ebook free on release.

I’ve also had another idea for either another article or book, depending on its length and have started the research for it.

I’ve got a lot to look forward too.

Write soon,

Antony

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Friday 21 February 2025

An Update on My Experience with the Medtronic Insulin Pump

By Health, TechnologyNo Comments

I recently blogged about getting a Medtronic insulin pump. It has been life changing. I’ve gone from 33% of time in range to between 68% to 97% in range. Don’t believe me? Here’s the evidence, from a particularly good day:

As a result I’m less tired and in a better state of health.

The biggest adjustment has been remembering to take the pump with me when I roll over at night in bed. I have fallen asleep with the infusion set stretched, having forgot to take it with me. I have also woke up laid on top of the pump. Thankfully the insulin pump has been well designed and is very durable. Meaning it is difficult to damage. That said, I do try to take good care of it.

Blog soon,

Antony

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Sunday 8 September 2024

Health Tech First Impressions: Medtronic MiniMed 780g Insulin Pump

By Health, TechnologyNo Comments

I got some amazing news last week, a date for setting me up on the Medtronic MiniMed 780g insulin pump. It was the following Monday.

I’ve had my insulin set up and operational for just over 48 hours and here are my first impressions:

  • The pump is small (see photos below) and lightweight, so much so that I sometimes forget that I have it on.
  • It is easy to use. I only got 2.5 hours training on it and was worried that it wouldn’t be enough. But it was. Thanks to the pumps’ intutive design of both the hardware and software.
  • The difference it has made to my blood sugars has been dramatic. They have already fallen, leading to me spending significantly more time in range.
  • It’s alarms and alerts are really useful and helpful. However I do wish that the alarms were louder.
  • It takes a little bit of getting used to in terms of using the toilet and sleeping with the pump attached.
  • The Senor just works when in place and lasts for 7 days.
  • The App including CareLink feature is fantastic.

Overall, I’m over the moon with the insulin pump and sensor and already seeing dramatic improvements in blood sugars with less thinking and work from me. Despite a device being attached to me 24/7, I feel a great sense of freedom.

Write soon,

Antony

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Friday 16 August 2024

Morris the Mould

By HealthNo Comments

Let me introduce you to Morris the Mould:

This last week I’ve seen Max Fax about the hole in the roof of my mouth. Their immediate fix is Morris. He reminds me of a retainer brace I once had when I was in my teens.I’m thinking about getting him googly eyes and a wig.

But seriously, although currently uncomfortable he covers the hole allowing me to eat and drink without things coming out of my nose.

But it doesn’t seal the hole by sitting flat against it as I hoped. This means my ability to talk and be understood is still impaired.

They are looking to surgically fix the hole and potentially rebuild my septum in my nose in January. Providing that:

  1. The hole doesn’t get any worse in the meantime – not something I really have control over.
  2. That I remain smoke-free.
  3. That I manage to improve my blood sugar readings to reduce the risk of surgical complications. I’m going on an insulin pump soon, which should help with this.

I’m disappointed that Morris doesn’t sit tight against the roof of my mouth, essentially blocking the hole so that I can speak normally. In every conversation, I am struggling to be understood. For someone that’s always relied on verbal communication this is heartbreaking.

My mood is low and I feel like Vascuilitis is winning.

Take care,

Antony

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Friday 26 July 2024
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