Caleb has often helped change his Pod, but he has never done a complete change from beginning to end. There’s a level of dexterity necessarily to fill the syringe that fills the Pod. Considering the size of the needle used to do this, I have always interceded at this step. (I once stabbed the tip of my finger with that needle – it left an entry and exit wound and a half inch bruise from one point to the other. That thing is serious.)
But Caleb is seven now, and is showing more independence and responsibility in many aspects of life. Why not diabetes too?
When asked if he wanted to do the whole change, his face lit up, “really?”
With some expired supplies, our extra PDM, and his good friend Rufus, Caleb practiced. He did beautifully. I’ve always thought the hardest part of a Pod change is getting the bubbles out of the syringe. He listened to my instruction and did it with relative ease. Much better than my first time, that’s for sure.
Since then, the favorite thing to do in the house is to care for Rufus with bolus’, injections, bg checks and lots of love.
Here’s the video I put together of this monumental occasion. Stay tuned for Part Two.
This is Caleb... 
That’s awesome! Empowerment with your kids is a great feeling! Very nice!
Way to go Caleb! Lorraine, what a way to document such a monumental event. I wish I had Rufus when I was Caleb’s age. Is he from Omnipod?
He was in our Bag of Hope from the JDRF that we received when Caleb was first diagnosed. He comes with a book too. He has a medical ID tag and patches to show where it’s appropriate to give injections and check sugar. Caleb gave him lots of shots about three years ago. His Pod has expired and both Lila and Caleb have really been on my case to change it. 🙂
Good job Caleb!!!
I loved the music! It added to the feeling of awe I felt watching your 7 year old do this!!! It inspires me to get my 8 year old more involved with set changes!!
Great job Caleb!! You rocked it!
Congrats! Caleb you are doing an awesome job! You rock!
So cool! I remember the first time I did my first complete site change on the pump (18 years ago *gulp*)
I’m going to pretend I’m not totally threatened that your 7 year old looks like he’s better at that than I am. 🙂
Awesome job Caleb!
Yay for Caleb!! You guys are awesome (as is Rufus!)
(How was his bg after the pod change? 😉
A little high – we made need to consider an increased basal at Pod changes – we’ll see what happens next time ;).
Great video! Yeah for Caleb! He did a fabulous job!
Great videos. Thank you for taking time to put these together. It’s great to know you’re not the only parent going through this. Best wishes and send our best to Caleb. My daughter Also received Rufus with her JDRF kit and is also a huge Jonas fan, she is now wearing the medical dog tag Nick designed. God bless.
That’s just awesome. It’s great that he’s taking charge.
And on the old PDM too…so much easier on the new one :).
From one podder to another – great job!
o my gosh!!! hooray Caleb!!! (and Lorraine : ) )
So impressed! Definitely looks like he did better than I did with my first solo set change…
Also: that expression when he’s first getting the bubbles out? AWESOME.
Caleb rocked it!
I need him to come over and give me a few pointers. He seems to be better at it than I am .
Go Caleb!
I can’t wait to see Part 2.
ROCK ON CALEB!!! AWESOME!
Wow, looks like Caleb hit a home-run on the first time out!! Good for him! 🙂
Caleb looks so calm. I’m impressed!
That is SO AWEsome, Caleb!! GArate job!!!! 🙂 Well done!! *high five*
Thanks for sharing this with everyone, Lorraine!
Awesome job, Caleb!!! I’m surprised Rufus wanted grapes thought. I would think he would want to eat bear-ries.
I’ll be here all week. 🙂
I love how you are helping Caleb manage his diabetes and take on things as he leads the way. This video made me cry! Big sharp needles in little boy hands does that to me still. But those little boy hands are competent and that’s setting the stage for a life long attitude towards his diabetes. I am so grateful that I know you guys : )
MILESTONE!!!
Clapping. So proud over here.
Congrats Lorainne too!
Way to go Caleb!
I’m thoroughly impressed that he got the bubbles out…I think that’s the hardest part. And yes, it does take so much coordination to fill that syringe. When I was recently splinted, I had to have my husband do all the pod changes. That threw our schedule off because I usually do it when we get home from school.
That being said, it was good that he was forced to do a bunch of pod changes because he became good at it.
Hi Lorraine,
How awesome! Yeah for JDRF for providing such a useful and non threatening tool. His pride in doing it is great. Congratulations to both of you.
Having a husband with diabetes and kids without, I can’t watch others mix the two without getting emotional. So I have so much admiration for you and other parents dealing with the day to day requirements of managing this disease.
Have a great weekend!
Mindy Schmidt
(aka wife of T1, Gary Schmidt)
Thanks for your comment Mindy! I have so much admiration for Gary. He is such an inspiration in how he is able to manage his blood sugar while being such a serious athlete. He was one of the first people to “accept” me on Twitter. I really value the connection we have made. I can see from Gary and others that Caleb will be able to do anything he wants to as he matures into adulthood.