Diabetes Doesn't Define You

Wow this is really cool thus far. It started off rocky due to my choices and actions, but its working good now. My CDE and I went through some very in depth discussions on Super Blous's and TAG Bolusing, which helped out A LOT! Then came time to take the plunge. I had been somewhat dreading this due to the gigantic needle on the CGM sensor. Its a minimed, so that was expected. I chose to go my arm since I have a decent layer of fat there, which will help preserve my abdomen for infusion sites. Anyhow, I prepped the site, and got it all prepped, and put it in place. I cringed a bit and then did it. BAM!! No real pain until I screwed up and thought it was like a serter where the device pops off after. Nope. I dropped it down a bit and it came 1/2 way back out. The CDE tells me "Grab the table, this may hurt some" I did and he pushed it back in.......OUCH!!! So we get the tape set and all that. Then comes the needle removal. Now under normal circumstances I would have been of sound mind to know to hold the tape while removing the needle. No luck there. I grabbed the needle and pulled (I wanted it out......and quickly!) and I'll be darned.......out comes the sensor too. So here comes jab number 3. In it goes again, OOOOOOUCHIE!!!!! Well after all that we get it set again, and needle removed. Again, common sense would have told me this isnt the end. He grabs some Skin Tac to help the tape stick better. That stuff has to be at least 40-50% alcahol. Im already bleeding some because of the 3 previous sticks. He hits the area with it, and I though my arm was on fire!!! Holy guacamole that burned! Well after almost passing out (and I can handle pain) we get the IV3000 over it and secured (with lots of pushing and tugging mind you.....more discomfort) We got it in good. All in all it wasnt the worst, but it darn sure wont be forgotten soon. I ate lunch after my first cal, and it has been smooth sailing since. The numbers are a bit off from the meter (expected due to delay and so forth) but its cool to see it all up and running. My initial thoughts were of pain, but as the initial body response is wearing off its a lot more comfortable, and seeing it work is like letting a fat kid loose in a cake factory with a fork!!! Awesome stuff. I will keep you updated. And just so you know, the CDE was very helpful, but the issues were caused by my choice of location. I will think that one through better next go round.