Help wanted!

 

So on the off chance that someone is reading this who has experience with Metronics CGM's or experience with wireless devices, I'm going to post the following scenario.

I'm currently using a Metronics Paradigm Insulin Pump, and one of their continuous glucose monitor systems which wirelessly transmits data to the insulin pump every 5 minutes.  I'm happy with the combination for my day to day activities, but to me it falls short in one crucial area.

When I'm on the bike, my pump is securely tucked away beneath multiple layers of clothes (typically attached to my HRM strap or the back of my bib shorts).  If I want / need to see my current blood sugar, I have to stop and pull everything out to look at my pump, then put everything back in place.  Not the most productive thing while trying to sit in the middle of a pack of riders.

What I would love is a secondary device, like a watch, where I could just see what the most recent number was.  It doesn't have to do anything other than report the most recent data.  That way I can tell if I need to eat something before my body starts to bonking (which is basically a low blood sugar) while I'm doing activities where its difficult to get to my pump.

Real time data is a huge improvement over what I had just 6 months ago, but as a numbers person it also makes me cringe.  Data is just data unless you do something with it, and having it inaccessible when I need it the most is fairly frustrating.

Oddly enough it looks like Metronics competitor, Navigator, went with a slightly different route.  Their CGM reports to a small handheld unit which doubles as a blood tester.   

Coincidently enough, there is one guy in PV who has one of the Navigator systems, and another guy who just joined our race team who has the same system I have.

Ooops.

 

The year is 13 days old, and I've apparently neglected my blog.  Good reason though, I've been riding!  My knee has been healing nicely, stitches were removed and flexibility is almost back to normal.  Strength is another story entirely.  I have to gain back about a 25% muscle loss on my left leg and shred a bunch of scar tissue. 

Last Friday I had my first PT appointment with Dave McHenry of TAI over on NE MLK.  I've had my share of PT the last 11 years, having to rehab back from two ACL surgeries.  The thing that struck me about Dave was he didn't sugar coat things.  I've worked with people who say things like "you may feel a bit of pressure" and then spike your pain-o-meter to 11.  Dave, after doing the initial assessment of my knee and seeing the scar tissue buildup I have, said something to the extent of "Well, this is going to have to go and its going to hurt."   No bullshit.  I loved it.

I feel I rehab very well.  I get angry.  I vent the frustration into my sessions and push myself get to beyond where I was as quickly as possible.  I like to hit things straight on, and having a physical therapist that thinks like I do works well for me.

My endurance on the bike is coming back pretty quickly.  Last Saturday I took advantage of the decent weather (read: no rain) and rode with the race team.  Put about 3 hours in the saddle that day and was able to mix it up a bit which felt nice.  I inadvertently bypassed the two small climbing session that were on route after playing catchup due to a flat tire, which was probably a blessing in disguise.  Coming out of the saddle is about the only thing that hurts now.

(Note to those who feel their worn summer racers can hold out for "one more outdoor ride".  Don't speak of it out loud.  If you do, you've cursed yourself.)  The weather looks decent for the remainder of the week and into the weekend, so I expect to get out again this coming Saturday and Sunday.  Until then, it will be on the trainer.