[duaneharden]

Well, I finally took the time to join rather than just surf by and read a few posts as a visitor. My name is Duane and I'm a 42 year young, type 1 pumper. I've had diabetes as long as I can remember.

Been a pumper for 8 years. My first pump was a Minimed Paradigm 512. It was one of the 1st Paradigms at the time. I'm now on my 2nd pump and this time I went with the Animas 2020. It had a lot of features that made me say, "WOW!," like not having to do a lot of math in my head while having a waitress tap her toe while waiting on me to order. Plus, when I got serious about upgrading, the people at Animas really stepped up and made me feel good that they felt good about their products. They just had more energy. I must add that I never had any problems with Minimed or my Paradigm at all. I've heard and read so many horror stories about bad service, bad products, etc., but I never once experienced anything like that at all.

Anyhoo - I use Apidra insulin in my pump. My endo switched me from Humalog, which I never really liked. I preferred Novalog. I dunno, but Novalog seemed to "hit me harder" than Humalog. I have hypo-unawareness, but it seems that I notice going low quicker on Novalog than Humalog. Endo said to try Apidra, I agreed to give it a shot (no pun intended), and never looked back. I still have hypo-unawareness, but it's not as bad. Anyone else notice a change like this?

I also take injections of Symlin and testosterone. Between the two, I've lost a lot of belly and thigh fat and have become a bit more muscular (and hairy). Those two, coupled with a barrage of heart meds and my pump are what keeps me going.

I'm pretty active at my church. I go to Cross Brand Cowboy Church where I lead the singing at the Wednesday night service. I help out at church sponsored rodeos and arena events (we have our own arena outside the front doors of our church), and sometimes I even cowboy up and participate in them as well. We have a membership of over 800 and only 2 of us are pumpers. There are a bunch of MDI-ers.

Well, enough about me. I'm off to read how y'all are doin'.

Duane
(what does one have to do to get a COWBOY smiley?)

[ant hill]

Aye Duane, G'day It's Peter from downunder Australia and welcome to our happy forum as you will learn lot's here and some fun too. Hats of to ya!!

[Jan B]

Howdy back at ya, Duane!

I enjoyed reading about you in your intro. Welcome to DF -- I've really enjoyed getting to know other people who better understand some of the "special" things we go through.

I have a cousin Duane who plays drums (yes, drums) at his church in Dallas. I like that you even spell you name the "right" way.

I hope you learn some things and feel free to ask questions/ jump right in anytime.

Welcome again --

[davef]

Duane,

Welcome to the forums, glad you found us and decided to join in. Lots of information (sure you'll add more) here and the people are always ready to help and support.

Visit and post often,

[princesslinda]

Hi Duane, welcome! Glad you found the forums. We have a cowboy church in Pigeon Forge, TN that's pretty popular with locals and tourists alike. My nephew, who's really into guitar, plays there often.

[KarenBC]

A cowboy church Duane? Don't tell my Grandma! She's 93 now, and at 86 decided she was moving from the City to where cowboys live before she died. She moved to the Cariboo area of BC about half an hour from where the Williams Lake stampede is held. Fiesty ol' gal, and she tells me it's the purdy horses she likes to watch. Hmmm.

A big western welcome to the forums though Duane, nice to have you on board - post often and let us know how you are doing.

[kgm0612]

HI Duane & Welcome. Nice people and tons of valuable information to be found here.

Karen