Nobody really knew what to expect from her presence when she entered into this world on May 16, 2016. But she was something that had been wanted for a long time. A very long time.
From the moment she came out of the box, she was loved.
She may have been seen as a foreign object, but she quickly made herself at home. She could often be found clipped securely to the left pocket of trackpants, shorts, sleep pants and trousers.
Her first official piece of business took place over a plate of bacon and eggs in the hospital cafeteria, and it sure was an exciting moment.
She was a far more than just a material being that departed the hospital on the afternoon of May the 16th. She represented hope. A way forward. A fresh start, for the companion that she would be servicing.
There were several times over those first few months of her life where her capabilities were seriously doubted. Site failures, air bubbles, stubborn highs, weakening lows, unicorns and basketfuls of emotions were weathered.
She was a little chunky. And clunky. As she got older, her skin began to peel. She often inflicted feelings of complacency over the course of her life. She served three remarkable stints inside a drawer for a month at a time, delivering a basal rate of zero.
But there was something that could always lure her back out of hiding. She offered a great deal more convenience. Her basal coverage was far better than what her predecessors could ever offer. She was a great motivator to watch blood sugar levels more vigilantly, and learn about the gazillion things that affected them. For the majority of the time, her benefits were seen to outweigh the constant attachment.
Throughout her lifetime, she upheld a dependable reputation. While residing in Perth, she travelled to Sydney, Adelaide, twice to Melbourne and back. She weathered many coffees, cannoli, pasta nights and chocolate. She endured constant handling during daily physical activity, relied upon for temporary basal rates and frequent glances at insulin on board.
She may have been taken for granted at times, but she never complained one bit.
She departed this world at 9am on October 11, 2018, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. She would love to have been laid to rest in the company of the companion she had faithfully serviced for the last 30 months, but it was sadly not to be.
Instead she is destined for a body bag addressed to distributor AMSL Diabetes in NSW, where she will finally be laid to rest.
To my trusty Animas Vibe, my first insulin pump and the very thing that has given me back a life with type 1 diabetes.
Your legacy will live on forever.
May you forever Rest In Peace.
16.05.2016 – 11.10.2018.
I think I nearly cried! I know how much you loved her… onwards and upwards my friend!
Yes, I sent mine back to its maker. Limpet was a real friend, never mind to pesky Fur Elise tune and the escalating alarm. She had neat features and was a good companion.
Now have Tonto, T-slim from Tandem. Getting to know the ropes and have not been disappointed or finding the need to make comparisons.
I’m on my 6th pump. Five different manufacturers over the years. Minimed 508, Deltec Cozmo, Animas Ping, two Medtronics and now on Tandem t-slim x2. They were all loved and hated at times. Not yet tho’ for my Tandem. The Hate part that is. I’m happy to hear that Tandem is expanding into other countries. They are fiercely taking on the Medtronics Giant and doing well.
I have had 6 pumps all Medtronic, but three very different. I hope you do not bury your vibe. I find I love my old ones. It gives me comfort to look at them on the shelf.
I wish I could keep it. It was a condition of receiving the early upgrade, as my warranty has not yet lapsed.