I think I might be a bit of a techno-phobe. That's to not say that I'm not also a big fan of technology because I really am. Frankly, I love (some) technology a lot. My computer is usually my friend. My pump has made my life significantly better. I love the internet, blogging and email. TiVo is fabulous in my book. I'm lukewarm about the cellphone but I can't live without it either, so I guess it goes in the technology thumbs up category, regardless. And yet still, I really am somewhat wary of new technology overall. Man, do I resist trying it beforehand. Partly because I'm sick of the learning curve most new technologies require, and partly because I'm convinced the new gadget won't work that well because it's the first iteration of said new technology and partly because I'm just plain nervous about having yet another new gadget to manage in my life, I think it's fair to say that I'm certainly not an "early adopter" when it comes to technological advances.
Which is fine when we're talking about entertainment or communicating with friends in a faster way. Some of the "old stuff" (translation, I've had it less than a year) works just fine even though it's not the "best". But what about when it comes to new technology that could ostensively improve my diabetes management? What about the stuff that might improve my quality of life as a diabetic, if I make the leap to the next iteration of what I already have? Or don't have yet. How do I know what the right balance is, between advancement and personal capacity to keep up with it all. Or put another way, how do I know when it's the right time to jump to the next thing?
I guess, as in most cases where choice is involved, it's kind of a personal thing. It's up to me to determine when it's the right time, by doing the homework, weighing the pros and cons and then deciding. Which makes total sense, logically. But what does logic have to do with such an unquantifiable thing as "quality of life"? How do I know if I'm making the "right choice" in a timely manner? It took me forever to decide to go on the pump, and when I finally did, my life just opened up for me. Am I wasting precious time, compromising my "quality of life", by dithering as to whether I should do it or not? All good questions. Unfortunately, no pat answer.
Yet, the more I think about it, the more it seems that maybe, in the case of diabetes and technological advances, it's just going to take some time to decide. Because often the new stuff we are talking about requires us to wear it in/on our bodies. The more adventurous and the early adopters among us will leap first, blazing the trail for others to follow. Somewhere along that trail, I'll take the leap, grateful for those who have gone before me, and once there, will sing the new technologies praises from the highest hilltop (and probably gripe a bit about the design of them too, ha!). Slow or fast, I guess with technology and diabetes, as with most things in life, it's still a personal timeline and pace we have to follow. That fact, plus the knowledge that in the end, that there is no one, perfect, right choice or pace for everyone, I'm going to try to take a deep breath, sit back and consider what feels right for me.
Yes, it is most definitely a personal choice, and it is completely a matter of what feels right for each of us.
I think especially because these are often times things that we wear (such as a pump, or continuous sensor).
I've also found that little things can make these tools either great or a real pain in the arse. Like your posts on design - it's the little things that can really rub us the wrong way (or the right way too!).
Me? I'm a gadget freak, so I usually jump on board quickly (when I can afford it), and deal with the bumps in the road along the way.
Posted by: Scott K. Johnson | August 08, 2006 at 08:16 AM