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Old diabetes equipment

ConradJ

Well-Known Member
Messages
753
Location
Aylesbury, Bucks.
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
The hassle and ignorance of diabetes.
Hello all T1's,

Does anyone have an original Novopen languishing in their cupboards/garage/loft?

The same question applies to the original "Autolet" (produced by Owen Mumford)?

If so, can I relieve you of them? I will pay P&P costs!

I'm putting together a small, mobile museum of diabetes equipment that I have used since my diagnosis (Oct 31st, 1976); this museum will be used as part of diabetes education/discussion workshops that I am in the process of setting up... if you want to know more about these before committing your past, please do ask!

I look forward to hearing from someone.

Conrad
 
I have an old NovoPen, but don't know if it's the original version, you're welcome to it if it's the right one. How would I confirm it?

I recently saw a small collection of 'antique' medical items at my local hospital, many of the things were what I used in the 70's like the glass syringes and 'bolt-on' needles! They didn't seem that old to me, but it did remind me of having to boil the syringes in a pan on the stove before using them.
 


Hello Mr Burden,

The original Novopen was a sleek, all aluminium version; I have included a link to a photo below:


With the original version, you would need to remove the cap and then screw it on to the rear end of the pen - the plunger would then appear as the cap was screwed on. The original Novopen also used 1.5ml insulin cartridges and you could not set a complete dosage amount with it nor could you dispense single units as the plunger would only dispense 2 units of insulin per push.

I remember the glass syringes well too! I used a 1ml one, which, for a six year old, seemed like a milk bottle! The first needles I used were all steel and 5/8" long (that's about 16mm to the young out there!)

I don't know if you also used one of these, but thought I'd include a photo just in case someone else had leg-tearing experiences with the Palmer Injector:
http://jamesgilpin.tumblr.com/post/314483521/the-palmer-injector-glasgow-scotland-1955-1970

I look forward to hearing from you about your Novopen.

Kind regards,
Conrad
 
Ah right, Sorry mine is obviously quite a lot newer than those and looks fairly similar to the current ones with a 3ml cartridge.
My very first needles came in a foil wrapper and had a base like a grub-screw to connect to the 'milk bottle' syringes. I seem to remember having to send them away for regrinding when they got blunt!! Then came the luxury of the plastic disposable syringe with pre-connected needles.
Hope you find what you're looking for. Maybe you could blog the museum on here when you're finished? It would be very interesting to see how things have developed over time.
 

I have one from a deceased relative. Send me your address by PM
 

Ok ... all ready to send. Just need the address.
 
Hi Gezzathorpe,

I've PM'd you - hopefully you get the message.

...And thank you!

Regards,
Conrad
 
ConradJ said:
Hi Gezzathorpe,

I've PM'd you - hopefully you get the message.

...And thank you!

Regards,
Conrad
Click to expand...

Thanks.... good news... I will be up in your neck of the woods in a few days and so I will be able to deliver by hand, and hopefully get a sneak preview of your diabetes museum.
 

Hi, I see you are a stay-at-home Dad who works for 1stHeathrowTaxi.com. I admire you for managing to look after the kids, drive taxis and being a T1 on a pump. Obviously, it would have been a disaster for you if you were to have had problems with your driver's licence. You are an inspiration to others.

I'll call you later on that business address to arrange hand delivery. OK?
 

I didn't realise I worked for 1stHeathrowTaxi.com! :?

But thanks for the undeserved praise: stay at home dad? Yes. Still able to drive? Yes (and thank 'God'). Working? No, except on a concept aimed at helping other diabetics with their diabetes management (hence the museum).

It's fine to deliver: it's my home address; just let me know when... our toddler has her ways :roll:
 

Sorry ... my mistake. You have the same postcode as no. 135, which is a chauffeur hire company.
 
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