How do you know when it's time to pump?

[Jan2306]

Still new - six month in July. I'm on MDI (learned that phrase from you guys) now but my endo thinks I'm a good candidate for the pump since I'm motivated to keep tight control, diligent about testing and counting, and I'm sensitive to insulin so need the small doses only the pump can deliver.

I'm still getting use to all the changes in my life and attaching something to me24/7 is a big emotional step. I know I'll go on it eventually but can't seem to take that next step so thinking I'm just not ready yet.

How do you know when it's time to take the pump plunge? :questionm

[poodlebone]

Still new - six month in July. I'm on MDI (learned that phrase from you guys) now but my endo thinks I'm a good candidate for the pump since I'm motivated to keep tight control, diligent about testing and counting, and I'm sensitive to insulin so need the small doses only the pump can deliver.

I'm still getting use to all the changes in my life and attaching something to me24/7 is a big emotional step. I know I'll go on it eventually but can't seem to take that next step so thinking I'm just not ready yet.

How do you know when it's time to take the pump plunge? :questionm

For me, it was because of constant low blood sugar, passing out & seizures. Not sure I would have considered it if I had good control on MDI. Even though pumping has it's own set of problems and frustrations, it's so much better than MDI for me.

I got over being attached to the pump in a matter of days. It just became a part of me fairly quickly. For something a little less invasive you might look into the OmniPod. There's no tubing on that, just the small reservoir/infusion set combo stuck to you and controlled by a remote PDA/tester combo.

You can always call up the pump companies and ask for a demo. They'll let you keep it for a few days and you can even hook up with saline in the pump. That will give you an idea of what it's like and also give you an idea of which one is right for you should you decide to pump.

[Funnygrl]

I knew I wanted to pump from the moment I was diagnosed.

It sounds like feature wise a pump would benefit you, but I agree that the emotional step is a big one.

I started a pump 7 months after diagnosis. Some doctors recommend you wait a full year. I didn't understand why until I started pump. But I realized quickly starting pump was a huge emotional step. I thought I really hated pumping, but soon realized a lot fo my hatred toward pump was just an overall hatred toward diabetes that I hadn't dealt with yet. Being on a pump made me face my diabetes when in reality I had been in denial on shots without even realizing it.

My CDE's advice was to give a pump a solid months try after rates are worked out, then decide if I want to keep using it. So far I think I want to keep using it.

Nothing forces you to stay on pump if you don't like it, but remember that if you haven't told certain friends or family members about diabetes, they may be surprised when they start asking about pump- another issue I had to deal with.

[Shotokan]

The best way to find out is to do a pump trial. I did two consecutive four-week trials (using insulin, not saline), one on an Animas and another on a Cozmo, to decide whether I wanted to pump and, if so, decide which one would work best for me.

If you narrow it down to two pumps that you are interested in trying, call their reps and propose a trial like I did. I was completely up-front with them that I had narrowed it down to two pumps and theirs was one that I wanted to try.

I reasoned with them that I would need at least two weeks to get the basal settings right and get into "normal" pumping, which is true. They both agreed to the trial and each provided me with one of their loaner pumps along with one month's worth of supplies.

You will know whether it is for you after 3 or 4 weeks.

[Cyborg]

I think it's a big emotional step until you make the decision. Once you make the decision and get the pump, it's still emotional, but rather than worry and stress and anxiety, it's joy and relief and a feeling of freedom.

[TvBabe]

I agree with your endo....you are a perfect candidate for a pump.

I also have problematic lows and I'm hypo unaware. I honestly think it's important to do MDI for a while before going on a pump so you understand how insulin can effect you and it will make it easier on your transition to a pump. It will give you more confidence on the changes you will need to do to set the pump ratios up for yourself.

Call the pump companies, get those reps out and ask alot of questions.

Think about it, pumps are not cheap it's almost the cost of a used car but a pump you use 24.7, a car you only use a few times a day :)