Long enough??

[blonde kiddo]

I've had my pump nearly 6 weeks now and I really want to quit and go back to injections. Opinions pls, should I try and stick it out a bit longer or have I given it long enough? I can't wait to get it off me at the moment.

I was trying pump under a trial basis before I got an actual one to keep. Went to see nurse other day and she said at the moment she's wouldn't be happy for me to have one anyway because my levels were awful.

[Keezheekoni]

What is it that you don't like about it? Are your levels too out of control? Try tweaking the basals. Are you having a problem with post-meal numbers? Try tweaking your bolus ratio. Do you not like being connected 24/7? Try only wearing it during the day and taking a break at night, I know there's some protocol for that out on the 'net somewhere...

I absolutely love my pump. I was so glad to get rid of the 10+ injections I was giving myself on MDI. Now my endo just put me on Symlin along with my pump, and I'm hating doing injections again (specifically having to wait 15-30 minutes before eating since I never plan ahead when I'll be hungry!)

[am1977]

Rikki asked the same question I wanted to ask... that is, what is it that you don't like about being a pumper?

Yes, it does take time to get used to it... However, by now, I would have thought you would be pretty much accustomed to it (but maybe not). I think we definitely do need more information from you. If you are having a particular problem, we may be able to help.

In any case, I would try and give it a little more time... You can always decide to put the pump away down the line, but the fact that you are asking this question tells me that maybe you aren't totally confinced on giving it up.

Hang in there.

[poodlebone]

What do you dislike about it? Do you not like having to find a place to clip it, not like the tubing, not like people seeing it? Do you not like it because your ratios & rates still aren't set correctly? As for the nurse not wanting you to have it because your levels are awful - that's why most people do want it!

I was very frustrated with my pump in the beginning and felt that was for 3 months before I finally calmed down and really felt comfortable with it. Now I wouldn't want to give it up and go back to shots.

[Cyborg]

Yeah... What seems to be the problem? Are you having problems tuning your pump?

[JediSkipdogg]

Now you have alot curious and are keeping us hanging. We can help you through a problem if you have one. If it's the being connect 24/7 part then only you can work through that one.

[Cyborg]

If that's what it is, I'd rather be connected 24/7, then carry insulin everywhere I go and inject 50 times a week. Not even considering the DP and other changing basal requirements...

[blonde kiddo]

Well I think it is because I don't like being attached 24/7, its such a constant reminder that I'm diabetic. And I feel like I always have to wear something with pockets in to put it in, which is even more annoying when getting dressed up etc. Then the sticky attachments just seem to itch so my stomach is looking terrible - red and scabby :dong: . The tubing just seems too long and I always seem to pushing it down my trousers to get it out the way. Then there's been a few times when the pump has stopped, prob because the tubing has kinked from pusing it all down my bottoms! I think I'm getting my card ratios sorted out a little bit better but not too sure if my basal rates are right yet. I don't really mind injections, its not like they hurt that much and at least once its done, thats it for hours, whereas the pump is always there. I can see how a pump can give people really tight control but only with the effort, and it does seem a lot of effort and a lot to put up with

[Lizzy]

I've been on the pump since Nov. and have never felt bad about wearing it. I'm getting much better control then I did on MDI. Once I put the infusion set in, hook up and tuck it in my pants I don't even notice it. Have you tried clipping it to your waist band or some ladies wear it in their bra. I usually wear it clipped to the inside of my pants pocket and it doesn't stick out as much and stays very secure. Have you tried different infusion sets to see if they might work better on your skin and do you use IV prep wipes before inserting to help protect your skin? If the long tubing bothers you have you tried the shorter one? I use the 43" and tuck it in my pants with no problems. At night I clip the pump to the front of my shorts. That works better for me then just laying it on the bed. It is taking a while for me to get my numbers to stay good. I've had to make a lot of little adjustments to my basal rates and I:C rates. It is alot of effort but to me it's well worth it. This is the best control I've had since dxed. Good Luck to you.

[BriOnH]

I had the same experience when I got to try a pump for a week at a diabetic camp I worked at. Granted it was 10 years ago and I am sure sets and pumps are way better, but I had the same experience. Sleeping was the worst for me. And untangled sleep is something I hold close to my heart, as sleep is one of the best things in the world to me.

People at camp would tell me "It just takes a couple of months to get used to it". In a couple of months a person can get used to anything. Even being in jail.

It's hard going against the grain with a pump. Seems %97.999 people feel it is a savior and life prior to it is inconcievable. For some, like myself, it just doesn't fit into my diabetes and life.

[notme]

When I started on the pump, I loved it. I do have to admit, I was not happy with the long tubing. I felt like I cold never get it hidden well and had tubing hanging out of my clothing all of the time. I went to the short tubing and have been infinitly happier with it. I wear my pump on my waistband most of the time. As time has gone on, I don't try to hide it. I do keep the tubing tucked in, but the pump can sit where it wants. I do put it in my bra occassionally when I wear a dress or am going out. Other than that, I just let it sit on my waistband. It took a few tries to find the right set for me also. I started with the sof-set and didn't like the pig-tail that hung off when I disconnected. I tried the sils and they left a mark on my skin and scarred for several weeks. I finally settled on the quick-sets and have been happy ever since. Try a few sets, find the one that is best for you. Try some shorter tubing and add some bling to your pump if it helps.

I also sleep with my pump attached to the front of my pj's. I have let it roam free, but I feel safer with it attached to my pj's. I don't feel it at all now. It only took a few days to adjust and get used to it.

If I were you, I would give it a bit longer. Pumps aren't cheap and you should give it a fair try before you discard the idea. Then after a few months if you still aren't happy, trade it in for injections. Pumping isn't for everyone. I disagree with BriOnH that you can get used to anything in a few months. You can get used to things, but not like them, including jail. I am not only used to it now, but don't even notice it and certainly don't dislike it either.

At least you can say you tried it and gave it a fair shot and didn't like it. You will be a great asset to people who want to try pumping but are unsure. Most of us love it, but it isn't for everyone. Good luck!!!!

[JediSkipdogg]

You can get used to things, but not like them, including jail.

LOL....I just have to laugh at that part. I do have to wonder about some people I see though. They definitely get use to jail. I have to wonder how much they like it though with the number of times they go back.

I have to totally agree on the wearing it part though. That's tough to get use to for some. Heck, I still have trouble getting use to wearing it during sleep.

[BriOnH]

I disagree with BriOnH that you can get used to anything in a few months. You can get used to things, but not like them, including jail.

Whose "them"? and what can't you get used to if placed with/in a couple of months just out of curiousity? Maybe I should have said "almost anything", but I am failing, right now, to come up with anything.

[Cyborg]

Whose "them"? and what can't you get used to if placed with/in a couple of months just out of curiousity? Maybe I should have said "almost anything", but I am failing, right now, to come up with anything.

Just don't drop the soap in the shower... :adore:

[BriOnH]

Just don't drop the soap in the shower... :adore:

Prison b!t*!@ get used to it too. I speak from personal experience.






NOT LOL. oh man that was bad.

[notme]

I am not going to ask......LOLLLLL :secruity:

[glashalful]

I took to my pump immediately! I use the shorter tubing. At bedtime, I just throw it in the bed with me and don't have any problems. Several times over the 18 months either me or my husband have rolled over on it, but other than the unattractive imprint on your skin, that's really not a problem! I have also woken up with it hanging over the side of the bed, and when I pulled it back up (just like fishing) it got caught on the edge of the sheet and I had to reach over and pluck it off! Twice I've unknowingly unhooked it during sleep, which is a pretty tricky thing to do -- have to use a finger and thumb to do it -- so I'm not sure what I was dreaming about!

I usually hook it to my waist band or belt during the day, or the front of my bra when wearing a dress or long top. Have dropped it down and hooked it to the top of my boot if the insertion site is low enough. Could never do it under my armpit -- would drive me crazy.

Have never understood when folks say pumping is more bother than needles -- just reach down and push some buttons -- how could needles be easier than that?

I do wish I could come up with a better answer for when people ask me what that "thing" is -- if I tell them the truth, often they are embarrassed as if they asked me something too personal (and I do appreciate the respect for my privacy) but I hate for people to feel bad! Been considering telling them it's my GPS, but then they might want to actually see or hold it! Anyone have any good/fun answers they use or have heard?

Happy pumping!

[notme]

I always use "outboard pancreas". They have to think about if for awhile while I escape! :vroam:

[Funnygrl]

I hated the pump for providing a constant reminder that I had diabetes for about two months. I also had a lot of set trouble and tons of lows the first 2 weeks. My CDE told me to stick it out 6 months after getting my basals right and my set problems taken care of. I'm glad I did, cause I love it now and can't imagine going back to mdi.

[xMenace]

Pumps aren't perfect, but they are the best option for control. I still get highs and lows, but they are much less frequent and much less intense. before pumping I was in the 20's /360's once every couple of weeks. I've been over 20 once in 7 months of pumping, and that was avoidable. I used to have severe lows at night all the time. I've had 2 pumping, and those were in my learning stages. I may never have another one, ever! A1C has dropped from 7.3 to 6.5 and I expect my next one to push into the magic 5's. I don't care if I have to wear it strapped to my forehead with cybernetic implants in my nostrils and ears with tubes wrapped around my neck. I'd still wear one.:thrasher:

[JanTx]

I wrap the tubing around my pump and the clip holds it in place - someone posted a picture of that when I first started pumping and that's what I've always done. I used to hook it to my pjs at night, but now tuck it under my pillow - no problems.

Good luck whatever you decide. Both MDI and pumps are tools to use. If it works - use it!

[MJM]

I've had my pump nearly 6 weeks now and I really want to quit and go back to injections. Opinions pls, should I try and stick it out a bit longer or have I given it long enough? I can't wait to get it off me at the moment.

I was trying pump under a trial basis before I got an actual one to keep. Went to see nurse other day and she said at the moment she's wouldn't be happy for me to have one anyway because my levels were awful.

Hey Kiddo, you need to use it for 6 months to be sure whether you want it or not. The thing about the pump is that your control will be easier to maintain at acceptable levels and consequently less problems for you in the future. When you do go low, while on a pump, you can adjust you basal to help alleviate the problem and avoid a repeat. If necessary you can have different basal rates for each hour of the day if you need. This you can't do on injections. You will achieve far greater controls with your pump, that is almost certain. Perfection will never be achieve but it will always be easier to correct the imperfections with your pump. lt's always better that as many people as possible know that you are a diabetic, for your own benefit. So try not to worry about that aspect. Please give it the 6 months before you make your decision.