Thinking about a pump...

[vandar]

I have been diabetic for the past 8 years and have been considering a pump for a long time. I have heard great things about them, done my reading, talked to my doctor, and even wore one (with saline) for about a week. I currently take 5 shots a day and test my blood sugar just as frequently, if not more. I don't mind my current regime, but can see the obvious benefits of a pump.
Here's my hang up...I can't imagine wearing this thing on me all the time!! I know it's small and can be hidden in many ways, but I just can't imagine getting used to this. I am in my early 20s and still quite vain!! I ordered my pump today, but am worried that this hang up means I am not ready to do this. What does everyone else think??

[Tony]

vandar Welcome aboard!:D

I have been diabetic for the past 8 years also. On the pump for two years. I just turn 33 years old.

I was on four shots a day or more. I like the pump much better. You get used to it in no time. I find myself checking to see if I have my pump on me.

The pump is alot better than 5 shouts a day. You go out to eat you do not have to worry about taking your shot. You have the pump and you just do a bolus.

I think there is 2 members here in there 20's that is on the pump.

How did you like the pump for the week you had it?

[Roberta]

Vander, Go for it. The benefits are amazing. The best part is being able to eat when you want to, not when your insulin tells you to. Everyone wears some devise phones, pagers, keys etc.on their bodies. It makes people wonder how important you really are. You are more mature now. It is OK if someone asks about it. In my year wearing a pump only 1 person has asked about it. RT:)

[Gina]

Hey Im 26 i wear a pump...its no big deal honestly...at first i thought the same way you did about wearing it...i got over it....i have only been diabetic for a little under two years...so im still new to the whole thing but i cant go back on shots ever again since ive been on the pump...it has given me my life back...i used to think i wasnt normal...but since ive been on the pump i am able to skip breakfast which i hate eating and eat late with my friends after going out all night....i love it...being hooked up to it will fade with time...at first i was like wher am i going to put this thing...but now i stick it right into my bra and use the remote control when i need to bolus...its really no big deal....if you need further info email me at gcapone1@optonline.net

[Tigerlily]

Vandar,

Did you get your pump yet? I am trialling a minimed 508 and did find it interesting to decide where to wear it. If I clip it to my waistband I slide it around towards the back. Very few people have noticed it and those that do always think it is a pager.

Any inconvenience it totally outweighed by the benefits.

[Gina]

Its Aug. 16 i just got my paradigm today and i can see its going to be awesome already!!! It has really cool features on it im so excited I learned to use it faster than everyone in my group i was all excited the pump trainer made me her assistant hahaha ...i recommend this pump already...she also told me today that they did a new study which allows you to stay in water with the paradigm all day if you want!! Its good for you people that like to stay in the pool or the beach for long periods of time without disconnecting!!! there are so many features on this pump its gonna be great!!!

Gina
Thank you for the information..Do you have to change the pump every 3 days or 2 days??Someone said it was smaller and has to be changed every 2 days.
I am glad you are doing well with it and hopefully I will be able to upgrade soon. would love to stay in water longer.;-) and they say I will not "short out" with the paradigm.
Thanks_Suzie

[Gina]

susie
Ok listen you dont have to change it every 2 days unless you use more than 170 units of insulin a day!! i average about 35 units a day or less...so i can keep my three day regimen still...and let me tell you this its only about an inch smalleer than the other one and it doesnt have an actual clip to put on like the old 508 it comes with a case and a extra clip to slide into!! and it twists around so you can move the actual pump around like a phone...its really cool but the buttons arent covered up ...it still comes with a leather case that i guess you wear over it when your not in the water...its totally different than the 508 everything twists closed i guess that is why it is water proof...tomorrow is the first day i will be changing it...i waited an extra day to change because the pump trainer on friday made me fill the resovoir up to the 170 and i dont want to waste almost 50 u nits of insulin...susie this pump will definatly be perfect for you because i k now you like to be in the water all the time!! and ummm the static problem too lol hahahah :)

[sassycat]

I have been diabetic for 7 years now. I have been a pumper for the past four years. I know it seems that you will have this extra thing hanging on your body, but after about a week or two you forget that you even have it attached and it becomes nature to you like shots do. I love the pump and even play footbal and other contact sports with it on. You'll love it!

[sooey]

We're looking at putting my 3 year old son on the pump, however, we cannot decide which pump is the best. We've met with reps fromt the three main ones (MiniMed, Anamis and Disetronic). Can anyone provide any negative feedback on any of these products which might help us make a wise better informed decision?

[sassycat]

I have the minimed pump and I just have to say that i really like it because The casing is as durable as the reps say it is. Mine has taken a beating and keeps on pumping. I've had teh same pump for four years now.

[Gina]

I have a minimed paradigm and i love it!!....its very easy to use!! which ever one you choose will great im sure!