Anyone hate your pump?

[kel4han]

hmmmm. Debating pump start. Reason #1 to start... I have the $2,500 now I can pay off my balance if I get one. I wont have that money in the future, as I have alot of home expenses and other debts to pay off.

I am honeymooning still, after 15months. 3units Levemir and about 2-6units a day for normal eating days. My last A1c was 6.2%, thats pretty good. I would hate to have all the pump issues everyone talks about, and possibly hate being attached to something 24/7. So, I guess I am mostly worried that the pump is a pain in the A## having to troubleshoot something. I know I wont have the $ any other time than now, so I would guess if I passed up the chance to afford it now, my honeymoon would end and life would be miserable. That would be my luck. My husbands work even footed the bill for my daughters last week so we could afford them both. Seems like it was meant to be...but what about any new pumps around the corner? Decisions decisions.:confused:

[tcc123]

THis is interesting that you asked this today. I just posted in the pumping insulin section about going on a pump break. I have been on the pump since 2 months after I was dxd.
At times I love it- it helps with my morning #'s, helps when i work out, and helps when I go overboard on the drinking.
But recently it has just been too much of a hassle. I have been using shots off and on when I go to the lake and have just as good, if not better, control (the honeymoon helps alot on this), I have been having more bent cannulas that the pump isn't warning me about, and I just feel more free with it off.
I got the pump bc my insurance paid most of it and I wanted all the tools I could have in handling my diabetes. I am glad I have it and my current plan is to go back on it once summer is over. I worried alot about using the pump and it bothering me, I really don't notice when it is on so thats not a huge negative. I think if you can get it now and want it, I would get it, you don't have to stay on it. But $2500 is alot more than my family had to pay.
But if you don't mind shots (like me) and it is giving you the control you want, a pump doesn't make that much difference.

Cary

[Injecto]

This should really be in the pumping forum.

I'm not a pump messiah nor am I the one to push the pump onto anyone. All I can say is what the pump has given me. I find it interesting that most people will primarily only think of the pump as something you use to get better basal rates, and though that is true to a great extent and in and of itself a HUGE benefit, it seems that very few ever mention the social benefit of a pump. For me, having a pump meant that I no longer feel awkward or embarrased to take insulin in public or around co-workers. No one stares because you aren't taking out a needle, pulling off the first tab of paper, then screwing it on the pen, then taking off the first plastic cover, then pulling off that secons smaller needle cover, then squiring a 1-2 unit primer, then adjusting your insulin (in full unit doses), then finding some place on your body that you haven't used 4 previous times already today, injecting, counting to 7, pulling it out, covering the needled with the original plastic cover, unscrewing, putting the pen away and then placing the needled nicely in a plascit container so that you can discard of it at home in your sharps container...all the while people are starring you down. Nope, it's just take out the pager looking thing, press three buttons, and put it back into your pocket. Nice and simple. That is worth it all for me alone. Now, couple that with reducing my lows, barely ever going above 10, only having 1 insulin to worry about, and being able to correct within .1 or a unit, well, that just makes the pump all the worthwile now for me personally.

In the end it's whatever works for you is what's best. You are right, I could have spent $6,000 on a new car, new home, toys, plants, paying off some loans, but in the end I made my choice for me, and I wouldn't change that. Frankly, the whole idea of MDI is 30% of what freaked me out about having this friggin disease. Again, that's just me. Being attached 24/7 was a HUGE worry until I actually hooked up my first time. Then I realized how little in bothered me. The only times being hooked up really bothers me is when my kids want to sit on my or snuggle up in bed. The baby likes to pull at the tubing and infusion site but I figured that is just a small problem I have to deal with now while they are little as they won't always be little.

There is always a cost/benefit ratio involved, and for me, the benefit fat outweighed the costs.

If you ever want to talk about it more, PM me.

[duck]

Cary, you are a good example of why I typically say most people should wait years to get a pump after diagnosis--until you have lived on MDI for a couple years, until you are somewhere where you don't have access to insulin when you need it, until you have some periods where your sugars are all over the place and you *just* can't take another danged bolus--you won't 100% appreciate the pump.

Having said that, the only time I hate my pump really is at night when I try to sleep. And maybe it's only this particular pump I have now (Cozmo)...I say it all the time, but I miss my MM 508.

[RLK]

And maybe it's only this particular pump I have now (Cozmo)...I say it all the time, but I miss my MM 508.

Duck, would you care to elaborate on that a little? I started with a 507C, am using a 512 now, and it's time for me to think about the next pump. Feel free to PM if you wish.... Thanks in advance for any info that you can provide!

[Gordonm]

I am now an advocate of the pump. I took shots for 32 years before going on the pump. It is the best. My control was very good on shots and my A1Cs are about the same. High 5s to low 6s for the last 10 years. It has just allowed me more freedom and not having to carry around all the supplies and going somewhere to take a shot. I just push a few buttons and go. I have had mine for almost 8 months now and have had only 2 sets go bad after 2 days. I usually leave them in for 3 1/2 days. The pump has been very reliable and it would take a lot for me to go back to shots.

[Injecto]

Cary, you are a good example of why I typically say most people should wait years to get a pump after diagnosis--until you have lived on MDI for a couple years, until you are somewhere where you don't have access to insulin when you need it, until you have some periods where your sugars are all over the place and you *just* can't take another danged bolus--you won't 100% appreciate the pump.

That may be true, and I can agree, but if her time is NOW because of a chance at some coverage and $$$, then the luxury of time is not an option.

It's a decision you have to make yourself.

[notme]

I have been pumping since December of 2001. Before that I was on MDI for fifteen years. I agree that going on a pump right after diagnosis is not a great idea. However, if you have been using MDI for some time and want some of the benefits of pumping then it may be a good idea for you to give it a try.

I have never gotten sick of my pump. I have gotten sick of diabetes and carb counting and all the hassles involved with diabetes, but never been sick of my pump. Being on a pump for me has given me freedom that I didn't have before. I am not a scheduled person. I am spontaneous. I like to hike when I feel like it or kayak on the spur of the moment. On MDI, food and meals were always sort of an issue. That was helped by Lantus, but not totally. I constantly would go out for a short trip and end up not wanting to come home for a meal and wouldn't have my insulin. That doesn't happen anymore.

I have been lucky. I have never had any serious issues with my pumps. I started on the 508 and kept it for five years. I switched to the 715 and it has been a workhorse also. Like Injecto, I like the social aspect of pumping. I never wanted to take shots in the bathroom, but didn't feel comfortable about sitting at a table and doing it either.

Last and definitely not least I love the ability to turn off my insulin at any time. I love the dual wave bolus if I am going to eat something that will come back to haunt me later. I love the bolus wizard that figures out how much insulin I have on board at any given time.

Pumping isn't for everyone, but I think after some time on MDI many will find the pump easier. I said the same thing about not wanting to be attached to "something" 24/7. Diabetes is with you 24/7 whether or not you are wearing a pump. You are reminded constantly by forgetting your insulin or forgetting your needles. Sleeping with the pump on is a non-issue.

Whatever your decision in the long run, you will have tried it all and made the best decision for you. Everyone is different and for some the pump isn't the way to go. For me, it has been life changing.

[JungleJim]

Been pumping 3 1/2 years, was on injections for the 17 years before that.

My endo gently "nudged' me toward a pump for 2 years before I finally got one. I had hypo unawareness and a lot of lows. The thought of being "hooked" to something kept me from taking her advice sooner.

All I thought after my 1st week of pumping was " I am so #@%&#@@ hard headed!!!!! I could have been doing this years ago!"

Back to the question: Do I hate my pump? NO!! I love it.

[Gizmo]

Medtronic Paradigm 715 pump the pump was great, But the bd
meter was trash. And I had to many lows when the meter said I was high.:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[duck]

Duck, would you care to elaborate on that a little? I started with a 507C, am using a 512 now, and it's time for me to think about the next pump. Feel free to PM if you wish.... Thanks in advance for any info that you can provide!

I've made a lot of "comments" about my Cozmo experience, and it comes down to its shape just is not conducive to my sleep...or rather, the clips they provide with these things are not secure enough for my sleeping habits. The 508 stuck to me like glue and was comfortable 90% of the time if I rolled over on it. The Cozmore is more of a free spirit and is comfortable 10% of the time if I roll over on it.

Here's one thread...If you need more, I can PM them to you.

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/pumping-insulin/13161-since-you-asked-about.html

PS, I am not saying the Cozmore is a bad pump, that it doesn't work well for many, many people. I am just coming to the conclusion that for various reasons, it is NOT meant for me.

[jeggeman31]

Having said that, the only time I hate my pump really is at night when I try to sleep.

I would not like to sleep with a football myself, so I don't blame you Duck.



For me like duck, it is sleeping with it. I can't stand having something attached to my waist line at night so I let my pump roam the bed on its own free will. Some times the dog mistakes it for something and attempts to run off with it, some times it ends up under my wife and other times I disconnect it and put it on my dresser. I think on those nights I must be having lows because I can never remember doing this, and don't know I did it until I find it the next morning.

[blonde kiddo]

Personally I didn't like the pump at all when I was on one from Dec last year to Feb this year. I just really hated being connected to it 24/7. And the giving sets made me itch (although I could have changed to different ones I guess if I really wanted to keep on the pump). I'm from the UK so I tried it on the NHS and had full funding to continue with it if I'd have wanted. Pumps are still quite rare over here, and the whole pump thing is still an alien concept to the average person. A lot of people are obviously very happy with the pump but it wasn't for me. Maybe if one day they are a lot smaller and more discrete I'll perhaps give it another go.

[RLK]

My apologies to the OP for my little deviation off-topic there....and now back to our regularly-scheduled program.

I was on MDI for about 2 years before switching to the pump. As an active college student whose schedule changed each day, I was experiencing a lot of lows, and that was probably what convinced me (and my insurance company) that a pump would be good for me.

My pump start wasn't the smoothest thing in the world, but I'm glad that I stuck with it. I was taking very small amounts of insulin when I first started pumping, and even needed Humalog diluted to U-50 in order to get basal rates properly set. It took ~6 months of U-50 and trial and error to get things ironed out. If you decide to try pumping, please give yourself plenty of time to get past the steepest part of the learning curve and all of the programming that occurs right at the beginning.

8 years later, I haven't regretted the decision to pump. I'm active- both recreationally and during the course of my job- and firmly believe that I could not safely do half of the things I do if I didn't have the ability to reduce or stop insulin delivery with the push of a button. I agree with the others who mentioned the social aspects of pumping. While on MDI, I shot up in front of others without a moment's hesitation. However, I don't think I'd be so inclined to do that today, especially in work situations. Pushing buttons is so much easier, and draws less attention to me, particularly in the company of those who don't know that I have diabetes.

I do get frustrated with my pump sometimes, especially if I'm dealing with a bent cannula and having crappy numbers as a result. Pumping requires more troubleshooting that MDI, and that can be challenging. But, if you're willing to problem-solve, the benefits in terms of flexibility and fine-tuning can be immeasurable.

My pump truly is a blessing in my life, and I'm grateful every day that I have access to this kind of treatment. But it's not for everyone, and all you can do is try. IMO, it's better to try and decide that it's not for you than to never try at all.

[karen]

I am now an advocate of the pump. I took shots for 32 years before going on the pump. It is the best. My control was very good on shots and my A1Cs are about the same. High 5s to low 6s for the last 10 years. It has just allowed me more freedom and not having to carry around all the supplies and going somewhere to take a shot. I just push a few buttons and go. I have had mine for almost 8 months now and have had only 2 sets go bad after 2 days. I usually leave them in for 3 1/2 days. The pump has been very reliable and it would take a lot for me to go back to shots.
Ditto to what Gordon said. I think pumping is the best form of insulin delivery and I have been diabetic for 40 years and I never got use to shooting up even though I did it for 35 years.

[Dee]

I hated the idea of a pump. looked like an IV without the wheels to me :) I tried out the Omnipod and I have been extremely happy with this device.

Easy to sleep with considering the PDA controller is wireless and sitting downstairs on the endtable.

Pod inserts the cannula automatic , wear the pod all over the place, lots of features on the PDA.

Cannot say enough good things about this system. No, I do not work for Insulet.

[Funnygrl]

Dee, do you by any chance have any financial interest in Insulet?

[catty]

Hi
Does anyone do a martial arts and have a pump.
Do you take it off? but what about the spot it goes in do you worry aobut it getting kicked???? :eek:

[Dee]

No financial interest in the Insulet Corp, Only excitement in how good it is.

[sharishine]

Notme: I did NOT want to go back to using shots! AS a matter of fact, I have asked my endo if I can try the pump again and he still wants me on the shots and Lantus, so I'm stuck with it. Not having the insulin readily available to me -- stuck on me, makes it hard to remember to take the shots when needed. I sometimes dont always have pockets (cause i wear skirts) and hate to carry my purse all the time so its very inconvenient to take shots too.

With that being said, I noticed the problems with the higher blood sugars and lack of absorption about 4 weeks before my endo took me off the pump. I basal rates on my pump got up to almost 3.3/units/hr before they took me off.

My blood sugars are still not "good", but i'm having less 4-500 now than I was, but still running 2-300 a lot.

[sharishine]

SORRY!! i put this reply on the wrong forum :(((

[cheryl]

The only thing i don't like the pump is the unknown when you first change out a set......I mean I worry because i have had four kinks, and it scares the heck out of me.....

I tried the sure t's fell in love, but am in a financial bind to even place an order at the moment, some lovely friends i have, have given me loads of sets, but none are sure t's but still I am happy about it.....

Other then the kinking issue's I have no problems anymore, I like how i can control my basal's and brainstorm to prevent low's or overtreated low's before you go high. I like the way, if I am like did i bolus it tells me i did, no more taking a shot and thinking did i just take my shot LOL. No more thinking oh god i hope I took the lantus and not the humalog.

Just wish I would of got the sure t's from the beginning, oh well.......I like the security of the needle and not a plastic cannula....

Cheryl

[someone]

I can't stand having something attached to my waist line at night so I let my pump roam the bed on its own free will.

Have you tried something like the flannel boxers sold by Animas? Out of everything I have tried, those work the best for me. The pump doesn't bother me at all.

[Cyborg]

I'm about 90% over frozen shoulder in my left, non-dominant, arm and now my right arm is starting to get bad. That combined with trying to not sleep on the infusion set can a challenge sometimes. But I don't hate my pump...

[sleepy_hound]

I'm still new to the pump, but when I was considering the change, I was very much on the fence. My A1c is 6.3%, I was on very little Lantus (12 units each night), and then 3 units of Novolog at each meal. I wasn't sure about being connected 24/7, or if it was even worth the portion of money insurance would not pay.

But I was tired of slacking on taking my insulin because it was only a "little" dose and I was in a hurry to eat...I didn't want to inject in a nice restaurant and call attention to the table of guests that I had to use the women's room right as food came out...

I was also a little jealous that my sister (pumper for 10 years now) could just bolus herself with her pump right under the table in public.

My hubby and I are also planning to have kids in the next year or so, so from a health standpoint, it would be safer for me to be on the pump during all those hormone surges!

Sounds hokey, but I look forward to testing my BGs and giving a bolus or correction just to see how I'm doing. I actually test more than I used to!

The only thing I hate about the pump is that my skin is super sensitive and I'm reacting to the adhesives. But I'm learning to deal with the itching.