Why do people take Pump vacations?

[MoCoke]

Every now and then I notice that someone is on a pump vacation. Can anyone explain a few reasons why this is done, or why they have done it?

I'm relatively new to pumping, but I can't imagine wanting to take a vacation from it especially since I enjoy it so much more than MDI.

[sarahspins]

I took a break because I couldn't get ANYTHING to stay stuck to me... I just couldn't take much more of the site failures, and I went back to MDI. When I was ready to go back, my pump was out of warranty and wouldn't work (MM, giving me a button error) and it was just too much $$$$ to consider upgrading at the time... so that's why I took a break. My break was 3 years. Starting back up again, I had a whole new set of site issues to deal with that was just as frustrating.. thankfully I was able to switch insulins and that helped.

[mark_in_toronto]

after 2 1/2 years on the pump, I'm taking a brief one-month-break back to MDI. Two reasons..
1) Financial, Here in Toronto Canada I have access to a government-funded provincial program (ADP) which sends me $600 evry 3 months for pump supplies. But, if you don't fill out their forms properly, (my doc didn't check one box on the form) they make u re-submit the form..that just happened and now it'll be xmas before I see money...so, I thought the timing was good to save some bucks.
2) The daily concern over infusion sites. With infusion sets, they could "go bad" at any time whether first day or 3rd day after insertion.....I have a muscular body and have seen evidence of cannula bending...but that was rare. I usually just found my BS rising without explanation. Going back to injections, I take my needle, done. No concern, no wondering if the site was good.

[MoCoke]

Sarah and Mark,

Thank you so much for your replies.

After reading your answers the first thing I thought to myself was DUH!! It didn't cross my mind that these "vacations" were due to site, financial, frustration, or other bothersome issues. I guess I was looking at these "vacations" as being something nice or positive.

[Subby]

Sarah and Mark,

Thank you so much for your replies.

After reading your answers the first thing I thought to myself was DUH!! It didn't cross my mind that these "vacations" were due to site, financial, frustration, or other bothersome issues. I guess I was looking at these "vacations" as being something nice or positive.

I see just taking a break from something as often nice and positive, myself. Not everything needs to be set in stone, it's good to have a sea-change now and then... that said, my recent pump holiday which I took because I find the physicality of it can just get on my nerves day after day, we are talking after almost two years. After a week I was driven straight back to the pump since going on MDI a) showed me that I've learnt and can go better on MDI, but b) it's just not in the same league next to the stability I get on the pump. So all up, a really pump affirming thing, and a bit of psychological relief as well not being attached. (I don't think it's a big deal, but at the same time I don't think we humans are necessarily cut out to be attached to something without some little issues occurring over time).

I also like having the option to mix things up now and then, if it works. From my pump holiday, I worked out how I can go a night without the pump now if I really want, because I learned the right dose of Levemir to get me through the night OK, and how to graduate back onto my pump the next day.

[Russell A.]

Sharon:

I understand outside restrictions such as the $$ but have a hard time thinking about willingly (by choice) going back to shots. Of course if I had to I could do it!

Russell