Pump or not to pump

[Patriots1]

I'm new here, so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place.

I'm a new type 1, having just started injections 2 months ago. Bloods sugars are good (except for today which was a tough day). Anyway my doctor thinks the pump might be a good fit for me and give me more freedom to eat when I want. My doctor says the pump is the way to go.

Does everyone agree. The pump seems a little complicated, but I love the idea of eating when I want, and not having four injections a day like I have now. Is the increased work of using a pump worth it?

Thanks for you time

[Tony]

Patriots1 Welcome to the forums! Can't belive I said that, I'm a Cowboys fan. (don't tell any one) What part of new England? I'm in RI.

To Pump

I'm on the pump. Before the pump I was on 4 to 6 shots a day.
With the pump you do have alot more freedom. You can eat when ever you want. It is great when your eating out. When your meal comes just give your self a Bolus and your good to go. I don't think it is that much more work being on the pump. You have to change your set every three days, But that takes about 5 to 10mins to do. No big deal. You get use to. Becomes normal after. I forgot what it was like to be on 4 shots a day.

What are you taking for Insulin now?

[Patriots1]

I'm from Central Mass. Its nice to hear from a fellow New Englander. Not only am I a big Patriots fan, but I am also a big fan of the Washington Redskins. Hope we can still get along with you being a Cowboys fan.

Anyway, for Insulin, I take Humalog at each meal. How much I take depends on the number of carbs I have. I then take Lantus at bedtime.

I'm leaning toward getting the pump, especially since my insurance will cover it. Ever have any major problems with the pump? Is it tough to program?

[Tony]

Originally posted by Patriots1
Hope we can still get along with you being a Cowboys fan.
lol...... Red skin fan. We might have problems. ha ha Don't worry I'm easy to get along with.

If your insurance will cover the pump, then go for it.

No, I haven't had any major problems.

The pump is pretty easy to use, I learned it real fast. I think I learn how to use the pump before going on it.

You set up your basal rates. With mine I can set up 48 different basal rates.
3 patterns, so if I need a different basal rate for the weekend, cause my activity is different.
I can set my basal rates .1 to 35units an hour.

Then of course you bolus for your meals.

If you have any question ask away, I be to happy to answer them.

[Patriots1]

Thanks, I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions when I go on the pump. I probably won't get the pump till August, but I still have a lot to learn about this disease so I probably have a bunch of different questions.

[Gina]

The pump is pretty cool im on it a little over a year now....

For the first week your on it, they fill the pump with saline so in case you make a mistake your only pumping in water...Trust me its so easy...if you can program a phone or use a computer you can use the pump...the only thing you really need to know is not to give yourself too much insulin...i know how you must love giving yourself and extra boost of insulin hahahah just kidding...sometimes you even forget that the pump is on you so you may forget to even take your insulin sometimes but other than that its so easy... you will love it

[Patriots1]

How do you sleep with it attached? Don't you worry about disconnecting during the night?

Do you get more low blood sugars or less on the pump?

[Gina]

i dont worry about disconnecting because i just keep the pump clipped to my pajama bottoms , the only way it can actually get disconnected anyway is if its pulled out by accident which i doubt will happen...when you see how its connected to your body you will understand more that its pretty hard to disconnect from it.....

you dont get that many lows on the pump...maybe in the begining when your getting adjusted to it...your blood sugars may raise or lower depending on how good you are at counting carbs...

oh yea you will have to count your carbohydrates very strictly when on the pump

[Tony]

I have my pump cliped to to my shorts. If you sleep in the raw the pump will be fine laying under your pillow.

I never had any problems with the pump in the night.Do you get more low blood sugars or less on the pump? Guess that depends on how good of control you have. If you have your basal set right for the night then it would be rare to have a low at night. I haven't had a night time low in maybe a year.

Gina, I think he is already counting is carbs.

[Tony]

I can take a picture of my infusion set for ya. you can check that out.

[Gina]

lol ...where is your infusion set connected this can be interesting lol

[Patriots1]

I count carbs now. I take 1 unit of Humalog for every 15g of carbs at breakfast and dinner. 1 unit for every 10g a lunch. BG is usually higher after lunch.

You can show a picture, if its okay with everyone

[Tony]

Ok then I will post a pic later. And Gina it is not were your hopping.

[Gina]

lol ahhh ****....i wanted a p icture of your butt lol

[Gina]

im gonna make it a sreen saver lol

[Tony]

Originally posted by Gina
im gonna make it a sreen saver lol Hold that thought. My batteries are dead. I need to run to the store.

[Tony]

Here you go, A pic of the quick set. When I change the set, I will put on the soft set and show you what that looks like. I like the quick set better. You feel nothing at all when inserting. I could not belive it.

The case i'm using there for the pump, is for work. I use a different one for going out.

Hey Gina, is that how you have your tube?

[Gina]

niceeeeeeee mmmmmmm whooo hoooooooo

[Gina]

yea thats how i have my tube down my pants lol
do you guys want a shot of my site lol

[Patriots1]

I don't mind seeing more pictures. I like the idea of a painless set. I just gave my injection of Lantus and now I'm bleeding. I'm getting tired of all these injections. I feel like pin cushion

So you only have to change the site every few days?

Sound good. Fewer injections

[Gina]

patriot i kn ow how you feel about being a human pin cushion....thats exactly how i used to feel!

Being on the pump is fewer injections...once every two or three days....depending on how much insulin your giving yourself......

Where are u injecting now that you bleed...maybe you should go to a place that has a little more meat...like in tonys picture...the side of the butt is usually a good place!

[Jon]

Gina, you know we want to see whatever you want to show.

Actually, I have been curious about that too, because I want to get a pump for my kid, but I have been a little concerned about what could happen if he caught the tube on something or fell on it.

[Patriots1]

I usually inject in my belly. It doesn''t usually bleed. I hate using my thigh. I bleed the most from my thigh, and it hurts.

I know Humlog can be injected anywhere, but what about Lantus? I heard it works best if given in the abdomen and not as well in other spots

[Tony]

I couldn't get a good pic of the softset. I will try next week. I am getting ready to put on the quick set.

[Jada Mae]

Hi All,

Well, on the 8th I will have to go and see the endo ( PCP ) referred me to him. I am on 4-6 shots a day and I am brittle. Had a very bad low (30) a few days ago, it took 6 1/2 hrs. to pull out of it. I was exhausted! Now, I notice for lunch all I had was a cup of mac/cheese nothing else and the sugars spiked well over 200. This is maddening, I am sure you all can relate. Anyway, the last time I saw him ( a yr. ago ) he did bring up the subject of the pump. Now, maybe I should have gone that route and maybe I would not be in this mess I am in now. Do any of you use Lantus and or Humalog for your pumps? That is what I am on now. How does it work as far as the types of insulins go? Thanks for letting me vent. Will keep you all posted.

[Tony]

Originally posted by Jada Mae
Hi All,

Well, on the 8th I will have to go and see the endo ( PCP ) referred me to him. I am on 4-6 shots a day and I am brittle. Had a very bad low (30) a few days ago, it took 6 1/2 hrs. to pull out of it. I was exhausted! Now, I notice for lunch all I had was a cup of mac/cheese nothing else and the sugars spiked well over 200. This is maddening, I am sure you all can relate. Anyway, the last time I saw him ( a yr. ago ) he did bring up the subject of the pump. Now, maybe I should have gone that route and maybe I would not be in this mess I am in now. Do any of you use Lantus and or Humalog for your pumps? That is what I am on now. How does it work as far as the types of insulins go? Thanks for letting me vent. Will keep you all posted. Sorry to hear about you going so low.

I use humalog in my pump. Before I could go on the pump. I had to do the 4 to 6 shots a day for a month or two. Then they put me on the pump. So going on the pump for you shouldn't be a problem. When starting the pump, they normally cut the insulin dose in half. For some reason you don't need as much insulin.

[Belinda]

For all the skeptical pump users..... I too was very leary of how it would work, would I roll over it at night and mess up the tubing?, how can I go to the pool? what happens if? Well this is my third year with the pump and needless to say Out of sight out of mind! I don't worry about that anymore and if that isn't bad enough sometimes I have to check as I am driving off to make sure I hooked back up after my morning shower! And changing the site well let's just say once a week is all I change it except in the summer. I change it twice due to the heat reduces the potency of the insulin. Since I am at the pool 24/7 mine isn't water tight either so I just take a cooler and place it inside(in an oven mitt) while I am laying in the sun when I get into the pool I disconnect swim etc and when I get out check my blood sugar level and adjust the insulin pump to accomodate ME. Oh what freedom of the pump. Have no doubts about it one can alway go back to the syringes if they choose not to use a pump but give it a try:cool:

[Bijou]

What my question is... is that I am type 2, insulin dependent and very resitant. I'm researching the pump and trying to see if my doc will do along with me. What is the range of costs for the units.... I have okay insurance but I am way sick and tired of shooting up 3-4 times a day. Any feedback?

[Belinda]

The cost was minimal with my insurance. My understanding is that more insurance companies are paying more for pump supplies due to the positive effects it has on diabetics. With less problems with eyes, kidneys and circulation the insurance is seeing the long term benifits of the pump. Your doctor should know how to order the pump for you with very little cost or see if there is a research study in your area and you could possible try the pump for free then if you like it get one of your own

[Bijou]

Just saw the doc and I'm getting in touch with the medical supply compay to get the ball rolling.... I am soooo happy, talk about a good b-day present.... :)

[Belinda]

Well Happy Birthday and medtronics is where my pump is from and they help anyway possibe. My doc thought it would take a few weeks before mine would arrive and it was less than a week! If you decide on the pump then you will be very careful at first and in no time you will adjust and not even notice you have one. At first it takes a while to change sites but after practice it is quick, less than five min.. Hopefully you will have your pump soon!

[Bijou]

Very kewl..... I don't think I will start out on it for a few weeks as I don't want any big changes untill after my show is over, but we'll see. And medtronics is who I'm going thru also... :)

[Tony]

My insurance company paid 80%. Leaving me to pay $1000. They put me on a payment plan. $100 a month.

It dosen't matter if you are type 1 or 2. 3-4 shots a day, not a problem to go the pump. It is all up to your insurance company. They should cover it anyway.

[Bijou]

Right on, the only thing i was concerned about was if they'd put me on a payment plan if I coulnd't swing it.... so that does ease conerns.... thank you very much :)

[Tony]

Now that I think about it. When i was going on the pump, I asked my Dr. is the insurance company going to cover it?

He says, if I say you need to go on the pump, they have to cover it.
The insurance company wants to see your logbook. To make sure you are testing, and to look your numbers over.

[Tony]

Originally posted by Bijou
Right on, the only thing i was concerned about was if they'd put me on a payment plan if I coulnd't swing it.... so that does ease conerns.... thank you very much :) Cool Your very Welcome:D

[Belinda]

Your right if they check the reasons behind it and the Dr. request then they will pay for it. I checked my insurance and the explaination of Benefits (EOB) and they paid 100% of my pump. I also had to call my insurance for another matter and ask about the pump. They said since they are seeing the benefits of the pump and how it is very helpful in overall care more companies are paying for their diabetic patients to get them.
Your choice will be now what kind to get and the insertion site to use. Make sure you ask Medtronics if they have plans for a new pump to come out in the future and could you update your at no cost. One day I feel their will be one that checks your blood and gives insulin eliminating the ever annoying finger pricks!

[thos]

I started with sets in abdomen area. I was hair free there and didn't like 2 shave. Yes, I am male. ;-)
Fat became a problem in that area. :-(
I have switched to my legs a month or so ago. It seems to be reducing the fat accumulation. I walk at work on an occasional basis. :-o

Thos

[Gina]

thos,

im a girl and those little itty bitty hairs hurt when i pull the site out....so i shave it anyway, just because it pulls...i have no tolerance to pain i swaer

[Tony]

Originally posted by Gina
im a girl You sure are!

The trick to pain free set removal is, To wet the set down before you pull it off. No pain that way. Change your set after you take a shower.

[Belinda]

You can also use the uni-solve pads they sell. It just disolves the adhesive. It also has many other household uses! I generally change mine before the shower but I am so use to just tearing the old site off I don't pay that much attention to the pain. I guess that pain is much better than the 4-6 shots a day.

[Tony]

Originally posted by Belinda
I am so use to just tearing the old site off I don't pay that much attention to the pain. I guess that pain is much better than the 4-6 shots a day. :eek: Ouch!!!!!! Tear it off when it is not wet, I think is worst then shot.

How can you not think about the pain? I can feel the pain before it starts.

[Belinda]

I guess that is minor pain considering all the other problems that I have had due to diabetes. Luckily for me I have learned to finally ask for the pain meds after surgeries. As a child bandaids were not a problem for me either. The removal of the pump site well tearing it off fast is probably the key. I only use the terma skin covers and they seem to be thinner and easier to remove.

[Gina]

you have tough skin...im the biggest baby ever i sometimes start tearing cause i cant pull off the tape

[Belinda]

I just think I was lucky and made tough with a high tolerance to pain(except at the dentist!). I am very independant and never wanted any help dealing with being a diabetic. Never did I allow anyone to give my injections in 22 years before the pump but myself. Even when I was hospitalized for various reasons I did the injections...crazy but no one could do them like me! Now with the pump it is only me with the exception when I had two broken arms and had my sister hold it against my skin ( only once) and yet I still pushed it in and applied the tape! I really think it is just independancy!

[Gina]

ha lol sound s like it to me