Pumping

[Vonnie]

I have to decide in these next few weeks if I want to try an insulin pump, and I dont know what to do. I know it's probably the best way to get my Diabetes under control but I think i'm scared!

Does anybody have any experiences they can share?

[Gordonm]

The pump is not a cure all. It still takes a lot of work and effort. A lot of diabetics think OK I'll go on the pump and all my problems will be solved. Not true. You still have to count carbs and adjust accordingly. I was on MDI for 32 years before going to a pump. I was in very good control. Mt A1Cs were in the 5.8 to 6.2 range for the last 10 years. The pump is just a whole lot easier for me. I don't have to carry around needles and insulin and I can eat when needed. If you have a small snack just go ahead and push a few buttons. Yes it is attached 24/7 and it takes a little getting used to but it has not been an issue for me. I do not get the high and lowsI used to on MDI. I still get a few but far less. You could not take my pump away from me now. So much easier and much more convienent then MDI. As far as it making the control better yes it can but it still takes a lot of work. You can be just as out or in control on a pump as MDI.

[telizas]

Honestly, what have you got to lose by trying it? Its unlikely your numbers will get WORSE with a pump.

What are you afraid of? The infusion sets? Being hooked up 24/7? The cost?

Infusion sets are more comfortable than any injection. Like an injection, they can hurt, but its not all the time. And its ones every 3 days! Being hooked up 24/7, at least for me, is not a nuisance. Here I have this thing that is helping me be as healthy as possible. Its more of a prostethic device really. The cost, well, its a PITA, true, but so, so worth it.

Pumping is NOT easy. But anything worth doing, like staying healthy, is worth doing WELL.

[sarahspins]

Honestly, what have you got to lose by trying it? Its unlikely your numbers will get WORSE with a pump.

Agreed.. a pump can be made to act very much like MDI.. or it can be fine tuned to the patient. How fine tuned you get it is really up to you :)

It's also not an all or nothing thing.. if you try it, and find that you prefer MDI, you can always go back. You can also just take a "break" for a week or two if you feel the need.

[poodlebone]

Gordon gave a very good answer. The majority of people who switch to a pump love it and would never go back to injections, but the pump is not magic. It does require effort and understanding, especially in the beginning. If your diabetes is currently out of control because you don't test, have no clue how many carbs you're eating and are guessing at how much insulin to give then it's possible the pump may not help. If you are currently testing frequently and counting carbs then I'd say that a pump may be a good idea.

[amccrazgrl]

My Endo told me to try it for a few months and if I don't like it I can go back...well 4 years later I'm still pumping.
Which pump are you looking at?

As everyone else has said you to test more often and only worry about inserting a needle about every 3 days.

[timmyp]

I am a little slow on my reply to this thread but I have just gone onto my 3rd month on the pump and for me it's been great.

I feel so much better and more importantly I am gaining back control (not the base before).

I am fine tuning as I go which is working the best, like someone said it's not an all or nothing thing.

I would say give it a go and take it from there... I too was nervous.