Sick w/ pump

[drummingfool]

I'm sick. Sinus infection. This is the first time I've been sick while on the pump. The pump has great features like temp basal. Is this something I should use (upping my basal rate) while Im sick? Does anyone else? Or should I just continue with small, frequent boluses?

[foxl]

Oh, man I am SO jealous!

I too have a sinus infection but only Metformin and diet to try to get this blood sugar down!

[poodlebone]

I don't get sick often but I was sick back in February. I upped my basal and pretty much doubled my boluses. Even after I was starting to feel better I needed more insulin for awhile. If you do make any changes just be sure to test frequently.

[Gordonm]

Yes I had to run anywhere from 150 to 180% when I was sick. As said above just test to make sure you are not going low. Usually not a problem. I also had to increase my bolus when I did eat something. Most days I used about 1 1/2 times my normal amount of insulin.

[It Ain't Over]

I always set an another pattern up, the temp basal keeps beeping everyhour night and day. Going with the 'B' pattern really is easier.
Depends on you, but just keep pushing the basal up until you can see that your bg's stay level, even if that gets to very hi levels. You won't get well with high blood sugars. Often you will need to go way over with the bolus too. Going 2-3 times normal with both is not at all unusual.

[drummingfool]

Muy bueno.

Thanks guys, I just tested at 223 after not eating anything lately, so Im going to up my stuff. Thanks.

[Subby]

As long as you are sensible, take responsibility and keep an eye on it, I think the pump is there to be used for exactly this type of thing. Happy pumping!

[Cluck]

I'm sick. Sinus infection. This is the first time I've been sick while on the pump. The pump has great features like temp basal. Is this something I should use (upping my basal rate) while Im sick? Does anyone else? Or should I just continue with small, frequent boluses?

Ditto on both counts: sinus infection (with fever) and pumping and yes I have been using the temp basal feature to up my basal quite a bit. Theory being I can stop the spikes rather than reacting to them with boluses. Hasn't worked so far though...;) but I'm staying on top of it. Good luck.

[Dougster]

Hi Linda & Chuck,

Sorry to hear of your sinus infections. Although I am new to diabetes, I have from time to time dealt with sinus infections or even "head colds". Have you ever checked into those sinus "rinses"? The ones you mix the packet with (only slightly warm) water and basically "snort" as you spray it up into your nose. I have had amazing good fortune with them. In a matter of perhaps a half hour, my sinus stops "producing" and fairly well dries up. Two or three rinses, and I am quite well. Obviously I cannot be sure of the source of your infections, but it may be worth a try.

Be well and happy!

A comfortably numb,
Dougster

[SCC]

I also set my pattern B to a "sick" pattern. It's at least 50% higher than healthy pattern. Same with bolus, takes a lot more. The shocking part is how long you still need to stay on the B pattern after you actually feel better.

I find that I can switch back to the regular pattern after a while and still the boluses are a bit more, then all back to normal. It's almost fun to have the pump for this stuff. Almost....

[foxl]

Doug, I have been rinsing my a44, er, ears off. I am a big believer in it, it has helped overall, but ...

This is in one of those ones behind my eye or frontal ... it just does not reach! Hypertonic solution is soothing to the rest of my sinuses, though!

[Cluck]

I've never tried a sinus 'rinse' although I know people who swear by them. I just can't imagine actually doing that, I think I would choke or vomit or both (and probably at the same time).

[dbaratta]

Oh, man I am SO jealous!

I too have a sinus infection but only Metformin and diet to try to get this blood sugar down!

Don't be jealous of insulin.....................