First Day on the Pump

[Oradev]

Well, I finally did it. At 12:30 pm EST, I officially became one of yall. I got on the Animas 1250. Now, I have one question. Where does everyone wear their pump? I found it quite a headache to wear the beltclip. I currently have it in my pocket. Is that a good place? Will the tubing get crinkled up easier? Just curious, I'm sure i'll have a million questions in the next two weeks so stay tuned and thank you.

Adam

[koblenz]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Way to go.

I am in the "clip on the belt" camp. I do wear it in my pants pocket when dressing up a little and don't want it to show, but 99.99% of the time, it is clipped to my belt. Only took me about a week to get used to it and now I never even notice. Sometimes I kind of forget it is there when taking off pants and get quite the pull on the set! :D :eek:

I had my WOD sew a button hole in the upper inside front pockets of my pants, then I can slide the disconnected end of the tubing through that and keep my pump in my pocket as easily as on my belt.

Good luck and of course you know we will always answer questions here!

[duck]

I am a belt-clip kinda guy as well...I'm used to carrying pages, PDA's, cell phones and now Blackberrys, so one more device is nothing to me...*sigh*

[ricardo]

Well, I finally did it. At 12:30 pm EST, I officially became one of yall. I got on the Animas 1250. Now, I have one question. Where does everyone wear their pump? I found it quite a headache to wear the beltclip. I currently have it in my pocket. Is that a good place? Will the tubing get crinkled up easier? Just curious, I'm sure i'll have a million questions in the next two weeks so stay tuned and thank you.

Adam


I put my pump either in a leather case (more damage protection and static charge protection) with integral belt clip, or I use JUST the plastic belt clip. I've never damaged a pump (knock on wood) yet. At night I toss the pump beside me. Sometimes I roll over onto it, but the bed absorbs the pressure so it doesn't hurt it or me, and when I get around to it, I move the pump from beneath me.

[ricardo]

Well, I finally did it. At 12:30 pm EST, I officially became one of yall. I got on the Animas 1250. Now, I have one question. Where does everyone wear their pump? I found it quite a headache to wear the beltclip. I currently have it in my pocket. Is that a good place? Will the tubing get crinkled up easier? Just curious, I'm sure i'll have a million questions in the next two weeks so stay tuned and thank you.

Adam


I should have mentioned that I don't use my pockets because I don't want to mingle the pump with keys, change and whatever else I might want to carry.

[rzrbks]

:topic: Oradev

I currently have it in my pocket. Is that a good place? Will the tubing get crinkled up easier?


Oradev, don't get messing with your pump too much :whistling :D

[Oradev]

Some more questions:

Do you guys change the cartridge and infusion set on the same day?
My infusion site is kinda sore. Not red or anything, just kinda irritated. Am I doing anything wrong?


Rzrbks, I especially get excited when my girlfriend is messing with my pump when it's inside my pocket. :- :- :- :- :- :- :- :- :- :-

[koblenz]

Rzrbks, I especially get excited when my girlfriend is messing with my pump when it's inside my pocket. :- :- :- :- :- :- OH MY! Behave! :eek: ;)


Some more questions:
Do you guys change the cartridge and infusion set on the same day?
My infusion site is kinda sore. Not red or anything, just kinda irritated. Am I doing anything wrong?I do change my cartridge and set at the same time; every 3 days. On the irritation issue... hmmmm. not sure. I have only been doing this for a few months my self. The only time I have had it bother me like you said (not itchy or red, just sore), is when I put it in at too steep an angle and it was close to the muscle. Yes, I use a 17mm angled set (Comfort brand). I was not sure if had done something wrong either, so I just changed it out after one day. Have not had the problem again.

Maybe some of the more "seasoned" folks will have better insight.

[Dewey]

Some more questions:

Do you guys change the cartridge and infusion set on the same day?
My infusion site is kinda sore. Not red or anything, just kinda irritated. Am I doing anything wrong?:thumbsup: Congrats to you for starting on the pump today! :thumbsup:

Is your pump set on a faster or slower delivery speed? Although both settings seem pretty fast to me (and can cause a sore or stinging feeling), the slower delivery seems to work a bit better. This may or may not be the same for you, but it's worth a try. Hope it helps. :)

Rzrbks, I especially get excited when my girlfriend is messing with my pump when it's inside my pocket. :-
LOL Adam! :D :whistling

Forgot to add: I wear my pump on my shirt, but wearing it in your pants pocket should be just fine. I met an Animas Rep. who wears it that way, and has a slit cut into his pants to run tubing through (same as Koblenz).

[Oradev]

It is sore when I touch it or press against it. Is that normal? Should I take it out and put in another one?

[Smoky Joe]

I've never used a belt clip in over ten years of pumping. (got issues with sharing my diabetes)

If I am wearing pant, I have a pouch that I attach to my calf with a velcro strap.
Shorts, it just goes in my right pocket.

I thought I might have to change my habits when I switched to an Animas and need to look at it more often than my old one that I could operate entirely by sound, but with suit pants, it's easy enough to pull up the cuff. Not sure how that would work with jeans, but I'm in Texas, so I've got a while before wearing anything other than shorts when I'm not at work.

[camjen1]

It is sore when I touch it or press against it. Is that normal? Should I take it out and put in another one?


Could it be that you just aren't used to it yet??? I paid special attention to the infusion site for the first week and thought it was uncomfortable but once you get used to it you don't even know it exists.

[Dewey]

It is sore when I touch it or press against it. Is that normal? Should I take it out and put in another one?
Hmmm, not sure there. If it's sore, then it may be best to move the site. Are your sugars running ok? Also, if your delivery speed is set to fast (i.e. approx. 1 unit per second), you can slow the delivery speed (to 1 unit every 4 seconds) by going into advanced settings. Though it doesn't slow it too much, it may help to keep the insulin from stinging or making your site feel sore (as well as preventing possible pooling of insulin).

[ricardo]

Some more questions:

Do you guys change the cartridge and infusion set on the same day?
My infusion site is kinda sore. Not red or anything, just kinda irritated. Am I doing anything wrong?


Rzrbks, I especially get excited when my girlfriend is messing with my pump when it's inside my pocket. :- :- :- :- :- :- :- :- :- :-

Yes, I change set and reservoir at the same time. What type of sets are you using? If your set becomes sore you should replace it right away. Make sure the cannula isn't sitting in muscle. In other words don't place a set on a lean portion of your body.

[Oradev]

I use the comfort set. When you guys shower, do you cap it? Also, do you guys suspend your pump when you shower or just leave it running?

[Cielo]

I have a question...Adam is using the comfort set and it has a tiny window on the adhesive that sticks the infusion set to his abdomin. The thing is, thru that little window, we can see that there is a little bit of bruising in the area immediately surrounding the cannula. It's not a lot, just a tiny amount of bruising, but it is a very dark bruise. We're wondering if this is normal, if there is usually some bruising surrounding the cannula, or if perhaps it's a sign that he should change the site. The site has been a bit uncomfortable for him, as you can see from his previous posts. It's not painful, just a bit sore...and not all of the time. Perhaps this is just that he is NOTICING the site because he is not used to it. We may be getting out panties up in a bunch over nothing. Sorry, we're kinda new to this.

[nantomsuethom]

Congratulations on your new pump :thumbsup: Freedom!!

Thomas changes everything at once, every 2-3 days. When his site is sore/tender he will change it for comfort reasons. Are your sites in places that you haven't given shots? Maybe sore from virgin skin :whistling Or like others have said could be hitting the muscle or may be bruised.

As to where he keeps his pump- He either puts it in his pocket or clips it to his pocket. He never liked it clipped to his belt.

When he takes his shower or swims he caps his site (sometimes- sometimes he justs disconnects) and leaves his pump running. When he suspends it for any length of time (swimming) it alarms.

Thomas used to use the comfort but now uses insets. He wont even go near the comfort anymore. He says the needle is too long!

Good luck.

[duck]

I have a question...Adam is using the comfort set and it has a tiny window on the adhesive that sticks the infusion set to his abdomin. The thing is, thru that little window, we can see that there is a little bit of bruising in the area immediately surrounding the cannula. It's not a lot, just a tiny amount of bruising, but it is a very dark bruise. We're wondering if this is normal, if there is usually some bruising surrounding the cannula, or if perhaps it's a sign that he should change the site. The site has been a bit uncomfortable for him, as you can see from his previous posts. It's not painful, just a bit sore...and not all of the time. Perhaps this is just that he is NOTICING the site because he is not used to it. We may be getting out panties up in a bunch over nothing. Sorry, we're kinda new to this.

In my mind it is neither (get ready for some more confusion and "drama"):

I have had infusion sets that have been surrounded by dark, looks-like-someone-smacked-me-with-a-baseball-bat bruise, and my control was perfect during that set...and I have had insertion sets with no scarring, no bruising and been out of control (yesterday, as a matter of fact). So the true test is how are your sugars, and maybe more importantly, how are your sugars two hours after eating (referring to basal sugars, etc.)

I have also had bruised insertion sets that corresponded with high sugars.

The key is monitoring!

My wife and I used to peak through that hole and refer to the "healthy pink center" in the canula--If it was a "healthy pink center", then all was good, in theory. Now I cover the whole thing with another layer of IV 3000 Dressing to hold the whole thing in place better...

[duck]

I use the comfort set. When you guys shower, do you cap it? Also, do you guys suspend your pump when you shower or just leave it running?

I just leave mine running...

It is sore when I touch it or press against it. Is that normal? Should I take it out and put in another one?

Sometimes...I have a high tolerance for what I will put up with, discomfort-wise, from my insertion sets. As long as it seems my basal blood sugars and my post-meal sugars are good, I will leave a set in until 72 hours or so...

But I also will remove a set if it bugs me enough...I've done that twice in 3.5 years.

[Cielo]

[QUOTE=duck]In my mind it is neither (get ready for some more confusion and "drama"):

I have had infusion sets that have been surrounded by dark, looks-like-someone-smacked-me-with-a-baseball-bat bruise, and my control was perfect during that set...and I have had insertion sets with no scarring, no bruising and been out of control (yesterday, as a matter of fact). So the true test is how are your sugars, and maybe more importantly, how are your sugars two hours after eating (referring to basal sugars, etc.)

I have also had bruised insertion sets that corresponded with high sugars.

The key is monitoring!

QUOTE]

Adam has always been very consistent in his monitoring. He checks his blood at least 8 times a day. He's a very good, responsible diabetic so I guess we will see what happens in time. So far his sugars are in a good range and he's spoken to his doctor to make some slight adjustments. Will the site always be a bit uncomfortable/sore? Is that just part of wearing a pump? This is awesome, I love the pump! Animas is also really good, from what we've seen thus far. Very thorough, very responsive, they want to see Adam succeed, it's not just about selling another pump.

[duck]

No, sometimes you have insertion sets that you forget about...I've played tackle football since being on the pump and not felt the set during a tackle...and remarkably it worked fine afterward.

Then you have those sets that hurt like a MUTHA when inserted, hurt like a mutha after inserted, and hurt like a you-know-what until you can't take it anymore and remove it.

In my experience, the top front of my legs are most comfortable. The sides of my hips and sometimes my stomach can be a bit weird. The most discomfort I ever felt was once I had my insertion set on my hip at about "rail level" and I bumped into a stair rail in my house. Wow that hurt! And the next most painful (and weird) I had a set in my stomach (top front) and I reached up to change a light bulb...The set came out of its hole when I reached up and then tried to go back in when I came back down---Ever see "Tom and Jerry" when Tom screams in pain?

That's about the only time an insertion set has come out on me...

[dixiepixie64]

In my experience, the top front of my legs are most comfortable. The sides of my hips and sometimes my stomach can be a bit weird. The most discomfort I ever felt was once I had my insertion set on my hip at about "rail level" and I bumped into a stair rail in my house. Wow that hurt!

Yep, I agree about the sides of the hips. I don't use them anymore. I bumped my set hard one time and even though it was still working, it was uncomfortable the remainder of the time I wore it. I really, really like the backs of the upper arms. I know I've said that before..... :D but ya'll should try 'em! ha ha

[koblenz]

When showering, swimming, or "other" activities, I cap. Wife complains the uncapped set is "scratchy" (enough said).

I don't suspend. Usually I am in and out of the shower in like 15 minutes and I have never noticed a big change. When I will be disconnected for about an hour or so, I will suspend.

I also use the comfort sets. For now, as I am fairly new to diabetes and don't have any chance of scar tissue buildup yet, I use my abdomen. I tried my thighs, but just not enough meat there. I also stay away from the general hip area. I put one in there and like the others... when I bumped it...OUCH!

As Duck said, most of the time you don't even feel or notice the set. It took me about 3 sets to "get used to it". Now, I don't even feel them. But, like he said, every once in a while, when inserting, I hit a spot that... oh brother... hurts like a mutha. However for me, it usually feels fine about an hour or so later. Those sensative spots usually bruise up for me like you are describing, but I don't seem to suffer any adverse blood sugar issues; just the bruise. The vast majority of the time, insertion is easy, no bruising, and I don't even feel it.

Keep up the good work and let us know how both of you are doing! :D

[jeggeman31]

Well, I finally did it. At 12:30 pm EST, I officially became one of yall. I got on the Animas 1250.


Adam how long was it from the time your DR said. It is pump time, until you got it in your hands, and on the pump ?

[Oradev]

Adam how long was it from the time your DR said. It is pump time, until you got it in your hands, and on the pump ?

Ever since 98 I've been hearing about it. My doctor gave me a couple of VHS tapes a while back and said that I should look over them. I kinda put the tapes into the corner and forgot about them. Then, after I graduated college in 2003, my doctor I had in Pittsburgh was pushing hard for one, but I didn't have the money. When I moved down in the DC area and got started with the Joslin Center, I literally got pounded!!!! They would ask me every visit, "When are you getting on the pump?" They had been telling me this for around a year, but I was always scared to try it out. Ever since I've been dating my girlfriend, I've kinda stepped back and realized that I better start taking care of myself so that I can stick around and be with her. She was the ultimate reason why I got on the pump, not the doctors. Although, I am glad I am on it now, I will probably love it once it's all said and done.

Adam

[ricardo]

Adam how long was it from the time your DR said. It is pump time, until you got it in your hands, and on the pump ?

I'm not Adam, but just to let you know, I got my pump 24 days after asking my doctor for a prescrip. I was very motivated!

Ricardo

[jeggeman31]

I'm not Adam, but just to let you know, I got my pump 24 days after asking my doctor for a prescrip. I was very motivated!
Ricardo

That is what I was looking for thanks. I am hoping to get the okay next week.

[Oradev]

That is what I was looking for thanks. I am hoping to get the okay next week.

Sorry, I misinterpret the question. But to answer your question correctly, it took me around 3 months. The Joslin Center makes you take around 5 classes before you can get on the Pump. (Intro to Pump Theapy, Carb Counting I & II, Troubleshooting the pump, and a one-on-one meeting with the CDE to go over everything). I finalized the last class on April 18th and ordered it the next day.

[dixiepixie64]

It took me about two months after I told my doctor I was ready to submit (ha ha) until I actually got my pump too. First I had to carefully log all my BGs for about six weeks to provide "proof" to the insurance company I was commited to multiple daily tests, my cpeptide and several other blood tests were performed, and I met with a dietician. During that time, I read everything I could get my hands on about pumping to educate myself and practiced getting my carb counting accuracy improved. When the box arrived, I had a good handle on what was required and went through the tutorials before meeting with the pump trainer. She & I met for about three hours, I was "hooked up" and away I went, a very happy camper. :D

[camjen1]

Adam how long was it from the time your DR said. It is pump time, until you got it in your hands, and on the pump ?


Mine was about 3 months but I have heard people on here getting their's from Animas in 3 weeks. Hmmmmmmmmm :rolleyes:

[Amanda_Jo22]

Oradev, congrats and welcome to the wonderful world of pumping!

As far as sore sites go...I do get sore sites sometimes, especially if it rubs a lot. For me, it usually happens when I put the site too close to the waistline of my pants. Like others have said, watch your bg's...if they start shooting up for no reason, change the site. You may in the future want to request a few samples of some other infusion sets to see which is most comfortable to you. For showering...I never really bother to cap it. I don't suspend either, I just disconnect and run the pump.

Sandi, I got my Animas pump approved in about a week and a half or two weeks. I didn't actually get the pump for about a month since I was waiting for the 1250 to be released at the time. But Animas was very speedy! I remember trying to get my minimed pump...we had an insurance battle and it took about 5 or 6 months.

[jeggeman31]

Sorry, I misinterpret the question..
I figured that is what happened, thanks

take around 5 classes before you can get on the Pump. (Intro to Pump Theapy, Carb Counting I & II, Troubleshooting the pump, and a one-on-one meeting with the CDE to go over everything).

LoL sounds like a collage schedule. :D

[gettingby]

Well, I finally did it. At 12:30 pm EST, I officially became one of yall. I got on the Animas 1250.
Adam
WAY TO GO ADAM!!!!!!!!!! I'm not on a pump yet (still trying to get HOD to go for the idea) but I'm happy for you. :D :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[dbroder]

:thumbsup: I wear mine on my calf at all times. I work in a industrial plant and it would get damaged or torn off on a belt type clip. I designed my own leg strap which is just a form of spandex sew together to make a pocket in it.
It is the best method I have found to protect it. The only time I am not using this type is in the winter when I use a chest strap when downhill skiing.

If you want pictures of what I have I would be glad to send some to you.
Dan

[Oradev]

Another question. What do you guys do with the tubing? Is there a trick to this? I'm still learning about all of this stuff. Has anybody used the Animas software on their PC?

[Amanda_Jo22]

I usually just stuff the extra tubing on the inside of my pants. Sometimes when I'm home I'll just let it hang out (be careful around doorknobs w/this!)
I've used the Animas software on my PC...I've used it mostly for the carb database. I use the custom food item often.

[ricardo]

I loop the extra tubing in GENTLE loops and then shove it under my pants. When I'm in bed I undo the loops so that the pump can lay beside me without tugging on the set. You'd be amazed at how difficult it is to stop the flow of insulin by knotting up the tubing. You have to try very hard to choke off the insulin flow, even with a fairly tight knot.

Ricardo

[Zokes]

Congrats Ordev! You're gonna love it. :thumbsup:

1) I use a leather belt clip at work so i can have keys change and othe junk in my pockets. When I get home, I empty my pockets and slide the pump in there for the evening.
2) I change the resrvior and set at the same time.
3) Once in a while I find the site tender for the first 12 hours or so, but then it feels fine. One time it hurt like **** after 10 minutes so I immediately changed the set (that time I left the reservior since it was ony 10 minutes old)

[Gina]

I hook mine up on my pants. Your pocket its a good place, but i feel like in there the wire is hanging out more and can get hooked onto things more easily so if you have it hooked up a bit higher on the pants you can stick the wire inside where its not sticking out as much...You will learn to find your own way to hide your pump and find the most comfortable place for YOU..

Since I am a girl i try to find, unique ways to hide my pump...
In the winter i actually put the pump down my inside my pant leg and hooked it up to the top of my boot, my pants were wide leg pants of course hahah

Another thing I have done was put it on the middle part of my bra (not that you needed to know that but it is a good trick for us ladies...One other time i made my aunt sew a pocket into the bottom of my dress with a closure on it when i was going to a wedding because the top of the dress was form fitting.

BE CREATIVE

I am a belt-clip kinda guy as well...I'm used to carrying pages, PDA's, cell phones and now Blackberrys, so one more device is nothing to me...*sigh*

:topic: Dont forget about the "Blueberrys", I dont know if you know Jay Z the rapper dude but he made up that name and it seems to be the latest trend haha