Pump Questions... [Archive]

camjen1

05-20-2005, 01:48 PM

You do it right in your DR's office, well that is where I went. A pump trainer in your area should contact you and set up a date to get started. The pump will arrive at your house and once you open it you will be thinking what did you get yourself into.

I thought it was going to be like learning how to fix a car, but it was far from it. The training took me about 2 hours. After the training you will have to keep in touch with your DR as well as the trainer. During the fist week or two they will be trying to set your basal rate so be prepared to eat very little. Some people started on saline first before doing insulin, but I never did.

It went pretty smooth for me. The only hard thing I encountered that was rough was not being able to eat the first couple of weeks. :D

Cielo

05-20-2005, 01:53 PM

Yea, Adam put his first infusion set in at his doctors office just to get a feel for it and took it off that night (he still hadn't received his pump). Then once he got the box full of everything, the Animas trainer came out and it was also 2 hours long and she walked him thru the set-up of the pump as well as putting it on. That was almost 2 weeks ago and he calls his doctor every single morning. He can't really eat either, he has to fast a lot to get his basals down. And he hasn't slept a full night yet since he has to check his sugar at 12am, 3am and again at 7am. It's been rough, especially since it doesn't seem to be working out. I hope you start off better. Just BE PREPARED for crazy sugars. I think as long as you go into this knowing that things will be a bit off for the first 1-2 months, you will be ok. Don't get so frustrated, it will take time and a LOT of patience.

Patience is a virtue, virtue is a grace, Grace is a little girl with mud on her face.

duck

05-20-2005, 01:54 PM

My surgery had lots of complications, it was terrible. The gangreen I got from the unexpected staph infection was worse than the initial post-op, though. As much as I like the pump, I don't know if I'd do it again.

Okay, that was all a lie. There is no surgery involved, to call it "outpatient" still seems a bit more intense than it was/is. Like Camjen said, the trainer comes over or you go to them, and you learn how to put a set in, etc. You should also get a DVD from the pump company about your pump, many questions are answered within those...

camjen1

05-20-2005, 01:56 PM

Cinnabon

05-20-2005, 02:07 PM

I was about to collapse reading about Duck's gangreen, LOL

Ok,,, so do u get cut somewhere? Is there something hanging out?

(Please excuse all these dumb questions, I feel ignorant being diabetic for so long and having waited all this time for a pump. Just let me know when you have had enuf of me ;))

duck

05-20-2005, 02:31 PM

It's an external device, you can completely detach it from yourself at your desire. There is a "canula" that is inserted (by you) under your skin that is attached to tubing that is attached to a reservoir in your pump. No surgery, no cutting.

I had the same misgivings five years ago--I didn't want a pump because I didn't know if I have the guts to have surgery... :whistling

camjen1

05-20-2005, 02:51 PM

The infusion set that you insert into your skin has a needle at the end with the cannula (notice the 2 N's Duck :D) covering the needle. Once you get the needle in, you will then pull the needle out and the plastic cannula stays in. That was another one of my worries is how am I suppose to bend or move with a needle in.

You can insert the needle 2 ways, one being manually or the other by using a serter which is a special instrument that your load the end of the infusion set into and pull it back and it locks in place. Once you find a site on yourself you then hold the serter against your skin and press a button and POOF!! it's in.

I myself insert it manually just because I accidentally threw my serter away and since then Minimed raised the prices. I have looked on Ebay but people our dumb to pay more for it on Ebay then buying it brand new from Minimed. I don't mind manually inserting it. When I was using the serter it would take me numerous times to even attempt to push the button.

Cinnabon

05-20-2005, 03:04 PM

WOWZERS....
I know I can hadle this, even if it was surgery. But, we know how that goes, hearing things and you tend to imagine much worst. I guess Im anxious too. I have also heard that the sleeping IN was a great advantage, what other advantages have you PUMPERS found?

Smoky Joe

05-20-2005, 04:49 PM

what other advantages have you PUMPERS found?
Having used a pump for over ten years sometimes I forget all the reasons I like it so much. But some of the topics here remind me, such as where to take an injection in a restaraunt. The discretion is wonderful.

Mostly I have found the flexibility & convenience unbeatable.
Decide to have another helping or desert? No worries about another shot!
The bolus calculators are great, and the combo bolus feature that which distributes the total carb bolus over a longer period, would be very hard to duplicate with multiple injections (I am just learning to use it correctly with a new Animas).

I remember that even after a week of using it, I would have never gone back!
Before I bought my first one, I was able to try one for two weeks, while I decided. That was Disetronic, and I'm not sure if other companies or doctor's offices still offer the same, but it might be worth looking into.

Good luck,
Jeff

Cinnabon

05-20-2005, 04:52 PM

I feel like someone should slap me for asking this, You can eat dessert?

Smoky Joe

05-20-2005, 05:01 PM

I recently picked up a book listing carb values for lots of food chains.
Had to put it to the test, so I got a bananna split :whistling
It was a heck of a dose, but I nailed it perfectly, bloodsugarwise!

I'm sure it's not a recommended meal, but if you know how many carbohydrates, sweets can be managed.

duck

05-20-2005, 05:12 PM

I feel like someone should slap me for asking this, You can eat dessert?

NO, YOU'RE A DIABETIC! YOU CAN NEVER EAT A ****ED THING YOU WANT TO EAT EVER AGAIN!!!!!

:mad:

Okay, now that I have said that, the true answer is "But of course!" You'll need to learn to "carb count", so that you know how many carbs are in food you eat--You should be good enough at it that you can eyeball foods and know that "X amount of bread = X amount of carbs"...Then you will have what we call a "insulin to carb ratio"...For every one unit of insulin, it can cover X grams of carbs. For me, I am about 1:8 all day, though lunch seems a little more demanding for me (don't dwell on that yet). So, duck decides he needs cheesecake (yes, needs cheesecake, okay? I NEED it). I know the slice I am about to eat has a whopping 60 grams of carbs, but what a wonderful 60 grams it is...duck's little brain does the math:

60 divided by 8...carry the 5, is: 7.5. So I bolus 7.5 units from my pump. In two hours, I should be back to "normal" blood sugar levels, at anout 120, plus or minus about 10%.

You do this with every meal, it's very liberating.

And I do not eat cheesecake that often, just when I need it and I hear it calling me.

Do you understand "basal rates"?

duck

05-20-2005, 05:13 PM

gettingby

05-20-2005, 05:15 PM

I feel like someone should slap me for asking this, You can eat dessert?
When I was diagnosed 20 years ago, I was told "ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO SWEETS UNLESS LOW !!!!!!!!
Now with carb counting and knowing about boluses (extra shots or higher dose in my case), I realize now that a treat every once in a while is ok. :D Took a while to change my way of thinking from what I was taught in the beginning.

gettingby

05-20-2005, 05:18 PM

And there is NOTHING wrong with that! LOL. :thumbsup:
Now Duck, there you go with that humor thing again !!! LOL. I'm just kidding ;)

Cinnabon

05-20-2005, 05:42 PM

camjen1

05-20-2005, 05:48 PM

My carb ration is 1:15 so everyone is different.

duck

05-20-2005, 06:59 PM

Most def. I eat Lo-Carb ALL the time. I come from the same place "gettingby" comes from (22 years here). I have never been able to nail it to the T about the ratio portion, but now I will have to!

I really feel as if I have been hiding under a rock!!LOL

Going on the pump was worthwhile for me MOSTLY because I learned that diabetics had so many more tools at their disposal to treat this disease...Prior to training, I was taking only two shots a day, eating to "cover" those shots, and still poking my fingers for blood (occasionally). Now I eat better, my A1c's are TIGHTLY monitored, and I test my sugars about 8-10 times daily, and I am a different person for it.

camjen1

05-20-2005, 07:11 PM

Cinnabon,

Forgive me if you have mentioned it before, but did you already choose a pump?

gettingby

05-20-2005, 08:05 PM

Most def. I eat Lo-Carb ALL the time. I come from the same place "gettingby" comes from (22 years here). I have never been able to nail it to the T about the ratio portion, but now I will have to!

I really feel as if I have been hiding under a rock!!LOL
So, that's where I've seen you before. We must have been living under the same rock. I just started learning how to count carbs recently. Not had any formal training, just using trial and error (I know, bad, bad, bad Cin :- ) but I'm learning what I can and can't do on my own. Now that I've said this, Let the beat down on Cin begin. LOL :D

Funnygrl

05-20-2005, 08:18 PM

This picture pretty much shows the jest of it:

http://www.elviradarknight.com/diabetes/images/pump1.JPG

Cinnabon

05-20-2005, 08:44 PM

Cool pic Funnygirl, thanks. Is that where the needle goes in your belly button?

Cinnabon

05-20-2005, 08:45 PM

Cinnabon,

Forgive me if you have mentioned it before, but did you already choose a pump?

I think he is letting me choose between a Cozmo and a Minimed.

camjen1

05-20-2005, 08:51 PM

I think he is letting me choose between a Cozmo and a Minimed.

:eek: Well I certainly don't think that is his choice, its all up to you.

Cool pic Funnygirl, thanks. Is that where the needle goes in your belly button?

No, the needle is to her right our left of her belly button.

All infusion sets don't look like that either. I think that one is a Soft set.

Funnygrl

05-20-2005, 08:54 PM

You can see a little bump of plastic sticking up where the needle goes in. On some sets the needle doesn't even stay in.

Funnygrl

05-20-2005, 08:55 PM

:eek: Well I certainly don't think that is his choice, its all up to you.

No, the needle is to her right our left of her belly button.

All infusion sets don't look like that either. I think that one is a Soft set.
Yes, very good, it's a sof-set. I know all sets are different, but I wanted to give the idea of how minor the infusion set is, not surgical or anything.

camjen1

05-20-2005, 08:57 PM

Yes, very good, it's a sof-set. I know all sets are different, but I wanted to give the idea of how minor the infusion set is, not surgical or anything.

So do you wanna tell us??? C'mon tell us is that you??? :thumbsup:

That set cannot be disconnected at the site can it????

I am looking into trying a different set but I am the bit less educated on the pros and cons of each.

Funnygrl

05-20-2005, 09:00 PM

No, it's not me. Lol. I knew someone would ask. Do a google image search for infusion set, and you'll know where I got it.

Funnygrl

05-20-2005, 09:01 PM

I think you can disconnect using the clip that is near her belly button, but I don't know.

camjen1

05-20-2005, 09:01 PM

No, it's not me. Lol. I knew someone would ask. Do a google image search for infusion set, and you'll know where I got it.

LMAO... I was going to give you props for exposing your belly because you definetly wouldn't see me exposing any flesh let alone my bulging belly. :D

Funnygrl

05-20-2005, 09:03 PM

*Sucks in gut as much as she can*

am1977

05-20-2005, 09:45 PM

As i get closer to getting this lil gadget I have a gazillion questions. But to start off how is this first placed? Surgery? outpatient?

Ok, well, the initial hookup to the pump is usually outpatient (though I've heard that some actually do go to a hospital to do so). My trainer actually came to my apartment and spent a few hours getting me set up. Before hand, I had read up on the info and watched the video that the pump came with so that I had some knowledge to go on...which I think did help. Also it would be wise that: your endo has some of your blood sugar readings, he knows your carb/insulin ratio, and correction factor. These will help him figure out a good basal rate to start with...then with time, it will most likely be adjusted until one is found that works for you. Also, being familiar with counting carbs is important...b/c how you figure your bolus is based on how much carbs you eat.

As for choosing the pump, my Endo recommended the Minimed. I think your doctor probably will have a recommendation for you too. I think, in general, most pumps are pretty much the same...they have the same basic function. They may differ in some of the features, but for the most part, I think you can do well on any one you choose. It might be a good idea to do a little research on the different ones out there...you might find some features more appealing than others. I think several members have posted websites you can try...so I hope you make use of that ;)

Good luck with your decision :)

Dewey

05-20-2005, 11:27 PM

This picture pretty much shows the jest of it:

http://www.elviradarknight.com/diabetes/images/pump1.JPG
As the others said, this is a Sof-Set. The QR (quick release) portion is close to the user's belly button. Even though this infusion set cannot be released at the site (like Silhouettes, Quicksets, etc...), it can be disconnected. Infusion sets can be used in a variety of places, and dependent upon which pump you go with, there are a multitude available. If you need any sites for info., I can PM them to you, or post them here. Also, try checking out:

CWD - Insulin Pumps (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/pumps/)

and:

CWD - Infusion Sets (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/pumps/infusionsets.htm)

Hope these help some. :)

duck

05-21-2005, 05:47 AM

I use the QR (The type in the pic), I find them reliable and easy.
But why does this person have IV3000 tape up to her right above her insertion site?

duck

05-21-2005, 05:54 AM

Ha! I was poking around google for insertion sets, and I came across this site:

http://www.infusion-set.com/Default.asp

I'm not recommending their products, and I am NOT an expert on all their products, but their visual guide does a decent job of showing you how to insert a set, etc., and has lots of pics of insertion sets (albeit theirs). It should help shed some light on the whole thing...

Funnygrl

05-21-2005, 06:53 AM

I use the QR (The type in the pic), I find them reliable and easy.
But why does this person have IV3000 tape up to her right above her insertion site?
I read about this person's pump experience on the website I got it from. She has so much tape because she's allergic to the infusion set, so she puts tape below and on top of the site.

Cinnabon

05-21-2005, 07:41 AM

Thank you so much your guys.... :thumbsup:
You have given me great info. Out of your experience, which ones have you tried that is easiest and most comfortable?

camjen1

05-21-2005, 09:35 AM

I have only dealt with quick set. That needle goes straight in and you can disconnect from the site. I initially had trouble disconnecting and reconnecting in the beginning but that is all resolved now. The cannula comes in sizes 6 and 9 mm and the tubing is 23 or 43 inch. I prefer the longer tubing but I do get caught on more stuff.

Dewey

05-21-2005, 09:35 AM

Ok, don't know how much help I'll be, cause I like the needle variety of sets... :whistling I know, I just Have to be different!! ;) :1eye: :nerd:
Out of the cannulas, I like(d) the Quick-Sets (by Minimed) and Ultraflex (by Disetronic). Both are straight in (90 degree) sets. I also somewhat liked the Silhouettes (angled sets by Minimed, Unomedical for Deltec, and Animas), but not nearly as much as my next variety... :D

On the Needle type sets, I Love the (90 degree) Disetronic Rapid-D best of all. I try to get and use these sets as much as possible. Currently, I have the Polyfin Bent Needle sets (angled), but am growing tired of them....that's the beauty of the Universal luer lock connection that both Deltec and Animas (at the moment) provide. :thumbsup:

am1977

05-21-2005, 10:31 AM

I have tried both the Silhouettes and the Quicksets by Minimed and I like the Quicksets far better :thumbsup:. The Silhouettes have to be inserted on an angle, and I never was quite sure that the angle was right and then on top of that I started having problems with delivery...it just seemed like there was one problem after another. The quicksets are just that...QUICK and easy! :) I would recommend them. :thumbsup:

soremom

05-22-2005, 08:26 PM

I have only used two different types of sets. The softsets, which are in the picture, and the Insets. I liked the softsets but hated the "tail" that was left when I disconnected. After switching the Animas pump I tried the Insets, that is the site Duck posted. I loved them. They come with their own insertion device. I haver never even felt them go in. You can use the Insets with the Animas or the Deltec pumps but not MM.

Kim

Amanda_Jo22

05-23-2005, 07:10 AM

I've tried the softsets, sils (but only once), quicksets, and insets. I absolutely hated the softsets and switched to the quicksets as soon as they were released. I really liked the quicksets. I switched to the insets when I got my Animas pump and they are awesome! I'd never go back to another set. They are so convienient and easy to use.

ksa01

05-23-2005, 07:18 AM

I've tried all of Minimed's sets: soft-set, silhouette, and quickset. I started using the soft-set (inserts at 90 degrees), but began having a lot of irritation to the tape. This type also required sandwiching -- layer of tape, insert infusion set on top, finish with another layer on top. Otherwise, I liked them and probably never would have switched. I switched to the quicksets (also inserts 90 degrees). For me, the tape is far less iritating and I don't have to use any extra tape -- the cannula part have tape around it. I like the quicksets very much and find them easy to use and comfortable to wear.

I tried the silhouette briefly and hated them. These insert at an angle and have a longer cannular than the soft-sets or quicksets. I experience a lot of irritation around the site and swore that I could feel the cannula rubbing inside me all the time.

When you choose your pump, ask for samples of several different types of infusion sets so you can experiment to find what works best for you.

Sparkle

05-29-2005, 12:31 AM

I am very unknowledgable re: pumps ....My Dr has never discussed it! My main concern is always hypo's - are they more or less likely with a pump or is it still partly a guessing game like injecting??!!

Will have to look all this up on the web! Do they get in the way?!!

Lots of people in the US seem to have them from looking on this forum..they must be more popular there than here maybe :confused:

duck

05-29-2005, 12:43 AM

One of the leading pump manufacturers was from Europe, Disetronic, so I don't think it's a USA thing. But from what I can tell, not being subject to the whims of the state and socialized medicine helps get a pump (in other words, private insurance seems to be more willing to pay for a pump).

Pumps are actually better for controlling hypos...You used fast-acting insulin only, and that has a much more predictable action than the long-lasting insulins. YOU can STILL have hypos, that is a side effect of insulin, after all, but I have found mine to be much more pronounced and identifiable on the pump.

Take everything I said with a grain of salt--everyone responds differently to medications and to the pump. But I would shoot the person who tried to take my pump from me at this point in my life...