Does it really take a month?

Jan2306 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007, 11:14 PM

I've been told that it will take about a month to get use to having the pump attached 24/7. Everyone says they feel free on the pump. I've been spending my last week before I start on the pump thinking about all the things I do that will be different once I'm wired. Things like rolling around in the bed, trying on clothes in a store, bathroom trips, and a day at the beach. Feels like less freedom in many ways but I'm excited about getting tighter control.

How long did it take you to not hate having this thing attached to your body?

Fred&CharlesFan · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

How long did it take you to not hate having this thing attached to your body?

I worked so hard to get it, I loved it as soon as I got it plugged in! Within 40minutes of leaving my endo's office, my wife and I went to lunch at this restaurant and marvelled how much easier it was to simply dial in the meal bolus, than taking the injection. It took about 3 days to really feel comfortable with the pump; after changing my set for the first time with my wife and children to cheer me on, I knew that I could/would never go back to MDI. My pump is just an average looking cellphone with a really kewl fibre-optic aerial that goes into my PANTS!!.... ..and makes me feel much better than MDI.

You'll be fine. It is a better way.

Shotokan · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007, 11:41 PM

It took me about 2 weeks to forget it was there, but it took me about 2 months to get all the settings (basal rates, sensitivity factors, etc.) dialed in right.

Keezheekoni · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007, 11:47 PM

It took me no time at all to feel just fine being attached 24/7. What did take me awhile was figuring out how to wrap the tubing into my pocket and not clipping my pump onto the tubing while it is in my pocket...really bad thing to do especially when you have to hurry to the bathroom, out rips the set. LOL

For sleeping I don't have a problem with it since I almost treat it like one of my kids. I co-sleep with them (though now that the youngest is three, she's not in bed with us so much anymore), so I put my pump next to my chest with my arm kind of crooked around it. I seem to not roll over on it or have a problem when I roll to my other side, since the tubing is long enough to just keep my pump where I left it when I roll over. Is that clear as mud?

condensr · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

rolling around in the bed,

I use the long (42 inch?) tubing, and just let the pump go where it will. Haven't ripped out a set yet in bed, and even if I do end up on top of it, I hardly notice it, as the Animas is thin, and I have a pillowtop mattress that it can squish in to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

trying on clothes in a store,

I always keep my pump in a pants pocket, and if I need to change pants, usually I just hold the pump with my mouth for a few seconds. Since my flannel jammies have small pockets that the pump tends to fall out of, I usually also wear t-shirts with a pocket that I can stick the pump in as well. I've seen many posts from ladies here that mention keeping their pump in their bras as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

bathroom trips,

See above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

a day at the beach.

I leave my pump on, and usually set a lower temp basal as I'm more active. I have swim trunks with a little inside pocket that it fits perfectly in to. That works for men, not sure what women do there. You can also, if you feel the need, go back to MDI for a day at the beach, or just a break if you want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

How long did it take you to not hate having this thing attached to your body?

I didn't mind it from the start. Its comforting, actually, and one really great side effect is that I've never forgotten my pen, or to take my Lantus since!

It's a real drag to have to turn around 3/4 of the way to work cause you forgot your insulin, or a needle.

NoelD · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan2306

I've been told that it will take about a month to get use to having the pump attached 24/7. Everyone says they feel free on the pump. I've been spending my last week before I start on the pump thinking about all the things I do that will be different once I'm wired. Things like rolling around in the bed, trying on clothes in a store, bathroom trips, and a day at the beach. Feels like less freedom in many ways but I'm excited about getting tighter control.

How long did it take you to not hate having this thing attached to your body?

I have had mine for a little over a week now, and I fell in love with it the first day. Any *minor* inconvinence it might have, is FAR outweighed by the freedom and tight control I now have. DO not worry ab out it one bit. Just lock the keypad on the pump when you go to bed and no worries.

Gordonm · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 07:35 AM

I have had mine for about 3 months now. I forget it is there most of the time. I have banged into things with it rolled on to it on concrete it is very durable. I don't try to do this but it is no problem. I go on with my life the same way. It took a good month before my rates were set and I am still tweaking them some but overall I would not go back at all. I just clip it in front of me when I sleep and I have never been bothered by it. Bathroom you just get used to it. Not a big shopper so I don't worry about dressing rooms. I have not been to the beach but spend most of the summer there. I'll figure it out. The benifits are great with the pump. Go at it with a positive attitude and you will be fine.

cheryl · #8 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 08:06 AM

Hey don't worry I am wondering the same things at times but am tired of this wick wacked sugars cause i can never get lantus correct oyvey.....i heard it takes a little bit to get everything tweaked out but most don't think about it once it is hooked up I lay awake at night thinking omg will this thing overdose me scarey...but a friend of mine said the mm has safety feature that if the pump is going to act screwy it shuts down put my mind at ease.........when are you getting yours i am getting mine sometime after the 26th......

Cheryl

xMenace · #9 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 08:11 AM

My adjusting to it continues 6 months later ... mind you a hemmorgaging eye and vitrectomy are variables most new pump users don't have to deal with.

One big factor is the edumacation you receive. I did not receive any knowlege transfer on how to set my own rates. I am now educating my DE and endo!

I still haven't tried sports with it. I prolly won't till May.

cheryl · #10 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 08:21 AM

i am getting a book called pumping insulin by John Walsh the 2006 edition i heard this really helps so i am buying it when hubby get paid on wednesday another good one i heard of i'll let you all know what i think about it.

JJeenn · #11 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 10:32 AM

I just got my pump the other day but have not yet had training. But I filled it with air and took out an infusion set to see what it's like (freaky scary long needle!) and I keep imagining what it'll be like to do various things. I actually clipped it on my pants and went around for about an hour with it on and it seemed really bulky, but I think I'd get used to that fairly quickly.

I didn't really think of things like changing clothes in a store ... that'd be annoying. I always keep reminding myelf that I can disconnect it if I have to do something quickly like change clothes. I'm also going to be a bridesmaid this August and wonder where I'll put it for that.

I think it will take a while to get used to, but at the same time I'm looking SO forward to having better control.

notme · #12 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 10:33 AM

Jan, I have been pumping insulin for six years. I was resistant to getting the pump for all the same reasons everyone else thinks about before they have tried one. It is amazing how freeing the pump is.

Rolling around in bed? I sleep with it attached to my waistband. I never feel it, don't even know it is there.

Trying on clothes, I disconnect and attach it to my purse or put it in my shoe so I don't forget it. (Kohl's kept my pump in their dressing room for hours one day until I discovered it missing)

Bathroom trips.... sits on my waistband, no change there.

A day at the beach... It goes with me on my bathing suit and the canula is so low on my belly it doesn't show. I disconnect to swim. This worries a few people, but I keep it in my shoe or some other item that isn't likely to get taken. Granted, my trips to warm beaches are few and far between and we go to remote beaches.

As for the freedom. When we travel there is no adjustment to a new time zone and the timing of my insulin.

I can go out and not think about bringing insulin and needles.

When I am out for a short trip and it turns into a dinner out, I don't have to skip it because I need to go home and get my insulin.

You don't need to worry about cold packs or other things to keep your insulin cold.

When eating out, I don't worry about taking out a needle at a table.

But best of all, my blood sugar is so much better controlled and the effort, once you get used to it, it much less.

Try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Good luck!

w5wjp · #13 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007, 10:46 AM

I have been on my Cozmo for 9 days now. I thought it would take some time to get used to but the only thing I have noticed is that it feels really strange not to be stabbing myself at mealtimes. Since I first put it on I have had no "getting used to" incidents and no regrets. Even went through a 36 hour fast for an other medical test...just set a temp rate 1/2 normal and things went very smoothly.