Fed up with pumping-long post

bluesgirl102 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 07:36 AM

Greetings,

I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't just pack it in and go back to MDI. My whole pumping experience is leaving alot to be desired. Since July when I began, it's been one thing after another and the promise of better control certainly has NOT materialized. While my control hasn't got any worse, it hasn't improved either.

My whole pump experience has been fraught with problems. For the first 2 months I used insets and most of time I either had bent or kinked cannulas and was using a minimum of 4 sets a day when I changed! They all were bad in one way or another. Then in September I switched to the comfort set shorts and these were pretty much problem free until December when my for some unknown reason, my blood became to thin. From Dec-Jan I came to dread set changes as I was having blood fill the cannula everytime no matter where I inserted them. Finally, my endo took em off the baby aspirin and that problem was solved. Of course, I still have to undergo some blood work to determine why all of a sudden I was having this happen. Now, starting last week, I seem to have developed a reaction to the adhesive on the infusion sets. My skin looks like I was burned! So, I now have to use IV 3000 for my sets..on the top and the bottom. In my opinion, that stuff isn't that great...It's not sticking all that well if you ask me. The final straw so to speak, occured in the wee hours of Sunday morning when I awoke to a blood sugar of almost 400! To make a long story short, they think my tubing or cartridge was defective in some manner. I had to change out everything, including the set, and give myself an injection of humalog to bring my blood sugar down. Animas is sending me a mailer to send them the cartridge/tubing so they can take a look at it.

All of this ..for an a1c of 7.2... a drop of only ONE point since September!! Big deal!! All of this aggravation for so little change in my control makes me wonder what the point is of continuing.

Thanks for letting me vent...

xMenace · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 07:53 AM

I still have problems too. I was 16.3/293 this morning and had to change sets. I am now putting IV3000's under mine too, and they do seem to work better that way. Even with the odd bad set I'm now down to 6.0 from 7.3. You can get there too. The biggest impact was basal testing. Once I discovered that (thanks Spike) my A1C's plummeted.

Jan B · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:12 AM

Bluesgirl,

I understand you being upset. I took a 4-year break because of severe bruising and misc. problems. I am now very happy (even w/a few beginning issues) to be pumping again.

Since your A1C isn't worse, is there any chance you can stick it out a little longer until you get an answer back from Animas? I use the IV3000 and am having very good luck with it. Since I had a couple or four(!) "bad" cannulas, I started putting it on top also & I've been fine. I have no bruising or bleeding at all.

Or you might take a little break, start using Lantus (or whatever you used) again, and see how it goes. You might find that pumping gave you some positives that you miss.

I make sure to test at least twice in a short period of time, after a set change to make sure it's IN. Never change a set too close to bedtime. And look a little harder for a tape that doesn't mess up your skin. Either way, the choice is yours -- the best way is the way that gives you more happiness, health and control.

RLK · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 08:15 AM

Oh boy....sounds like you've had a rough go of it! I can certainly understand your frustration. I go through stints where I want to go back to MDI too...

Re: the IV3000. I've heard from others that IV3000 doesn't stick all that well, but i've never used it. I really like Tegaderm under sets. It sticks well, and is very thin and flexible. Also, you may want to try something like SkinTac under the IV3000 to increase holding power.

X is right- basal testing makes a difference in control, and generally feeling more comfortable with the pump IME.

Some folks have "easy" pump starts, and some don't. Heck, I spent the first 6 months of pumping on diluted Humalog, trying to get my basal rates low enough that I wasn't constantly hypo- not my idea of fun! My point is, you're doing great chipping away at these problems and finding solutions, even if it's been rough. I recall some of your earlier posts, and it sounds like you really are making good progress with the pump. Hang in there! (((HUGS)))

markr · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 02:33 AM

I understand your frustrations, and believe me, if I went through what you have been going through after I switched from MDI to the pump, I'd be having second thoughts too. I use a different pump, so I am not familiar with the specific problems you are having. In the end you are the one that will have to decide which method you feel is best for you.

Alice · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 10:42 AM

Can pumpers take "pump vacations" and switch back to MDI fairly easily? Maybe you just need a break from some of those problems...re-evaluate and try a return to the pump later.

barbarac · #7 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 01:40 PM

How did "Spike" help? Did he help you figure basals. I am also upset about readings and A1C's. After 2 years they still aren't right.

bluesgirl102 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 02:40 PM

Thanks for all the responses. Just to let you all know I spoke with my trainer from Animas yesterday. We're supposed to meet today to discuss my ongoing pump problems. I don't know if that will happen though as we're right in the middle of a hellacious winter storm here.

I told her what I told you guys..I'm fed up and thinking about going back to MDI. I'll let you know what she has to say...stay tuned...

squidsdc · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 03:18 PM

I'm also using the Animas, but when I went on the pump I had very little direction. I had to find out myself what worked/didn't work for me. I also have the adhesive redness issue, but since I've been using the tegaderm or the IV3000 underneath the set that helps. I don't use the manual serters, I use only the insets, and discovered that I was actually holding the unit too close to my skin when I released it, which ended up leaving a "ring". (Even though I was instructed to make a pretty firm contact) I also determined that I need the 6mm, not the 9mm cannula. To this day, when all of y'all talk about putting the tegaderm or iv3000 on top of the set, I just can't picture what you mean or how that is done. And also this talk about using tape...another thing I was never shown, and not sure how that is used...but I figure if it ain't broke don't fix it. I rarely have problems with my insets.

Good luck with your visit with your trainer--keep your eyes and ears open to ask about other options and to find out if there are any new or different ways to do what you are doing. And be safe out there--we're only getting the tail of the storm here, thankfully.

barbarac · #10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 03:30 PM

I am fed up too. I can't see any difference. Think I am going to take a break for a while. I have done everything I should today and it is still almost 300. Know it probably has to do with basals, but who knows. Cannot change if there are two readings over 250 as they say--I would be changing several times a day!!

Jan B · #11 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squidsdc

To this day, when all of y'all talk about putting the tegaderm or iv3000 on top of the set, I just can't picture what you mean or how that is done. And also this talk about using tape...another thing I was never shown, and not sure how that is used...but I figure if it ain't broke don't fix it. I rarely have problems with my insets.

Squidsdc,

I had a problem with the cannula not being in when I thought it was. (They were expired & that may have been my problem.) I started putting IV3000 on top of the set in addition to under it. I cut a hole bigger than where you connect, in the middle of the IV3000, but small enough so that it holds down the rest of the set. Make sense? I don't know what Tegaderm is -- haven't needed to find it yet!

RLK · #12 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbarac

I am fed up too. I can't see any difference. Think I am going to take a break for a while. I have done everything I should today and it is still almost 300. Know it probably has to do with basals, but who knows. Cannot change if there are two readings over 250 as they say--I would be changing several times a day!!

Have you tested your basal rates? It's not difficult (a little tedious, maybe): HOWTO profile your Basal Rates.: Profiling Basal Rates.. Once your basals are (more or less) correct, pumping gets much more predictable IMHO.

What do your endocrinologist or pump trainer have to say?

Hang in there- this can be sorted out!

kgm0612 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 07:05 AM

Boy do I feel your frustration! I've been pumping for 2 years. My A1c has climbed from 6.0 (MDI) to 7.3. I've thought about going back to MDI, but I really don't want to give up the freedom & flexibility of pumping.

My problem is STRESS. A few of you here know that I'm dealing with a sister who is ill. My focus right now is not on my diabetes, but on my sister's illness. I have discussed all of this with my endo, but some changes need to be made when I see him on March 4th.

I've learned that some days will be better than others......so all I can say to you is "Hang in There".

Karen