[nashscan]

Well, after 8 years or so of being challenged with diabetes, I decided to pump. I chose the Ping, and I definately made the right decision.

I was so happy I didn't have to use any sailene! The pump trainer and CDE went over a bunch of stuff I already knew, but I let them. They have to make sure I know what I'm doing before they cut me loose.

The first (and only) time I inserted the tubing didn't hurt a bit. Everything seemed so natural.

So far I've used a BG Bolus, an EZ Carb Bolus, and a Combo Bolus for grazing. I'm really enjoying this!

Does anyone have any first timer tips that weren't spelled out in the product manual?

The only thing that suprised me is that the starter infusion sets didn't come with any IV prep. Do they carry IV Prep at walgreens?

[akielpinski]

Congratulations on your first day of pumping!! It sounds like you had a great first day!

The only thing I remember about starting on the pump was it took me longer than I had thought it would to get use to it and get all my rates and things worked out. But it takes some people longer than others. You've had diabetes for much longer than I had when I started pumping and I think that helps. You already have a pretty good idea of how your body responds to food, insulin, exercise, stress, etc. I was a pretty new diabetic and still in high school at the time I started pumping.

I always order the IV preps with all my pump supplies. I'm surprised they weren't with your other pump supplies. I don't know where you can get them in-store. I have always ordered mine online.

Congrats again and enjoy your new Ping! Animas pumps are great and you will love it!

[poodlebone]

Congratulations on starting your pump! I also got to go live with insulin immediately. I don't use an Animas so I have no idea what's in the manual but you'll pick up tips & hints as you go. Just be sure to change your cannula every 3 days to avoid scar tissue & absorption problems.

I get IV Preps from Minimed with my other supplies. My insurance covers them but many insurance companies won't. You'd probably have better luck finding them in a surpgical supply store rather than a regular pharmacy. You could also ask your local pharmacy to order them for you but it might cost more.

[kgm0612]

Congratulations & Welcome to the "Pumper's Club".

Karen

[MacDogg]

I remember that I was not told of problems with infusion sites when I first got my pump.

Specifically, there were times when I removed the infusion set and blood would leak out like a faucet. I was always afraid to stick my finger over it so I would run the the bathroom with my hand cupped under the hole and try to catch the blood before I jumped in the shower or used TP to dry it up. The infusion sites will occasionally bleed.
Also, I have had times when I disconnected to shower I see blood backing up into the tube, going the opposite way of insulin flow. You would need to change sites and be ready for some bleeding when you removed.
Sometimes you will get bruising, red bumps or scabs under the skin if you leave the infusion set in for too long. Make sure you find out how long is too long be looking for infection/red, irritated infusion sites.
If my infusion area starts to get really itchy, I know something is wrong and change the site as soon as possible.

And for the record, I have never used IV preps. I usually change my site after a shower so I am pretty clean at that point.

Hope that helps.

[poodlebone]

Originally Posted by MacDogg

I remember that I was not told of problems with infusion sites when I first got my pump.

Specifically, there were times when I removed the infusion set and blood would leak out like a faucet. I was always afraid to stick my finger over it so I would run the the bathroom with my hand cupped under the hole and try to catch the blood before I jumped in the shower or used TP to dry it up. The infusion sites will occasionally bleed.
Also, I have had times when I disconnected to shower I see blood backing up into the tube, going the opposite way of insulin flow. You would need to change sites and be ready for some bleeding when you removed.
Sometimes you will get bruising, red bumps or scabs under the skin if you leave the infusion set in for too long. Make sure you find out how long is too long be looking for infection/red, irritated infusion sites.
If my infusion area starts to get really itchy, I know something is wrong and change the site as soon as possible.

And for the record, I have never used IV preps. I usually change my site after a shower so I am pretty clean at that point.

Hope that helps.

So far, in over 3 1/2 years, I have had only one gusher. I was never told about them either but after a couple of years I saw discussions about them so I began removing my old sets in the shower. The one time I had a gusher (just this year) it didn't matter because I pulled off the old set (Silhouette) when I wa sin the shower. There was a lot of blood but it just got washed down the drain - no cleanup!

I have had blood in the cannula a few times but it never caused a problem. Only one time recently I inserted a Silhouette and as soon as I removed the needle the cannula filled with blood. I removed the set and inserted a new one.

So far I've never had an infection. I've had a few sites that were sore/red or a little bruised but it cleared up within a day or two. The red bumps are common and shouldn't cause worry unless they're really raised, hard, very sore or discharging pus.

I use an IV Prep wipe on my skin before inserting a set and that's usually it. In the summer I sometimes have to tape over a set because it starts to peel up. Parts of my body are more sensitive than others so I do sometimes end up with a red mark in the shape of the set adhesive. Like the bumps, it goes away within a day or two and may or may not be itchy.

[xMenace]

You can get by without IV prep. I sometimes shave the area for better hold. If you are stuck for sticky, pick up some Friar's Balsam and dab the area first, but let it dry well. Then soak the site after it's on.

You didn't mention basal testing. It's something you should learn to do.

Another technique I use is superbolussing -- borrowing basal to bolus with. A great way to attack spikey meals, usually breakfast.