Might get a pump!

BJC411 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2005, 11:19 PM

My endo said, to wait a couple of months and then we will see if I should get the pump. He said that I have good control now and see's no reason why I should get the pump other than convenience. I have only been diagnosed for about 2 months and I just wanted to see what others opinions where and what they thought are best.

camjen1 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 01:06 AM

It has been mentioned before that the pump should be looked as something to better control your BS and not just for convenience. I was diabetic for 3 years before I started pumping. I was so sick and my pump is what I think actually saved my life.

Dewey · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 01:21 AM

Even if the endo thinks a pump would only be for convenience, I'd say "go for it!" It not only provides more flexibility (for most), but helps maintain better levels with the continuous influx of insulin. Please be aware, though, that there are possibilities of high sugars & DKA (in the event a set is not working, etc.). If you choose the untethered regimen (which usually is 75% Lantus basal - by injection, and 25% basal by pump), then the likelihood of rapid sugar elevations does decrease some. The only other "drawback" would be the cost (if insurance doesn't cover). Overall, it's a great system to aid in keeping good control. Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any questions, and please keep us posted as you go along.

duck · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 06:45 AM

Get another endo. Basically yours just told you that you don't deserve the very best treatment available for your ailment. Don't worry, putting off neuropathy and kidney failure is nothing to really worry about at this stage in your diabetes anyway, right?

Cinnabon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 06:59 AM

I really wonder about Endo's..... I have had NOTHING but Crooked ones trying to kill me. Maybe its just that you not having to "need" him as much because you are able to have a small device that will help live a better life.
Why in the world, would an Endo discourage in this way, a better life for a diabetic?

YouthIncJr · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 09:44 AM

Duck hit the nail on the head. As someone who had open heart, quad by pass surgery at age 34,(yes in part due to diabetes, not over weight, no drinking or smoking) You want to PREVENT what you can. Control is the best prevention.

UpNorth · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 03:05 PM

Even good control can get better! GO FOR IT! And if your endo don't want to help you getting a pump, get a new endo!
I started pumping just little more than 4 months after diagnose. I had really good control on MDI but got a scaphoid fracture in end of january so i had my hand in plaster for over 10 weeks! I didn't even ask for a pump, my doctor asked me if i wanted to try one (managing injections one handed wasn't too easy), thought it'd be worth a try and i haven't looked back

I was put onto a D tron+ but got an Animas IR1200 just ~1 month later. I'm back onto MDI for now because i didn't want to get infusionset tan all over my lower abdomen, AND the glue on the sets started itching like crazy as soon as the tempereature reached summer levels and i started sweating more.
As i said, i had, and have really good control on MDI, but with the pump it is even better

kcope · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 06:37 PM

My DE's are trained/certified pump educators and can work with my Dr. to get me on a pump. And that is exactly what we are doing right now.

It may take a month or two since I have only been on insulin for a little over a month now. I need to learn Carb. to Insulin ratios and stuff like that but a pump in the goal in the vary near future.

BJC411 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 06:53 PM

Well, he did say that it was my decision about whether or not to get it, really it all depends on if my insurance covers it or not and it looks like they do. I have only seen my endo twice so I will stick with him for awhile and see how it goes. Thanks for the replies!

duck · #10 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJC411

Well, he did say that it was my decision about whether or not to get it, really it all depends on if my insurance covers it or not and it looks like they do. I have only seen my endo twice so I will stick with him for awhile and see how it goes. Thanks for the replies!

AS long as the endo is flexible about it...If they turn out to be anti-pump, that worries me considering the amount of evidence that says it is a superior method of control (including DCCT which was NOT funded by a pump company).

Zokes · #11 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005, 03:05 PM

So what's so bad about "convenience" , anyway? As long as your control doesn't get worse, why in **** would you NOT opt for convenience? My Dino (oops.. Endo) said the same thing to me. Well, I'm pumping for several months now and my control is much better. AND I live my life with a lot more flexibility.

I say go for it. The MDI regemin works, but is tough on the lifestyle. My wife and kids are just now getting used to the fact that I don't pass out if dinner is 1/2 hour late!

Good luck.

BJC411 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005, 05:59 PM

The only thing Im worried about is that I work on equipment all day long and always laying down and climbing all over things. Does anyone else have a job like this and wears a pump, and do you do okay with it without it getting jarred or knocked off? Or should I quit my GOV job and find something different?

Harold · #13 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJC411

The only thing Im worried about is that I work on equipment all day long and always laying down and climbing all over things. Does anyone else have a job like this and wears a pump, and do you do okay with it without it getting jarred or knocked off? Or should I quit my GOV job and find something different?

Keep your job. We had a mechanic that posted in another thread that works on vehicles cars/trucks. He said he lays on them and crawls under them and never had any problem. Keep your tubing tucked in and you should be okay. Might want to keep your pump in your pocket though. Do not wear a pump myself, but I work much like you and you can hardly read my pager that I keep on my belt because it is all scratched up.

duck · #14 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 06:29 AM

There are multiple protective cases for pumps, and there are even "cooling cases" for the pump(s) if you are in a hot environment constantly. Some people tape the tubing to themselves in order to keep it in place. You find ways to deal with it.

Can you comfortably wear a cell phone at work?

BJC411 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 10:13 AM

Well, today at work they are making wear this stupid decibal recorder to see how noisy it is in the shop, so I guess I can use that as a trial of whats to come. This thing is really big though, I dont think the pumps are this big or heavy? I have worn my cell before but it is really small, about how big exactly are the pumps?