Starting on pump tomorrow..What to expect?

webpundit · #1 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 09:55 AM

My pump's FINALLY here and I'm going to my doctor's office to get some pump training tomorrow morning.

So, what do these pump training sessions usually entail? What type of questions should I ask and information should I be prepared with?

Also, were any of you put on the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) before or after you were put on the pump?

Nervous!!

amccrazgrl · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 10:02 AM

Just make sure you read thru your instruction manuals. Bring all of your pump supplies that came in the mail. Wear comforrtable clothing.
When you look thru you manual figure out what u'd like explained more in detail.

What kind of pump did you get? What kind of infusion sets?

I've been on the Cozmo pump since 7-8-05. The questions I asked on my follow up appt. were about the combination and extended boluses.

Anymore questions post em everyone around here is very helpful.

duck · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 10:25 AM

It won't be too bad. Just make sure they use high-quality anasthesia when they put you under to operate on you!

Just kidding! You'll be fine, relax. They should go over the many, many things you need to know. Are they hooking you up to insulin right away?

webpundit · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 10:29 AM

Thanks a lot Duck!!!

Yeah, they're starting me on insulin right away. Also, I'm wondering if I should push for the CGMS before I begin or not, to see my BG fluctuations.

Thoughts?

duck · #5 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webpundit

Thanks a lot Duck!!!

Yeah, they're starting me on insulin right away. Also, I'm wondering if I should push for the CGMS before I begin or not, to see my BG fluctuations.

Thoughts?

If they'll put you on the CGMS, then do it...In actuality, it may have been a good idea to do it already, byt that's water under the bridge (I've never gotten on it despite my best intentions, so...).

Basically, they'll probably set you on a basal rate of 1 unit per hour, and you'll monitor intensively from there...It can take a few months to dial everything in real good, so don't get frustrated. BUT, do you already know your basals and corrections factors and carb to insulin ratios?

webpundit · #6 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amccrazgrl

What kind of pump did you get? What kind of infusion sets?

I got the Paradigm 715. They didn't ask me about the infusion sets, and I'm ashamed to say I did not conduct enough research for me to know that I should ask for any specific ones. But thanks for pointing that out...better late than never!

Quote:

Originally Posted by duck

BUT, do you already know your basals and corrections factors and carb to insulin ratios?

I have an 'approximate' idea about my carb:insulin ratio (which varies at different times of the day) and also about how many points 1 unit of insulin drops my BS by. That's why I was seriously considering the CGMS.

So other than teaching you about how the pump works, what other GOOD stuff did your educator teach you that I should be on the lookout for, and if she doesn't mention it, ask about?

duck · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 11:37 AM

There will be functionalities of the pump you will need to familiarize yourself with, and the educator should go over all those features (I have a Cozmore, so I can't tell you what to ask them about for the 715). What I liked about this pump that I did not have on my 508 is the "touch bolus" button which I have pre-programmed now to deliver a specific amount of insulin per "touch"--so I can do it without looking and very discretely.

Have the educator show you how to properly disconnect from the pump if you have to (quick disconnect), for things like showers, etc. (I know, I know, it's waterproof, but I betcha your insulin won't appreciate exposure to hot shower water).

David · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 02:25 PM

Don't forget to take a vial of insulin too. You'll have to fill a reservoir and load it in the pump. You'll be shown how to insert an infusion set (and will probably have to demonstrate that you can do it yourself). You'll need to check your BGs a lot, especially during the first few days as any remaining long-acting insulin in you is used up.
David

Cinnabon · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 03:07 PM

I would highly encourage CGMS. It will help you A LOT! I have the same pump you do and I got the quick sets. There are a few, take a look;

http://www.minimed.com/patientfam/pf...quickset.shtml
Dont forget your book & take extra supplies.

insulin
Resorvoirs
Insertion sets
Quick serter (if you have one)
PUMP
BG monitor
Skin preps (swabs)

koblenz · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 08:45 PM

You will do just fine.

Try and get the name and number of the trainer so if you have questions after you leave the session (and like most of us, YOU WILL), you can call.

I did have a CGMS done about 3 months before I got my pump. If you can get them to do it for free or real cheap, DO IT. Even if it means you have to wait a little while to start the pump, DO IT. It provides such valuable information (at least it did for me), you can't pass up the opportunity.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Deltec Cozmo, Pumping since Dec 2004!

amccrazgrl · #11 (**permalink**) 07-27-2005, 10:39 AM

oh i recommend getting the book called "Pumping Insulin" i got it and im on ch 4 its real good. its cheaper at amazon than barnes/noble too by 10dollars.

gettingby · #12 (**permalink**) 07-27-2005, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webpundit

My pump's FINALLY here and I'm going to my doctor's office to get some pump training tomorrow morning.

Nervous!!

Way to go !!!!!!!! Congrats and good luck !!!!!!!!

Rachey128 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-27-2005, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webpundit

Also, were any of you put on the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) before or after you were put on the pump?

I was put on that, after I got my pump on. It didn't work the whole time it was possed to. It was flashing and making beeping noises in class and I got kicked out

. But it was really helpful I guess. But it was still a pain, because of having to take a shower with it.

webpundit · #14 (**permalink**) 07-27-2005, 01:52 PM

You guys are FABULOUS!! Thanks so much for your words of advise and encouragement. It helped me not freak out so much.

I'd read the 'Pumping Insulin' book a while back and it certainly laid a very strong foundation for my learning today and I can quite unmodestly say that I impressed my pump trainer today!
So....the deed is done and I'm on my 715!! So far so good...no lows or highs until now. Please keep your fingers crossed...I've got my toes and eyes crossed too

I'd read the 'Pumping Insulin' book a while back and it certainly laid a very strong foundation for my learning today and I can quite unmodestly say that I impressed my pump trainer today! I highly recommend it whether you're thinking about going on the pump or already on it...I guarantee you'll learn something new.

This is quite a humbling experience and right now I'm in complete and utter awe of my little black Paradigm.

am1977 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-27-2005, 05:37 PM

Just wanted to wish you Good Luck with your new pump! Hope it gives you the freedom and flexibility that they are known for and, more importantly, better control! enjoy it!

Keep us updated with how things go!