Animas pump & stinging boluses

spike · #1 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:14 PM

"Delivery Speed - Bolus
On rare occasions, usually with very large boluses, users may experience a slight stinging
sensation with rapid bolus delivery. If this is a concern, you can set the bolus delivery
speed to slow to accommodate your needs. If you use the slow setting, your pump will
pause approximately 4 seconds in between delivery of each unit of insulin programmed."

This was copied from the Animas 1250 user guide.

I copied this because a number of people swear that stinging is NOT a problem with that particular pump. If it ISN'T a problem for some people, I find it strange that I've read about the issue a number of times elsewhere AND ANIMAS admits it can be an issue.

JediSkipdogg · #2 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:17 PM

Like all problems, not everyone has them. And that is the point people are making. I have that problem only 25% of the time, and that has only started up in about the last year or so. The first few years of pumping I never experienced it. So to some it is not a problem at all, to some it may be, but it's up to the person. I really don't think anyone has said it's not a problem for everyone, just not a problem for themselves.

spike · #3 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

Like all problems, not everyone has them. And that is the point people are making. I have that problem only 25% of the time, and that has only started up in about the last year or so. The first few years of pumping I never experienced it. So to some it is not a problem at all, to some it may be, but it's up to the person. I really don't think anyone has said it's not a problem for everyone, just not a problem for themselves.

Yes, I realize that a number of posters have said it's not a problem for them. On the flip side, I've also heard from people (not this site) that the boluses sting. Since I've had only a few Humalog SHOTS, I don't know if rapid infusion of Humalog would bother me. My 18 years of shots was done pre-Humalog. I also use Novalog now.

jenet · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:57 PM

First, let me say YMMV. My MDI Humalog injections always stung if they were more than 7 or 8 units, but I didn't know that wasn't normal before coming here. Based on the last 24 hours of wearing my site on my thigh, it can sting at lower doses. Dinner tonight was 3.8u, and I definitely felt a sting, although not as bad as the injections used to. I haven't felt any sting with that small a dose and a site on my upper abdomen. Maybe it also makes a difference where the site is?

cheers,
j

spike · #5 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenet

First, let me say YMMV. My MDI Humalog injections always stung if they were more than 7 or 8 units, but I didn't know that wasn't normal before coming here. Based on the last 24 hours of wearing my site on my thigh, it can sting at lower doses. Dinner tonight was 3.8u, and I definitely felt a sting, although not as bad as the injections used to. I haven't felt any sting with that small a dose and a site on my upper abdomen. Maybe it also makes a difference where the site is?

cheers,
j

I should apologize for not communicating effectively. I actually HATE typing (suprise, as I post a lot) so I tend to write in short bursts.

anyway. I HAVE given myself injections with Humalog (when my set has failed and I'm super high). I don't recall any stinging from up to 15U injected with a syringe. I think I inject 15U in about 5 seconds. I've also done Novalog a few times and to my recollection, I didn't get any stinging from that, either. Nevertheless, I'd still like to be assured if I spend a couple of thousand of my own money on a pump (copay with DME cap), that it will be something I can live with for FOUR years!

jenet · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike

I should apologize for not communicating effectively. I actually HATE typing (suprise, as I post a lot) so I tend to write in short bursts.

anyway. I HAVE given myself injections with Humalog (when my set has failed and I'm super high). I don't recall any stinging from up to 15U injected with a syringe. I think I inject 15U in about 5 seconds. I've also done Novalog a few times and to my recollection, I didn't get any stinging from that, either. Nevertheless, I'd still like to be assured if I spend a couple of thousand of my own money on a pump (copay with DME cap), that it will be something I can live with for FOUR years!

If that's the main drawback and you like Animas otherwise, I think some people have been able to get a loaner to try.

cheers,
j

spike · #7 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenet

If that's the main drawback and you like Animas otherwise, I think some people have been able to get a loaner to try.

cheers,
j

On Monday, I'm going to bug the staff at my endo again to be put in contact with the local Animas rep.

mwalt2 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:35 PM

What's the point of this thread? You've already posted in another thread that the Animas pump can sting and many actual Animas users have said that it does not bother them (me included using 1U/s). One poster (can't even remember who) posted a very easy solution to deliver a large bolus over 1/2 hour using the combo bolus feature of the pump. You set for 0% Normal and 100% extended. The bolus will be delivered over the next 30 mins which should be very slow and small amounts every 3 minutes. You can even do it over 0.1 hr (6 mins.) if you want. It only takes 2 extra button pushes than a normal bolus assuming both are done by going into the menu. So in summary, you can bolus either slow or fast (1U/s or 1U/4s) with the actual pump settings or you can bolus even slower over 6 mins. or 30 mins. If that's not good enough or too much work, maybe MM or Deltec would be better. Good luck!

spike · #9 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwalt2

What's the point of this thread? You've already posted in another thread that the Animas pump can sting and many actual Animas users have said that it does not bother them (me included using 1U/s). One poster (can't even remember who) posted a very easy solution to deliver a large bolus over 1/2 hour using the combo bolus feature of the pump. You set for 0% Normal and 100% extended. The bolus will be delivered over the next 30 mins which should be very slow and small amounts every 3 minutes. You can even do it over 0.1 hr (6 mins.) if you want. It only takes 2 extra button pushes than a normal bolus assuming both are done by going into the menu. So in summary, you can bolus either slow or fast (1U/s or 1U/4s) with the actual pump settings or you can bolus even slower over 6 mins. or 30 mins. If that's not good enough or too much work, maybe MM or Deltec would be better. Good luck!

I could have SWORN the "point" of the thread was to include a passage from the owner's guide that mentions the issue. You post is rude in that you are basically chastising me for posting this thread. If you don't "approve" of the content of this thread, you COULD have just ignored it, correct?? Somehow, I think your "good luck" comment was sarcastic...

mwalt2 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 09:11 PM

I'm sorry if I came across as rude spike. I guess I'm still influenced by your posts towards me in other threads.
ie

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike

LOL! Are you more knowledgeable than the collective knowledge of surgeons throughout the world?....Your PhD status does NOT change the facts...been established long before you BEGAN your Phd studies. It's likely to continue after you get the sheepskin.

Ignore the first part of my previous post and take the helpful (maybe?) advice in the second half. I would say that if large boluses of humalog/novolog do not bother you with a pen/syringe, then the bolus delivery of the IR1250 will probably not bother you. It would be best to try to get a loaner pump to see for yourself if you can. And, I was sincere in with the good luck. Choosing a pump is a tough decision and I really was trying to be nice.

PS - Please don't respond to that quote or anything. I just put it there to try to explain myself and show that not all posts on the internets are nice and to the point - NOT to argue with you anymore. We did that enough in that other thread and hopefully we can leave it at that

spike · #11 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwalt2

I'm sorry if I came across as rude spike. I guess I'm still influenced by your posts towards me in other threads.
ie

Ignore the first part of my previous post and take the helpful (maybe?) advice in the second half. I would say that if large boluses of humalog/novolog do not bother you with a pen/syringe, then the bolus delivery of the IR1250 will probably not bother you. It would be best to try to get a loaner pump to see for yourself if you can. And, I was sincere in with the good luck. Choosing a pump is a tough decision and I really was trying to be nice.

PS - Please don't respond to that quote or anything. I just put it there to try to explain myself and show that not all posts on the internets are nice and to the point - NOT to argue with you anymore. We did that enough in that other thread and hopefully we can leave it at that

I understand where you are coming from.

Let's put ALL that behind us, ok?

Now, as to your comment about the speedy delivery: I tend to AGREE with you, because my admittedly RARE, but somewhat LARGE syringe boluses don't bother me, so it seems quite plausible that the pump might also inject the boluses painlessly, as well.

jeggeman31 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 10:15 PM

I feel as this is a bad dream that keeps coming back. Anyway I don't get, nor have I ever had stinging and I do bolus 30 units at a time with some meals.

TvBabe · #13 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike

"Delivery Speed - Bolus

I copied this because a number of people swear that stinging is NOT a problem with that particular pump. If it ISN'T a problem for some people, I find it strange that I've read about the issue a number of times elsewhere AND ANIMAS admits it can be an issue.

Is there a specific reason that you seem to be fixated on this particular issue? It's not like you USE an Animas pump.

spike · #14 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TvBabe

Is there a specific reason that you seem to be fixated on this particular issue? It's not like you USE an Animas pump.

Not really a fixation, believe me. consider me a careful consumer who always does his homework. I don't jump into major purchases with a blind eye. Pumping is a huge factor in my continuning good health and lifestyle, so I place great importance on having the right pump for me. I hope that doesn't bother YOU.

I'm going to be getting a demo soon, I hope. and I'd appreciate it if you could hide your hostility towards me just a tad. thank you. it isn't becoming.