discussions
Devices
| From | Replies |
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kdroberts |
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Christine10 |
Christine10 replied September 14, 2009 12:44 AM
Hello Amy. I happen to love being on the pump and wish my dr had put me on it sooner. It took me years of having such high blood sugars and lots of damage to my body. Now I live with the damage but my control is so much better. It doesn't hurt at all. It clips on to most items I wear. There are times when it is a little bulky but I wouldn't trade that for the freedom it gives me. In my opinion, more younger people should go on the pump prior to the damage diabetes causes the body. I have been on the pump now for about 11 years. I just got my new one, and 3rd one, in July. It's the paradigm from minimed and I love it! Good luck and if you have any other questions, I'd be happy to give you my opinion. |
Anngelia |
Anngelia replied September 14, 2009 2:19 AM
Amy, I have been on a pump for the last 10 years. My first pump was a disetronic. Then my insurance changed and I switched to an Animas. I LOVE my pump and get much better control than I got with MDI. My last A1c was 6.2 and that is the best I have ever seen. I test about 8 - 10 times a day but with the Freestyle Lite meter it only takes a spec of blood so thats no big deal. I would love to have a CGMS but I dont think my current insurance will cover it. But these days there are so many new technological devices that a diabetic can use our lives are sooooooo much better. I've been a diabetic for almost 39 years and I wish pumps had been available when I first dx'd. I think it would have made a dramatic difference. |
Harlen |
Harlen replied September 14, 2009 3:22 AM
I love my pump no it isnt painfull and my nubers have never ben better You cat try the Medtronic.com site they have a school there and its quite good and gives you a lot of info and any info is good good luck and keep in tuch
Anngelia replied September 16, 2009 5:30 PM I couldn't find what you are talking about on the medtronic site. Can you give any more details on where to find it?
kdroberts replied September 16, 2009 6:12 PM If you go to the medtronic site (any pump manufacturer actually) and fill in the form for additional information you will get a package of info and a rep will send you an email with their contact info. You can call or email the rep and set up personal demonstrations and find out where they are doing public ones. A word of warning though, the sales people can be pretty pushy so be prepared to fend them off if you meet in person.
Anngelia replied September 17, 2009 3:26 AM Well I was hoping to find some online classes or maybe some in person classes. I have taken a couple thru animas but I probably could use another one or two. What I really need to find is some carb counting classes. No matter how hard I try I just cant really seem to get that one down. I probably just need to order some books and start studying up on it.
2catty replied September 17, 2009 9:10 PM If you get a book my favorite is Calorie King. I find it is very easy to use and covers most things. I take it out with me when I go out to eat.
Anngelia replied September 17, 2009 11:31 PM I use the calorie king online but I dont find it very accurate.
2catty replied September 18, 2009 3:14 AM I use the book, it what my pump trainer recommended. I find it to be very accurate. Other wise I would be in trouble using my pump. When you go to training on your pump they will teach you more about counting carbs and will give you a more simple book too. I double checked all things in my book with labels and they check out. But your pump trainer will teach you about carbs too. So I would not stress to much.
Sheri S replied September 20, 2009 4:16 AM have you ever used the Calorie King website? I find it very useful.
2catty replied September 20, 2009 5:14 AM Yeah I guess I like using the book though because when I am fixing to eat and bolus I can look it up bolus and be done. I think I have most things memorized now. LOL I have been pumping now for 4 months and you learn quick. |
rain |
rain replied September 14, 2009 4:47 AM
Hi Amy The pump takes a little getting use to. I am a fairly new pump user myself I have only been on it for about 6 months. I have to say my favorite part right off the bat was not having to take a shot everytime I ate (including snacks). I also loved how I didn't have to run to a restroom first when I wanted to eat I can discretly give myself what I neede without anyone noticing. Now you do have to test more often especialy counting carbs, just so you know how much insulin you need to take. I have an Accu-chek Spirit made by disetronic medical systems.I am very happy with my decision. Good luck.....RAIN |
Crashnot |
Crashnot replied September 14, 2009 2:33 PM
Amy,
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Piper5 |
Piper5 replied September 14, 2009 8:59 PM
Hi Amy, I've been on the Medtronic pump since Feb 09. I love it. I was doing up to 8-9 shots a day and now I really feel the freedom. No it doesn't hurt to put in the infusion set. Mine stay in very well. If I do have one that doesn't seem to want to stay put, I just put Tegaderm tape over it and its good to go. My A1c has improved significantly! I wish I would have done the pump sooner. I also started the Continuous Glucose Monitoring system. The sensor monitors every 5 minutes what my BGs are. Its another thing stuck on my abdomin but for me it became necessary. I couldn't tell my lows and after a few at 27 I realized I needed the extra protection. Plus it really puts my family at ease now and they worry less about me being alone. Let me know how it goes for you. H. |
2catty |
2catty replied September 16, 2009 7:34 PM
Last edited 5 months ago Hi Amy I have the Animas Ping and you can go to www.animascorp.com and they have some really great pump and really got my sugars under control. They also have a remote to where you don't have to pull your pump off all the time to bolus. They also help you calculate to bolus. Plus mine is a really pretty metallic pink. Has a LCD screen too. But best of all my sugars are the best they ever have been. I can swim with mine also. Plus it is under warranty that it is water proof. I have had mine bump into things and fall off and it does not hurt and it is really tough. If it wasn't I would not be able to have it. LOL I have an 4 year old and loves to play. I go hiking and am a outdoors person too. I swim a lot and have my pump right on there with me. Just inspect to make sure the cap is on there good and no cracks. You will love the new freedom of a pump. Their is a new pump coming out in 2010 called the solo you can check it out at www.solo4you.com good luck on the pump. |
John Crowley |
John Crowley replied September 17, 2009 5:48 PM
My teenage son has been on a pump for about 5 years now. He's a very active kid and he's pretty hard on his pump. But the pump has held up well.
2catty replied September 17, 2009 9:12 PM Yep John is right. Once you switch from MDI you really find a new freedom and you love it.
HaliRN replied September 18, 2009 3:38 PM While the pump isn't for everybody, most can benefit from it. I've been on the pump for 25 years!! I now have the glucose sensor and LOVE it. It does require more finger sticking (ironically), but that just keeps me under tighter control. |
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BLC |
BLC replied September 18, 2009 12:41 AM
Last edited 5 months ago Hey, I am actually a former pumper. I have been off the pump for about 2 months now. This is my experience with the pump:
Anngelia replied September 18, 2009 2:18 AM Did you have a CDE or anyone helping to train you and get you through the rough spots. We all have a hitch or two with the pump. It is a new device when you first start using it but if your properly trained most are very happy. But your right it is a personal choice and you are the first I have ever heard of that preferred dealing with all the multiple shots.
BLC replied September 18, 2009 3:00 AM I had pretty good training and I felt very comfortable with operating the pump before I started using is. It wasn't really that I preferred the multiple injections it was more that I did not prefer having something hooked up to me all the time and the pump did not improve my blood sugar levels at all. My A1c went from 8 to 9 during the year I had the pump. I have a friend who was also on the pump for less than a month and she said she just couldn't do it anymore, mostly for the reasons I mentioned above. But it really is about personal choice. Sometimes I feel like I have had to defend myself with my choice not to pump with doctors, nurses and other folks. But that's alright we are all different. Some like it some don't. Variety is the spice of life.
2catty replied September 18, 2009 3:18 AM Nothing wrong with the way you feel. For all of us who love it they are going to be a few that don't. No one is the same, and I hope your MDI works out great for you.
2catty replied September 18, 2009 3:20 AM Myself my A1C with MDI went from 8 to 6.4 in 3 months. Yay!!! I am doing great on mine. Of course I am insulin resistant and use u500 in mine also.
lv Jesus replied September 22, 2009 3:38 AM As I was registering to this web site I received a package from the lantus Insulin people and I told my son I was thinking of going off the pump and back on the shots.The tubing does get stuck every where. My A1C was a 7.0 before I started using the pump now it's 8.10.I totally agree with you. |
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kacaloonie |
kacaloonie replied September 18, 2009 9:48 PM
I've only been on the pump since February 2009 but I will never go back to injections. I love it. I love the BS results, the freedom to eat what I want, when I want. The pump itself, is easy to forget that you have on. My pump is also the Paradigm from mini med and they have been tremedously helpful. I had a slight reaction to the teflon cannulas at first but taking a Claritan has stopped the itching and the allergy has weakened. Most of the time I choose to tuck mine into my bra rather than my pocket or on a belt. It's a little more secure and I don't ene know it's there. You may worry about what to do with it in bed. I started out making a belt to wear it on but I have now g one to just laying it in the bed next to me. I seldom have trouble with it. My sugars have gone from averaging 225 to 90. My A1C was 13.3 and is currently a 7. It takes alot to pull it out accidently. I too am clumsy and I carry a tegaderm tape with me incase it loosens but that has only happened once. I don't even remember to disconnect when I shower and it has never had a problem.
Anngelia replied September 20, 2009 11:14 PM I'm with you, I will NEVER go back to MDI. I hardly know that I am wearing a pump but I recently got a demo pump called Solo. It wireless and when I put it on I forgot about it for a day or so, It was so small and without the tubing its easy to forget about it. But if I was wearing it anytime I ate something that would be the only reminder I would need.
2catty replied September 21, 2009 1:34 AM Yeah I should be getting my dummy pump soon from solo. I love my animas and have no plans on changing pumps I just love to be informed to let my friends know what I have learned of them. |
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kacaloonie |
kacaloonie replied September 18, 2009 9:49 PM
I've only been on the pump since February 2009 but I will never go back to injections. I love it. I love the BS results, the freedom to eat what I want, when I want. The pump itself, is easy to forget that you have on. My pump is also the Paradigm from mini med and they have been tremedously helpful. I had a slight reaction to the teflon cannulas at first but taking a Claritan has stopped the itching and the allergy has weakened. Most of the time I choose to tuck mine into my bra rather than my pocket or on a belt. It's a little more secure and I don't ene know it's there. You may worry about what to do with it in bed. I started out making a belt to wear it on but I have now g one to just laying it in the bed next to me. I seldom have trouble with it. My sugars have gone from averaging 225 to 90. My A1C was 13.3 and is currently a 7. It takes alot to pull it out accidently. I too am clumsy and I carry a tegaderm tape with me incase it loosens but that has only happened once. I don't even remember to disconnect when I shower and it has never had a problem.
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JaneM808 |
JaneM808 replied September 18, 2009 10:26 PM
I have been diabetic for 35 years this weekend...on the pump for almost 4 years. a1c dropped from 7.1 to 5.8. lost 34 pounds. i have run the gamut of treatments from only one shot per day to the lantus/humilog/novolog regimen. I love my pump, i don't dread the blood tests any more.
2catty replied September 19, 2009 2:43 AM I hear ya. I always dreaded my blood test. Now I am excited. In three months which is when I first started cause I have only been pumping for 4 months has went from 8 to 6.4. At night I always hook mine to my p.j.'s in the front since I am a side sleeper.
tladybug77 replied September 27, 2009 11:37 PM Also wear something with pockets, mine moves with me when I turn on my side. |
chucha |
chucha replied September 19, 2009 3:53 AM
Discussion about the Calorie King books. I have found them to be very useful and my family is starting to read them also. If you can think of any other calorie,carb counting books, please let me know
chucha replied September 19, 2009 3:55 AM Getting the insulin pump beginning of October. Very nervous. Have been trying to keep a food journal with the carbs in it. Any advice regarding the insulin pump?
JaneM808 replied September 20, 2009 3:35 AM Be patient...It will come to you. I should have done it long before March, 2006/
2catty replied September 19, 2009 10:04 PM Besides the Calorie King I sometimes use the The Complete Book Of Food Counts-By Corinne T. Netzer It is a good one too. |
Sheri S |
Sheri S replied September 20, 2009 4:13 AM
Hi Amy,
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Robin1963 |
Robin1963 replied September 27, 2009 11:21 PM
Hi Amy,
2catty replied September 28, 2009 9:00 PM Yeah I love that fact that you can swim with the animas. I have the ping and I love it. My site rarely comes off, but like you said if you are in the water to long it might. I just love my remote to it too. All kinds of cool stuff you can buy for it too. Different ways to wear it and conceal it if you want to. I like to show mine, unless I wear a dress. My sugars are better now than they ever have been. Love my ping<3
Anngelia replied September 30, 2009 10:44 PM I'm on the Animas 2020. I think its very similar to the Ping but doesnt have the remote. I love the color screen. It makes it much easier to read.
2catty replied October 2, 2009 3:45 AM It does doesn't it? It stands out so much brighter than the gray scale ones. Looks stylish too. Does not look medical. |
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tladybug77 |
tladybug77 replied September 27, 2009 11:33 PM
Last edited 5 months ago I have the Medtronic 722 and wonder why I didn't go on it sooner. I have better control of my sugar and it is easy to use. There is a pump school on the Medtronic.com website, it is in the right hand upper corner. I do get tired of being hooked up to something all the time but it beats the other way. I have been Type 1 for 45 years and just last March of 2008 went on the pump. You do have to change injection site every 3 days and test 8-10 times but it is wonderful. You do get sore sometimes if you put it in or close to the spot it was a week ago but you learn to adapt. Best thing I ever did. |
Sue Turner |
Sue Turner replied October 2, 2009 7:48 PM
Amy, I have been on the pump for little over a year now. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in April of last year; went on the pump the following Sept., It is wonderful. The pump does not go into your body; it is attached to an infusion line that goes into your body. It is like giving yourself an injection when you insert the infusion set, but it is not painful, and you change the infusion set out every two to three days. It's not like giving yourself an injection two to three, or four times a day. The pump fits into a holster that either fits over a belt or the waistband of your clothing. However, there are different types of pumps, and I think that there is one that attaches to your body. That is the kind that is used mostly with babies and very young children. But you don't have to worry about knocking it out of your body. It is definately something to consider. They are very expensive, but if you have insurance, the insurance will usually pay for it. Mine did. Are you a Type 1 or Type II Diabetic?
2catty replied October 3, 2009 1:11 AM Insurance will pay even if you are T2. I am and I have the new ping. I have been diabetic since I was 18. But you know it is funny that you mention that the pump does not go in your body. I have had people surprised when they seen my pump. They was like what is it out for? I am like what. It does not go in my body. It clips on my clothes, and has a infusion line. Little bits going in every hour 24/7. I have had that happen a lot lately. Weird huh? Never dawned on me that people thought that a pump was implanted in my body.
Sheri S replied October 3, 2009 2:11 PM I think there are implantable pumps available .....not sure if they are approved by FDA for use in the US??......MiniMed has some info on their website about this type of pump......
Sheri S replied October 3, 2009 2:13 PM I am T1 and have an Animas Ping that my insurance paid for.......I agree that they are expensive but I would not go back to injections unless I absolutely had to! |
I hope I'm not driving everyone crazy with all my discussion posts. I have never before been part of such a responsive group of fellow diabetics/diabetic caregivers. You all have helped me so much, so I just wanted to say 'thank you!'
Ok, onto my questions. I'm currently in the process of preparing to go on the pump. I know so little about it. My Dr. gave me a bunch of material to read, but I want to talk to people who actually use it. What has been your experience with the pump, positive or negative? I am a very clumsy person and I have nightmares about bumping into the pump//stylus and knocking it out of my body. How securely do you feel the pump stays in place? Is it painful at all? Has your control gotten tighter since going on it? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!