letter
Well, am I the only one, or does anyone else have a problem with the 42
inch tubing on the soft-set QR of a minimed 506 insulin pump? It seems
like my blood sugars are always high when I use the 42 inch tubing-I
imagine it’s because the insulin has to go through all that tubing
before it gets to your body! I switched to the 24 inch, and am doing a
lot better. Lately though, the company that I get my supplies from has
started sending me the 42 inch, and it’s the same to me as not even
wearing the pump at all! I called them to tell them the situation, and
they told me that they quit being providers for my insurance company on
the first of june-but of course no one bothered to tell me about it! I
spent 2 hours on the phone trying to find someone to mail me my pump
supplies before I finally found someone! Has anyone else had problems
like that?
January 15th, 2003 at 3:17 am
My diabetes nurse said that if you are on small amounts of insulin and use
(One week on the pump today!!)
the 42" tubing, the insulin can get clogged, and cause problems. I am on
small amounts and using the 42" tubing, but have not had any problems as yet.
Hope this helps.
Andrea
January 15th, 2003 at 2:28 pm
The suggestion that your problem is caused by a low delivery rate makes
sense to me. I use about 50 units per day, and have a nominal basal rate
of 0.8 u/hr, and have had no problems with the 42 in. tubing. But, I
cannot use the soft sets successfully, as they generally fail either
immediately, or within a day or so. So I have found the bent needle much
more satisfactory, and because they can be reinserted (not recommended, but
it does work in an emergency) if a failure occurs. The bent needle is
considerably less expensive, and offers no more pain or discomfort than the
soft set, from my experience. In fact, it is considerably easier to
install.
David
Marleyna Kent wrote:
January 15th, 2003 at 11:31 pm
Hi marleyna: I’m using the QRs with the Disetronic V 100, and got a bunch of
42 inchers too. If you prime the tubing and make sure that you don’t leave a
big loop, you shouldn’t have a problem. May also be where you’re placing and
the angle of your cannula. The Softsetter is very helpful in changing the
angle of insertion. good luck. Joan.
January 16th, 2003 at 3:10 am
I have never tried the bent needle method. It seems painful, and since I am
nervous inserting the needle anyway, the "sof-serter" really helps me a lot.
But I don’t know if you can use it for the bent needle method, thought I don’t
see why not.
David Lytle wrote:
January 16th, 2003 at 2:51 pm
Let me assure you that the bent needle is no more painful than the soft set, and
much easier to use. The problem is all psychological! I used the soft set
for
two years before my certified advisor (also a pump user, and a bent needle user)
convinced me that it was the way to go. So, after a few tries, the
psychological problem went away, and I am totally happy.
Try it, you will like it!
David
Marleyna Kent wrote:
January 16th, 2003 at 7:26 pm
Well, I also don’t care for the 42 inch tubing because it is SOOOOOO Long! I
always put my pump either in a pocket if I am wearing jeans or pants with a
pocket, or I wear it in the side of my bra-I don’t like it to show, because I
hate the stares I get, and especially the questions -it makes me feel like a
freak. I’ll be so glad when they come out with the implantable pump, I sure have
the stomach fat for it!!
January 17th, 2003 at 3:33 am
I doubt if my insurance would cover it for a LONG time-they send me a three
months
supply of everything I need, and they just sent a box not too long ago. And I am
sort
of in-between endocranologists right now-I’m not very happy with the one I have
now,
and am trying to find another one that will take my insurance-and it’s not easy!
Has
anyone tried "Rezulin"?? I saw an article that said it was great for type 2,
but
that it is being used more and more with type 1, and that they are greatly
reducing
their insulin. I took the article to my doctor, and she laughed and said it was
not
used for type 1 at all. But today, I was in another diabetic group, and several
insulin dependent diabetics in there had wonderful success using it, and was
able to
greatly reduce their insulin intake. I’m very interested in trying it, but my
doctor
won’t even consider it. She doesn’t seem to be very up-to-date on modern issues.
Also, she is very presumptuous. When my sugars are out of control, it makes me
very
moody, and the last time I was at her office, I wasn’t in a very happy mood, and
she
told me I needed a psychiatrist. I said I wasn’t interested, I just wasn’t in a
good
mood that day. She kept on and on trying to get me to go to one, calling my
house all
hours of the day and night. I still said "no", and so her nurse started calling.
I
repeated AGAIN that I wasn’t interested, and about a week later, some
psychiatrist
called me saying I needed to make an appointment, and she had been referred by
my
endo!! I was pretty angry about the whole situation, and now I really don’t
think I
want to go back to her, even though I have an appointment next week. Am I being
unreasonable, or even paranoid?
David Lytle wrote:
January 17th, 2003 at 11:53 pm
I’ve been on the pump for 4 yrs and I too avoided going on the pump because
it would show..not any more..I display it proudly because I want people to
ask me so I can explain to them how horrible a disease it is and how more
funding is needed to find a cure..Miss America Nichole Johnson wears her pump
out loud to promote education and a cure for diabetes…you shouldn’t be
ashamed of being diabetic, think of it as a crusade, you’ll be surprised to
find out how many people think diabetes is just a touch of sugar and since it
is controllable then thats the same thing as a cure..NOT!!..teach them and
wear your pump proud!!!..Leslie
January 18th, 2003 at 9:26 am
I have to laugh Leslie because you do know how many times I have been asked
Did you get a page? To me I could care less and most people seem very
interested in it and have a lot of questions about it because most people
have friends and family that have diabetes. You are right wear it proudly
and make people aware.
January 18th, 2003 at 12:04 pm
Leslie, that was a good thought-I have always been ashamed of my pump because I
like to wear nice clothes, and I hide my pump in pockets and my bra. My husband
really likes me to wear sexy clothes when we go out-but who can do that with a
computer sticking out of your clothes? And what do some of you do when you want
to go swimming? I’m going to Florida in a couple of weeks, and always have
problems finding a site that will be covered up in a bikini-I don’t like to have
a white stomach in one-peice bathing suits.
January 18th, 2003 at 11:17 pm
I’ve had this pump (I call him Fred) since March and I’ve had more people
tell me that they know someone with one than weird stares and questions. I
don’t even bother hiding it. I figure if it keeps me from pulling out a
needle at restaurants, then it can be seen by all! I’m proud to be too
sweet…..(some people would definately object to that statement)
I have to laugh Leslie because you do know how many times I have been asked
Did you get a page? To me I could care less and most people seem very
interested in it and have a lot of questions about it because most people
have friends and family that have diabetes. You are right wear it proudly
and make people aware.
————————— ONElist Sponsor —————————-
January 19th, 2003 at 4:19 am
I guess it always bothered me because I didn’t want to be considered
"different" in that way-I can’t stand for people to pity me. I became diabetic
when I was 12 years old-23 years ago-and I wanted so badly to be popular in
school, but my mother never would let me join any after school clubs like
cheerleading or drill team because she said I would miss my afternoon snack. I
was very sheltered, and she always told all my teachers and friends that I met
to keep an eye on me, that I was a very sick girl. I had several doctors back
then tell me that since I was diabetic, I would be lucky to reach age 30, so as
a result, I never went to college, thinking"what’s the use, if I won’t live
that long?’ When I was a teenager, I couldn’t find a job because I was
diabetic. So I started lying about it to get a job. Of course that didn’t work
because I would always end up having an insulin reaction, and then people would
know. I’ve never been able to hold down a job because of my diabetes, whether
it is from having too many low blood sugars, or having to drink a lot and go to
the bathroom a lot because it is too high. I’ve been trying to get on
disability for years, with no luck because I’m not legally blind. I’m just very
lucky to have a husband who has a good job, so I don’t work anymore. I don’t
know what would happen to me if he had an accident, or left me because I’m not
able to hold down a job for long.
January 19th, 2003 at 3:32 pm
I’ve never had a problem with work, school or anything. I was diagnosed
when I was 14 (almost ten years ago) and when it was time to get a job,
didn’t have to lie about it or nothing. Sure I’d have low bgs, but
everyone was always ready to get me into the breakroom or something. The
was always "the plan". Now, I have a office job and everyone knows I’m
diabetic. They think it’s great that I have a pump. And they’re the same
way, if I start acting weird someone tells me to test my blood. And
they’re finding out that usually it’s just me acting silly. Can’t take
life too seriously, gotta have some fun. But I also work in payroll for an
air medical service. So everyone knows about sickness and stuff. You
shouldn’t be ashamed for being different. You shouold be happy that you’re
not like everyone else. I live by the "God will never give a person more
than they can handle", so I figured God is really testing me. With
diabetes, rhuematory arthritis and migraines. I feel special enough that I
can handle all that and still make my own money and not depend on anyone.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to stay at home, but I guess it’s the gen X
era, female independacy and all that. My boyfriend hates that I’m so
independant.
I guess it always bothered me because I didn’t want to be considered
"different" in that way-I can’t stand for people to pity me. I became
diabetic
when I was 12 years old-23 years ago-and I wanted so badly to be popular in
school, but my mother never would let me join any after school clubs like
cheerleading or drill team because she said I would miss my afternoon
snack. I
was very sheltered, and she always told all my teachers and friends that I
met
to keep an eye on me, that I was a very sick girl. I had several doctors
back
then tell me that since I was diabetic, I would be lucky to reach age 30,
so as
a result, I never went to college, thinking"what’s the use, if I won’t live
that long?’ When I was a teenager, I couldn’t find a job because I was
diabetic. So I started lying about it to get a job. Of course that didn’t
work
because I would always end up having an insulin reaction, and then people
would
know. I’ve never been able to hold down a job because of my diabetes,
whether
it is from having too many low blood sugars, or having to drink a lot and
go to
the bathroom a lot because it is too high. I’ve been trying to get on
disability for years, with no luck because I’m not legally blind. I’m just
very
lucky to have a husband who has a good job, so I don’t work anymore. I
don’t
know what would happen to me if he had an accident, or left me because I’m
not
able to hold down a job for long.
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January 20th, 2003 at 4:42 am
I’m glad you have a good job, dispite your diabetes. Maybe times have changed
since I was a teenager, and jobs are less discrimitory. I worked at menial
telephone sales jobs when I was young, and always got fired because of my
diabetes. When I was 21, I was forced to take a job as an exotic dancer because
I couldn’t find a job good enough to pay the bills. Needless to say, the money
was so good that I stayed in that horrible situation until I was 30, then went
to work as a cashier at a large country nightclub. I have panic attacks, and my
managers used to try to make me have one, so they would have a reason to fire
me. I did a good job at work, but they didn’t like the fact that I had to have
a lot more bathroom breaks than the other employees, so when I had my first
panic attack at work, they knew they had an edge on me, and started "writing me
up" whenever I had one. They said after 3 write ups, I was fired. The manager
wouldn’t let me go to the bathroom when my sugar was high, forcing me into a
panic attack. I finally got sick of it and walked out. I tried a couple of
other jobs after that, and pretty much the same thing happened, so I haven’t
worked since, and have been trying to get on disability, but no luck so far.
Maybe the discrimatory laws are different here in tennessee.
January 20th, 2003 at 4:55 pm
Dear Marleyna,I agree that sometimes you want to hide the pump..especially in
a slinky dress..I quite often have to dress for special occasions and find
that I can hide it in pantyhose or tight panties very far down if you know
what I mean as long as I take the cover and pump holder off..I’m quite thin
and no one has ever suspected anything..except that you have to go to the
ladies room when you want to bolus..as far as the bikini issue,if I know that
I’m going to wear one I put my site as far down as I can (shave if you have
to )..hope this helps..lots of luck..Leslie
January 21st, 2003 at 5:05 am
My problem is dresses that you can’t wear a bra with-that’s where I usually keep
mine. I’ve tried putting it on a garter, but it always falls out, and comes out
of me. I used to have a place where I could order things like special t-shirts,
carriers, etc. but I can’t find it-if I remember correctly, it was something
like
"Unique pump supplies" Does anyone have their address?
January 21st, 2003 at 4:10 pm
I’m sorry, I have to ask. How old are you? Diabetes is NOT a disability.
You do not deserve any money or help from the state because YOU cannot keep
your BG under control. Quit whining and take control of your situation. Go
see a Dr, get something for the panic attacks, anti-depressants are great
now, you defiantely sound like a good candidate. The frequent urination is
a sign that your diabetes is NOT under control. That will stop when YOU
take charge. I’m sorry, your posts are really ticking me off.
David Type 1 {LADA} (who LOVES his MM 507c Insulin Pump)
Assimilated into the Borg Collective on May 3, 1999, at 1200 hours
January 22nd, 2003 at 9:54 am
are you sure it doesn’t hurt at all? because usually when i put in the
needle using the injector thing, it doesn’t hurt, but sometimes it doesn’t
go in all teh way and i have to pull it out and that hurts so bad. its
seriously the worst pain i have ever felt. it burns and everything. and i
can’t imagine inserting it by myself. is the needle smaller or anything?
and doesn’t it hurt because the needle stays inside of you all the time?
i’m 17 and i’m pretty active, so do you think it is still a good idea for me
to try?
courtney
January 22nd, 2003 at 4:41 pm
OK, I’m lost on this issue, what exactly is the "bent needle"?
are you sure it doesn’t hurt at all? because usually when i put in the
needle using the injector thing, it doesn’t hurt, but sometimes it doesn’t
go in all teh way and i have to pull it out and that hurts so bad. its
seriously the worst pain i have ever felt. it burns and everything. and i
can’t imagine inserting it by myself. is the needle smaller or anything?
and doesn’t it hurt because the needle stays inside of you all the time?
i’m 17 and i’m pretty active, so do you think it is still a good idea for
me
to try?
courtney
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January 23rd, 2003 at 3:14 am
I tried the bent needle for a couple of days and had soreness in the area.
Just was not for me, and my sugars where high to. i prefer the tender or the
silhouette I do not even know I have it on. As far as the soft set, it left
huge welts on my stomach. Hated the dangling tubing and the tape was
impossible to get off. I know that other people love these sets but a lot of
it is an indivual preference.
January 26th, 2003 at 2:26 am
Of course it hurts; nothing is free. But the pain is no more that the soft set
needle. I have been doing this for so long that the pain is no longer a
factor; I just ignore it.
As far as whether this is good for you, that is for you to decide! Evaluate the
story, and go for what you think is right.
courtney collins wrote:
January 26th, 2003 at 10:34 am
The bent needle is simply that; a very fine needle, bent at an angle, that is
inserted in a convenient place, and held in by tape. Once inserted, there is
no discomfort. I virtually forget it is there once installed. But, it can
come out unexpectedly at times.
David
January 26th, 2003 at 7:06 pm
Thanks, but I think I’ll stay with the silhouette. Maybe in a couple
years, I’ll change my mind. I’m still trying to get used to inserting
myself. Every now and then it stings when I take the needle out. But it
doesn’t bother me any other time. And for a while, within minutes, it
would get irritated if I inserted on my left side. (abdomen) I guess it
just takes practice to master this thing. But hey, if it helps me, I’ll do
it! I’m anxious to see what my first A1c will be next month. It had
better be good, otherwise I’ll have to kick myself! It was 9.1 last time.
I wasn’t, what you would call, a loyal tester with needles, but since I’ve
gotten this pump, I’m testing 3-4 times a day. Always when I eat and
occasionally at bed time. And I’m assuming with my sugars being more
stable is why I’m losing weight. I’ve lost about 15 pounds since I’ve
started too. Has anyone had this happen too?
The bent needle is simply that; a very fine needle, bent at an angle, that
is
inserted in a convenient place, and held in by tape. Once inserted, there
is
no discomfort. I virtually forget it is there once installed. But, it
can
come out unexpectedly at times.
David
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January 27th, 2003 at 7:07 pm
Dear Marleyna,
i can understand your frustration with your doctor. it might be a good idea
to talk to her about your disatisfaction with her before you change doctors,
though. About Rezulin, I was reading an article today that it is
recommended that doctors limit prescribing it due to an unacceptably high
rates of liver failures. I don’t think it is worth the risk.
Selam
January 28th, 2003 at 3:15 am
Dear Marleyna,
I have been diabetic since I was 15 years old, I am now twenty six. I have
been on the pump three months. Last week I received my MD degree. My
diabetes has helped me more than hinder me. When I talk to a diabetic
patient, I can empathize with them. You are young, you have your whole life
ahead of you. You can do anything you want to do. Diabetic or not.
Selam
January 29th, 2003 at 4:27 am
way to be a good sport. thanks a lot buddy. see ya later.
courtney
January 29th, 2003 at 8:46 pm
Marleyna: Joan again…if you really want to get your sugar where you need
it to be, it’s time to educate yourself more. See about going to a Joslin
Center. they’re all over the country…and remember, like any relationship,
not everyone is going to get along with their physician, nurse practitioner,
other health care provider. If you are locking horns and preventing yourself
from getting good care, it’s time to regroup and rethink your options.
Getting yourself hooked up with a Diabetes support group, I think, would help
you a LOT! That and good endocrine group will set you on the right road.
Talk to your pump trainer, and if you’re on AOL type in joslin (I think) and
see what you find. If no success, let me know and I’ll find the literature
and e-mail address. Joan:)
January 30th, 2003 at 4:54 am
Marleyna: we meet again! In all this, it seems that you need to be talking
Joan
to other pumpers in the flesh as well as on line. I get the feeling you feel
you are alone…NOT! Sounds like you and husband need to take a look at the
long picture…If you have been a successful pump user for 5 years and you
are keeping your glucose where you need it to be, then what’s the problem?
You are doing something so very positive for yourself and your life…yes,
diabetes is something none of us reading this wants to deal with, but hey, we
all made the decision to go on the pump to make our lives better. Start
looking at that pump as something very positive. So what, it’s the size of a
beeper. How may executives do you see with cell phones, and multiple beepers
on their hips? Too many, so what is the difference. Leslie said it - be
PROUD AND start enjoying your life…later
February 12th, 2003 at 9:53 am
Hi!
There are different styles of infusion supplies. time to meet up with your
pump rep and pick his/her brains on the type of supplies available. Might
find something else you like. Joan:)
February 21st, 2003 at 1:17 pm
i have the minimed507C and i’m going to an amusement park soon. and they
have a lot of water rides and even a water park. what should i do w/my
pump? i know i can’t have it off all day, but i can’t take it on the water
rides either. i could lock it up in a locker when we go on the water rides,
but we never know when we are going to go on the water rides and sometimes
the lines are over an hour long. does anybody have any suggestions? thanks
courtney
February 25th, 2003 at 4:26 am
Hi courtney, isn;t the minimed waterproof up to a point? I wouldn’t leave
the pump off for that length of time, your sugars could go nuts. Ziplock bag
and some tape inside the t-shirt you’ll be wearing to protect from sunburn?
Joan:)
February 26th, 2003 at 3:12 pm
thanks i’ll check into it.