researching the pump
I am not currently an insulin pump user. However, I am going to see a Dr,
about using the pump and if I would be a good candidate. If anyone can give
me an idea what it’s like I’d sure appreciate it. I have been a brittle
diabetic for 24 years and I am now having some complications I am NOT happy
with. Have any of you experienced "turn around" or improvement in diabetes
complications since starting the pump? Please reply-Rachel
December 11th, 2004 at 11:42 am
<< Have any of you experienced "turn around" or improvement in diabetes
complications since starting the pump? Please reply-Rachel >>
Yes definitley!!!! Its the best thing thats ever happened to me. I am a
brittle diabetic. My blood sugars have improved immensly. Just the sheer
convience of the pump makes it worth while to me. Having decent blood sugars
is a plus on top of that. I feel like diabetes doesnt rule my every move
anymore. Its still a pain and is there but I feel 100% better w/it. I can
actually sleep in if I want, I dont have to eat on a schedule. If Im sick I
dont end up in the ER like I used to, I dont have to eat if Im not hungry or
if Im sick, I dont have any more huge lumps on my arms and legs from all my
shots. I do have a few in my belly area from the infusion sites. I could go
on and on. Oh yeah I dont have to worry if I order my food and it takes
forever to come because I already took my insulin. I dont have to excuse
myself to go to the restroom to take my shot while everyone else can sit and
have conversation, etc etc. In other words I LOVE MY PUMP!!! Ill be totally
set when they come up w/a cure of course but this is the best thing thats
happened to me in my 32yrs of being a diabetic. I hope this helps. Chrissy
December 12th, 2004 at 4:04 am
> I am not currently an insulin pump user. However, I am going to see a Dr,
> about using the pump and if I would be a good candidate. If anyone can
give
> me an idea what it’s like I’d sure appreciate it. I have been a brittle
> diabetic for 24 years and I am now having some complications I am NOT
happy
> with. Have any of you experienced "turn around" or improvement in diabetes
> complications since starting the pump? Please reply
>-Rachel
December 15th, 2004 at 1:28 pm
Racheal,
I have had DM for almost 44 yrs and have been on an insulin pump for almost
19 yrs. I do have complications and I don’t know of any real turn around,
but I fully believe I would not be alive today (almost 49) if it were not
for my pump. I immediately had more control, I am also brittle. My A1c are
good. And I live a good life, which I don’t feel I would be doing without
the pump. The pump has also given my much more flexiblility, which in turn
has made less stress in my life. If you have any more questions feel free
to ask.
Gail
December 15th, 2004 at 10:48 pm
Rachel, I have just started the process. In fact I have not even started
pumping insulin yet, but I do have the pump. I am convinced that it will be
the best decision I have made in regard to my diabetes. Good Luck and just
keep a good attitude.
Bart
December 17th, 2004 at 5:59 am
> Racheal,
> I have had DM for almost 44 yrs and have been on an insulin pump for
almost
> 19 yrs. I fully believe I would not be alive today (almost 49)
> Gail
IN FACT, GAIL’S BIRTHDAY IS THE 29th!!!
(author unknown)
December 18th, 2004 at 5:42 pm
Hi Rachel:
you’ll find that many of us have been diabetic for quite some time and are
experiencing varying degrees of complications. You’ll find that all of us
will tell you that being on pump therapy really made a turn-around in our
lives. There is a committment to yourself, and having to learn a few new
skills and sticking to them, but on the whole, you’ll love pump therapy. You
should be seen by an endocrinologist who understands diabetes and pump
therapy. If you like, go to www.diabeteswell.com….they have an e-patient
management program you might like to try. there’s lots to learn. Take it
from a nurse who’s been diabetic for over 25 years, on insulin 9 and on the
pump 1 1/2+ years….it’s a wonderful thing!!! Joan:)
December 20th, 2004 at 10:40 pm
Rachel,
My turnaround came when I got things under control using multiple injections
and frequent glucose monitoring. The pump came later.
The first thing to do is to get good control with multiple injections,
carbohydrate counting, and all the other stuff you do with the pump, first.
Then, switch to the pump.
If you don’t do this first, the pump will probably not be successful.
David
December 21st, 2004 at 8:51 am
I think David has pretty much hit the nail on the head. I have been taking
multiple injections for quite awhile, but the real change occurred when I
started Carb Counting. I had been stuck in the rut of treating my blood
sugars as opposed to controlling them
Later,
Bart
December 21st, 2004 at 3:39 pm
Rachel,
I know of many, many pumpers who got NO success on MDI until they got a pump
and that fine-tuned basal rate with boluses covering what they eat when they
eat gave them a much better life. Don’t set yourself up for a guilt trip if
you are not successful on MDI. The pump is the way to go.
Jan