Is it really a good thing?
Just wondering…the doc wants me to pump…I’m still not sure. Even with more
of these letters being positive. Imean the mini med, or D-Tron. I was in a
meeting of ten people, two walked out and one who has been on the pump for nine
years and wants a newer one, went into the ER twice in the last year. I had
also heard that some doctors aren’t in favor of this. Maybe it’s just my KFC
side showing its feathers, but, does anyone feel the same? Thanks, Jim
March 6th, 2005 at 6:12 pm
I have been diabetic for 32 years and on the pump for 3 1/2 yrs. . I would
say it is definitely worth it. Ask yourself how your control is now. Mine
had a hard time being consistent before the pump. If you can control you BS
with multiple injections and you like the strict meal schedule, then maybe
you don’t need the pump. But if you want the "freedom", it is worth it. It
took me awhile to get used to it. A few months after I started the pump,
Mini-Med changed it’s tape and I was allergic to it. I disconnected from
the pump and went back to shots and gave up. I started feeling really bad.
High in the mornings. Lows for no reasons. . It was horrible. I decided to
give the pump another try. This time I switched to the "silhouettes
infusion sets" (I’m not allergic to) and went back on the pump and have felt
much, much better since. Yes, I still have the a few ups and downs, but
overall I feel much better than before the pump. Just weigh the pros and
cons to make your decision. Good luck, Love, Jeana in AK
—– Original Message —–
> Just wondering…the doc wants me to pump…I’m still not sure
March 7th, 2005 at 7:22 am
> Just wondering…the doc wants me to pump…I’m still not sure. Even with
more of these letters being positive. Imean the mini med, or D-Tron. I was
in a meeting of ten people, two walked out and one who has been on the pump
for nine years and wants a newer one, went into the ER twice in the last
year. I had also heard that some doctors aren’t in favor of this. Maybe
it’s just my KFC side showing its feathers, but, does anyone feel the same?
Thanks, Jim >
Jim,
Actually there are now 3 pump companies: Animas, Disetronic, and MiniMed.
Ten people in a room is not indicative of the over 10,000 pumpers. Many say
you will get the pump away only by prying it out of their cold, dead hands.
You have absolutely normal fears/questions. I would suppose an unborn baby
might say, what are these arms and legs for? I don’t use them - I’m
comfortable like I am. But, oh, the freedom with a pump (arms & legs). Nine
years on a pump - is it the SAME pump? Most people want a newer model
vehicle - the same with pumps. When the warranty is out of date, then it is
time to upgrade. My first pump (8/83) was the size of a checkbook box! It
was upgraded 6 wks later to one the size of a king-size pack of cigarettes.
I used that one for 9 years when the co. quit mfg. pumps and I got a MM 506.
My second pump still delivered in whole units only, but it did give my last
bolus recall and I could set a supplemental basal rate. It had smaller
batteries that still had to be recharged every 3-4 days. My 3rd (6 yrs) &
4th pumps deliver as little as nothing, to 0.1u per hr. I have the
possibility of 48 different basal rates, and temporary rate. This is NOT a
real pancreas, but the next best thing going.
I cannot understand why doctors don’t go for the pump, but MANY doctors who
HAVE diabetes DO wear pumps themselves because THEY know it’s the gold
standard of DM care. Don’t cheat yourself out of the best option available.
Keep asking questions - it took me a year to decide.
My first pump can be seen on me where it says PHOTOS on my website.
March 7th, 2005 at 9:42 pm
KFC???
Well Jim, it’s true the pump is not for everyone, but, if you’re dedicated
and want to improve your quality of life and avoid those terrible
complications "down the road", then the pump IS the way to go. It doesn’t
come without a price tho, it’s expensive to buy initially and supplies too
and requires frequent maintenance. Given all that I’ve been pumpin with my
"D" for 18 months now and will NEVER go back to injections. The results are
phenomenal.
fp
March 10th, 2005 at 8:32 am
Jim: I couldn’t say it better. Jan’s been on the pump probably longer than
many of us. It’s always scarey to make a radical change in the way you take
care of yourself and your diabetes. Like getting a new hair style, it has to
grow on you. If you have an endo that isn’t into pumps, it’s time to find
someone who’s going with the flow. If you want research, go to cdc.gov then
to the niddk (national institute of digestive, diabetes, and kidney
diseases). Look up the DCCT and UKDCCT. The research shows that those
diabetics (whether type 1 or 2) benefit from intensive self management.
That’s what pumping is all about. Give it a shot (no pun intended), you have
absolutely nothing to lose, and a freedom you only wished for….Joan:)
March 10th, 2005 at 3:57 pm
<< Give it a shot (no pun intended), >>
I guess we could say give it an infusion!
Patrick
The NC bluegrass pickin’ pumper