is pumping for me?
Hi. I’m new to this conference, but not diabetes. I’ve been
diabetic for, oh, 42.5 years. I live near Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
I teach
and do art photography and digital imaging.
I feel young, look good and, as one of the member’s noted recently,
thought that I was doing so well that I was fairly indestructible.
Not so, of course. Since last Spring I’ve learned that I have some
neuropathy in my feet, but not bad. My sugars have been all over the
place. The neuropathist suggested a book called THE DIABETIC
SOLUTION by Bernstein. It has its own diet solution to controlling
blood sugars, but what was most important to me was its explanation
of the difference between Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and, more
especially, how this malady works on the body. Insidious little
bugger.
I have known since a child that my kidneys, the nerves in my feet and
my eyes could be damaged by diabetes. What I have learned to my
distress over the years is that my frozen shoulders, the small lumps
in my hands, etc., etc. are all diabetic-related. The Diabetic
Solution cleared up a number of misconceptions and I learned and
learned more about diabetes. In a way, I’m glad I wasn’t so aware of
ALL the implications, Geez, it could make you a hypochondriac!
In this very large metropolis of Toronto, we don’t have many endos
who do recommend pumping. (The head of Endo at a major city
hospital, for instance.) They site the usual difficulties rather than
the positive issues.
I’m almost certain I will be getting a pump. I’m determined to make
my life easier and my health not so precarious.
It’s been what seems like a very long journey for me. About 10 years
ago, my endo started suggesting multiple injections. I figured he
was just on a bandwagon. After about 5 or 6 years, I agreed to try
two shots a day. Then a couple of years ago he wanted me to go to
3 or 4 shots a day. I resisted that, too. About a year ago, while
still doing 2 shots, I asked him what my Hb1AC had been about 7
years ago, on one shot. 7.7 or is it .77? My current Hb1AC was .78.
Not enough of a difference to make me want to shoot up even
more. He was slightly taken aback by my point. Of course, I also
figured that an average over 3 months didn’t take into account the
high highs and the low lows. This test result is, after all, an
AVERAGE.
This past Spring I started feeling totally burnt out, tired and I had
prickles in my feet. As mentioned, I went to a neurologist and
bought the book. By August, I had switched my GP and my Endo, was
seeing a therapist and a dietitian. I also started intensive
insulin therapy at 4 shots a day.
I HATE IT. IT IS ANXIETY PRODUCING - all the time. I feel as I have
a newly diagnosed disease. I remember what it felt like being
"different" as a teenager. This is worse.
I have not, 2, but 4+ chances (that’s 100% more) to see what my BS
is. I get depressed and angry every time it reads 18mmol/L (in
US that’s about 324) since it just plain should NOT. I watch my
chart figures bounce around like crazy - and I’m following a specific
carb. diet as closely as I can.
This fall, I had my first ever shot from the glucagon kit. Oh, my…
My endo says there is no indication of gastro paresis, but, I ask
myself, how can he tell if it comes on so irregularly? So I look
carefully at my diet and can’t figure out which food is the culprit.
My
therapist says that I should look for a diabetic crisis centre, open
24/7. I don’t believe it exists in Toronto. Here… where it takes
3
months just to get an appointment with your Endo…!
So, would a pump help me? Would it relieve at least some of the
anxiety I am feeling? It should control my ups and downs, but how
hard
is that to accomplish? how long will it take? Our one training
centre in this city of about 8million people has one 3-hour session.
Is
that long enough?
Can you pumpers tell me what is the worst that can go wrong IF
you change sites as recommended
test, test, test
check levels of insulin
work out a worthwhile basal rate
What other points, good and bad, are you familiar with?
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:49 pm
It seems to me that you are a good candidate for a pump; but, keep in
mind that it is no magic bullet. It takes lots of work, discipline,
lots of testing (and adjusting after each test!) to be successful.
I would recommend reading the book ‘Pumping Insulin’ by Walsh (available
at many places, even Amazon.com, I think. Virtually every question you
pose is tackled in this book, with definitive answers.
David
September 23rd, 2005 at 2:55 am
As previously mentioned the "Pumping Insulin" book is the acknowledged
authority here…. I might also point out that though Dr. Bernstein makes a
very solid case, for what would be for most diabetics a very radical diet
(protein based), the essence of continuous insulin therapy is about
awareness of carbohydrate intake.
> Hi. I’m new to this conference, but not diabetes. I’ve been
> diabetic for, oh, 42.5 years. I live near Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
September 23rd, 2005 at 11:00 am
Hi: What’s your name????
Welcome to the list…..first, most of us are going to tell you to invest in
John Walsh’s book on Pumping Insulin 3rd. Ed.
Can get it via Amazon.com.
Sounds like you should start educating yourself and then make your decisions.
That’s why you’re hear.
One of my favorite sites for information is
www.diabeteswell.com
Next, pumping is expensive. Find out what your insurance is going to cover.
First step.
If you’ve been using insulin for 42+ years, then hypertrophy of tissue is not
unusual, so you may have absorption problems that affects your glucose
levels. Find different sites…talk to your endo about using a moderate
acting insulin like NPH in the am & pm, and using a rapid acting like humalog
inbetween.
You can get insulin pens now so that taking insulin is very discrete, and
allows you better control.
Invest in a newer glucometer. Far more accurate and many require less blood
sample. You have to look at doing bg s as you taking control for you and not
just to inform your endo about what you’ve been doing.
Next is…..calm down.
Time to take baby steps…relearn what you should know.
other website resource
www.cdc.gov - from there, you can link to the niddk - national institute of
diabetes, digestive and kidney disorders.
Nutrition - learn about the glycemic index of foods….also can link up
through www.diabeteswell.com
Some carbs digest slower than others…..process of observation over a period
of time.
Fats affect absorption too. High fat intake can shoot glucose off the roof
for some, or slow down absorption for others.
Other resources:
books by Bannerman & Toohey - written for us about us.
And fp - on our list, I believe is up your way, so hopefully, he’ll give his
two cents too!
Have faith, don’t be so afraid, there are things that can still be done to
make life less topsy turvy, but your patience will receive a reward in the
end.
Take care and keep sending your questions….Joan:))))
September 23rd, 2005 at 5:15 pm
I understand your reluctance to several shots a day. After only a couple of
months on an oral agent, I told my doctor to put me on the shots. That was
about 15 years ago. Anyone who knew me knew that that was a major decision
on my part because I had always been totally afraid of shots.
I started with two shots a day. By the time I decided to go on the pump this
past June, I was having to take about 6 shots a day if I were to keeps things
normal. As one can imagine, that is a rough regime when you teach and seldom
have any privacy.
I have found the pump to be a source of freedom for me as opposed to the
injections. I no longer have to go look for a private spot, or go back to
the bus early before anyone else gets back.
If you are willing to test several times and to analyze with your end, etc. I
would highly recommend the pump to anyone. I have told many that it seems to
be a better regime than injections and maybe should be a first plan of
treatment for many.
As with all good things, there is one drawback to the pump. I do feel I am
constantly attached, which of course, I am. But, I soon got used to it.
There will be times you can disconnect if you follow proper precautions. Any
prolonged disconnects need to be accompanied by injections.
Good luck,
Bart
September 24th, 2005 at 5:34 pm
Hi there, A Noble, I’m in the Toronto area too (Brampton). I have been
pumping almost 2 years now and have been thru the bogus Endo routine. I can
probably help you. All I can say about the pump is I WILL NEVER GIVE IT
UP!!
E-mail me privately if you like, maybe I can show you a few shortcuts.
Crisis center? hmmm, Trillium may have one. I presume you’re a type .
I know some "pro Pump" endos, as I call ‘em, too.
fp
September 26th, 2005 at 6:43 am
Hi, sorry for not properly introducing myself. I’m Audra, female, Type 1
diabetic since 1958, using small pens for many years, not
pumping, yet.
Thanks for all replies! Yes, I will "calm down." Yes, I will buy John Walsh’s
book on Pumping Insulin 3rd. Ed. Yes, my insurance covers
the pump and supplies. Yes, I am willing to work at this.