February 14, 2010

I have been thinking a lot about insulin pumps lately; typically, if and when I want to make the switch.  I know a pump would allow me to have better control.  I also believe a pump is more convenient.  I would love to avoid the 4 or more daily injections that are now part of my life, and I would like to experience the freedom that pumps seem to offer.

But there are still a lot of unknowns that I cannot get my head around.  For instance, what do you do with the pump while you are sleeping?  Intimate?  Showering?  Swimming?  Do you really have more freedom when you are attached to this device 24/7?  Which would be better for my lifestyle – a pump with a tube or tubeless?

I am embarrassed to admit this, but in the interest of total honesty, my biggest hang up at the moment is body image.  I know it sounds pretty vain, but if I was pumping tomorrow I would want the option to be discreet.  Where do you put the pump when you are wearing a dress?  Business attire?  Casual wear?  Which type of pump offers more flexibility in this area?  How many pumps are there?

Deciding to go on the pump is a big decision.  In a year where I have experienced so many changes, I am not sure if I can handle anymore.  I have talked with my endo several times and will continue to have these conversations until I am comfortable and at peace with the decision to make the switch.  Who knows when that will be, if ever?  Currently, I am able to manage my blood sugar well with daily injections, but if that were to ever change I am sure I would make the switch sooner rather than later.

Did anyone else have a similar internal struggle with this decision?  What led you to make the choice that you made?

Comments

Search

Laura   |SAdministrator |2010-02-16 17:31:10 I went through all of these questions/doubts. I have now been on the pump for 10 years! I think having a supportive boyfriend at the time (now my husband) was helpful. I also had an amazing diabetes educator who also had type 1 and wore a pump. Can you call some of the companies and ask if you can try out their product? I think most of the companies and reps are more than happy to come out and train you and allow you to try their product for a week or so. (I did this with the cgm recently.) But I do love my pump. I can't imagine doing injections again. I did go off the pump during my honeymoon to Tahiti (8 years ago because I wanted to be able to wear my swimsuit without connecting and disconnecting from my pump. My doctor helped me figure out how much lantus I would need, but overall it was an easy "vacation" from my pump. (I was VERY ready to get my pump back.) Anyway, good luck. It is a big decisi...

jgarrett   |24.163.40.xxx |2010-02-19 21:18:33 I have been on the pump for over a year now. Before I decided on which pump to choose, my doctor sent me to a diabetes education center to "test drive" different pumps by using saline in them. The first pump I tested for 3 days, and it was tubing free. The first day I thought it was wonderful- I was ready to take the plunge and get that one. Then that night, I somehow got my shirt tangled up in the bottom of it, and almost ripped it all the way out of the site. Once that happens- you lose all of your insulin in the pod. The other thing that made me realize that it wasn't for me was that it had to stay connected to you- the whole pod. It just felt a little awkward to me. So the next day, I called the center and told them that I would like to try one with the tubing. And actually- it was the one I went with. You can disconnect when you shower, swim, exercise, and when being intimate. I usually just clip it in

jules   |24.34.194.xxx |2010-02-27 12:28:37 i think this is such a hard decision to make. i struggled with the same questions and concerns. i finally decided to do it and my only regret is not having done it sooner. i decided in hopes of better control and more freedom. i think i have gained both. i love my pump! my diabetes educator, classes and a support group really helped me adapt. there is an adaptation period. some of what i love: my insulin is really with me and easily accessible anywhere and any second. not having to pull out a pen/syringe in public or go to the bathroom. one injection every 3 days. one kind of insulin to manage. temporary basal rates (so great for excercise and other events!). dual/square wave bolus to help with high fat foods. syncs with my bg meter. syncs with my continuous bg monitor. how i deal with the challenges: i sleep with the pump under my pillow. i cut a small hol...

mflint   |Administrator |2010-02-28 12:51:04 Thanks guys! It helps to hear the pros and cons from those that have first hand experience. It is a huge decision.

Only registered users can write comments!

Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.26

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."