I am now an insulin pumper!

Well, I started on my insulin pump on Friday.  I am already seeing and feeling a difference in my control.  I did already run into a problem.  I developed a leak in my line.  I changed it and everything was fine.  I guess it was good to get that out of the way at the start.  Now I know if a problem happens I can handle it.  It is so nice to not see blood sugar spikes and drops so much anymore.  I'm still working on figuring out just what amounts of basal and bolus I need but I think I am getting pretty close to it already.  I wish I had started the pump years ago.

Congratulations on being on the pump! You will love it (even with the ups and downs). How did you know you had a leak in your tubing?

I have been on the pump for a year after being diabetic since I was a child. Love it. The sugars don't fluctuate as much. It is great.

The only problem I found is - when things go wrong, they go wrong quickly. You really have to test often, and if there is a problem with the delivey - fix it. You can always bolus with an injection of short acting until you get it sorted out. Take Care,
MA

HI, I have been a diabectic for about 27 years as well!  I test around 6 times a day.  It is amazing how quickly it lowers your bs's ; I also find it great when I am working out (cardio or weights).  It is much easier to control when you don't have the long acting hanging around. 

I think I said this, but, the only times mine are high are when something is not connecting.  Mine was really high one day last week - turns out the tubing  was not connecting to the lur-lock (I think that's what it's called).  I discovered this after loading the insulin throught the tubing and noticing that it was not flowing timely.  I usually just take it off and give myself a shot while I troubleshoot. 

What kind of pump are you on?

MA

I also was having extreme lows (and eating non-stop). You will feel better, it's a given. I swam in the Bahamas - I took it off. I think (from my experience), it is safe to go about an hour without it; just test before you take it off and bolus, then test after you put it back on.

I'm not saying it's perfect, but I have had amazing blood sugars since I went on the pump. The longest I went without mine was a night (it was malfunctioning and I freaked), I gave myself a shot of Lantus before bed and went to sleep. I felt awful. It was really weird since I fought going on the pump for years. I did not want to be "attached" to anything. Now I don't even notice it.
I am on the Cozmo. Too bad about your strips - you must be in America! Are you? Take care.
MA
ps did you lower your basal at the gym?

And,yes I did cut my basal while at the gym.

Wow! You think I am a voice of sanity! I always was told those voices were insanity! (just joking)

It is always nice to meet up with someone else that understands what you are experiencing.

Today I am going out for lunch with friends. I plan to show off my pump and I hope I can figure out the carbs right for the meal. I haven't gone out much since I got the pump and I am anxious to see how I handle a meal out.

I wanna go to lunch with friends.... (sniff, sniff) All I do is talk wedding cake to brides all day... (sigh)

AMM said...
I'm on a Minimed Paradigm 722. The biggest trouble I am having is getting my dr's office to prescribe me enough test strips. My nurse/pump trainer thinks I am doing extremely well. I went to the gym yesterday for the first time with it on and did well. Can't wait for summer to see what happens when I take it off for a swim. How long do you go without yours? Do you take a shot when you have it out for something like that? I was having extreme lows during the night on the long acting insulin. I have not had a single one since I am on the pump. I feel so much better and more in control now that I don't have to "feed" my lantus.

I test a lot and had to really increase my prescription for test strips. My pump nurse wrote me one for testing about 15 times a day, that certainly covers it now but took a while to get there.

My pump goes in the pool with me. People think i have a cell phone attached to my suit and warn me, sort of funny but nice of people to notice and care.

I have been using a pump for a few years now and do feel much better.

good luck!

I get the same comments. I was totally worn down by the reactions I was having. I feel great!
MA

Has anyone travelled with a pump? MaryAnn

I am also going to the UK (Glasgow), this summer. I think it might be easier than travelling with the long acting insulin. I went to Glasgow last year (pre-pump) and it took me a couple of days to get things back in order. As far as I know (with the pump), you just change the time when you arrive. Sounds easy!
MA

Don't be too jealous. My last trip to the UK was for my father in law's funeral. I cried most of the 11 hour trip. The next time we go it will be to see my sister in law. She has been to see us once since the funeral. It's our turn to make the trip. It will be so good to see her again.

AMM, Congrats on your new pump. It took me a long time to decide if I really wanted one, The first person I saw with one treated it so poorly I couldn't imagine ever getting it. Years later I was able to talk to a few women I had met,( a mother & daughter) they both had pumps and discribed how wonderful it made their lives. Going on a vacation and not having to go by the clock with the eating. I've been hooked up since Dec 28th of 2006 and we are still doing a few adjustments here and there, I've hit an artery, ouch and I bled like a stuck pig, once I didn't have it connected all the way and the BS rose like crazy. All in all I've had a great experience so far. All the little mishaps have helped me to learn how to check to see what may have gone wrong. I was diagnosed 29 years ago and things have come such a long way since I first started all this. What an improvement. I'm so glad that I found this site, Just One Big Meeting of Fellow Diabetics. I love technology. Keep your spirit up. Good Luck