Hello everyone,I just found this forum and I have a question with regard to Punp Therapy. I have now been on the pump for five days and Im having a real tough time getting used to having a catheter sticking out of me 24/7. I am also having a tough time with the unit and am very uncomfortable all day long. It also hurts me as well.

My question to any pumpers out there is knowing that Im new to this and there is a period of adjustment, will all these feelings disappear? I know this is for my own good and I want to give it a shot. I just want to hear from your experiences and how well you have adjusted to the pump physically as well as psychologically ?

Thanks in advance!!!

My 11 year old son has been on the pump for over a year. He loves it. He uses a 90 degree canula. I think that type is easier than the other types.

Merchita,
I've been on the Paradigm pump since last October, and I would NEVER go back to shots! I love everything about the pump, especially the better blood glucose control and the freedom the pump gives me.

Of course, it isn't without a few minor problems. Occasionally a site will get sore. If that happens, I usually change the site because I've found that if it's feeling sore, the insulin probably isn't absorbing well(obvious by the higher bg readings.) I don't mind having it attached...I just hook it onto the waistband of my pants during the day. At night I wear a waist belt with a pouch for the pump, and I turn it so the pump is at the small of my back. Since I toss from side to stomach to side, it never gets in my way there.

If I've got a good site, I don't even feel the catheter at all.

What type of pump do you have? Where do you wear it? Were you on shots before the pump? And how good was your blood glucose before the pump and how's it been since the pump?

These questions can all make a difference in how you feel about the pump. Fact is, as insulin dependent diabetics, we've only got two choices...but that's one more choice than we had a few years ago!

Hello Sam, the pump is Animas IR1000. The site is in my lower belly, either left or right, and I connect it to my pants or skirt.
My bs's haven't been that good either, actually pretty high!!.

Merchita,
You have to change the site every 3 days or so; at some point, you're going to run out of "lower belly"! You can use all the same locations you used for shots.

If your blood sugars are still running too high, you need to figure out why. Perhaps you're not counting carbs correctly. Or, you're counting correctly but your insulin/carb ratio is set too low.

Or perhaps your basal rates need adjusting. I'm not familiar with the Animas pumps, but most pumps have the ability to program for at least 3-4 basal rates per day. Some pumps also have the ability to program basal rate patterns. For example, a weekday pattern and a weekend pattern (for more/less activity or sleeping later, etc.).

You may need to work with your doctor or Diabetes Educator more closely in order to get your blood glucose better regulated. That's the whole idea of a pump. However, you need to be motivated, too...if you don't test often enough, you can't figure out what's going on and therefore you can make the necessary adjustments.

How long have you been diabetic, and how was your control BEFORE you went on the pump?

Merchita,

I also have a Minimed Paradigm Pump and I love it! One of my co-workers however has an Animas pump and while she also loves hers, she has told me that injecting the catheter can be a little uncomfortable. One difference we often talk about is the fact that the Animas pump does not have any insertion devices. The Paradigm Pump has what is called a Quick-Serter for the infusion sets I use and it inserts it rather quickly and comfortably.
As for discomfort while wearing the pump....I guess I noticed it for about a week or so. But after that, I was fine. Occassionally a site will get sore, but like in some of the other posts, I just change infusion sets and sites. Could you be allergic to the adhesive tape you are using?
Call your pump company. maybe they can recommend another infusion set for you to try. You should also try to work with your endocrinologist to get those Bg's under control. Since being on the pump, my bg's are usually 70 - 160 whereas before they ranged from 20 - 400. Just adjust your basal and bolus rates little by little until you get it right. It takes some work in the beginning, but don't get discouraged!!

Megan