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Considering getting a pump

AK2018

AK2018

Member
Messages
9
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi,

This might be a stupid question but I'm considering getting a pump but one of my main concerns is that it is going to be really sore to attach the cannula.. I've just overcome a needle phobia in the last 6 months.

Do people find inserting the cannula sore? Is it similar to inserting a libre sensor in any way?

Thanks
 
I find attaching the cannula easier than injecting ... and you only have to do it once every 2 or 3 days.
Comparing it to Libre insertion is a fair comparison in terms of pain. The difference for me is that you can see what you are doing (which has pros and cons).

If you are considering a pump, you need to talk to your diabetes team and have clear reasons for wanting it.
Not everyone will qualify and it is not easy at the start - it is like relearning how to manage your diabetes.

I have had a pump for 3 years and would struggle if I have to give it back. The motivation for me was to reduce hypos when exercising which I can do by adjusting my basal. But I have had problems for example when my pump failed and had to be more accurate with my carb counting.
 
I have recently been recently and was dreading the cannula change over. Honestly it is less painful than a finger prick. Comparing it to the Libre insertion...the Libre hurts more (and that doesn't hurt at all lol).
As @helensaramay has said you need to discuss the pump with your diabetic team.
After 48 years of injecting it is all new to me and takes a while to get used to it and to get it set up correctly for yourself.
 
Hi @AK2018 There are different types of cannula sets available for pumps, i've tried 2 types, the first was a Mio which was a plastic cannula set insertion, I didn't agree with this, had bent cannulas as well as red sore spots from the set which lasted a week, i've changed to a steel set which is inserted manually and works brilliantly rarely hurts when being applied too.

It's a good idea to read up on NICE guidelines too: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta151/chapter/1-Guidance as well as chatting to your DSN.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone! This has been really helpful. I'm going to bring it up at my clinic next month :)
 
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