Do you get to choose which pump?

[Dollyrocker]

Apologies if this has been covered, I couldn't find a thread or anything on the web.

I just wondered, if you are lucky enough to get approved for a pump do you get to choose which one you have or is it down to whatever pumps the diabetes specialist is offering?

If you really wantesd a certain one could you insist on it?

Thanks

 

[iHs]

Hi

This depends a bit on your hospital. Many hospitals are under the impression that everyone will need some sort of guidence from the dsn to use a pump so the dsns are trained to use a particular pump. My hospital mainly favours Medtronic but as I wanted a pump that came with a remote, I asked my dsn if I could look at the Aviva Spirit Combo which she arranged for me to do so along with looking at the Animas. Would have been nice to also see the Dana but dsn was doubtful whether my pct would be willing to fund the Dana teststrips so I saw the Aviva, put the pump in my bra to see what I thought and thought fine, that will be ok for me.

For me, I also wanted a pump that had a luer connection on the cartridges (reservoirs) so that if I didnt get on the manufacturer's sets, I could change and use another company. With Medtronic, you are stuck a bit with using sets that are unique to them although at the moment they are the only company that has a cgm that will talk to their Veo pump.

It won't be until you get whatever pump you and your dsn agree on that you will know after about 12 months whether you have made the right choice or not. I haven't needed much in the way of help from my dsn but she is there if I do need her advice. The training manuals are good. Accu chek give clear picture by picture step by step guidance anyway.

I'm sure that whatever pump you get, it's better than no pump

 

[Dollyrocker]

Thanks for yuour reply iHs, that's really helpful.

I have been doing some research and thought the Dana looked the best but I think i'll try not to get my hopes up on that one if it's rare to get on the NHS.

Remotes definitely sound like a good idea, I'm surprised the pump will fit in your bra (is it in the cup or clipped onto the band?) is it not hugely lumpy and uncomfortable?

 

[iHs]

Thanks for yuour reply iHs, that's really helpful.

I have been doing some research and thought the Dana looked the best but I think i'll try not to get my hopes up on that one if it's rare to get on the NHS.

Remotes definitely sound like a good idea, I'm surprised the pump will fit in your bra (is it in the cup or clipped onto the band?) is it not hugely lumpy and uncomfortable?

I agree that the Dana is about the lightest of the pumps but it doesn't really matter that much when pump is inside your bra cup as mine is. I'm a size 10/12 so need a padded bra :lol: and the pump fits in all ok and you don't really know it's there after one or two mins. My OH loves the fact that my boobs are now a tiny bit bigger 8) and it was all ok even in baking hot weather. I was still able to wear tight fitting t-shirts and no one was any the wiser. I can also put pump in the centre of my bra in a small velcro flap fabric type mobile phone pouch if I wanted. The bg meter/remote is now in a Vodafone mobile phone wallet with the teststrips at the top and the finger pricker inside the wallet next to the meter. It's easy to do test outside as everything is together.

A male friend who has a Veo asked me where I had the pump and was shocked when I said in my boob. He couldn't tell at all and said that he wished he could put his Veo in a bra. If he had a remote, he probably could :mrgreen:

 

[Dollyrocker]

Maybe there's a business opportunity there, pump-holding bras for men! :lol:

 

[shedges]

i was thinking of some kind of holster to hold it next to the skin so it doesn't have to go on the belt. Has anyone come across anything like that?

 

[Debloubed]

Check our pumpwear Sam, loads of ideas, they do a whole range of 'straps' to wear under your clothes or above your clothes and pockets in Tshirts, etc, etc although you could just make them yourself if you are handy with a sewing machine?! They do an under arm holster pouch but to be honest, they all look a bit cumbersome to me! I bought loads when I first got my pump and I don't use any, just tuck it into my bra (ok, ok, not as easy if you don't wear a bra, I know!) :lol: :mrgreen:

 

[shedges]

Hi Deb,

Were you refering to Pump Wear Inc? Or is there another section on this site?

Might see what google returns then get the sewing machine out... i'm not bad with it, once I can be bothered to set it up.

Sam.

 

[Debloubed]

yes, pumpwear inc, the lady who runs it has x3 children with type 1 so I always feel she has designed all the packs with half a clue about what they will be used for?! having said that, a mobile pouch works fine for me so if you can shove it in your pocket, then easy peasy for you!

 

[MushyPeaBrain]

I got a choice of 3 pumps: animas 2020, Medtronic Paradigm Veo and Aviva spirit Combo. My DSN advised against the combo as the clinic has no previous experience of it and they didn't have one for us to look at. I couldn't really have the Veo either as I am partially sighted and the screen is hard to read.

The Animas has a fantastic display and is so intuitive and easy to pick up. iHS is right though - you wont really know if the pump you choose is right for you until you've used it for a while :lol: