How long to get a pump privately?

Hello @CosmicOwl

To be honest I am unsure you can do this privately in the UK, pump companies run alongside the NHS in providing them to approved patients, the NHS manages the pump training for patients and co-ordinates the supply of the consumables, I haven't yet come across anyone on the forum who has privately funded one, that doesn't mean to say it can't be done, just unsure how it would be done.

What's your team's view on this ? Can you ask them for their approval ?

Bear in mind even if you have a pump you still need long acting insulin supplies - pumps can fail so you need a back up.

CosmicOwl said:

Hi,

I was wondering how long it would take to get an insulin pump privately. I was planning on taking this route anyway due to many reasons and am aware it is expensive, but I have saved up money to be able to buy one and can maintain the costs.

I just received a phone call from my pharmacy that there are going to be shortages of tresiba between August and January, so to potentially avoid needing to change long acting insulin as I want to get a pump anyway, I am hoping someone can tell me how long the process takes with buying the pump, accessories, relevant training etc…I haven’t ever done anything privately alongside the NHS before and whilst I do have an appointment with my GP next week to discuss the process it would really help to hear some first hand experiences with regards to buying and how long it took overall as well as any advice. My GP is already pro pump and I know I would get the insulin through the NHS too.

Thank you!

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Have you received any info on what you’re looking for? Do you intend to get a CGM too? I’m in the US, so I can’t offer any help I’m afraid. Here, you need a doctor’s prescription to get the pump and CGM and certain supplies, like sensors for the CGM, and infusion sets and reservoirs, whether you self pay or use insurance.

I recall that I watched several online instructional videos about the device and met with my pump trainer about 3 times. I wore the pump for a few days with just saline water to get adjusted to using it without actual insulin in it. I was able to email and text my pump trainer for a couple of weeks when I first started. I would say working with a CDE (pump trainer) is imperative. There’s a lot to read and also you have to be able to demonstrate how to use the device in her presence. After the order went through, the company shipped me the device. I got it in a day or two, but had to take it to the pump trainer to get it set up. She and my Endo worked to determine what my Basal rates should be and Insulin/carb ratios should be initially based on prior dosing. It took me a couple of months to get going, though this was determined by the pump trainer’s availability.