I went to see a man about a pump...

[Nell80]

...Endocrinologist to be precise, I hope to have one fitted on the NHS. I dont feel I was really listened to.

I was told that I didnt fit the criteria right now to be fitted with a pump, my Hba1c levels are too high and I dont have regular contact with a dietitian, so he is putting these things into place to set the balls rolling - thats fine, I am happy with this.

He reaffirmed the need to inject my levemir in the "pocket" area of my leg (really???...thanks for the tip)...but what -really- upset me was that he advised this inspite of the fact that the reason I havnt been injecting there is because I have lipohypertrophy (I couldnt remember the word at the time, but I described the massive lump of fat there which is on both sides)...and they then said to do it in my ass...I dont want to gain fat on my ass as well !!! at which point I welled up, but they reaffirmed like automatons and moved on.

He commented that I tested my blood sugar too often and inquired about this, it was obvious he was concerned about the "cost" to the NHS. People who dont have diabetes...even DOCTORS dont seem to understand that -what- my blood sugars are comes in second to finding out the direction and rate which it is moving...which is why at each test point in the day, I may need to do it, 2 or 3 times within the space of an hr or 2. The 2nd time to see if it is rising and falling...the 3rd to see if the action taken (sugar etc) is working if the 1st result indicated my sugars were in a place where something needed to be done....surely this is better than not testing at all...I am frightened they are going to try and "ween" me off testing as much, he said: "but surely you can tell when you are going hypo by the feeling"....and I said "by the time I feel hypo, I -am- hypo of course...I thought blood testing was to prevent this from happening??".

Theres other stuff that concerned me, but I shall leave it there for now...the way I was treated today makes me worry that my feelings and needs within this process arnt going to be treated with respect....do I want/need an insulin pump enough to be treated in that way?...I'm pretty sure it would make a -huge- difference to my current control issues, but, if my lifestyle needs and healthy eating habits are challenged without being given their due respect I think I would rather go without and leave this world with a clear conscience (dont worry, my life isnt in danger at all, i'm merely referring to the grand scheme)....Rant over, it was just a great reminder as to why I never bother asking for help.

Has anyone else had experiences like this? Can anyone give me any reassurance or advice?

 

[pumppimp]

Hi Nell80,
I went through this type of thing with different consultants for years some just don't know very much about pumps and are not very inclined to let people try them because of the cost. Firstly what is your HbA1C? The guidelines say that if you are persistently above 8.5% with mdi and regular checking then you do actually qualify for one. It's just quite hard for your Dr's to agree you need one, it took 3 years to get mine (my consultant lied to me and told me the hospital didn't have anyone on pumps they already had 10 people pumping). The people who get pumps most of the time are just the ones that shout the loudest about it and have read up on it. I would google the guidelines and print them out and bring them to your next appointment along with a better research on pumping and don't be afraid to correct the consultant and stop him when you don't agree with what they're saying. Always be polite, but at the same time stand up for yourself.
There are lots of different places to inject, injecting in the same area causes damage to your skin and tissue and will cause poor absorption. There are 2 legs, 2 arms, a stomach and 2 bum cheeks up for grabs the more you rotate the better it will be for you. I would also ask the dietician how to carb count when you see them next, but there is also lots of info on here and different books you can read to start teaching yourself. Everyone on a pump knows how to carb count and this is usually expected of everyone to learn before they get one. In some rare cases you can test too much i met a lady who tested every hour and 2 hourly over night but this was an OCD thing, she wasn't trying to get better control in which case you can never test to much just make sure you leave enough time after meals for your insulin to work before you test otherwise you'll get high readings that you don't have to do anything about. If you really don't like the way your dr talks to you slip your phone in your pocket and reccord the conversation then you have a transcript of examples if you wanted to make a complaint or you can ask for a nurse, or a relative to sit with you in the room so you have witnesses.
Also input are really good at helping people get pumps and could put you in touch with someone who is on one in your area and reccomend a consultant close to you who is in charge of the program.
good luck, Laura