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Pump holiday?

sallymac65

Well-Known Member
Messages
104
Location
Norfolk
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Feeling high, people not understanding the difference between type 1 + 2, those people who dont listen!
Hi all

I've been on a pump now for about 7 years now, but have never had what my dsn calls a pump holiday. I know there are lots of advantages of having a pump particularly with the ability to micro manage your insulin levels, but right now getting the cannula in the right place is a nightmare. For me it's stressful enough just trying to put one cannula in, but I am having to use two or three each time, just to get it in the right place. I've had enough, so I'm going to return to mdi for a bit, has anyone had the same experience with the cannulas and/or if you tried having a pump holiday, how did you get on? Thanks for looking at this post, I'm looking forward to a time when I'm not constantly attached !
 
Have you tried different cannula types, from different manufacturers even? I would (and have) try that before taking a pump break.

Have you had these problems seven years, or did they start recently? If so, what changed?
 
A pump holiday is what you need. I agree with your DSN.
I used pumps for many years. Had the same issues which is why I switched to the Omnipod. My specialist made a case to the PCT saying I had issues inserting the canula and having a tubed pump limited the places where you could attach. I then got an omnipod where I could attach the pod anywhere even on my legs and calf.

Im now back on MDI because im using the freestyle libre and find it easier.
 
I have been considering a pump holiday but haven't been brave enough yet so am interested in people's replies.

My sites are not as bad as you but I am having more trouble as time goes on. I've been pumping 4 years and have very little real estate. Currently I am taking a skin care supplement and using bio oil to try and help my sites inside and out! I use inset II and my DSN said some people find changing to a steel needle works. I have tried this a few years ago for different reasons and my BG was awful on them. However I would try steel again before coming off pump I think.
 
I did have a pump holiday a while ago, doesn't last very long though. As my control suffered for it. just got fed up of the cannula changes filling cartridges etc and still am , but, my control is alot better for it. Try it, see how u manage but, would consider other cannula types first
 
Hi spiker, thanks for the response. Yes have used a variety of cannula types from silhouette, the one with the inserter I can't remember the name of and am now on the sure t's, still no luck. Just think I've got too much scar tissue somehow ....
 
Hi omnipod, thanks for your response. I feel very naive here but what is an omnipod? It's the first I've heard of it. I'm sure good old google will help explain, but can you shed any light on it from your experience. Thanks, Sally
 
Hi mushybrain, thanks for your posts. The link was particularly interesting and actually I'm looking forward to nit being attached to the pump for a bit, plus I loved the comment about being able to sleep on both sides, bliss. Interestingly my dsn has suggested I continue to wear the cgm sensor and the pump as a kind of receiver of information, but just not have the needle in. Not sure about this yet ...
 
@sallymac65 what background insulin will you go on? Is there a suggested holiday length? I am really thinking I need to do this too before my sites get any worse. Where will you inject?
 
sallymac65 said:
Hi omnipod, thanks for your response. I feel very naive here but what is an omnipod? It's the first I've heard of it. I'm sure good old google will help explain, but can you shed any light on it from your experience. Thanks, Sally
Click to expand...


Its a tube free patch pump. You fill the pod. Its very small. Attach it like a plaster anywhere on the body (so more places to wear it)
Press a button and it self inserts.
 


How long have people been on the pump before having problems?
 
BethAliceC said:
How long have people been on the pump before having problems?
Click to expand...
The first 90 days was a hassle and then after about 6 months of wearing it 24x7 I wanted a break. But I didn't take one. But if my skin was a mess and insertion was an ordeal every time I would take a break too.
 
BethAliceC said:
How long have people been on the pump before having problems?
Click to expand...

I've been pumping just over 4 years, never used my old injection sites and always rotated. I've been looking into site issues from long term use and many people say 7 years is the average before problems arise. I think it depends on you though as some people heal better, scar less etc
 

Thankyou this is exactly what I'm doing now, shortened my search a lot, iv been on the pump going on 4years and I'd never even heard of a pump holiday till now. Thankyou
 
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