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Son being transferred onto pump

Tiredmumof2

Tiredmumof2

Newbie
Messages
4
Location
North East
Type of diabetes
Parent
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Insulin injections, Science and RE :-)
My 8yr old Son (diagnosed Feb 2013) has always had great control of his HbA1C since diagnosis but at our school holiday clinic they'd increased significantly and placed him in the "high risk" category. We amended his insulin settings and he went back to school. That's when all hell broke loose.

He suffered 4 serious hypos in the space of 3 weeks at school and we couldn't understand why as he was eating all of his food and the insulin was correct for the carbs he was having. We had great control of a weekend (in our care) even though he's a very active little boy, playing competitive football 3 times a week and cricket once a week. Both ourselves and the consultant/nurses were dumbfounded so the nurse decided to visit the school. As it transpired, the new school cook was counting the weight of the food, rather than the carbs associated with this item, hence he was receiving way too much insulin and thus explained his hypos.

this has all been well and good but now our Son's readings are all over the place. We have no control whatsoever and it's so depressing - not only for us but more so my Son - as he's constantly being injected to lower his sugar level. The nurse has approached us and offered to apply for a pump - something we didn't want to do due to our Son being very sporty - but if it means better control of his bloods then we've accepted this is the only option going forward.

I'd like to ask for advice - we've been offered the Roche Insight (he's trialing this for 3 days starting tomorrow) but the nurse has stated if he can wear the insight for 3 days she will apply for funding for the Ypsomed Omnipod. We've consulted all the literature for both pumps they both have pro's and cons - I'm swaying towards the Omnipod for the simple reason it's waterproof, no tubes and discreet. The only con is the fact he's active and may pull it off when playing football or cricket.

Has anybody used both the insight/omnipod? If so which do you prefer and would you recoemmend for a very active 8yr old?

TIA
 
Hi,

I'm going to transfer this to the Pump section for you where you should get a better response. I'm also going to tag @noblehead

That's awful about the cook at school. I had a friend who kept doing that when I asked them for an idea of carbs when I atecat her house. She did exactly the same - thought it was the weight of the food.

I have an insulin pump (an Animas Vibe) and I love it. It's given me lots more freedom. I take it off for some exercise eg ice skating, but keep it on for others. I've never used the Omnipod. I have used the Insight but disliked it as it didn't suit my needs, so I gave it back.

You could use the Search function if you want to read more comments about them. Did your nurse explain why she was going for the Omnipod for your son?
 
Thanks @azure.

The pods are not easily pulled off and if anything they can be quite difficult to remove when you do a pod change, some people even have to use a adhesive removal spray to assist with the change over, they are built to withstand knocks and bumps so should be fine with most sports like football & cricket, if he participates in close contact sports then it may be best that you discuss this with his DSN or ask Ypsomed for their advice to see if the Omnipod would be suitable for your sporty son.

Overall I love the pump for the 3 reasons that you've stated @Tiredmumof2, I've no experience of using other pumps as the Omnipod is my first. Good luck and hope whichever pump you choose it helps sort out your lad's bg control.
 
Thank you both :)

@azure - the nurse said it would be more like the CGM sensor he had fitted a few weeks ago and he managed no problem with this, although it did bleed a little after playing football, hence my concern for the Omnipod with it being bigger than the CGM sensor.

@noblehead, thank you too for your response. It's been so stressful, goodness knows how the poor little thing has managed over these last few weeks. It's awful as I feel completely out of control and constantly monitoring him (much to his annoyance!) - I just want him to have as much of a normal life as possible and I think the pump can offer that to him. I'll to all I can to get him off the high risk register and get his bg back under control.

Thanks again
 
At 8 years old surely your son should be carb counting food for himself? Diagnosed aged 4 I was injecting myself at 6 and have been carb counting for as long as I can remember. Nobody ever told me the carbs of my school meals. Have you looked at a DAFNE course for him? What about packed lunches until you regain control?
 
@MushyPeaBrain - sorry but I don't agree with you. I think it's a lot of responsibility to put on one so young and everyone is different. I applaud you for being so self sufficient at such a young age

I for one do not, and will not, leave this to my son to manage. He knows exactly how many carbs are in his favourite foods and that suits me fine. I'll continue to manage the carb count for as long as myself, and his diabetic nurse, feel appropriate.
 
As a mum, I'd be the same, I think @Tiredmumof2 (none of my children have diabetes). It's a horrible thing. I think every child is different as is every parent so both approaches can be good as suits the family :)

Have you found any reason for his sudden highs?
 
Yes, I was left largely to my own devices at a young age and it was too much of a burden. I think the combination of an Omnipod pump and CGM will be absolutely great for him and you. The CGM will give you all the info, and the pump can be so finely tuned compared with MDI that I think you'll love it.
 
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