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Thinking of Pump but worried

T

tobias

Newbie
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I am looking for some advice from anyone who has taken the plunge with a diabetic pump. My girlfriend is Type 1, and is in the process of recieving a pump. However, she has great anxiety as to how this may affect all aspects of her life. She is 31 years old and we are planning to marry next year. In the next few years we are considering children. On top of that she is in the final year of a very hard academic degree.

There seems to be a real lack of information available which only adds to the confusion.

I am wondering if there is anyone out there who has a similar situation, a similar age group. Maybe you could tell us your experiences both good and bad. The little things and the large ones. Does it affect the the way you dress for-instance all the way too does it help your glucose control.

Any help would be incredibly helpful with what is an emotional decision.

Thanks
 
It's natural to be a little aprehensive as it's unknown territory as such. The basic's are pretty easy, fine tuning is a bit more difficult as it does take time as you have to deal with everything as a new experience, but as you build your experience the easier sorting out new situation because easier...

As to wearing and cloths, at first it takes some thought, trial and error in placing, but again you soon sort this out... There are verious cases/holders available, and with a little imagination you be surprised what items can be used...

Pumps manufacturers supply with or for purchase separatly..

Different cases,

Some that clip to clothing
other that can be used with with either belts or can be used with starps,
They have thigh holsters
Hosters to clip to bra's..
The do supply straps for thighs and waists..

Other items you can use
baby socks can be used sawen into clothing to hold the pump..
Mobile phone and compact camera case's can be utilised to hold a pump
Some people modify, pockets etc so that the pump tubing can thread throw a hole in the pocket out of sight etc..

As for activites, you can detatch the pump you may have to bolus the missing basal insulin before you detach it, or when you reattach it... If longer than 2 hours, then you need to inject or reattach the pump to bolus the missing basal insulin...

The pump has a couple of features that are very proactive in management, and tackling changing situations... You can pre=program several basal profiles, so you can at a press of a couple of buttons change from one profile to another, From an hedic day to a chill out day, as plans change.. To help even futher you've got the TBR (tempory basal rate) where you can quickly program an increase or decrease in basal rate over a selected period of time, to counteract things such as stress, infection or a little extra activity etc.. So Idea for keeping up with kids and dealing with the demands of studying for a degree...

You soon learn, where the best place is for the pump for doing what, how to use it to your best advantage etc..

I wouldn't return to MDI willingly at all...
 
I can't really add much to Jopars post. I am in my mid 30s, and only got my pump 6 months ago...and love it!

I would really advise your girlfriend to go for it...and do it now, as if/whne she gets oregnant, it will help, as thsi is quite a tricky time for T1s. Like anything new...sometimes it takes a bit of getting used to...and you don't want to be doing that when you are pregnant if you can avoid it...although many people do get a pump when pregnant, and have no problems at all!

Thinking of weddings, I am still waiting to get my "garter" style holder....but there are ways and means of wearing a pump undera wedding dress....just sew in a little pocket etc.

For the "getting pregnant" bit...just take it off for the "ahem" duration...then reattach afterwards.
 
I got my pump 2 days ago, and with the support of people from this forum, 2 days on I am thinking it is the best thing since sliced bread!! It is brilliant. The support form the DSN hasn't quite been what I expected, but the support from people here has been exceptional. Especially IHS member. I was worried sick about going on to a pump, and I cannot believe how well I have been able to adjust to it with support from people that I have never met. It makes me quite tearful whilst writing this, because I just cannot believe that there are such lovely people that aren't paid professionals.

My DSN cancelled my appointment for pump training the day before it was due to happen (phoned me late Thursday to say Friday was cancelled) and then when I went on Monday for the actual hook up, it was the rep that did the training and connecting. The DSN was just popping in and out, and actually hadn't worked out bolus rates or anything beforehand, despite me emailing her the Monday before. I didn't see the DSN before I left, and she hasn't contacted me by phone either. She literally gave me a couple of pieces of paper to sign, did a quick calculation of my starting rate and that was it and gave me an appointment for next Monday. I never even saw her before I left. Since then she hasn't contacted me by email or phone.

I would not be so elated with the pump if it had not been for the support, help and advice from people on this forum. I dare say my experience of support from my DSN so far has been a one-off and other members would have got a far better support than my experience.

There is also an excellent training exercise for the accuchek pump on the net that takes you through every step. It gives a good idea of what the pump is and what is involved.

I'm sure that if an old fuddy duddy like me can cope with it within 2 days, then your girlfriend would as well, and there is some excellent support available from members of this forum before and after going on a pump.
 
Oooo, IHS, what a star!

My DSN was not a lot better Donnellysdogs...and I didn't see or hear from them again for 6 months...but I think that if I had needed them, then I could always have called. It is so true that you get more support here!
 
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