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views on insulin pumps please

D

dizzydoll

Active Member
Messages
42
Type of diabetes
Parent
Treatment type
I do not have diabetes
Hi there. I.m new to this forum so posting for the first time (can't believe its taken me so long to find it!). My 6 year old daughter has type 1, diagnosed december 2012. Our diabetes team have mentioned her going onto a pump. I'm open to trying it, as is my daughter but i have to admit to being a little worried about her having a device on her constantly. For those of you who have younger children on an insulin pump, what are your experiences?
Thanks
 
If you do try it, Opt for the Omnipod patch pump. Its the best pump for adults and children. Gives loads of freedom, easy to use, self inserting plastic cannula within seconds. Can wear the patch in many places so theres no lumps and bumps. You can check the group Omnipod UK on Facebook where loads of kids are on this pump and you have support from many parents.
 
I would suggest an animas vibe as they have a built in CGM if you could help support that. Also I find being waterproof a plus.


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Thanks for suggestions. I'm wondering about the pros and cons to wearing a pump too. As parent i'm a little worried about it getting caught, pulled etc. Do parents find it was a good move going from multiple injections to a pump?
 
Hi, my 9yr old has been on the pump since June. I am not going to lie to you it is a lot of work for a couple of weeks and then It becomes easier. She was on 5 injections a day so anything is better than that. The pump gives her huge freedom and I know to some people their will not seem like a big deal but to see your child time and time again doing without and being upset standing at a birthday party not being able to eat the sweets as they were served later than the main food and she had already had her injection. Big big deal for a child. So it gives that freedom. She does sport at least 3 times a week and that includes swimming twice no problem she just disconnects and goes. She is able to do this even when swimming in school. No problem sleeping as she puts the pump in her little lion and doesn't annoy her. If anyone asks her she would not go back to the injections. I would advise all parents to really consider it. Does this help? Ask any questions you can think of and I or someone else will be glad to help. M


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@Blondie153 thanks for your reply. To hear that she wouldn't go back to multiple injections is a very positive thing to hear. We have clinic in april and plan to discuss pump therapy in more detail. If we do decide to go ahead and give it a try would I require a period of time off work (just with you saying its a lot of work in the start)? My mum cares for our daughter when my husband and are are working and shes not keen on the pump at all! Shes actually terrified of the thought of it which is one thing making me think twice :-(
 
 
LOL taking me a bit of time to get used to the format of this forum. can anyone tell me how to log in to post via app ?
 
Hi again, because you have to test during the night we tried to work around this. We got pump on Monday and went back to school on Thursday. She was tired as we unfortunately woke her some times when testing her. The testing during the night was only for this week. So I would say 3 days max. You could do it over a half term. If your mum is going to be caring for her take her to the training. The child who did training with us had mother and grandmother with her. Let your mother know that it will only be easier to look after her with the pump not harder, I promise. Good luck whatever you decide and you can always pm me if you want to talk m


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Thanks so much. I'm sure i'll have loads more questions. Its just good to hear from someone living with it and having positive things to say
 
I know this post is a little old now, but had to reply. My daughter is also 6 and has had her Medtronic pump since feb13. Before she got it myself and her dad fought about it because he didn't like the idea of her having to wear it all the time. Now though we would both say it is fantastic and our daughter would agree. Not always easy when you first start and still sometimes have hiccups now but honestly think it's the best thing we have done for her.
 
Thanks for posting. My daughter has clinic next week and will be having pump talk too. Have heard only positives so think we will give it a go (as long as my daughter is ok when she learns more). Still a bit daunting but time will tell i guess

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There was a video on YouTube that showed a little girl with a pump Americans I think and my daughter watched that which helped take away the fear of the unknown also I think bbc cbeebies have something on it too if you want to do a search. Sometimes it is more reassuring to them to hear it from other children


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My daughter had clinic today and we had big chat about pumps. Planning to go on july /aug time. Feel so much more positive about it today and my daughter is really keen too

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Hi my daughter is 7 and been on animas pump since September best thing we ever done bit tricky at 1st carb counting and changing set but once you no what your doing much better than injections for the child,hope this helps
 
Thanks we have been warned its a lot of work to begin with but hoping it will all be worth it with the freedom it should bring her. I'm still a little worried about her having it attached to her all the time. Does this cause any issues for your daughter? Also how are the school with the pump? My daughters school have been fantastic from the beginning but not discussed pump with them yet.

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Only thing is bath/swimming set can soak of so can either take new set change and be prepared to change it which takes 5mins or limit time in water other than that she's much more I dependant now it's amazing her school are fab she does it most her self but they carb count her lunch and help her they are fantastic
 
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