What questions to ask

[Tin-Owl]

Looking to hear your thoughts on what to ask etc... I've got a pump appt tomorrow morning, obviously that's what I'm going to ask for.

I appreciate its not guaranteed and guessing there will be doubts from them as my HBA1C is 'too good' but I have hypos 3 or 4 nights in a week, which I'm unaware of and my basal is just - 2 units! I have a libre 2 and low alarm set at 4.5. I use reader now and hear that better than when I used my phone.

BUT I automatically reach for the reader next to my bed, scan, put it back, and go back to sleep. It's only when I get to 2.9 do I notice Im awake more and need to attend to it. If I have a biscuit before bed to catch it, I can rise to 17 and stay up all night. It's driving me nuts. I'm 5 years in and still learning.

Many thanks.

 

[h884]

Hello Tin-Owl

I was in a similar position to you prior to going onto a pump. I was on 3 units of basal at that that time and going low most nights despite having a snack. The team locally were of the opinion that a pump would be beneficial for me. For me it certainly did sort the problem. No snacks required

Questions you could ask. What pumps are available locally. What is the process of transferring onto the pump. Locally they ask you to take a week off so you can focus on the pump. There were various training sessions during the week. For me they were all online as it was during lock down. There was also reviews at one week and one month.

The other things they looked at locally prior to going on a pump were carb counting skills and psychological assessment to see how you would manage all the various elements. They also asked you complete the Bertie online programme

Good luck for your appt. Let us know how you get on.

If you have any other questions please let us know

 

[Tin-Owl]

Hello Tin-Owl

I was in a similar position to you prior to going onto a pump. I was on 3 units of basal at that that time and going low most nights despite having a snack. The team locally were of the opinion that a pump would be beneficial for me. For me it certainly did sort the problem. No snacks required

Questions you could ask. What pumps are available locally. What is the process of transferring onto the pump. Locally they ask you to take a week off so you can focus on the pump. There were various training sessions during the week. For me they were all online as it was during lock down. There was also reviews at one week and one month.

The other things they looked at locally prior to going on a pump were carb counting skills and psychological assessment to see how you would manage all the various elements. They also asked you complete the Bertie online programme

Good luck for your appt. Let us know how you get on.

If you have any other questions please let us know

Thank you. I don't really have much knowledge of pumps so didn't want to go in blind but showing interest. I'll get back later.

 

[Tin-Owl]

Hello Tin-Owl

I was in a similar position to you prior to going onto a pump. I was on 3 units of basal at that that time and going low most nights despite having a snack. The team locally were of the opinion that a pump would be beneficial for me. For me it certainly did sort the problem. No snacks required

Questions you could ask. What pumps are available locally. What is the process of transferring onto the pump. Locally they ask you to take a week off so you can focus on the pump. There were various training sessions during the week. For me they were all online as it was during lock down. There was also reviews at one week and one month.

The other things they looked at locally prior to going on a pump were carb counting skills and psychological assessment to see how you would manage all the various elements. They also asked you complete the Bertie online programme

Good luck for your appt. Let us know how you get on.

If you have any other questions please let us know

The appt went well. It was predominantly with the dietician, the pump nurse in the corner. She discussed mainly my diet, ratios, would I bolus for something I just mentioned, how do I manage exercise etc. Between the lines they were happy with my answers and thought I would be able to manage to change etc. They were happy to take my case forward to the weekly meeting with the Dr's for approval. The pump nurse said she will send me some info and links on pumps available but there isn't funding for CGMs. They also decided I should lower my night basal to just 1.5 units

 

[h884]

Hi Tin-Owl

Sorry I just noticed your post. I am pleased your appt went well. It sounds fairly much like mine. I hope you hear soon about their decision. Sounds positive though.

I hope the reduction in basal rate helps with the night- time lows.

The pumps on offer locally were Medtronic, tandem slim and the Omnipod. I initially went for the Medtronic but found the set changes really challenging. I have arthritis in my hands. I changed to the Omnipod Dash which is easy for me to use. There are various videos on-line showing all stages of the cannula insertion and set / pod changes for most pumps. I wish I had watched these before selecting the Medtronic pump.

I do not have funding for a CGM either. I have just decided to self fund the dexcom one as I found the Libre very unreliable.

Getting your basal rate right takes some work but well worth it in the end.

Like you my basal rate was initially low (about 3 units a day) I was diagnosed type 1 about 12 / 18 months before onto the pump. I have had The pump now for 2 1/2 years. I was obviously in a honeymoon phase for some time after going onto the pump. I am now on 12..5 units of basal a day

Good luck with choosing your pump. If you any questions please let me know.