Insulin Pump...If you use it..do you like it?

Question

Thank you so much for the answers. I am in a motorcycle ministry and on the run a lot, plus I can't keep a good control with Lantus and humalog. No offence, but God bless to all.

I've been to my doctor twice to see about getting a pump, but all he wants to do is increase my insulin. I'm checking my blood and taking about 6 -8 shots a day.

I'm convinced. Making appointment today..thank you all so much..and I just have to say it...God bless The Rev.

Answer 1

I LOVE my pump! I have had it for 4 years and wouldn't go back to shots for the world!! When I was on shots, I was doing 4-6 a day, at least. And I still couldn't get control! After being on the pump, I got awesome control. Before the pump, I was living according to my shots. Now I live life according to what I want it to be. I have soooooooo much more freedom with my life and food choices. I don't have the constant ups and downs I had before.

Having a pump is like having a pancreas working. You get the steady flow of insulin that a pancreas would give you 24/7. Instead of multiple shots a day, you have one needle prick every 2-3 days.

As for the cost, it depends if you have insurance or not. If not, then yes, it is expensive. But how much is your syringes, insulin, etc costing you? I can guarantee that they are probably about the same cost, if not more, than the pump supplies. There are some pumps that run on AA or AAA batteries. There are others that use high drain batteries. There are pumps that you can shower with or go swimming with, but I never quite felt comfortable doing that.

They do take a little training (mine was 1 day with help from my team that taught me any time I needed it). Within a couple of weeks to a month, I had it down. I also had a book about insulin pumping and it helped a lot. My body went thru an adjustment period (about a month) as I was now getting a steady flow of insulin rather than the constant ups and downs I was getting with the shots. That's why, before and for awhile after getting on the pump, you need to check your blood sugar at least 7 times a day and 1-2 times a night to see where your levels are at and to be sure that you are getting the right amount of insulin instead of too much or too little.

Yes, you have a 4 year commitment with a pump, but that's because they last at leat that long, if not longer. And that's how long the warranty is for them. If anything goes wrong with one, you can have another one to you by the next day. Even if you are on the pump, tho, I would say to keep syringes, etc, on hand just in case something happens. A pump is machinery and as any machine, anything can go wrong. But, they make them so well that 99% of the time nothing goes wrong. I have only had to have my pump replaced once in 4 years.

If I were you, I would research the different pumps (Minimed and Animas are the two I can think of). Ask your doctor about any other ones (there are several) and do a search online. From what I have heard, Animas is the cheapest one (it's the one I have), but I love theirs. Also talk with your doctor about if the pump is a good idea for you. In my opinion, anyone with insulin dependent diabetes should have one. Even kids under 6 have them now and do great with them.

The cannula (like an IV but the needle doesn't stay in once you put it in, and it does NOT go into the vein) takes a little practice to be able to put in and feels different than having a shot. It takes a little getting used to having it in your all the time and having the pump on all the time. I would recommend getting a 'carrier' for it that wraps around your waist and has a special pocket for it. It is much easier than putting it in a pocket and chance hitting it, or having to put it on the bed next to you at night and chance rolling over on it, etc.

It also takes some getting used to using the pump, programming your bolus amounts (what you give yourself when you eat or have a high blood sugar). But, you will get it in time.

Good luck. Like I said, I recommend doing a lot of research on the different ones and find out from your insurance which one(s) they will pay for.

Answer 2

Doesn't seem anyone actually has any answer for you .. lol. Well I am not on one but my husband is. It has been great for him and for our family. He always tried to maintain tight control which at times can be hard but with the pump it has been very easy for him to do. If you would like more information or have other questions feel free to contact me and if I can't answer your questions then my husband will.

Also my husband literally had one day of training. He had always carb counted so that was a perk and he is highly intelligent and the RN was impressed with how fast he was able to pick things up. Also you may want to look at what your insurance will cover, we were worried at first but our insurance covered the pump completely and all the supplies needed to maintain it fully we don't pay a dime not even a copay. Some insurance companies she it as a great investment because you are less likely to have complications with it. The only thing we have to pay a copay on now are strips and insulin much cheaper for us than before.

Answer 3

I don't use one - so far. I've been on intensive insulin therapy for the past 15 months. I have thought about it, but the expense of the canula and supplies seem a bit much, not to mention the initial cost of the device and the usual 4 year committment on any device and the months (4-6) of training! Those that I've spoken to all say they like it for the convenience. I'm still not convinced and it seems a bit much to me. Mind you, I take as few as 4 to as many as 8 shots per day.

Answer 4

I'm a nurse in Endocrinology and I've had diabetes for 13 years. A pump is a lot of work, but it is worth it. You have to test more, but you can have much better control. I wear the Animas, but have used all of them. All the pumps out now have similar features, but the presentation is better with Animas and the company is much easier to deal with if you have insurance issues or any problems; they will bend over backwards for you. Definity look into getting one; your doctor should be able to get information packets on each of the different types of pumps.

Answer 5

My 6 year old son is diabetic. I would love to get him on a pump, but our doc likes kids to be in their early teens before he takes that step. I have spoken to many other people who use pumps and they love it. It allows more freedom with their diet and schedule, plus it eliminates shots! In addition, you can acheive better control of your diabetes. I think if you have the option to get one you should go for it!

Answer 6

im in the process of getting a pump you have to go through a lot of classes and doctor appointments to get one but it is good for you and keeps your blood sugar in target also you dont have to take shots so thats a plus but then you have to check your blood sugar more

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

instead of injecting insulin 3+ times a day, you puncture yourself once every 3 days. some people dont like the idea of a little machine on you at all times. some dont mind. it all depends on your personal prefrence.

Answer 9

I don't have the need but I would think that is the best solution for someone with diabetis. If you have the opportunity you should definitely get it

Answer 10

ewwie