Pump Pros and Cons

[WorzelGummidge]

I am seriously considering whether I want a pump or not.

I experience the dawn phenomenon and wake up with sugars anywhere between 13 and 20 mmol/l, and there's nothing I can do to stop it rising except have a pump. I would like to wake up feeling good instead of knowing I'm hyper, especially because I find it very hard to eat when I'm hyper and breakfast can be a real struggle.

On the other hand, I'm afraid of the inconvenience/restrictions a pump would bring.

If you do have one/have had one, do you think it's worth it? What are the biggest pros and cons?

The thing I'm most concerned about is how easily does it get jerked out? I toss and turn a LOT when I sleep and I'm worried that it would get pulled out. Similarly if you were jostled in a large crowd of people, is there a chance of it coming out?

Also, generally how inconvenient do you find having one? Are you constantly aware of it or do you hardly notice it anymore? Apart from travelling are there specific situations where it can be a pain?

 

[kitemaster]

Hi worzel

You have some good questions there! I went over to a pump back in september of last year.

To answer one thing my control is so much better. They do seem to be a bit more hard work than usual but if you are used to MDI its a breeze.

I also had dawn phenomenon an early morning highs but no more.

As regards sleeping im a right fidget arse and it never causes a problem.
I will say for the first few days you are aware of being attached to an object which feels a little foreign to start with. Now I do everything I used to do before going over to a pump. As an example I do all types of powerkiting (kitesurfing, boarding and buggying) and it never gets in the way.

There is some extra bits and pieces you have to carry and that depends on where you maybe travelling etc. You say about travelling being a pain, I fly alot for business and pleasure and part from taking a form with me explaining that I am wearing a mechanical device and disabling the wireless link on it before boarding it causes me no more grief.

If you need to know anything else please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[diagonall]

I am seriously considering whether I want a pump or not.

I experience the dawn phenomenon and wake up with sugars anywhere between 13 and 20 mmol/l, and there's nothing I can do to stop it rising except have a pump. I would like to wake up feeling good instead of knowing I'm hyper, especially because I find it very hard to eat when I'm hyper and breakfast can be a real struggle.

On the other hand, I'm afraid of the inconvenience/restrictions a pump would bring.
I haven't found any.

If you do have one/have had one, do you think it's worth it? What are the biggest pros and cons?
You can programe the pump exactly to your needs. Worth it? Oh yes, the difference in your health on a pump is amazing.

The thing I'm most concerned about is how easily does it get jerked out? I toss and turn a LOT when I sleep and I'm worried that it would get pulled out. Similarly if you were jostled in a large crowd of people, is there a chance of it coming out?
I use a piece of MEFIX tape over the cannula and have never had it pulled out. The cannula is stuck to you like glue and it would take someone getting hold of the tubing and playing tug with it to yank it out.

Also, generally how inconvenient do you find having one? Are you constantly aware of it or do you hardly notice it anymore? Apart from travelling are there specific situations where it can be a pain?

My pump is not inconveinient it's just part of me(pocket pancreas) I can honestly say I never notice it at all. Why would it be a pain for travelling? It took me all of half a day to get used to my pump being part of me. After 43 years of sticking needles in myself I can honestly say I haven't missed them one bit

 

[WorzelGummidge]

Thanks for the replies, it's really nice to hear that it's not a huge nuisance.

I didn't want people to waste their time telling me about travelling because I can't afford to go abroad anyway, that's the only reason I mentioned it

 

[skitzzzz]

I am seriously considering whether I want a pump or not.

I experience the dawn phenomenon and wake up with sugars anywhere between 13 and 20 mmol/l, and there's nothing I can do to stop it rising except have a pump. I would like to wake up feeling good instead of knowing I'm hyper, especially because I find it very hard to eat when I'm hyper and breakfast can be a real struggle.

On the other hand, I'm afraid of the inconvenience/restrictions a pump would bring.
i havent found any
If you do have one/have had one, do you think it's worth it? What are the biggest pros and cons?
more pros than cons yes its worth it the only con i would say is when the alarm goes off in middle of the night(when battery low etc) its like the aliens have landed flashing lights beeps and vibrates
The thing I'm most concerned about is how easily does it get jerked out? I toss and turn a LOT when I sleep and I'm worried that it would get pulled out. Similarly if you were jostled in a large crowd of people, is there a chance of it coming out?
never had it jerked out the the infusion sets stick like glue

Also, generally how inconvenient do you find having one? Are you constantly aware of it or do you hardly notice it anymore? Apart from travelling are there specific situations where it can be a pain?

cant go near xrays etc but apart from that its ok not sure on traveling never been anywere lol

keep mine in my pocket for get its there sometimes
i use the accu-check spirit has it has a larger cartridge for me good as i use a lot of insulin also my HbA1c are much better just the rest of me is shot lol
need to test bs more but apart from that id say have one

 

[lorrie]

do you know who the best person to ask for a pump diabetic nurse consultant or gp i will be seeing all three this month and i think a pump would be good for me to use

 

[WorzelGummidge]

do you know who the best person to ask for a pump diabetic nurse consultant or gp i will be seeing all three this month and i think a pump would be good for me to use

My nurse told me that she and the consultant make a sort of joint application for one. My GP isn't involved in my diabetes care but if yours is, s/he would probably have to contribute something too.

 

[skitzzzz]

my pump was all down to my consultant my gp not involved,,, i telephone the nurse if any problems ......we talked about it i said id give it a go that was it got the call had 3 days training went straight using insulin not sailine (appologies for spelling)
i had to learn the trainer about my insulin as she had not accounted for concentrated stuff ... everyone is different but i just leave my care in his hands

 

[Daisy]

I am desperate for a pump!

Everyone on pumps has much steadier bs readings and more freedom. I think long term they would be so beneficial for me, having had T1 for 34+ years - and despite having a small attack of retinopathy I have been refused one as my Hba1c is usually below 7. I am absolutely fuming about it - as my bs levels do swing, but despite that I have still been refused. It is just soooo short sighted as in the long term it can only be beneficial as I will avoid any other complications. Also I HATE having to eat regularly. I just don't get hungry enough (which is why blood sugar ends up swinging - my own worst enemy I know...). basically you have to fall into 'guidelines' set out by NICE. My consultant said you have to be pretty out of control. Arggggghhhhhhh! I could easily make myself out of control to qualify - but why should I risk my health?
BUT... I have just moved to a new hospital and they seem quite keen on pumps so fingers crossed....

 

[diagonall]

Everyone on pumps has much steadier bs readings and more freedom. I think long term they would be so beneficial for me, having had T1 for 34+ years - and despite having a small attack of retinopathy I have been refused one as my Hba1c is usually below 7. I am absolutely fuming about it - as my bs levels do swing, but despite that I have still been refused. It is just soooo short sighted as in the long term it can only be beneficial as I will avoid any other complications. Also I HATE having to eat regularly. I just don't get hungry enough (which is why blood sugar ends up swinging - my own worst enemy I know...). basically you have to fall into 'guidelines' set out by NICE. My consultant said you have to be pretty out of control. Arggggghhhhhhh! I could easily make myself out of control to qualify - but why should I risk my health?
BUT... I have just moved to a new hospital and they seem quite keen on pumps so fingers crossed....

Daisy, please ask your GP for a 2nd opinion. Also read the guidelines carefully to make sure you do fit them.
No1 rules is do not take no for an answer.
Have you spoken to INPUT? They are very helpful and can point you in the right direction.

 

[sunflower_harvester]

Hi daisy

Would you fall into the 'suffering from hypos' category to be eligable for a pump? Ive copied this off the NICE website-its part one of the eligability criteria
"attempts to reach target haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels with multiple daily injections result in the person having ‘disabling hypoglycaemia" ‘Disabling hypoglycaemia' is when hypoglycaemic episodes occur frequently or without warning so that the person is constantly anxious about another episode occurring, which has a negative impact on their quality of life.
It does not make any mention of HbA1c more than X in this part so this may be your best bet. However agree with Sue, speak to INPUT, theyre very helpful.
Good luck.

 

[WorzelGummidge]

This thread has been really helpful. I'm going to discuss it with my nurse at my appointment in a few weeks and see what she thinks.

 

[rubymurry]

Hi there!

I have been a diabetic since 1966/67. When it was first suggested that I should go on a pump, I was a little confused. Would it solve my low blood sugars, would I be able to adapt the the regime. The thing that worried me most of all was the fact that I would have a cannula attached to me all the time. I did not like the thought of this, and wrestled with this for a time. However, I have had a pump for 12 months now, and the thought of going back to the ordinary regime feels me with dread.. I can't really believe that it now makes me feel that life without a pump would be castastrophic. I now feel that it is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. My diabetes I feel is easier to control, and the thought of a cannula inserted into me feels me with reassurance not foreboding, as pre pump thoughts. It's very strange that the thoughts re pre pump are so different now!!!! Get pumping is my advice!!!!!!

 

[vic hill]

All I Going To Say Go For A Pump
Had Pump For 2 Years More In Control Had Dawn Phem No More But It Is Down To Carbs Exchange For For Good Control Say 10 Grams = 1 Unit Plus A Background Cotrol Set By The D Nurses ?3000-00 Plus Good N.h.s Control
So Go Go Go Vic

 

[Adrienne]

Oh yes

Absolutely, get a pump.

Look up the NICE guidelines, most people would qualify. Also look at the INPUT website, John Davies the chap who runs INPUT has a pump himself, he is an amazing man and his company do amazing things. They will come and speak to your local support group if you have one and show you pumps and they will also tell you how to get one.

Unfortunately it is a lottery postcode. In East Sussex where I am there are a few adults on pumps but no children were allowed. I moved to East Sussex and my daughter came with a pump from where we were before. It has opened the families eyes down here and they are all getting their GP's to write referral letters to the hospitals that do pumps.

INPUT can help you if your consultant or GP says no. My friend's GP said no because he didn't understand (which happens alot), I drafted a letter for her citing NICE and other things and a referral was done.

If a consultant says you qualify for a pump and tells the PCT where you live, then the PCT HAVE to pay for it, they CANNOT say no. So if you are eligible don't worry about funding, the PCT have no choice.

It changed my daughter's life and changed mine as well.

Go for it.🙂

 

[Gasman1975]

Hi Worzel. I can relate to your concerns over going on to a pump as I had similar ones this time last year. My DN and consultant decided I should go onto the Medtronic Paradign 722 as my HBA1C was very bad and seemed to be getting worse over the last couple of years. My biggest concern was over wearing it to bed as I was unsure where to put it and of catching the canular.

However, within 24hrs I had forgotten it was there and found that wearing it on a soft belt round my waist meant I had it somewhere to put it in bed. Since then I have had my 2 children climb oll over me, rough house with me and have nearly worn it in the shower twice as I forgot to take it off! All without damage or pain. The only grumble from my partner is occasionally it is in the wrong position when we snuggle up and it presses into her back.

The biggest advantage is that I have gone from 5 - 7 daily injections to only having to change it once every 3 days. I would advise anyone who has the option of going over to a pump to do it as it seems to give much better control overall and my last HBA1C has come down by 4 to 9.3 so going in the right direction.

The biggest thing to be aware off is when you are ill though. As the pump only delivers fast acting insulin it is very easy to go ketotic when you are ill. You need to increase the basal limitto ensure that the blood sugars stay even. I wasn't told this and ended up being rushed to hosipital back in August 2008 and kept in for 4 days as I was dehydrated and passing vast amounts of ketones. A very scary time for me and it has helped focus me on my control!

Good luck with whichever option you take.

Andy

 

[WorzelGummidge]

Thanks everyone, I haven't had internet access for a while but I've just caught up. It's really nice to hear about all your experiences, and I've decided to ask my nurse if we can go for the pump. I did want to give DAFNE a try, and it's been 3 months and the dawn phenomenon is getting me down.

 

[Admin]

Everyone's pump experiences are so positive - the only thing I can add is that I guess that you can try it and if you don't get on with it then you can always go back to your old regime. I guess it is the old adage of nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck Worzel and Daisy - keep us informed of your progress. 🙂

 

[Viki]

I just found out i got funding for a pump today and reading all these posts has just confirmed i made the right choice!

I got the ball rolling by directly asking my diabetes team to refer me after i had done a lot of research. Doesnt stop it being a bit scary when it actually comes around though!! Scary but exciting!!!

 

[WorzelGummidge]

Great news! I went to see my nurse on Tuesday and she said she thinks I need a pump to get my morning sugars under control. I have to wait until March 17th to see my consultant and get his agreement but he's got no reason to say no since I've tried everything else to control my dawn phenomenon. I'm sick of waking up with sugars of 13 - 20 mmol/l when I've done nothing to cause it.

I can't wait now!