I’ve used an insulin pump ever since 3 months after my diagnosis. I had diabetes burnout and went off my insulin pump (used insulin pens instead) over a year ago. I didn’t see my endo or get labs done for 10 months (bad, bad I know). It’s been a long while now and I would like to start using my pump again. I really didn’t plan to have a pump vacation this long.
The thing is my endo WON’T allow me to use my pump or get a new one since the one I would be using is out of warranty now. I asked her about it in March this year and she said “Once we get some labs from you.” So I got my labs done. Then the next appointment I asked about using my pump again and she said because I was MIA for 10 months she was wary about it.
I’ve explained to her many times that I had diabetes burnout. That is the reason I didn’t show up for appointments, not because I stopped using my pump.
I decided to ask again today and she STILL said if I keep showing up for appointments then she would approve me to use my pump again.
I just feel so discouraged. I’ve been working so hard this whole year and even changed my diet and have been working out more. I should be able to use the method of treatment I want. What should I do in this situation? I don’t like that she’s being so controlling.
Does she have diabetes? If not, this may explain her attitude and lack of understanding on how hard it is to have, and care for, diabetes…and as you put it, the burn-out that occurs sometimes.
If she’s got a problem, get a new Endo…that’s what I think about it.
Sorry you’re having these problems and I hope you get it resolved soon.
I’m a bit confused. Do you not have any supplies for your pump? If you do, I’m not sure why your endo’s permission is required. If you don’t have supplies, surely you can find someone to loan/donate (Facebook has some great pay it forward groups) enough to get started.
Actually, I don’t have any pump supplies at the moment. Just the pump. I can’t imagine what she’d think if I got supplies and started using it anyway 
Do you have enough insulin pump knowledge to start on your own? How long did you use your pump originally?
If you are capable and determined, who can stop you? If you need the support of this doctor to restart your pump therapy then you’ll either have to wait to get it or find another endo.
Yes I could definitely set it up on my own. I used a pump for about 6 years previously. I’m just nervous about how she’d react if I went against her advice.
I checked out of appointments with any doctor of over 20 years. Yes, I was type 1 all that time. It was a dumb decision. My point is that I cold not simply restart the process. I had to start therapy, be honest with a new doctor and then with baby steps make my way back. Today I see 16 doctors at least once a year, and I faithfully see my endo.
So my thought is that this is a process. It is not an easy sign-up and start over again. Burnout is serious and real (heck I had 20 years of burn out) but wheat I learned is that doctors have different standards for coming back. It took me three years to get back to routine care. I had to show initiative and I had to show I was ready to have more responsibility. It took five years of being reconnected with a doctor to have a pump and my deal is still in placenow23 years later. If I fail to appear each quarter at my doctor’s office, he will cut me off.
Yes, things are better, and we joke about it now, but it did not start that way.
I have every confidence that you will be successful but not quickly. time
I understand you points perfectly. I just don’t understand why that is her reason. There was no problem allowing me to use insulin pens so I don’t think there should be an issue letting me switch back. I know I need to show up for appointments and I have been. She is just using this to force me. If she has no intention to let me use a pump again, that is just not right.
Don’t let a Dr dictate your treatment, she does not control u and has no right to base your treatment on attendance. I think that’s insulting, she would have gotten a piece of my mind for sure. Don’t be afraid to challenge a Dr they are not ‘know it alls’, although some certainly behave like it. You won’t get demerits for letting her know how strongly u feel, if u feel u are getting them then it’s time to find a new endo. They are human, and unless she is a diabetic herself she’ll never fully understand. Good luck.
I actually gave her a call later in the day and she still didn’t change her mind 
If next appointment doesn’t go as planned I’m definitely finding someone new.
I have to tell you, some of this may not be your doctor but simply reflect pressures from Medicare and insurance companies. My insurance company requires a visit to the doctor at least every 6 months and I suspect that most PWD here will tell you that they have to do an annual dance to establish that their pump is medically necessary in order to get supplies.
Some (if not many) doctors want you as a patient to be serious. Having a pump is a hassle for them. They have extra paperwork, extra work with insurers and because a pump is more complex your visits are more challenging.
Both insurers and doctors have an assortment of requirements to make sure you are competent, motivated and serious. My insurance requires that you must have been self adjusting insulin for 6 months, that you test diligently at least 4 times a day and that you also take a diabetes education course.
I’m not saying your doctor is right. Your doctor clearly didn’t communicate why he was demanding this of you. But I do want you to know that some of this may just be the “system” and changing to a new doctor may encounter similar things.
Personally I would suggest just submitting to the every three month visits. It is actually good to visit your endo every three months.
What Brian just said ^^^^^!!!
@Jade - Another option would be to ask to have a frank discussion with your doctor and ask point blank if the reason is due to an insurance requirement, etc, or is it a punishment for succumbing to the large mental burden of being a diabetic (or put it in writing, if you’re uncomfortable asking the questions)?
You might also ask if there is a compromise that the two of you could reach, and then point out any disadvantages you’re having to work around while on MDI that a pump would remove.
I like the frank discussion route that @YogaO suggested. There’s a chance that you and/or your doctor are not aware of all the facts. Then you can plan from there.
I second @YogaO and would also add that maybe you should ask to come up with some sort of contract that contains concrete steps to obtaining pump prescriptions. It sounds like there is no clear plan/expectations in place and that can certainly feel defeating and make your diabetes that much more frustrating. If your doctor isn’t willing to outline steps such as attending appointments every three months for X amount of time, getting prescribed lab draws for X amount of time, etc., then I would wonder if this is more of a control issue than a medical/insurance concern. If that’s the case, find a new endo; however, If she’s willing to work out a plan with you, I’d stick with it.
The hassle of insurance regulations can drive you crazy.
I have read this disease is in our hands to control. Hope things improve for you.Nancy
Consider it a blessing in disguise. Sometime in the coming Spring, Medtronic will introduce the first true artificial pancreas (AP); that is, it will adjust your insulin both up and down to maintain proper Blood Glucose levels. If you’re willing to wait a few months, you will likely love this new device. It has a new, more accurate glucose sensor, serious tracking abilities and can predict where you are heading and how fast, so that it adjusts the insulin level accordingly.
Tell your endo about it now, tell her you want a script for it as soon as it comes out. If she is unwilling, then drop her. She does not seem to understand newer technology, and certainly doesn’t understand the psychology of T1 diabetics. But if she will prescribe the new AP, stick around and see how she does with it.
Your Endo should have your best interest at the heart of this matter. Express your concerns with a heart to heart conversation. Keep it friendly and if you feel like your best interests are not being met, find a new doctor who will support you. Change is difficult but sometimes very worthwhile. You may want to see what doctors are out there prior to this meeting to ensure you have choices in the matter. Visit another doc and see if you like him or her. Be honest and up front and explain your difficulties. There may be some things that could help with your burnout. We have all been through it to some degree. Present to the doctor of your choice that you would like to develop a plan to address the burnout and move forward in a positive manner.