I've used them for 4-5 days when I get an extra glug of insulin in the thing (the Medtronic gradations aren't that precise...) and/ or don't eat as much. It just lasts longer and I go with it. I haven't had very many problems I've attributed to sites over the years but 4-5 days works ok for me.
I have always changed my sets when I run out of insulin in the reservoir, which most often is day 4. I have gone longer like acidrock23 said if I don't hit the mark just right on filling or if I don't bolus as much. I can tell if the site is beginning to "go bad" - basal sugars trend upwards or carb bolus needs more just like S Woodward said. Then I will change out before I have used all up in the reservoir.
thanks, mayumi. so, i'm on day 3 of pump. IDK if I like this, does it take a while to get used to, the tubing, etc...? I've been over 200 after every meal (I never see numbers like this), now...going to bed higher, waking up higher. I'm starting to feel these higher blood sugars. my pump nurse is working with me but I just want to take a shot, ya know. i'm pretty sure i'm going to be 200 again after breakfast. i am very petite, have very small hips and waist, with using the dexcom and pump, i feel like I'm just covered and swallowed in tape, tubing and diabetes 'stuff'. i'll see how i do today, maybe the smaller omnipod might be a better option. so far, i don't really like this. i'm trying to like it because everyone raves about their pumps. am i missing something. :(
Hi Sarah,
I'll let the pumpers themselves chime in on this (since I'm not one), but I do converse with a lot of them, all the time, and I think what they're going to say boils down to this:
The inconvenience of the pump -- the sheer physical inconvenience -- is obtrusive in the beginning but fades; i.e., you get accustomed to it just like you do shots, so that it becomes less and less something you notice.
The BG control ends up being more precise but it takes time and a learning curve to get there. It doesn't necessarily happen in the first few days. It's daunting in the beginning but more satisfying once you get fully "up to speed."
As I said, I'll let the real experts delve into these issues. I would only say, make sure you give it a realistic trial before making any hard and fast decisions.
David
thanks, david. maybe the pod would work better for ME? i'm high again right now and have had only coffee. feels kinda like a mini torture process going through this 'transition'.
Hi Sarah
I would definitely give it some time. A few thing to consider when starting on the pump… 1- it’s a new thing and you all of a sudden are attached to this new device all the time. It will take some getting used to. One thing I really noticed made a difference for me is where I carry it. I started carrying it on my belt during the day but that was a nuisance, so I started cutting small holes in the tops of my pockets on the inside of my pants, and now just slip the pump in m pocket from inside my pants. It’s less obvious to everyone, and you don’t have tubing outside your clothes… Anyways, that was the part that annoyed me the most up front but now is no big deal. 2- it will take some time to dial it in, but within 2 weeks, I’m sure you’ll be much more dialed in than you are today and will be feeling so much better… I’m 3 months in and still making minor changes but very minimal.
Going on the pump from just taking shots is a major change… But give it some time… Your appreciate it before too long
As a follow up, I’ve started adding 1U when filling the cannula instead of the suggested 0.05 units. Two changes in, and it does seem to make a big difference. I may go up more, but wanted to start at 1U
Also, the nice thing on the pump is that it remembers what your last dosage was to fill the cannula, so the second time around doing it, I didn’t have to tell the pump to change to one unit from 0.05 units… Very nice!
Thanks again everyone for the info
Hi,
How long have you been a diabetic? I too have the same issues and have been Type 1 for 51 years and pumping since 1996. My endo suggested that maybe I have scar tissue from all the sites, shots etc and so I have been using sites like my thighs, buttocks, back, to find virgin skin and many times that works better. Also using the sets that go in at a 45degree angle seem to help at times. They will not tell you but it's ok to leave your set in for longer than 3 days as long as you have no problems or infections at the sites, no redness etc so keep a close eye on that. Also what type of insulin do you use? Maybe switching types of insulin may help you, my endo also thought I might have developed antibodies to the type of insulin I was on before and just generally I have issues with y regular insulin, even Apidra not working until about the 3rd or 4th hour after giving it and I have an active insulin time of 5 hours to cover this, no one can tell me why so don't give up, every day is a learning experience for me as well.
My two cents worth. First am glad to hear that tubed folks are having the same issuses as the pod folks as the omni pod discussions have touched on the same problems. I for one have found that a two unit bolus before removal works best with an elevated basel for the next two hours . Don't wear a CGM and not interested in trying. Happy with the finger sticks. I use a Cavalon base under the pod to prevent irratation ftom the adheisive. Works well. Best of luck as that seem to have more weight than anything else. Sarah hope you try the pods as they work very well, at least for me.
Thanks Matt. I start on a pump for the first time on the 26 of this month. I've held off being put on a pump for the longest time. I know I'm doing the right thing...just dont like the idea of being "attached" to an object and sure do not want tubing to show through making me different and stand out.
your words as a new pumper are comforting. It's all doable.
when i do a site change & or disconnect from the pump i replace what i missed while off the pump.
many good ideas, I too give more than the recommended amount to fill the cannula and often do a temporary basal rate (higher) for an hour or two right after a change and that also helps to level things off. After all these years,I don't think about my pump hanging on my wasteband anymore and I don't worry if people see it either, that passes in time, the being self conscious of your pump.
I am dealing with insurance issues now, changing from Animas to Minimed and minimed telling me BCBS will only allow 3 boxes of sets per 90 days so I had better not mess up any sites or I will not have any, anyone else having this problem with insurnace not paying for enough supplies? Often I go through 2-4 sties to get a good one and I am worried about not having enough stuff, our healthcare system sure sucks for those of us with chronic diseases. As for the CGM, they tell you you HAVE to use your stomach but you can use your arms or other places, I did when I tried one, just could not use it because I was allergic to the sensor itself.
Hi Laura - I know BCBS varies by state and plan but I have a BCBS plan. My endo set my prescription as every 2-3 days and I can get an extra box of sets now and then. I think this is a case where your doc has to rewrite the prescription or protest for you. I think its crazy for them to make us live with just in time inventory.
Maurie
what does insurance know about diabetes? do they live with it? NO.......
WE COULD TEACH THEM A COUPLE OF THINGS
Thanks, I see my endo next month and will him to rewrite my script and explain why, appreciate all the info and yes, I wish we ran the insurance agencies, we overpay and still get the shaft