After many (years even) of discussion with my doctor, I have decided to get a pump. I am meeting my final requirement right now (two weeks of logging wake up, go to sleep, pre meal, post meal ,and 2 am blood sugars, insulin dosages, and food). After this stage, I get to choose from an Animas or a Medtronic. I'm allowed to try both running saline.
My A1C's typically run in the 7's, and Ive been diabetic for over 15 years. What has been the best (or worst) part for you in switching from MDI to a pump? Ive always been hesitant, but have seen friends with good results, so I'm looking forward to improving my health and numbers too.
The learning curve is steep and, for me anyway, there is a greater sense of responsibilty to be more knowledgeable about my choice of treatement. Even though there is a greater sense of responsibility, there is also a much greater sense of freedom as long as you are paying attention to the basics of pumping.
Hardest part for me was adjusting basal rates. It required a lot of testing and patience on my end, and a few days where I just didn't feel well. But once that part was over (took a few months to really work out all the kinks), pumping became awesome.
I have the Revel and have been very happy with it. Great customer support, excellent online system to upload data, lots of infusion sets to choose from, etc. Definitely try both. I got to try them both on at a presentation, and found that the MM Revel was just more comfortable to wear (for me). It has been very easy to disguise under clothes. But I know a lot of folks like the remote bolus feature on the Ping. In the end, you have to choose the pump that has the features you need most. Do your research and compare them carefully, because it is a commitment.
In terms of operability, they are both fairly easy to use. I find MM's menu system very easy to learn. But all pumps are more simple than your average smartphone, so you should be fine.
Like you I switched back and forth between yes and no for YEARS on a pump. I finally about a year ago made the decision YES and it has been the best decision I've ever made in regards to diabetes management. Just the flexibility in so many ways makes it just a great option. If you don't feel like eating, the much more precision dosing, keeping track of how my IOB you have. It's incredible. My a1c's have never been so good EVER. I've ranged 5.5 to 5.9 my last 3 a1c's since switching to a pump. I went with Medtronic and I love mine. Good luck and keep us updated. If you are anything like me, lol you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.
I found the pump to be a lot less work and that switching had no downside whatsoever. I wasn't doing carb counting when I started, just carb guessing and switching to a pump and counting instead of guessing made a huge difference for me. I've had no worst part.
The worst part for me was getting the initial set up going - the basal rates, the insulin to carb ratios, etc since I was a "do it may way" MDI diabetic! I started with Medtronic since I wanted the all in one pump/CGMS feature. The Medtronic pump was fine other than not being waterproof. I did not like the Medtronic CGMS, and began using Dexcom. Switched to Animas, and have no trouble with that pump either. I would suggest a decision based on which CGMS you may decide to use since I feel that both pumps are very similar to use - if a CGMS is in your future, some people are able to use either Medtronic CGMS or Dexcom, but most wind up with a favorite as I have and therefore will now choose to stay with Animas/Dexcom. And never want to go back to MDI's!
