The box full of equipment and supplies and books and more books arrived today from Medtronic. I am a bit apprehensive about becoming tethered to a pump, but I’m ready.
I’ve been type 1 for about 6 years. I, for the most part, eat what I want, and bolus to cover it. Not surprisingly, this method has not served my A1C very well (8% last check).
So, I’m not just ready for the pump, I’m ready to improve the way I treat my Diabetes. I only recently found this site, and never really talked about myself with other diabetics. The reading I’ve done here so far, has inspired me to do a better job. Thank you.
I will get all of the equipment figured out next week.
I’m not looking for advice. Maybe just encouragement for now.
Congratulations! I’m sure you and the pump will become the best of friends, and with the proper care on your part you’ll be off and pumping your way to a better A1c in no time!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask, we’re more than happy to throw our two cents into the mix.
I don’t feel tethered to my pump, because it just sits on my waistband and I can move freely and comfortably. It’s just THERE, and I like being able to refer to it whenever I want to – I have a CGM too, and it’s nice to be able to track my BG readings.
Most of the people I know like their pumps; only a very few have gone off them.
There are several books you can read about Type 1 and pumping, including Think Like a Pancreas, by Gary Scheiner, and any of several books written by John Walsh. If you’re interested in a low-carb way of eating, there’s Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution. I’d really recommend reading some of those books, and asking as many questions as you want to – there are some very knowledgeable people here, and they will eagerly jump in to offer their help!
Good luck!
Congrats! To “encourage” - 1. 3 months give or take, then you wonder what in the world you did without a pump. 2. Keep a punching bag handy the first couple of weeks, insulin pumps are expensive ! LOL. 3. Watch your A1C go down - best reward there is ( My first 3 months went down from 8.7 to 7.2 without trying - LOL, last one 6.2).
congratulations as well. I spent quite a bit of time in pump class deciding whether to have 2 or 3 tacos to “test drive” it. I had 3 and was @ 85 2 hours after I ate them.
That is the best part of the pump. Being able to literally eat pretty much anything you want, in any quantity and being able to bolus accordingly right then and there with minimal calculations done on your part. The fact that you can even do partial units in place of whole ones just makes it that much better!
Congrats! I got my MM Paradigm Revel 523 on the 26th and was able (by a stroke of luck) to do pump training the same day. Being on the pump has made my life a lot easier, and I’ve already seen results in my BG numbers even though we’re still trying to get my rates regulated. The transition from MDI to the pump was a good one for me because now I don’t have to disappear to the bathroom to give myself an injection when we eat out, or worry about highs that I can’t correct because it hasn’t been four hours yet. It has honestly given me a more normal life, or at least as normal as a PWD can get! Best of luck in the next few weeks, and I hope you become as good of friends with your pump as I have mine =)
Update… I got hooked up yesterday afternoon. It was a long night of lows, basal adjustments, Hawaiian Punch, and phone calls with CDE… Despite the lack of sleep, I am quite pleased with the pump. I love how I can bolus tiny amounts for corrections or small snacks.
I have a lot to learn before I am an advanced pumper like you all, but I certainly have a positive outlook.
You’ve got the right attitude and, as you know, that is more than half the battle.
There is a learning curve to both pumping and CGM…but both pay big dividends. I’ve pumped since '92 and I am STILL LEARNING!!! And this site has been great for leaning new little nuggets that make it better.
I just started on the same pump and CGM after being a type 1 since 2004 (I actually use the smaller Paradigm 523 to be precise). I also didn’t like the idea of being attached to the pump. However, after suffering a severe low in January, in which I began seizing, went into and out of consciousness and landed in an ambulance to the ER, I decided that I had to do everything that I could to control my disease. For me, the pump combined with a low carb diet has helped me to stabilize my sugars significantly. I’m glad to hear that you’re ready to improve the way you treat your diabetes. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I am type 2 but that doesn’t make a difference when it comes to pumping. You will find your A1C will come down pretty quickly. I went from a 7.5 to a 6.9 the first A1C after starting on the pump. I have creeped up a bit but I think that was a seasonal thing. Good luck.
I can remember the same emotions when I received my first pump over 12 years ago. I would put up a fight kicking and screaming if someone would take a pump from me now. It is a lot to learn at first, I admit. Take it a day at a time - and six months from now you’ll be wondering how you ever got by without it.
I’m glad you got the pump, Richard! But I’m also sorry that so many Type 2’s who could really benefit from it are denied by Medicare and insurance just because they’re Type 2’s.
My A1c stayed the same on the pump, but that’s OK with me – it was always in the 6’s. The fact is that the pump allows me so much more freedom, and fewer highs and lows. Anything that makes life easier for someone with diabetes is a good thing, in my book!
Congrats! I love my revel and CGM aka Pinky. I do not feel tethered in fact I actually sometimes forget it is there. In all honesty my A1c is the best it has ever been in 22 yrs of type1 and I would not change it for the world. So good luck my friend.
I started on the pump about 6 weeks ago, and have loved it from the first. I too was apprehensive about being tethered. but it’s really no big deal. And there are lots of places online that sell various accessories – thigh band for ladies wearing dresses, arm bands for exercise, etc – explore and see what works best for you.
I’m not sure the pump is actually going to improve my A1c (it’s good anyway), but it’s enabling me to MAINTAIN my A1c while living a more normal life – eating multiple small meals, deciding to have dessert, etc. I do have fewer lows, too.
I started my pump one year ago. I was and still am excited as you are. I also have the MM Revel. My a1c’s improved immediately. It is much easier than shots.
My only concern is, in the recent months I have not been “tweeking” the bolus/basal as much and my numbers are reflecting that.
I believe the eating what I want to eat and then bolus is effecting my numbers and my weight. And when you eat what you want to eat it is a little harder to count those big hidden carbs. I am concern that I entered into a “wing it” mode.
Did anyone else enter a “wing it” mode after a year with the pump? Help he cut my wings and get back on track!
Hey, Dargirl! Glad you are still excited about the pump!
I think the most important thing to remember is that you eat to nourish yourself, and not to go hog wild. ANYONE will gain weight if they overeat. You need to be just as disciplined as you were on shots. As for carb-counting, lots of us make SWAGs (Scientific Wild-Ass Guess), but when you do, you have to pay attention afterward, and correct as need be. Fortunately, the pump won’t let you stack insulin if you follow its recommendations. You also need to be sure your insulin:carb ratio is correct – if you ALWAYS go high after meals, maybe it’s not, and you need to adjust it to less carbs per unit of insulin. If you have a good endo or CDE, they can help you.
And many Type 1’s need to keep watching and tweaking, because for some unknown reason the body is constantly changing and if other hormones are fluctuating, so will your insulin requirements. Good luck!
But I’m also sorry that so many Type 2’s who could really benefit from it are denied by Medicare and insurance just because they’re Type 2’s.