After using the minimed pump for 6 years I went back taking shots for the past 2 years. Now my endo would like me to consider using the pump again. What are some of the pros and cons of the current pumps out there? The minimed I had issues with the tube get caught on things or getting wrapped around something while I was sleeping. Have they made any improvements? Also I have heard some great things about the omnipod, but there have to be some short comings and I would like to hear about them. This will help in my decision on which one. Thanks
I don’t think there’s any way to get around getting the tube caught on things w/ MM, although I haven’t had that happen to me for a pretty long time since I belay the tube around the spare end of my belt and it secures it nicely.
I would like to know from you if you miss pumping? I have been on the MM pump for eight years and I feel like I have more lows with pumping. How has your control been with shots?
I’ve used a Minimed and an Animas, both with 23" tubing. I’ve never gotten caught on anything. I keep the pump on my waistband, and tuck the extra tubing under my waistband. I’ve never understood why anyone would leave it hanging out to get hooked on things…
It was going great until 2 weeks ago. I started to become sensitive to the lantus and ended up in the er in a coma. I used the minimed until it died. It lasted 6 years and with the insurance I have, I need to pay a portion of a new one. The prior one cost 4000 with the insurance paying the rest. I prefer the shots because I live in Fl and during the summer here the cat falls out when I sweat. At one point I was using super glue to keep it on. Just a small dab .
I am around large machines all day at work. The space between the machines are really tight. I usually knock my cell off of my waistband at least twice a week. It was the sleeping part that annoyed me the most. I usually twist and turn at night and the tubing that is usually tucked into my shorts by morning is wrapped around a pillow.
At night I’ve gotten so used to leaving it unclipped next to me on the bed and just grabbing it when I roll, that now I do it in my sleep; it’s a habit and I don’t (normally) get tangled. I guess it’s all about training yourself
The absolute only suggestion I have for the pump during the day is something I’ve heard some people do…they use the longer tubing and wear high socks…then tuck the pump into one of their socks, against their leg. This would at least keep the tubing going down your leg, inside your pants…
unclipped next to me would be on the floor in 10 minutes after I fall asleep.lol I never thought about the sock, that would be awkward with the pump I had before since there were no remotes for it. Thanks for the input
I resisted going on a pump for years. I have been using an Animas Ping for 4 months and I really like it. I was so woried about having a device attached to me, but I now feel as if it is a part of me. I wear it under my pants attched to my boxers and I use the remote to bolus. I forget it is there. For me the biggest advantage was a dramatic reduction in my daily insulin requirement. As a result I lost 15lbs and I am now at an ideal weight. I also find the combo bolus keeps my post prandial BG in a normal range. This was just not possible with multiple daily injections. Occasionaly I would leave for work and forget my Insulin pen, the pump essentially eliminates that possibly. For me it was the right choice. I regret I did not make the decision sooner.
I like the part about the remotes now. When I first got the minimed in 03 they did not offer one, so always had to have it somewhere I get to when eating. It would have looked strange to people if I was putting my hands in my pants while out eating, or at least there would have been some nasty rumors floating around about it.
I sewed a pocket on my boxers. I learned that on Martha the apple pie was an added bonus… i mean bolus…
I wear men’s sleep shorts with pockets at night. I tuck the pump and extra tubing in a pocket and safety pin it closed so it can’t fall out. During the day I sometimes gently coil the tubing and hold the coil with a little piece of paper tape.
I dont know if the newer MM pumps have the remotes, they may have done away w/ them…or maybe there is an option to buy one.
Why not using two shots of Levemir per day than switching back to the pump? It is unlikely that your current sensitivity will react to Levemir too.
My endo does not like the fact that with lantus or another long term insulin you are committed to the dose you have for 24 to 36 hours. He likes the pump because it is short term doses, so if I am running around all day I can quiclkly lower it.
I like the shots because if I am running around all day I can eat and take a lower dose of the novalog and still maintain a decent BS. I was using the minimed for a while before it died two years ago and have been pump free since then, but my endo preferrs to have me on a pump because there are no long term commitments to a dose and if I need to scale back quickly I can.
Martha and apple pie! I had shorts with pockets that I tried, but when I set the site higher up on me it would always tangle on something.
Levemir has a shorter life than Lantus. When changing to the pump with Levemir on board, you would need to lower the basal with the temporary basal only by a small amount. I go back and forth with my MM522 and MDI, almost seamlessly. I do take the Levemir in three shots when on MDI, which again keeps the buildup low. Lantus is more of a problem with a longer time buildup in your system.
What he likes is one thing but what do you like? At the end it is the dedication to your D and the commitment to your tools that makes the success in glucose control. If you need the quick adjustability of your basal rate then the pump is the way to go. But just from your description I got the impression that it is just the failing Lantus that forces you to switch back to the pump. At least I wanted to let you know that there are other alternates like the Levemir you can try first.
We just ordered an omnipod for my daughter, (awaiting insurance confirmation) She was adamant about no Tubing , otherwise she did not want to go on a pump, also the remote feature was a must. As far as I know the omnipod and the Animas Ping are the only ones that have a remote .(as far as I know, I could be wrong though)
Thanks for all your input. Just have to wait and see which one the insurance will cover.