I'm beginning to think What have I got myself into?
I've been on MDI for almost 13 years. My A1c is acceptable (most recent was 7.6; best ever [post-honeymoon period] was 6.6), and I'm comfortable and used to MDI, so why am I doing this?
I am particularly worried about the gigantic needles/cannulas. I used a 29 gauge needle when I was first diagnosed and got huge bruises. The needle for my infusion sets is 27 gauge.
Also, I have a low total daily dose (about 19.5 u), and I'm worried about the low basal rate clogging the infusion set.
I'm sure it's normal to be worried, but then again, what if I don't like it? Or what if my control doesn't improve in the long term?
Hey, I started on the Animas Ping in November 2009. I was very anxious too. My TDD is really low too, only about 12-14 units a day. My basal rate is only .100 during the day and .275 at night, so I wouldn’t worry about the low basal rate clogging. I have not had any clogging issues ever…only a few kinked cannulas, which become obvious because the insulin will kind of back out of my skin, so i can see it or feel it get wet.
If you don’t like it, you can ALWAYS switch back. it’s your choice.
I think your control may be weird at first because another thing is (at least for me) basals are even lower on the pump, so you may have a smaller dose than what you had on lantus, levemir, etc. However you will find your rates, and once you do your control will (hopefully) become the best you’ve ever seen.
I actually had an anxiety attack the first night on my pump because I didn’t “trust” it that it was working right. Eventually, it becomes kind of like your little sidekick and you rely on him/her to live, and your anxiety will fade.
I’ve got an Animas Ping, like you. (I say “got,” because it’s already sitting on my kitchen table at home. It seems weird to be away from something that will be connected to me for years to come).
Do you use Insets? Do you get bruises from the gigantic needle?
I just started pumping today! Just left my endo’s office. I was freaked out about the set (Medtronic Quickset) and was holding my breath when using the serter - but it felt about the same as when I use a regular pen needle. I am totally nervous for tonight that I don’t go low - I am used to being on NPH (as we are trying to get pregnant), and without a peak, etc- I am scared to go low. I will be waking up to check often tonight. I am also on a very low TDD - 8-10 u basal and the rest is food boluses (around 9-10 u a day).
Hey, no prob. I had mine for a month before I started it too…I looked at it every day like…uhhh this thing is weird hahaha.
Anyway…I use the Inset 30’s, which are the same at the regular Insets except they go in on an angle. Now to be honest, at this moment I have a SMALL bruise from a set…but this is my first one in 6 months. You can hit a “nerve”…i put that in quotes because I am not positive that is what happened…but basically, I put in my set, it hurt pretty bad…I let it go anyway, then when i changed it, it was bruised up.
On a better note…I BARELY ever even FEEL the needle go in when I change my set out. It looks like a huge needle but it really doesn’t hurt. Up until this recent bruise I have had a comfortable time putting in my sets.
Also, at first you may feel like the time and effort it takes to change out an infusion set is a lot to handle. Again, you will get used to it and it will become a pretty quick task that you don’t dread. Before I dreaded having the change out my set and cried once because I thought it took too much time and I kept doing it wrong. I had a lot of trouble getting the set in correcty at first…it was frustrating to be honest…but now it’s a breeze and I don’t even think twice about it.
Long story short, it takes some adjusting but it is so worth it. I love my pump.
I hear you !!
My biggest concern was , that it took me soooo long to do a " complete set change " …almost one hour then , now probably for me a record time of 12 minutes or less . The pump Nurse came to my home , spent about 2 plus hours with me , yet I felt very anxious the first few times ( without her presence ) and had to keep reading the " how to do it stuff " , with Hubby at my side .Looking back , this is almost 9 years ago .
I use Sure-T’s and am soon moving to Orbit, Micro Infusion Sets with a 5.5 mm " cannula , which is a needle as well .The cannulas kept kinking on me …Hang in !!
Thanks for all the replies. I know in my heart this will be okay, but it’s hard to imagine what it will be like.
I’m so happy to hear there are other people on small doses of insulin who are pumping. What do you do about your reservoirs? Do you fill them with 200 units every 3 days even though you won’t use half of it?
Hi HFXNS! I am relative newbie (almost 2 years since diagnosis). I’ve been on a pump for 1.75 years (ish). I have a fairly low TDD (25u) too.
I would not recommend that you fill the reservoir at max capacity. 20ish x 3 is about 60. I’m on the oPod and the minimum we can put in is 80. So I fill it to 80 and call it good. Give yourself a bit of wiggle room (put about an extra day’s worth in there), but know that you will be come a pro at filling your reservoirs with insulin. Also, you may even see your TDD decrease with a pump.
I fill my reservoir to about 1.6 ml …good for 3 set changes: this will likely change , because of the longer tubing I plan to use , ie more waste of insulin …but so be it …av. daily use about 21 u …prior to pumping I used about 27 u daily
i love it, i love it, i love it, i love it. Why did I wait so long? I have had Type 1 for 38 years. MDI for all those years. I had lots of bruises from shots 5-6 six times a day. I just started pumping on the 27th of April. The first and second site change was a little nerve crazy. But I am becoming more familiar with the routine. The biggest challange was the transition from Lantus to the pump and getting the Lantus out of my system. But after that no problem. I have the Reveal 723.
My biggest issue at the beginning was I was checking to see if I was actually getting insulin. It was the trust factor in something mechanic. I have already seen a big change in my control. Also, I believe the tubing is very reziliant (sp)? At first I was worried if the tubing was not getting tangled, kinked, twisted. Now when I wake up in the morning I find it all wrapped around me. P.S. Cannulas? You don’t really know it is in you.
I only use about 20 units/day and you don’t have to worry about a low rate clogging the infusion set. I wonder where you got that idea from in the first place.
You don’t have to completely fill the reservoir. At least I don’t on the Minimed. Fill it only with what you’ll use in three days. If you bolus to basal ratio is 50/50 that means 120 units or so. You’ll learn how much to use after a few reservoirs. No need to fret about ‘wasting’ insulin. It’s such a minimal amount it doesn’t even add up to one vial/year by my calculations.
If you don’t like the pump - don’t use it. MDI works, too.
What if your control doesn’t improve in the long term? I don’t know. What? It’s not as if the pump is in charge. You’re in charge and the pump is a tool. If control doesn’t improve in the long term, make adjustments until it does.
Terry: Where did I get the idea that low basal rates can lead to clogs? Pumping Insulin, 4th ed., page 233: “Clogs can occur with low basal rates (0.4 or lower) . . .”
I think you misunderstand my point: I’m nervous about all this! I don’t think the pump is in charge, or the pump will magically give me a great A1c. I’m simply afraid.
I appreciate everyone’s responses very, very much. The encouragement helps a lot.
When my son started pumping 4.5 years ago… I was so nervous. It seemed like so much to remember and do. Well, I can honestly say, we do the same things now that we did then but much faster and with much more confidence. We aren’t as nervous or worried now. We can problem solve most situations and it really is fairly easy. I will say though, that once a site goes bad, it goes bad fast, so you do have to keep on top of your numbers . We are still not using a CGM. I would also try to sample different infusion sets as well. The first silhoutte they had us use and order were the longer cannulas…Why I don’t know because my son was very lean. Anyway, I saw they had shorter ones and we switched to these. His endocrin nurse only pushes the silhouttes, but we just had a pump trainer come to the house and she gave us different samples. My son actually likes the Sure-T’s. They are metal and must be changed every 48 hours but he likes those better and his numbers are actually better. we also have the quick set.
At first it is alot of work and adjustment of doses. Do not be hard on yourself. It is wonderful to have the insulin on board all of the time. Good Luck.
!!! I missed that part!!! Never heard it from my endo, CDE or pump trainer either. Weird. Makes me think it’s not that big of a concern. In know Pumping Insulin is the bible but let’s just say I don’t take the bible literally. Still, I’m going to look into it further.
I know you’re afraid. I wasn’t trying to dismiss your fear but I guess I came on strong.
If the pump doesn’t work for you it will only be a temporary set back. Keep on keepin’ on.
I have been on the pump for almost three years now. I have the minimed from Medtronic. I love it. It has made my life much easier, but here are some things to consider:
If the infusion set bothers you, call the company. They usually have more than one size and about three to many more different styles. Don’t be afraid to try them all. I have tried a dozen from Medtonic. They want you to enjoy your pump therapy, so they shouldn’t have any issue sending you samples.
My basal rate is very low. I have never had any issues with clogging. If you do, though, call the company. They are there to help you work through the little issues.
Find a skilled professional. When I started on my pump I thought I could only get help from my endo. Lie. I called the company and found out that they had trained nurses who had their own schedules to help people with my specific pump. It has been the biggest blessing having someone to call at night when I have no clue what to do with my pump.
Also, I think this is the most important thing. Embrace your pump. I’ve been saddened to hear that many people view there pump as a flaw in their appearance. The pump is just another symbol of your strength. It is an undeniable statement to your will to survive. Let it give you encouragement and strength.
Still, I’m going to look into it further.