I was diagnosed with T1 at the age of 10. I’ve had it now for 24 years, and bought a Medtronic MiniMed about 8 months ago. I’m not sure what the fear is, but I still have not made an app. to get hooked up. Does anyone have a simular story? I always find a reason not to do it. Is this normal?
I was diagnosed in 97 at age 10. I never even looked into pumps until this year. I was scared of always being hooked up to something and stuff. But I am so glad I finally made the change. I have been on the Omnipod for 5 months, and love it. I was so nervous the day before I went in to get officially on it…but all the fear subsided when I was on it =) I was so happy! Good luck… =)
Hi Timi, starting something new is sometimes scary. For my son, the thought of having the pump was fine (he was 6) until it arrived at our place, he said he didn’t want it anymore. We didn’t want to back down because of the cost, second we knew that he would change his mind (at least we hoped!). We really wanted to try for a month to see before saying we didn’t want it (or he wouldn’t want it). For him, it took the month to get use to the site changes. After that initial month, he realized that instead of having 5 shots (or more) per day, it was one site change every 2-3 days and also the freedom of getting up when he wants to on the weekends instead of being forced to get up to have his basal shot and eat… He appreciates the fact that the mealtimes schedules are much more relaxed also. This summer (after almost a year on the pump - 3 years of shots prior to the pump), I asked him what advice he would tell a child that was recently diagnosed with type 1 D, he said “Go on the pump”, I laughed, I didn’t think that he would talk about that when I asked (I thought that he would say “don’t worry you’ll get use to the shots”…).
Don’t worry about being scared. I find it’s a big step and a commitment also, so it’s normal to be afraid.
My suggestion to you would be to give it a try, you already have it, take the courses and give you a 2-month goal or however long you feel to give it a chance. The thing is that it was easy for my son to sit back and “enjoy” his because the difficulties of programming it and calculating everything is not his responsibility yet, so he can be more of a kid and we do the worrying and adjustments… Sometimes the first few weeks are difficult because you have to find the perfect infusion set, the perfect basal settings, the perfect ratios… Well, perfect is a strong word, let’s say “appropriate” instead 
So give it enough time to go through that “research” period and some weeks after to really see the difference between shots and the pump.
Wish you strength for this “quest” Good luck!!!
Anything new is scary. I have gotten comfortable with the shots and they are in your comfort zone and now you are looking to go outside of your comfort zone and go on the pump so it is going to be scary for you at first. I love my insulin pump, I have so much better control since going on it. It takes a while to get used to it, but I bet after you have tried it you will love it. Keep in mind if the pump doesn’t work out for you, you can always go back to shots.
hi Timi, so what’s normal, anyway?
I was on MDI for 29 years before trying the pump. When the box arrived I opened it up and looked at the documents and then proceeded to go into a kind of a shock. I closed the box and didn’t open it again for 3 weeks.
it’s not “something new”: I don’t mind new things, new routines, or new technology. it wasn’t a fear of technology because btw I am a Process engineer and an automation and instrumentation specialist… so then what was the shock about?
maybe it had something to do with the pump itself - when I first saw a pump it was many, many years ago - it was as big as a brick and had 1 basal rate and you had to dilute your insulin manually… insanity
I am with you I never named that fear. I can tell you one thing: you will not be able to get over the wierdest feeling of all - getting up for breakfast on the first morning and NOT reaching for a needle before eating =) good luck! I’ve been pumping for a bit over 2 years now and not only would I never go back - I am just like everybody else "I shoulda started earlier"
cheers!
I thank all of you for your stories and your support. I did take my pump out of the closet this morning, and have been reading all the paper work that came with it, again!
yes!!! i’ve had T1 for 16 years, DX at age 14…for years dr.s have asked me if i’m interested in the pump…and for years i’ve said no, until this year…i finally realized that i could get better control from a pump and it would only help me in the long run…granted, my pump, pod, still isn’t regulated after 6 months (but i’m workin’ on it!) …the pump/pod is awesome!!! i got to the point where i physically could not give myself a shot anymore, it hurt everytime i would poke myself…my injection sites hurt…it was also my way of welcoming age 30 and taking a step towards better health! it’s scary to take the big step, but once you do it, you will be ecstatic!!!
good luck!
myriah
Once you get all hooked up and see how amazing it is, you will be kicking yourself for not trying it sooner. At least thats how I was.
We are here to help you whenever you are ready, Timi! Are you seeing a diabetes educator? The one I have is really good, and never has rushed me when I’ve had questions. The pump educator usually comes to your house, and gets it all set up. And remember, all the pumps have 24/7 toll free numbers to help you… good luck, and congrats!
I initially got the pump in 98 it scared the hell out of me and I never used it it sat in the box I still have it. I decided to try it again in 204 started with animas hard to get used to I admit the tubing getting caught on things etc. But going out to eat and just punching in my carbs etc is so much better than going to the restroom drawing up my insulin taking in not the best of places. So it is definately a better choice sure you have to adjust to being connected to something 24 7 but it gives you freedom. It is who you are a part of you embrace it learn everything you can about it. I have to admit there is so much more I can do with my pump that I do not do you get lazy .take advantage of learning everything and live your life to the fullest…I myself will be re-reading my pump user guide and learning all I can to make my life easier,. Good luck you will do fine.
I was diagnosed T1 at 10, too. Started a pump in 2000 at age 20. I was really nervous about being hooked to something. My doctor brought up pumping when I was 18 and it took me that long to get comfortable with the idea. But once I started pumping, I was immediately in love. I’m 29 now. For me, rather than restrictive, the ability to eat less or more than my prescribed meals or sleep later because I didn’t need the long-acting shot, etc, made me feel much more free. Snacking, exercising - it all became easier.
I hope you take the leap. I heard it put best by another of our members: Just because you own the Cadillac doesn’t mean you have to drive it everyday. You can always go back to what’s familiar, Timi.
Timi-
I was diagnosed with T1 at age 2 1/2. I was on beef/pork Reg and NPH for YEARS. I was fine. No problems. I survived through “life”… childhood, marriage and one pregnancy … on syringes. Then, I got pregnant again and the doctor said “You have to go on the pump”. He had tried for years prior and had REALLY tried during the first pregnancy, but I refused! I liked that I wasn’t “ATTACHED” to something. I hated the idea of having this “beeper” thing hanging on me 24/7. I didn’t want to be robotic. Those were my fears. And, the responsibility of it all. Then my husband looked at me one day and said “robotic? If it means better control and fewer injections why not try it?” So, I did. I was 3 months pregnant with my son. I was scared about this new “device” as everyone kept calling it, but I did it. Now, 10+ years later I’ll never go back. It took about a week to get used to it all. Now, it’s another appendage.
One thing my doctor did for me was to ask another one of his patients to show me how easy it all was. She was also pregnant and also had an older child. I went and sat at her dining room table. She pulled down her pants, showed me how to change a site, then went to chase after her child who was getting into something and left me there to think… All I could think was, if I can do that that quickly, then just go on about my life and not inject anything for 2 days… no more x6 shots a day? Done. I made the appointment with the MiniMed rep the next day and had the pump put on me a week later.
Ask us questions. Let us know what you’re thinking?
As others have said, once you get going you’ll say "why didn’t I do this sooner?"
Erin
Yes, I was.
Then after 24 hours, I realized OMG THIS IS F#CKING AWESOME. (Minimed 507C)
And I still believe that to be the case. (Minimed 722 w/CGMS)
Thank you all again for your stories! I’m starting to get exited about being on my pump. I’m normally not afraid to try new things, so I think it’s a little confusing to me why I’d have a problem doing this! Right now I take 4 shots a day unless my BS is high. I asked my second Endo (thats another story) about a pump when I was pregnant with my second child, four years ago, she said I should just stick to what I know until I was able to just focus on the pump. I really did’nt take that badly, I thought she new best! Now with my third Endo, who is also T1 and on a pump, he thinks I should have gotten on one years ago. So here I am, with a pump, and I have now made up my mind, thanks to ALL of your stories, I’ve set my goal to be on the pump before Christmas!!! I will be calling today to make an appt. I have so many reasons not to do it now, with the holiday and everything that goes with it, but I know if I don’t do it now, I’ll find another excuse down the road. So I’ll keep a post on my progress, and I really really can’t tell you all how nice it is to hear from you and please know that you all took part in getting another D on a pump!!!
Timi: That’s TOTALLY normal. I’ve been T1 for 28 years and just went on the pump a year ago in May. (What a difference). At the class to “put on” the pump (which at the time I didn’t realize we were doing), when it came time to insert it I went all pale and naseaus (sp?) but NEVER lost consciousness! (wink). The Pump CDE said she hadn’t seen that reaction in anyone since some 90 year old (nice huh!) My husband is the fainter in my family and he felt for me. Fast forward a bit…It NEVER happened again and now it’s easy. I figure, even if I wasn’t conscious of being afraid, my subconscious took over…It happens.
GOOD LUCK. You will be JUST FINE…It becomes second nature after a while. By the way, I’m on the MM 722 if you have any questions.
if the size of the inserter needle is scary, get a prescription for Emla cream and put it on 1-4 hours ahead of time. You won’t feel a thing!
Hi
I was afraid of a funny thing. I am very sensitive to adhesives and I was worried about the insertion set tape blistering my skin. I was worried the insurance would pay a lot of money for something I couldn’t use. The tape doesn’t bother me at all. Unless I take it off while wet, as in after a shower. I let it dry first and it is fine. I’m sure you have been through a lot with diabetes for 24 years and making a change would make you nervous. All I can tell you is everyone I know who has went to a pump says they love it and wish they had done it sooner. I went through the tutorial and it made me feel better starting out.
I resisted going on the pump for years because I couldn’t stand the thought of always being connected to something. It took me probably 9 months of thinking about it to finally commit. Within a couple days of getting set up I wondered why I thought it was such a big deal–for the first time I felt NORMAL. I had no idea I could feel so good with diabetes! The flexibility is great. I don’t like getting my tubing snagged every now and then and I have yet to find a way to wear it with a dress (that I can stand and seems practical, I mean), but those are small issues compared to the benefits. Good luck! I’m sure you’re going to love it.
I was 4 when diagnosed. And 24 when I finally got on the pump. I wish I’d been brave enough to get one when I was in high school or college. It would have made my life so much easier. I was so paranoid about being “attached” to something. Now it’s just the norm. So, as you can tell, most people seem to have fear about getting on the pump. But I say try it. If you don’t like it you can always go back to MDIs.
Timi: GO FOR IT PAL!!! I don’t think you will regret it as it gives a certain amount of freedom from some of the more aggravating points of this disease. As long as you bought it, why waste the money? Promise that you will at least go to the appointment and check it all out. I got to play with my pump for a few weeks before I actually “hooked up” with actual insulin. I startted out at first with sterile water. Once you see what fun you can have, I’m sure you will appreciate the kick in the pants to try it. Lois La Rose