Problems with the insulin pump :(

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2004
Problems with the insulin pump :(
2
Sat, 10-09-2004 - 4:23pm
I just decided to try an insulin pump. On Wednesday, of this last week, I was connected and am having a TON of reservations. It makes me feel extremely self conscious and doesn't seem to be controlling my blood sugars well at all. I got sick this morning because my blood sugar spiked to 278! Before getting on the pump I was taking Lantus and using Novolog Insulin pens. My blood sugars were good, but a little irregular. So, that's why I decided to get on the pump. Everyone keeps telling me how they think this will add years to my life, but I just don't see it. How, if my readings were under good control anyway, can this help?? The first time I changed out the spot where the needle goes in, I hit a blood vessel and now have a HUGE bruise. Right now I am considering calling my doctor's office first thing on Monday to get back on my old regimen, but I feel like I may be throwing in the towel too quickly. Does anyone have any recommendations or can tell me why this is so great?
Avatar for cl_d_minnick
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 10-10-2004 - 4:39pm

I am so sorry your having such a problem with the pump. I can tell you from my own experience that it takes time to get the pump set up properly to fit your life style and that does take time. You will need to see your doctor very often until you get the pump set correctly to the right basal rates at a given time, which means lots of checking of your blood sugars with keeping a good record of time you took it so that way your doctor knows what is going on better to help you get it adjusted right. It is hard at first, but in the end when you have it all set up right it is fantastic in keeping your blood sugars under super control not to mention makes life so much easier.


You can even use a CDE that has experience with a pump to help you get it set better if you prefer, but they will keep your doctor informed of what they did so that way everybody is on the same page. Now as to hitting a vein, which I have no idea what pump your using or infusions since there are so many available these days, but I do know that many do have shorter canula's to help with that problem for those who are built slender. So maybe talk to the pump company to see if they have any suggestions on how you can keep from having this happen.


I myself have been on a pump for over 7 years now and love it. It did take time though to get it all set up right for me, but it was worth it especially with not having to take a shot 5 times a day and packing everything with me any time I went out. I am on the Medtronic Minimed Paradigm pump and absolutely have found that this pump is just simply amazing to me with so many fabulous features to it. The pump has kept me in good control for a long time now and I do not know how I could live with out it. I know it takes some getting use to with figuring out where to put the pump, but eventually you figure things out to make it easier and you most likely want it put some place where it is not noticeable at all. You will learn where to place it for every clothing style you wear eventually, but for me I do not care who knows I am on one since I do not care who sees me wearing it since it has become a part of my life that I would not give up for anything.


Just know that we are here to help if you have any other questions at all. Take care and do have a great day!

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Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 10-10-2004 - 10:48pm

Hi and welcome to the board!


My sage advise for you is to Hang in there a little longer. It is much too early to throw in the towel on the pump. You have only had the pump three days and there is no way that you can adjust to it that quickly.


I was started on insulin in March. Now I have given thousands of shots to other people. What did I do but hit a blood vessel with my little tiny needle and cause myself a huge hematoma that hurt!