Has anyone stopped using their pump permanently or for prolonged time periods?  I've been pumping for over four years and have done very well.  However, I'm a very active person and recently have had several occassions where I'm certain that my canula is probably kinking due to all my activity.  I keep Lantus on hand just in case, and for the last two weeks i've discontinued using my pump and going back to injections and have done very well, to the point I believe that I could continue w/ injections.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

I was on a pump from 2000 - 2007

My A1cs were ok in that period, usually 6.5 - 7.0

I just got tired of "being hooked up all the time" and I also did not like the way that the large plastic needle in my side felt. Probably not the best reasons.

I asked my endocrinologist if it would be ok to go off the pump for awhile. I was expecting a scolding. However, he encouraged me to try it. He said that I should know how to deal with a change like that.

After 3 months my A1c went down to 5.9 using Lantus and Novolog. This was the lowest A1c I had ever had. I believe that I was more careful in that period then I usually was and this may have accounted for the good A1c. They have since drifted up a little.

It was a relief to get off the pump. I have not used a pump since 2007.

Until they make a pump that can monitor glucose levels AND calculate the correct dose, a pump alone is just an expensive insulin delivery mechanism.

I feel that the carb counting inaccuracies, coupled with varying daily exercise levels is what really makes blood sugars fluctuate. And the pump is as affected by this as insulin delivery by needles.

rodinsc posted:

I was on a pump from 2000 - 2007

My A1cs were ok in that period, usually 6.5 - 7.0

I just got tired of "being hooked up all the time" and I also did not like the way that the large plastic needle in my side felt. Probably not the best reasons.

I asked my endocrinologist if it would be ok to go off the pump for awhile. I was expecting a scolding. However, he encouraged me to try it. He said that I should know how to deal with a change like that.

After 3 months my A1c went down to 5.9 using Lantus and Novolog. This was the lowest A1c I had ever had. I believe that I was more careful in that period then I usually was and this may have accounted for the good A1c. They have since drifted up a little.

It was a relief to get off the pump. I have not used a pump since 2007.

Until they make a pump that can monitor glucose levels AND calculate the correct dose, a pump alone is just an expensive insulin delivery mechanism.

I feel that the carb counting inaccuracies, coupled with varying daily exercise levels is what really makes blood sugars fluctuate. And the pump is as affected by this as insulin delivery by needles.

 Thanks for re-enforcing my decision, like your doc, mine was OK with the change as well (for now).  Thanks for the input!!!

I've lived 50+ years as a Type 1 and for 40 years I injected insulin. Since 1999 I have been pumping and love it. I'm not trying to sway your opinion but since 2007 pumps have improved. I recently upgraded to a Medtronic 522 which has some features I like, such as calculating my boluses when I input my carbs for each meal. It figures it down to the 10th of a unit, it also does the same for a correction bolus. With my other pumps I didn't have the choice of calculating boluses to the 10th of a unit.  There's another feature I also like it keeps a record of my bgs, boluses and carbs eaten for the day which I can download into my computer and print reports. I enjoy pumping because it affords the freedom I didn't have with shots...just my 2 cents.

I use the Animas 2020 pump it also has the features you mentioned. I love it but I do get tired of being attached all the time. I've considered getting the omipod it has no tubing.

Gail

Hey there gmanuel25!  I only started pumping last April after 40 years of MDI - where my A1C was usually around 7.0%.  I decided to give the pump a go - since I had other diabetic friends using them - and they swore they were the best thing since sliced bread.  Well, since being on the pump - I've managed to have less hypos then I did with MDI - also A1C has gone down to 5.7%.  Now, if I can't afford to pump anymore - if I lose my job that has private medical insurance - then I will probably have to go back to MDI - but I find with being on the pump it has reeducated me on how to handle my diabetes.  Yes, prior to pumping  I subconsciously did carb counting, etc. and gave appropraite insulin shots to take care of that as well as making corrections for my BG's with fast acting insulin (also took Lantus a.m. / p.m.) - but with the pump - where with the program I have set up in it - it helps me make better decisions I feel in how I manage my "legal drugs" - perhaps this is why my A1C's are better now.  I am also active in sports, one of them being sailing - where I get flung around abit (have bumping my pump a few times ) - but so far - no probs with things kinking, or ripping out.  I know for some people - who do active sports - they disconnect for the time they are doing it - with no ill effects.  Anyway, not sure when/if you've taken your pump vacation yet - but keep us up to date when you do.  You never know - maybe I'll be coming to you for advise when I decide to go back to MDI - either for a short / long period.

FatCatAnna

The Trials and Tribulations of a Diabetic

I had a stroke in year 2000 and was also diagnosed a type 2. My doctor eventually had me try the Omni Pod pump this year 2009. It is wireless/tubeless unit, the concept is great, the handheld Transmitter and the Pod concept seemed like the perfect idea. I wore this unit about 3 months, I could never get control of my BS. I know some people loved the Omni Pod, I just think the technology is still early.

I have since stopped pumping and currently use the portable pen system (Lantus & Humalog). I was referred to a Diabetes America clinic and have received the care and instructions this disease deserves.

My endocrinologist stopped her practice and made the referral, It was the best thing that could have happened to me. I have learned more about how to manage my Diabetes with Diet and Medications with-in the first couple visits than all the years since 2000. I manage my Basal with Lantus and the Bolus with Humalog at meal times, I finally have control of my BS.

Before going on the pump my Doctor had me taking Large injections of Humalog R 500 (Highly Concentrated) 5 times the strength of regular Insulin. I was in need of the expertise Diabetes America clinics offered me, I now take 35units of Lantus twice a day for my Basal control and Humalog 100 with a carb/ratiio of 2units per 7 carbs for my Bolus control at meal times, both delivered with the pen.