Well this old guy got his insulin pump yesterday. I am only type 2 but they thought I should get one since my BG is so high and all over the place. I have been trying to get on since March 1st of 2012 and finally got a company to order and bill my three insurances. the first company didn't want to bill Medicare because medicare only pays monthly payments. they wanted me to make the monthly payments instead. I fired them after fighting with them for most of the time. My first day was pretty good, BG was quite good and then It hit the fan before I went to bed. AND I didn't have have a large dinner or a bed time snack. Since the hospital people were all gone I had to use my gut feeling and told the pump to give me a bolus. guess I did the right thing, I check in first thing this morning. my two hr check after supper to night was high also. any one out there have a pump and wish to share there first day experiences?
I've had a pump for the last 11 or 12 years and getting one was the best decision I've ever made. While I dont remember my 1st day details, I do remember it took a few weeks to get my basal rates adjusted. Remember a pump will only do what its programmed to do, so you will still have highs and lows, but they are fewer and easier to correct with frequent testing. Congrats on the new pump,be patient these first few weeks and with accurate carb counting,you should see a improvement in your bg levels and A1C.
My wife has a pump. She was type 2 but is type 1 now. She had brittle diabetis with her suger readings all over the place. She gave up on regular doctors and went to an endrocynoligist. He got her on the pump and showed her how to use it. With the pump and testing her levels many times a day she still has her highs and lows, but her A1C readings have been below 6 for many years now. It took her several weeks to get her basel rates established. She kept records and can now adjust her basel rate to go what activities she sees ahead.
We are now traveling in our RV. We have been on the road a couple of months now. At the moment, she is in the other room changing her tummy infusion needle. She has to do that every 4 to 5 days, but she says it is a lot better than giving herself insulin shots.
'05' F-250 Power Stroke
'00' 30' Cameo Fifth Wheel
It will take a while for you to get the pump settings adjusted properly. It does not provide immediate regulation for your blood glucose. If you have a Medtronic brand pump you can call Medtronic 24 hours a day 7 days a week with questions.
neok
2009 GMC 25000HD Short Bed 6.0 Gas Engine Crew Cab SLT 4x4
2008 Bigfoot 15C9.5FS
Torklifts, Fastguns, Superhitch & SuperTruss
Medtronic people will really help you as much as they can. An Endocrinologist is the way to go. I swear by mine. He's a God Send!!!
I've been on a pump for about 14 or so years and adjustments are constant. Don't adjust at the drop of a hat, watch for patterns and be patient, then adjust accordingly. I also test a minimum of 6 times a day (before a meal and 2 hrs after) A real PITA, but worth it.
Best of luck to you and God Bless.
Camping in a Sportsmobile. How much better can it get?
What brand is your pump? All are similar but we can give better input knowing if your's is the same. I have an Animus One Touch Ping. My Basal is set for 4 periods a day. Each period may be different. The Basal is initially set for a safe sugar level prior to meals. AT mealtime you would add in a bolus for the carbs you expect to consume for the meal (mine is 1 unit per 10 carbs - you need to deter the ratio that works for you). Two hours after the meal I check my sugar and take another bolus to correct if the sugar is too high (my ratio is 1 unit for 10 sugars to get to 120 - you need to also determine your own ratio for this. Good Luck!
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