Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jen on May 30, 2012 at 9:02am

I guess thats the good (?) thing about diabetes. Insulin is insulin whether is from a shot or a pump, as long as you are taking it, do what fits you. There is no rule saying you have to stick to one plan. Change it up if you need and if down the road you feel like going back to a pump the do that too. Best of luck to you

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Permalink Reply by smileandnod on May 30, 2012 at 9:15am

I don't think there's anything wrong with going back to shots if you think that may work best for you. Managing diabetes is so much more than just getting the insulin into our bodies. We're also dealing with emotions and relationships and professional lives. Those of us diagnosed as adults may also go through a period of mourning our lives as we used to know them. That's what I sense from what you've written, jigga, and I went through the same thing.

I was diagnosed at 27 so still younger than you at diagnosis but I went through similar feelings. So as you're trying to adjust to your "new normal" as an adult, you're also dealing with the demands of work, family, and raising kids. It's hard to focus on what's best for you when you're being pulled in different directions.

I stayed on MDI for most of 25 years and have been on a pump for going on 3 months now. I was perfectly happy for a really long time on MDI and only went to a pump because I needed the ability to vary basal rates during the day. I think our diabetes treatment plan has to fit our current situation and that may change over the years.

I say take the time to figure out what works best for you and how best to make your D care a priority that fits into your life as it is now. Whatever you do, just keep testing and adjusting your insulin. How that insulin gets into you...not as important.

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Permalink Reply by RyanD on May 30, 2012 at 12:03pm

Do what works best for you, but understand that that can change. I was a die hard needler, now I use a pump. The real problem is our families. My wife just baked home made chocolate chip cookies for guests, and it is all I can do not to just grab my pump and load up. And although there is no question about her love for me and even her understanding of my dilemma, she still thought nothing of stinking up the house with fresh cookie smell and than offering me one. Now I know I could get away with one, but who can eat just one warm fresh cookie? So than I get into stacking my insulin boluses so that they lead to a low that will be treated with a handful of not quite as fresh cookies that will lead to a high that will be over treated and.... Well, you all get the idea.. at some point, it just gets easier to say no to the cookie. I'll save it for after dinner, take the little extra insulin with my meal, and have a couple cookies for dessert. Saying no builds confidence, the more times you do it the easier it becomes. I am afraid that if you use pain to deter you from eating it will lead to even more resentment, which may prevent you from using the needles. I would think that the pump would be ideal for anyone who did not like needles. I hope nothing but success for you, and as far as your pump, I think there are programs that donate medical supplies to third world countries, at least thats where my loving, cookie baking wife said she sent all my old needles.

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Permalink Reply by smileandnod on May 30, 2012 at 12:37pm

I'm finding myself sitting here and nodding my head as I read the scenario you describe with the home-baked-cookie-induced bg roller coaster ride... you're so right, Ryan, with time it just becomes easier to say no.

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Permalink Reply by Jigga on June 14, 2012 at 8:27am

Hello friends,

Thanks to everyone for their posts. It's helped me a lot. I just wanted to give a quick update for any interested.

As I said before, my wife is totally against me getting rid of the pump. In a perfect world I could eliminate all triggers, but I have a 13, 11, 5, 2 year old girls in the house, I don't want them to be denied.

That being said, we've cut back big time on the junk that's brought into the house. When I got diagnosed, the ICU stay put a HUGE damper on my savings (27.00 for a box of Kleenex? they're 1.47 at Walmart!)so we moved back home. I was dealing with leaving everything I know and moving home as well as moving with my in-laws for a few months while we built back up our savings. My inlaws are great, but my mother in law and I clash. They don't have the D, so they eat what they want and not how I'm used to eating. I found myself going to the store getting snacks to hold me over. As a result I gained 20lbs in 5 months. Pizza Friday was the killer. Small sliced pizza that was excellent tasting = dough boy.

We've now moved out and in two weeks I've lost 10lbs as I've gone back to my 3 walks per week and walk a mile in 12 minutes flat. I still have my vices (Damn you Caribou Coffee hot chocolate!) but now I've cut back the number of times I go (went from every other day to now after I walk 3times) as well as a large 75carbs to medium 35carbs. Going to increase the number of walks next week then eventually increase the distance and keep the time the same.

As far as the pump goes, I've decided to keep it. I have a love hate relationship with the darn thing but for Fathers Day, my wife just ordered me the T:Slim which is what I've wanted since being diagnosed. She told me if I keep the pump she'll buy me T:Slim so I bit.

I'm going to take it day by day and now that I have a different doctor, she's great. Had my first appointment with an endo in six months and she kinda laid it to me. She's awesome but keeps me in check and that's what I need. Now I REALLY think about what I eat as when she looks at bg and pump numbers, she grills me on what and why if it's not a regular eating time. I hate being accountable but I look forward to it as every visit it gets better.

Sorry so long.

Thanks all!

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Permalink Reply by still_young_at_heart on June 14, 2012 at 8:33am

It's wonderful to hear that you're getting back on track! You're a lucky man - a supportive wife and four daughters to live for.

Take care,

Maurie

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Permalink Reply by Sam Iam on June 14, 2012 at 1:45pm

Glad to hear you're taking steps in the right direction. I've also got the love / hate relationship with my pump, and inlaws. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Timothy on June 15, 2012 at 4:03am

EAT, PUMP AND BE MERRY!

I gained weight when I started pumping too. I think it was from better control and the calories that I used to pee into the toilet were being diverted to my belly. Our Metabolism slows down at 40 too. You got a double whammy.

Insulin makes us hungry. The more we take the more hungry we get. It is an odd situation. It is almost like a practical joke.

I generally lose some weight when my clothes are too tight :)

Lucky for me I don't really struggle with it too much.

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Permalink Reply by Brunetta on June 15, 2012 at 5:15am

Jigga,Great to hear that things are working out for you..I admire that you are doing what you need to do, in a difficult situation, to keep yourself and your famiy together and healthy. Your wife is so caring., What a sweetie!!

God bless,
Brunetta

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Permalink Reply by Shawnmarie on June 15, 2012 at 9:44am

That's great! When do they think you'll get your T:Slim? It will be interesting to hear your reports on how you like it.

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Permalink Reply by Jigga on June 25, 2012 at 11:23pm

Hey Shawnmarie,

I faxed in the info the day it became open to order them and I've not heard from Tandem. They aren't shipping the pumps until early to mid August, but two weeks and no word from them has me worried. I got a voice mail from them that said they were going to check with my insurance two weeks ago and haven't heard anything. Being that any update I've gotten has come from my inquires, I'm not impressed to say the least.

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Permalink Reply by nel on June 15, 2012 at 10:01am

Happy Father's Day Jigga !

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