Overwhelming ...UGH!

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Permalink Reply by June English on November 13, 2009 at 6:34pm

I waited for the trainer to arrive. I put one AAA Energizer battery in the MiniLink charger, and put the transmitter in the charger so it would be fully charged when the trainer arrived. If you've never "pumped" before, they might start you off with saline solution in the pump so you can learn how to use it before filling it with the dangerous stuff (insulin!) Be sure to have plenty of AAA ENERGIZER brand batteries on hand for the pump. That's the brand MiniMed requires, and the brand that works the best!

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Permalink Reply by matthew g wilkie on November 13, 2009 at 6:50pm

put batteries in and get to know the buttons and what they do read the book its got some things for you to do to get to know the buttons play around have fun dont b overwhelmed you get it in do time

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Permalink Reply by matthew g wilkie on November 13, 2009 at 6:58pm

oh yea you can go to medtronics web site they have a online school you can take its about a hour or so helped me

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Permalink Reply by Maria on November 14, 2009 at 12:41pm

Yes it's overwhelming. One step at a time. Sit down with the DVD or book and just do one manageable thing at a time. You'll be trained but it's helpful to get some familiarity with it. So read/listen/watch for familiarity rather than mastery. You'll master it really fast through the class. The class makes it easy. I was overwhelmed and I felt like I needed six hours to do everything so I put everything off until the night before the class. Then I crammed. I don't recommend that. But I'm glad I had the preparation before I went to the training.

You'll be loving the pump! I'm happy for you.

Maria

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Permalink Reply by JeffC on November 14, 2009 at 2:25pm

Just went through my pump start... Paradigm 722 + CGMS. Remember that you have the advantage of already being online and knowing that there are forums containing answers to ALL of the common questions.

It's good to put the batteries in and push the buttons before starting on insulin because then you can make any and all mistakes and there are no consequences. Play with it while you can. Once it's attached with insulin in it, you don't get to play anymore. And carry it around with you to get a feel for what it's going to be like. I got mine, wore it for a week with an infusion set inserted and attached, but no insulin, even slept with it. Then I took a week break from it and didn't wear it until my training.

Ask to start on saline for a week if you're at all unsure... then you can pretend bolus... you need to get the repetitive things to be second nature. Start with the CD, it may help to have the video instruction first.

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Permalink Reply by Brunetta on November 15, 2009 at 2:55am

The learning curve to mastery IS LONG... But you will find this work is worth it!!! Juwst look at he pump booklet and read the little easy short paragraphs and take the little tests, DO NOT, I repeat, do NOT try to do it all at one time. The trainer will show you every thing you need to know.I wore mine with saline for a week to get used to the habit of pressing buttons and bolussing. I was immediately impressed with how easy it was to use the bolus wizard. , as opposed to doing all the carb counting/correction/basal/bolus math in my head or scribbled down in my ever-present log, as I had done for many years...SO MUCH quicker to press a button, and the pump is so much more convenient and applicable to your real life...I really appreciated not having to haul around the syringes and extra insulin ( I did not use pens) and trying to keep them at the proper temperature...

I met with her a week later to start on insulin..but I was comfortable, because although I had dosed with the syringes, I used the saline filled pump for the calculations,

Using the pump will become habitual quicker than you can imagine. Take it slow....

God Bless,
Brunetta

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Permalink Reply by ThunderOwl on November 15, 2009 at 10:12am

I can't wait to get mine! Very happy for you! Let us know how you do on it. I've heard most folks think pumps are the best thing since sliced bread. I would LOVE to play with one to try it out! It would be very convenient to have the CGM at work....no hiding in the bathroom to check my sugar.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Rawlings on November 15, 2009 at 11:46am

Why hide in the bathroom? :-)

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Permalink Reply by ThunderOwl on November 15, 2009 at 2:03pm

Well, folks often think that discrimination against a diabetic is illegal, as is discrimination against a person for race, religion, age, etc. That is true, but it is DARN hard to prove it when it happens! I am a traveling nurse. If prospective employers even SUSPECTED I had IDDM, then I would not get hired. They would say it was because of any number of other reasons, but we would both know it was really the diabetes!

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Permalink Reply by Sami on November 17, 2009 at 10:46am

My mom is an R.N. When my sister and I were first diagnosed, she had just gotten hired at a hospital and when they found out that she had two diabetic daughters they let her go. That was before all the fancy ADA laws though. That has to suck for you!

I heard that being a traveling nurse was really cool though!

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Permalink Reply by Dave   _ on November 15, 2009 at 2:49pm

U hide in the bathroom to test your bg's?? I'm curious--WHY? Many bathrooms are dark and/or dirty. they may not be nearby or may be crowded. That'll be the day when I go seek out a bathroom to test my blood! :)

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Permalink Reply by Mikey Irish on November 15, 2009 at 3:13pm

I agree. I think not even once where I am or who Im with. When its time or I feel a tweak or whatever...out comes my little black case. Same with my injection. I mean I may go sit on a bench in a park or at the mall just to get out of the way and more comfortable physically, but naaa wont be seeking out a bathroom. Not the cleanest of places even when they are clean lol

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