Was anyone afraid to be hooked up to their pump?

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Permalink Reply by Timi on December 10, 2008 at 9:49am

Thank you all again for your stories! I'm starting to get exited about being on my pump. I'm normally not afraid to try new things, so I think it's a little confusing to me why I'd have a problem doing this! Right now I take 4 shots a day unless my BS is high. I asked my second Endo (thats another story) about a pump when I was pregnant with my second child, four years ago, she said I should just stick to what I know until I was able to just focus on the pump. I really did'nt take that badly, I thought she new best! Now with my third Endo, who is also T1 and on a pump, he thinks I should have gotten on one years ago. So here I am, with a pump, and I have now made up my mind, thanks to ALL of your stories, I've set my goal to be on the pump before Christmas!!! I will be calling today to make an appt. I have so many reasons not to do it now, with the holiday and everything that goes with it, but I know if I don't do it now, I'll find another excuse down the road. So I'll keep a post on my progress, and I really really can't tell you all how nice it is to hear from you and please know that you all took part in getting another D on a pump!!!!!!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Jody Chesen on December 10, 2008 at 10:11am

Timi: That's TOTALLY normal. I've been T1 for 28 years and just went on the pump a year ago in May. (What a difference). At the class to "put on" the pump (which at the time I didn't realize we were doing), when it came time to insert it I went all pale and naseaus (sp?) but NEVER lost consciousness! (*wink*). The Pump CDE said she hadn't seen that reaction in anyone since some 90 year old (nice huh!) My husband is the fainter in my family and he felt for me. Fast forward a bit....It NEVER happened again and now it's easy. I figure, even if I wasn't conscious of being afraid, my subconscious took over....It happens.

GOOD LUCK. You will be JUST FINE......It becomes second nature after a while. By the way, I'm on the MM 722 if you have any questions.

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Permalink Reply by Marie B on December 10, 2008 at 10:14am

if the size of the inserter needle is scary, get a prescription for Emla cream and put it on 1-4 hours ahead of time. You won't feel a thing!

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Permalink Reply by Gail on December 11, 2008 at 4:24pm

Hi
I was afraid of a funny thing. I am very sensitive to adhesives and I was worried about the insertion set tape blistering my skin. I was worried the insurance would pay a lot of money for something I couldn't use. The tape doesn't bother me at all. Unless I take it off while wet, as in after a shower. I let it dry first and it is fine. I'm sure you have been through a lot with diabetes for 24 years and making a change would make you nervous. All I can tell you is everyone I know who has went to a pump says they love it and wish they had done it sooner. I went through the tutorial and it made me feel better starting out.

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Permalink Reply by Lora on December 12, 2008 at 10:30am

I resisted going on the pump for years because I couldn't stand the thought of always being connected to something. It took me probably 9 months of thinking about it to finally commit. Within a couple days of getting set up I wondered why I thought it was such a big deal--for the first time I felt NORMAL. I had no idea I could feel so good with diabetes! The flexibility is great. I don't like getting my tubing snagged every now and then and I have yet to find a way to wear it with a dress (that I can stand and seems practical, I mean), but those are small issues compared to the benefits. Good luck! I'm sure you're going to love it.

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Permalink Reply by Cara on December 12, 2008 at 10:54am

I was 4 when diagnosed. And 24 when I finally got on the pump. I wish I'd been brave enough to get one when I was in high school or college. It would have made my life so much easier. I was so paranoid about being "attached" to something. Now it's just the norm. So, as you can tell, most people seem to have fear about getting on the pump. But I say try it. If you don't like it you can always go back to MDIs.

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Permalink Reply by Lois on January 1, 2009 at 9:54pm

Timi: GO FOR IT PAL!!! I don't think you will regret it as it gives a certain amount of freedom from some of the more aggravating points of this disease. As long as you bought it, why waste the money? Promise that you will at least go to the appointment and check it all out. I got to play with my pump for a few weeks before I actually "hooked up" with actual insulin. I startted out at first with sterile water. Once you see what fun you can have, I'm sure you will appreciate the kick in the pants to try it. Lois La Rose

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Permalink Reply by Sarah K on January 21, 2009 at 6:38pm

Yes, it's normal to be afraid of the pumps when you're just starting out. I was diagnosed at 4 and absolutely refused to go on a pump until I was 16. I did NOT want a box hooked up to me at all. With the regular pump, I was scared that it was above what I could handle. I was comfortable with shots - I knew what to do and when to do it and had everything down to a science. But the pump was different - I was also scared because it would be attached to me. Would I look different to others? Where would I wear it? What would happen if I dropped it? Would it come out at night while sleeping? It's all about the comfort zone. You're comfortable with shots. It's just one of those things that you have to try it to see if you like it. There is no one out there that can give you examples or share their own life story that will let that green light go off for you. You have to just go for it. I did and have been pumping for a little over 8 years now. Most companies have a return policy that if you don't like it, you can return it. But since you've gone so long without even being hooked up, I'm not sure that they'll let you. What have you got to lose? Just try it, if you don't like it, put it up for when you're honestly ready.

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