Does anybody have an insulin pump? Am really looking into getting one!?

I would really be interested in getting one, It's easy for my nurses and doctors to tell me its all good when really its a horrid thing to have. Any information would be great.

Hi
This is a great website for diabetics. You can post your Question there too
http://www.diabetesforums.com/

If you need one, use it. Why is it horrible? It's just a tool to help you manage your diabetes.

I have a Deltec Cozmo pump and like it most of the time. I sure don't miss taking 5+ shots a day.

It's nice because it really helps me have better control. It also lets me be more flexible as to when and what i eat, and when I exercise, rather than being careful not to exercise when insulin is active, etc. Instead I can program a temp rate and exercise whenever I want. Also, since you bolus when you eat, you can eat pretty much what and when you want.

You also adjust your basal rates by when you need more or less insulin, rather than what shots offers.

I do get sick of being connected all the time though sometimes.

What type of diabetes do you have? I have juvenile diabetes (all grown up now). I would really like one but the cost of maintaining one keeps me from getting it. Also giving myself shots three times a day I can handle but I don't know if I could handle having a needle in me 24/7. They are really small but you do have to watch out for things like blocked lines.

I have had a mini-med pump for 18 years and i love it i was very brittle when i got on it i gave birth to 2 girls with it and it seemed to help control my diabetes better and of course i had to check my blood sugar more but the new one they've they have a book that will tell you how many carbs are in your food and then tell your blood sugar was and it will estimate how much do a dose of insulin you get its called the paradigm and uses the link bg moniter to test this stuff. i love it its great

I have a minimed and I have had it for almost a year and my brother has had his for three. It's a lot of work, but it is so much better then shots. If you are scared or nervous, don't worry. You really should try it, You'll like it!

I've been on a pump for seven years. I LOVE IT (most of the time). For me, the biggest advantage is freedom. I'm not tied down by shots and a set diet, I eat whatever I want, and I can do random things, like go out for milkshakes at 2am (I'm a college student).
In addition to that, the pump should give you better control, and make your life more like it was before you had diabetes.
Plus, its just one thing to put in every three or four days, not three needles every day.
For me, there are a few disadvantages. First, you're not immune to highs and lows, and you still have to carry your meter. Secondly, some people have allergic reactions to some of the tapes that you use with the infusion sets. However, i've never met someone who was allergic to all the set types. You just have to find the right one for you, but there is alot of variaty.
Thirdly, and I think this is a blessing and a curse: ITS WITH YOU ALL THE TIME!!! You really don't take your pump off. You can disconnect it pretty easily, for showers and stuff, but i find that alot of my clothes fit strangly because of my pump. My pants tend to fall off, or sag where it is. And, people often think i'm being rude and carrying a cell phone places i shouldn't be.

But, really, you should get a pump. One way to make sure you like it before you buy (they ARE expensive) is to see if someone (doc's office, local hospital...) will let you run a saline trial. I did one before I got my pump, and I decieded I definately wanted one. The three most popular brands are Minimed, Animas, and Cosmo (don't actually know the brand name). I love my Animas, but Minimed has a pump with a radio glucose sensor. Do your reasearch and decied with your doc which is right for you.

Good luck!

I've been pumping for 6 years now and have much better control than I ever did with injections. I also have alot more flexibility....once my rates were figured out I could once again sleep in, exercise easier, and skip meals if I had to... The pump is alot of work in the beginning but after the first couple of months it becomes second nature...I don't even notice I'm wearing it...Also today's generation of pumps don't do any decision making for you- I know I was creeped out about putting a computer in control, but the fact is a pump is a computerized, electric syringe that can give you finely tailored doses and mimic how the pancreas releases insulin- but it will not decide to give you more or less- that's up to you.... You might want to check out
www.insulin-pumpers.org it's an amazing resource- lots of folks on the pump who are willing to answer questions..
Best wishes...

I'm 18 years old and just got my pump a couple weeks ago. I didn't hesitate to get it because 1) my insurance covered it fully, and 2) I didn't want to inconvience myself with shots. I really enjoy it. I hardly notice it's there because it's like having a cell phone, pager, or mp3 player hooked up. It's nice because you can disconnect it from your body if you want to go swimming, or take a shower, or be intimate. They make covers and cases in pretty colors and carriers that help you hide it if you need to. I change mine every 2 1/2 days and when you hook it up it just feels like a shot and it's over! Good luck!