Help with getting my 18 year old son on a pump

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PumperB replied on Thu, Jun 18 2009 7:17 PM

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Suggested by PumperB

I have had Diabetes since I was 14- and read the Diabetes Burnout book - unfortunately it does tell you the same old stuff you have already heard so it may not help. Lots of us go through it- several times, and still do-- but the best thing I ever did was to force myself to go on a pump. I admit, I hated it at first because it seemed so hard and just a pain in the rear, but now after 4 years, I look back and wonder why I did not do it sooner- it is so much easier than to deal with shots and constant worry that I took too much or too little insulin.

Now I check my sugar, if I need more insulin, I do not have to look for a place to take a shot, I just adjust my pump- no privacy needed! If I have an activity coming up, I just adjust my insulin rate and slow it down- that easy! And I travel international and all over the US- no problems with time zones- I just change my pump time and it is that easy.

You do have to be a little more conscious of what your doing and when and watch your carbs with eating, so you can adjust your program, but after a few weeks- it all settles in and becomes a habit.

I would reccomend -specially if he is active- to bite the bullet and go for it- what's the worst that can happen- if you don't like it after a month- go back to shots!!

I am using the Paradigm pump- small and hides under clothes well! Looks like a pager and no more insulin and needles on an everyday basis- just my glucose tester and tablets.

Good Luck!!

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tallydl replied on Mon, Sep 21 2009 7:14 PM

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Suggested by tallydl

I agree with Tina, if your son hates the idea of something hanging from his belt, have him try an Insulet Omnipod.  The company will send you one or two simulated "pods" to have him try, to see if he can get used to it.  I have done Medtronic , Animas & Insulet for insulin pumps, as I've been pumping insulin for almost 15 years.  I chose to pump insulin, as I was responding to fire, medical & chemical emergencies at work and needed something where I didn't have to eat on time, as one example.  Insulin pumping really has worked for me.  I also got tired of a pump hanging off my belt, as in my case, the tubing often got caught on machinery at work.  By going with the Omnipod, the pod itself is waterproof and has no tubing.  I do have to carry a "remote" that also is my meter, but it fits into my pocket, purse, nightstand (when sleeping), etc.  If I'm going to do something like fishing with my Dad, I put the remote into a zip-lock bag (just in case I or it falls into the water) and I'm ready to go.  Or if I'm going on a jet-ski, then I leave the remote on shore.  The pod is slightly a "bump" under clothing, but often I ask people I know, if they notice the extra bump I have.  None have yet!

If I had to go back to using injections, I'd cry!!!  Give me an insulin pump any day. 

Also have patience with your son at this time.  He wants to be an adult and make his own decisions.  Some of his thoughts/ideas will be stupid (as they were for me when I was his age), as young people don't want to be different from their friends.  See if there is anyone at college or your hometown that is his age group, that also has a pump they are satisfied with and maybe they can talk to him.

That's all you can do, besides loving him, even when he lacks good diabetes judegement.

Did I mention I've had diabetes for 50 years and at this time still don't have any of the complications? 

It took me a while to grow to accept my diabetes, be open to the public about diabetes in general and now I have several monthly diabetes education & support groups that I run and we just had our 9th Annual Diabetes Health Fair, this last weekend.  I believe that having diabetes has made me healthier than what I would have been then if I didn't have it.  I eat the way everyone should eat (portions and food types), exercise, etc.  Since I have a brain, I want to control my diabetes instead of letting my diabetes (with no brain) control me.

Best of luck.