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BarbaraD replied on Sat, Jun 6 2009 9:51 AM

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Hi Spurry:

It sounds like you are getting good advice from your doctors.  In the "honeymoon phase" right after diagnosis blood sugars are pretty unstable because the body is still producing some insulin.  It would be impossible to program a pump during this time.  Programming the pump takes some time and patience anyway, so I think it would be better to wait until your son is out of the honeymoon phase.

Barbara

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tallydl replied on Thu, Jun 11 2009 12:13 PM

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I agree with an ealier post about the "honeymoon period."  Also there is much learning for your family, as well as your son, on how to properly take care fo his diabetes. 

Using an insulin pump isn't always easy either.  You have to test to check the basals rates from time to time and with each person, it is different how often you have to check these basals rates.  In my case, they change from month to month, anymore. 

When it comes to picking an insulin pump, there are many pros and cons with each one.  I've been on an insulin pump (4 different ones) for 14 years now.  And pumps will continue to change over a period of years, as do their pros and cons.  When it comes time to consider a pump, you must see what one works best for your son, not your doctor.  Many doctors only know of one pump company, but there are several companies out there.  I use an Omnipod, at this time.  This is one the doctor was not aware of, but has since been trained on it, herself.  It works best for me, at this time, under my circumstances.  But next time it comes to a pump change -usually every 4-5 years - I'll check out all pumps that are available, to see which one works best for me and my circumstances.

Keep learning all you can about diabetes.  It's forever changing and so are the treatments.  Diabetes complications do not have to occur, unless someone does not accept their diabetes and take on the challenge of controlling it.  I test 8-10 times within a 24 hour period, each and every day.  I've had diabetes for 50 years this November.  For 36 years I had to take injections.  I didn't have a blood glucose meter during this time either and as a result I had many unconscious hypoglycemia incidents over this period of time also.  Now with constant checking of BG's, I have elminated these unconscious events.

Joslin is an excellant clinic, but like any place you can go to, there are good doctors and there are great doctors.  Part of it is their personalities.  Don't be afraid to speak up if you get a doctor that doesn't explain things well, with patience.  You're still in the "learning stage."  Learn all you can about diabetes - the facts - not instant cures - ask questions, and then ask more.  Don't be afraid to challenge doctors with your diabetes knowledge.  You'll be surprised how much they end up respecting you and your knowledge.

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Annie Sullivan replied on Mon, Sep 21 2009 6:16 PM

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Dear Spurry,

I was diagnosed at 14 yrs. of age, 40 years ago, with a glucose level >800.   My physician at that time had me admitted to a hospital here on the North Shore (like yourself, within an hours drive to Joslin).  After spending <1 week there, and having had my SALT taken away and eating Sugar Pops for breakfast, my Mom got me out (AMA) and into Joslin.  Within 2 weeks time, I was home and back in school.  We're talking night and day in terms of care. I'm only seeing your message today for the 1st time even though you wrote in May, but I hope this helps.  I have a PCP close to home for colds, etc., but for anything remotely related to sugar, I go to Joslin.  I hope all works out well for your child, and your entire family.

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pumpngo replied on Fri, Oct 9 2009 2:10 AM

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Jumping in a bit late here but I know two years olds that are on the pump!

The beauty of it is that it can be adjusted in the smallest of doses as opposed to the needles, it also does all of the MATH and makes adjustments for the time of the last bolus as well as the current basel rates.   Knowing the carb portions is needed, but that can be done with brown bag lunches. 

It seems that he is steps ahead of most with his interest in nutrition. READING lables is great for any one not just us folks with diabeties. 

My son does not have diabeties but he has been reading food lables ofr many many years now. At least since he was ten.. he is now 30!

Since I began pumping, I have had significant improvement with my BGL/control, and LESS weight gain than when I was using two different insulins. 

Good luck to you and your SON !  

I also love the teams at Joslin.... enough so that I travel over an hour to see them.