pumps and clothing Options

[ncpumper]

Been pumping for about a year and was wondering if anyone has found a comfortable spot to carry/wear the pump. Do they make shirts with inside pockets to stick them in etc. I have an extremely active lifestyle and have not found a comfortable place for it...
Been thinking about sewing a pocket inside my shirts for it but don't really have good sewing abilities.

[Linda B]

Been pumping for about a year and was wondering if anyone has found a comfortable spot to carry/wear the pump. Do they make shirts with inside pockets to stick them in etc. I have an extremely active lifestyle and have not found a comfortable place for it...
Been thinking about sewing a pocket inside my shirts for it but don't really have good sewing abilities.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/Welcome 2.gif) to our forum.

Both Unique Accessories and Pump Wear make clothing that might work for you.


My pump comes with a small almost flat clip, so I use that and just clip it to the waistband of my slacks. That works well for me.

I see you have the Nipro pump. You may be our first member to use that pump. I'm curious why you chose it over the larger pump companies.

Linda B.

[Liz]

I just clip mine to the inside front pocket of my jeans. Some people will use a cell phone case and wear it on a belt.

[david07062]

I just clip mine to the inside front pocket of my jeans. Some people will use a cell phone case and wear it on a belt.

I use a cellphone case for my pump and wear around my waist.

[gigem99]

I see you have the Nipro pump. You may be our first member to use that pump. I\'m curious why you chose it over the larger pump companies.

Linda B.

I am curious about the Nipro, also. All the other "traditional" pumps I've seen (MM, Animas & Cozmo) all have clips. Doesn't the Nipro, also?

Tom

[ncpumper]

The nipro-amigo I use does have a clip and I use it to clip on my jeans. It works well, just not very comfortable 24/7. (It must seem like I'm whining). That's not it, It gets in the way alot, unclips etc.
I wear safety harness's often at work when climbing signals, poles etc. I thought about cutting a small hole thru my shirt pocket inside my shirt for the tube.
I will check out the link and maybe finds something that works for me... thanks for the info.

When I was first offered the pump, I was not really given a selection/brand other than color. My MD has a former Diabetic Educator that works PT who is also a Nipro rep.
I am very satisfied with the amigo even though I've never seen or tried anything else. My Ins covered the cost %100 for the pump, supplies, even batteries. I feel very fortunate for that...

[ncpumper]

Tom,
Just noticed you are a Lada as well. I was diag in 2004 treated as type II. Was an out of control (problem child) up & down forever. 1 month this med worked, next month didn't. Was maxed out on all oral med's. Started on Lantus which worked for a couple of months etc, etc. etc.
Life/meds has been a miserable nightmare for me until last year when I bowed up and demanded to be put on 100% insulin.

So far so good. A1c went from 10.5 to 8.3 during 1st 6 months. last 1 was 7.6. I'm getting there.

I will say that I feel like I have a better chance of surviving since going to insulin/pump. I DO NOT miss the oral med side effects AT ALL!!!

[ncpumper]

Linda,
Checked out the sites and were very helpful. I found some things that will work.

Thanks!

Paul

[Liz]

When I was first offered the pump, I was not really given a selection/brand other than color. My MD has a former Diabetic Educator that works PT who is also a Nipro rep.
I am very satisfied with the amigo even though I've never seen or tried anything else. My Ins covered the cost %100 for the pump, supplies, even batteries. I feel very fortunate for that...

When the CDE I was sent to see first mentioned a pump she also didn't give me much information. She mentioned that she would contact Minimed and do all of the paperwork so I agreed. At the time I had no idea what other options were available, just went along with what she said. She isn't a Minimed rep but she is certified by MM to train people on pumps & CGMS. I'm happy with my pump and if I do decide to go with another company at a later time I know what my options are.

As others have said, I have never come across anyone using a Nipro Amigo pump and didn't think they actually existed in this country!

[ncpumper]

So far so good with the Amigo. I had several internal errors during the 1st 6 months. Called them and there was another one at my door the next day no charge.

I recently found out about the cgms on this site. Did not know they had this availiable. I am going to start the process of trying to see if it's covered by my insurance in the next week or so. It sounds very cool to me to know what it is doing at all times. I am still somewhat struggling to meet my a1c goal of 5.0-6.0...

I would like to say that I already love this site and all the good information and correspondence or input from all of you guys so far. It really helps to talk to other pumpers who are going thru the same dreadful disease.

thanks!

Paul

[Liz]

I'm glad to hear that Nipro has such good service. Does your pump use proprietary sets or regular luer lock sets?

If you do get a CGMS you'll have 3 to choose from. Minimed's is the only one that integrates with a pump. Most pumpers who use another brand of pump tend to get either the Dexcom or Navigator CGMS. I am happy with my Minimed but I'm always in awe of what I read from Navigator users as they make it seem extremely accurate. I think they're going to be coming out with a newer version to minimize startup times and that makes it even more appealing.

[Linda B]

I recently found out about the cgms on this site. Did not know they had this availiable. I am going to start the process of trying to see if it's covered by my insurance in the next week or so. It sounds very cool to me to know what it is doing at all times. I am still somewhat struggling to meet my a1c goal of 5.0-6.0...

Paul,

In my opinion, that is not a realistic goal. I am not medically trained, so this is strictly my opinion. I would not want my A1C lower than 6.0. I have been pumping for 15 years, and my A1C varies from 6.5 to 7.0. I prefer it to be at 6.5; but would not want it lower than that, because of the danger of too many lows.

Linda B.

[jbkjr]

Paul,

In my opinion, that is not a realistic goal. I am not medically trained, so this is strictly my opinion. I would not want my A1C lower than 6.0. I have been pumping for 15 years, and my A1C varies from 6.5 to 7.0. I prefer it to be at 6.5; but would not want it lower than that, because of the danger of too many lows.

Linda B.

Great advice I have had A1C ranging from 6.2-7.3 since pumping and life is much better(lows) in the 6.8-7.3 range for me . The 6.2 was practically a low everyday for me.

[gigem99]

... I am still somewhat struggling to meet my a1c goal of 5.0-6.0...

I agree with the others on this subject. While it's an admirable goal, it is not easily achievable without many lows. I've only had an A1c below 6.0 twice (both were 5.9). One was accompanied by awful lows, the other wasn't. I'm trying to get back to there, but my last was 6.6 - highest it's been in almost 3 years.

Good luck, but don't focus too much on the numbers. Just try to keep as reasonable control as you can without the hypos.

Tom

[ncpumper]

Thanks for all the advice. 5.0 does seem a little unrealistic. I will really be happy to make 6 something! It has been an awful couple of years for me. I felt like a guinea pig for awhile trying different meds and doses and never achieving nothing but a bunch of side effects from the oral meds.
Within a week of starting the insulin shots I felt soo much better.
So far, I have experienced lows 45-55. It is sometimes a crap shoot depending on how hard I work, what I eat, and how long in between meals.
It has been a major learning experience looking at a plate of food and getting the carb counts right. My sister, the CDE has been a world of help to me.
I have acquired the carb counting books and just ordered the pumping ins 4th ed book yesterday.
i can say that my future looks alot brighter since joining this site and all the support you guys have been!

God Bless!

Paul

[GA Hiker]

It has been a major learning experience looking at a plate of food and getting the carb counts right. My sister, the CDE has been a world of help to me.
I have acquired the carb counting books and just ordered the pumping ins 4th ed book yesterday.

I also find the EatSmart scale to be VERY helpful with carb counts.
Barbara

[Linda B]

I also find the EatSmart scale to be VERY helpful with carb counts.
Barbara

I use that scale also.
Linda B.

[ncpumper]

Thanks again for the info! One of my food issues is because of the travel required at work and dining out. I have to experiment more with doing extended boluses.
The food scale would be a good idea for home

[calvic]

Reading the reviews on the Food Smart Scale, seems like everyone like it. I think I may order one and give it a try.

Thanks

[dianals]

Paul,

Spibelts also work great for securing pumps snugly against your body. I have two that I wear during exercise or at night. I just have the regular basic one but they do have one for pumps now that would have a hole for the tubing.

http://spibelt.com/

Diana