Hello, hopfully new pumper! Options

[dar]

Hello everyone,
I have been reading this forum for the last few weeks a found them very informative. I am currently waiting approval from my insurance to get a mm real time. I've been diabetic for 7 yrs now and I would really love to start on the pump. I do have a few random questions though.
1. I live in maryland, so summers here can get very hot, how do you guys keep the pump cool?
2. In the winter I sleep under a lot of blankets, would it be ok to keep the pump under all the blankets?
3. I've read that there are good tapes to use so the site doesn't come out, I take very warm showers, which tape would u recommend so the site doesn't come off and where can I get it?

Thanks,
Dar

[gigem99]

... I've been diabetic for 7 yrs now and I would really love to start on the pump. I do have a few random questions though.
1. I live in maryland, so summers here can get very hot, how do you guys keep the pump cool?
2. In the winter I sleep under a lot of blankets, would it be ok to keep the pump under all the blankets?
3. I've read that there are good tapes to use so the site doesn't come out, I take very warm showers, which tape would u recommend so the site doesn't come off and where can I get it?

Thanks,
Dar

Hello Dar,

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/Welcome 2.gif) to the forums!
Ok, here are my answers:

1) It gets hot in a lot of places. We have pumpers in Texas where it can get really warm, and in fact I spent a week or so in Texas last summer, and never had a problem with my pump (or insulin) getting too warm. The only problem I've ever had with my insulin was when I left a full bottle in my car. It got ruined. I would say not to worry about it getting too warm in the pump.

2) Again, I think you are worrying about nothing. I've never had a problem in the winter with a lot of blankets.

3) The two most popular tapes are IV3000 and OpSite Flexifix - both by a company called Smith&Nephews. They're both available online. IV3000 comes in packets that are about 3" x 5", I think. I don't use it too much anymore because the Flexifix is so much cheaper. It comes in a roll that you cut to fit. You'll also want some IV Prep wipes, probably. Google them, and shop around online.

Good luck, and happy pumping!! I've had my pump for over 4 years, and I sure wish I had gotten one a lot sooner. You should consider a CGM (Continous Glucose Monitor), also.

Tom

[habs fan]

I have never had a problem with keeping my pump cool. It should be fine on a regular basis. It may be a problem if you're planning to spend a long period of time in the sun like at the beach, in which case you can use a frio pouch to keep your pump cool.

http://www.diabetesexpress.ca/product_info...2?osCsid=894ff2

Your pump should be fine under all the blankets.

I use tegaderm tape but there are other kinds too. You can get tape from wherever you get pump supplies.

Good luck with your pump!

[dar]

Good luck, and happy pumping!! I've had my pump for over 4 years, and I sure wish I had gotten one a lot sooner. You should consider a CGM (Continous Glucose Monitor), also.

Tom

Hey Tom,
Thanks, and yes I did ask for a CGM, and my insurance company only covers them if I've had severe lows. I haven't been hospitalized since I've been diagnosed, but I have dropped down below 40 a few times and was still able to eat something on my own, so hopefully I do get it!

Your pump should be fine under all the blankets.

I use tegaderm tape but there are other kinds too. You can get tape from wherever you get pump supplies.

Good luck with your pump!

Thanks so much for the advice and hopefully I get the pump soon!

[Liz]

Hello everyone,
I have been reading this forum for the last few weeks a found them very informative. I am currently waiting approval from my insurance to get a mm real time. I've been diabetic for 7 yrs now and I would really love to start on the pump. I do have a few random questions though.
1. I live in maryland, so summers here can get very hot, how do you guys keep the pump cool?
2. In the winter I sleep under a lot of blankets, would it be ok to keep the pump under all the blankets?
3. I've read that there are good tapes to use so the site doesn't come out, I take very warm showers, which tape would u recommend so the site doesn't come off and where can I get it?

Thanks,
Dar

When I got my first pump I bought a bunch of stuff I found that I didn't need, like tape. While it is true that some people have problems with sets falling off, most don't and extra tape just isn't needed. I'd wait until you actually get a pump and start using it before buying any extra supplies like tape. Minimed sent me a box of IV Prep wipes with first pump and I use them on my skin before inserting a set. They ;eave a sticky film on your skin (that dries) and helps to keep the sets stuck. That's the only extra item I use, but I've forgotten to use it and had no problems. I tend to take hot showers but don't really take baths or do much swimming and it's fine. The pump & insulin will be fine under clothing, under blankets and in the summer.

[JohnG]

Hello everyone,
I have been reading this forum for the last few weeks a found them very informative. I am currently waiting approval from my insurance to get a mm real time. I've been diabetic for 7 yrs now and I would really love to start on the pump. I do have a few random questions though.
1. I live in Maryland, so summers here can get very hot, how do you guys keep the pump cool?
2. In the winter I sleep under a lot of blankets, would it be ok to keep the pump under all the blankets?
3. I've read that there are good tapes to use so the site doesn't come out, I take very warm showers, which tape would u recommend so the site doesn't come off and where can I get it?

Thanks,
Dar

Hi Dar
You shouldn't worry about where you live, how you sleep, or what kinda tape to use on your infusion sets.
I have never needed extra tape on a infusion set...in fact they stick to my dry skin a little to good some days.

I live in Texas, very hot summers with thirty or more days each year well over 100 F. just never expose your pump
or the tubing to direct sunlight. Showers have never impacted how well my infusion sets stay in place.

[Peter B]

Hello everyone,

1. I live in maryland, so summers here can get very hot, how do you guys keep the pump cool?
3. I've read that there are good tapes to use so the site doesn't come out, I take very warm showers, which tape would u recommend so the site doesn't come off and where can I get it?

Thanks,
Dar

Hey Dar,

Welcome to IPF!!

I live in Calvert County, Md. Don't worry about our weather and your pump, other than the obvious such as leaving your pump exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, etc.
The only time I have a problem with my infusion set is when I'm sweating a lot in the summer. I use Hypafix tape for my infusion and my cgms which I get at a local pharmacy for a lot cheaper than any www site.

Good luck once you get your pump!!

Peter B

[dar]

Thanks everyone for the advice! Hopefully I get the pump soon, I'm very impatient at the moment hahaha. I'll wait to see if I need any extra stuff.

[Packer Fan Dan]

It sounds like you're all excited about getting the pump and a little worried about some things. I was the same way when I got my pump. Now it's a part of my life and I love it. I have very few lows with the pump. You will do great with your pump. Thanks, Dan

[dar]

It sounds like you're all excited about getting the pump and a little worried about some things. I was the same way when I got my pump. Now it's a part of my life and I love it. I have very few lows with the pump. You will do great with your pump. Thanks, Dan

Thanks, and yes I am very excited. From reading this forums and from other research almost everyone is happier and has better control being on the pump, my control hasn't been great these last few years. The best A1c I've had in the last 3 yrs is 7.8, which my doctor was very pleased since it had been a lot worse, but still wants to bring it down a little bit more. That was the reason that made me consider the pump and I liked the idea of it very much.

[btbrossard]

Thanks, and yes I am very excited. From reading this forums and from other research almost everyone is happier and has better control being on the pump, my control hasn't been great these last few years. The best A1c I've had in the last 3 yrs is 7.8, which my doctor was very pleased since it had been a lot worse, but still wants to bring it down a little bit more. That was the reason that made me consider the pump and I liked the idea of it very much.

Better control is certainly a primary reason for many.

Also-

-More steady control (less highs and lows each day)
-The ability to adjust your insulin as needed throughout the day
-You'll most likely use less insulin each day


Did you hear from your insurance company yet? The waiting can be the worst part it seems.

I recently got my insulin pump and it only took three days - but that was a long few days...

Good luck!

[dar]

Did you hear from your insurance company yet? The waiting can be the worst part it seems.

I recently got my insulin pump and it only took three days - but that was a long few days...

Good luck!

Actually I talked to the rep and he is still waiting for a letter from my doctor describing the need for the CGM. I've been waiting for a few weeks now

[Manxman]

There are many on these forums who will insist that without a CGM, you are at death's door. That may even be slightly true for some really "brittle" Diabetics. But from my own experience, it is not true at all. If your insurance absolutely will not pay for the CGM, you will still be much better off with only the pump than you are with MDI and the related pens or syringes. My recommendation is, don't let insurance resistance to paying for the CGM delay your acquisition of the pump.

Most people who have insurance coverage for both the pump and the CGM START their training on the pump alone, then add training on the CGM after they become proficient in their pump use.

Good luck with everything!

[habs fan]

It seems like most people on this forum swear by CGMs. While I'm sure they are a very useful tool, you can still be successful on a pump without one.
I have a pump but not a CGM. Although I'd like to try a CGM, where I live doctors aren't recommending them, so I can't get one.

Without a CGM, you just have to test your blood sugar more often. Also, CGMs have arrows that tell you if your number is stable or if you're heading higher or lower. You can figure out where you're headed if you consider your "insulin on board" or your active insulin. You can set an insulin action time on your pump and then you can check how much of your bolus is still active.

That being said, I agree with Manxman. Get your pump as soon as you can! Don't let the CGM delay getting your pump. You can learn about the CGM after.

Enjoy Pumping!

[btbrossard]

I've been waiting for a few weeks now

Weeks? I'm so sorry. That would drive me up a wall.

It may be best to get going on the new pump for a while first and get used to that - then come back and fight the CGM fight with your insurance company.

You can certainly use an insulin pump effectively without the use of a CGM - although they certainly help give a peace of mind and a safety net.

If you get going on the pump without the CGM, just have plenty of strips around and test more often for the first few weeks.

Does your doctor believe you need a CGM?

Insurance companies can be a real drag sometimes. You'll spend all this time and paperwork for $10,000 worth of stuff - yet if you ended up in the hospital with DKA, you'd spend at least as much without any hassle at all.

My last insurance company paid over $20,000 for 10 days in the ICU over two visits for DKA and never said a word about it - yet would absolutely refuse to cover a pump or CGM. I'm glad I don't have to deal with them anymore.

Hope you hear something soon!

[dar]

Yes that does sound like a better idea. I just received an email from the rep saying that my insurance called saying that it looks like the pump an supplies were approved!

[btbrossard]

Yes that does sound like a better idea. I just received an email from the rep saying that my insurance called saying that it looks like the pump an supplies were approved!

Great!

[dar]

Just recieved a second email that the CGM was also approved!!

[Manxman]

Just recieved a second email that the CGM was also approved!!

Congratulations on your early Christmas present, and good luck in your learning curve with the new equipment!! 2012 will have a great start for your health.

[dar]

Congratulations on your early Christmas present, and good luck in your learning curve with the new equipment!! 2012 will have a great start for your health.

Thank you!