Pump Envy
As a blossoming member of the Diabetes Online Community, I have a lot of diabetes-related blogs filling my RSS reader. I’ve been reading about all kinds of joys and troubles from a whole bunch of people. I’d like to think that reading the words of so many others is helping me in some aspect, although I’m not exactly sure which part or parts yet. Ultimately it’s a very satisfying feeling knowing that I’m not alone. However I’ve recently stumbled upon a feeling that might resemble jealousy: Do I have pump envy?
Ok, so I understand that we are all unique snowflakes. Every person has their own unique challenges that life throws at them that must be dealt with in a relative vacuum. What works for one person most likely wont work for another. That being said, there are still plenty of similarities among Wilford Brimley Fan Club members. But the differences that make us unique also make me wonder if I’m missing out on some big secret among other diabetics.
I’ve been reading all about infusion sites, bolus rates, tubing management issues, CGMs and other goodies that we (you) get to deal with on a day to day basis. All I have are these lousy insulin pens. It’s juvenile I know, but at times I feel like I’m a lesser diabetic. Everyone else has all kinds of toys to play with, I wonder if I’m missing out on something.
So am I missing out? Probably not. I know my system works for me, the pens match my somewhat active lifestyle appropriately. Have I considered inquiring about an insulin pump? Sure. But I’m also a fan of the “if it isn’t broke” philosophy. At this point, change isn’t necessarily the best medicine. I have a good system, I know that I’m doing the right things. But that can’t completely eliminate the wonderings in my head curious as to how green the grass is on the other side.
The pump isn’t for everyone. There are surely times when I think about how nice it would be to not be connected. This is especially true when I go on vacation or play sports. Otherwise the pump is good and allows me to take the small amounts of insulin when I snack instead of taking an injection.
You really need to just worry about what’s right for your and what works for you. If you have great BS control with shots, don’t mess with it. If you need better control, maybe it’s worth looking into.
And yes, I did read your post being that it’s under 500!
I love my pump, but I honestly believe pumping isn’t for everyone. If you are happy on MDIs and well controlled, then that is what is right for you. But I believe that by reading about other pumpers experiences with pumping, you will be much more knowledgeable about how it all works. And then, if the day comes when pumping is right for you, I think your transition would be easier, because you have all of the knowledge.
Hey Chris,
Couple of thoughts. What you’re doing now seems to be working well for you, so, as you say, if it ain’t broke… Many of us originally moved to pumps because we weren’t doing well enough with the tools we had.
My other thought is that you can always go back. However, you may burn up some cash and insurance resources along the way, so you’ll want to investigate thoroughly.
P.S. I’m still working on the post I owe you. I’m really struggling to come up with 10 things, mostly because I’ve been around the block a time or two with this tag thing, and spilled most of my interesting beans back then…
I agree that the pump is not for everyone. The first time that we tried it with Tristan it was a disaster!!! He didn’t take to it at all. We tried it a second time when he was a little bit older and with the support of his diabetes team. We didn’t have much control. His last A1C before the pump I think was 8.3 or 8.5. His last A1C was 7.3
There is a lot of positives to it…. for us. But there were times when Tristan didn’t want the pump anymore, he wanted to go back to shots. It’s an individual decision but I agree, if it’s not broken…
I was on shots for 35 years and now pumping for 7. When I first started pumping, I talked many other diabetics online to hurry up and switch and they did. Now that I have been pumping for 7 years I have MDI envy. I sometimes feel with only fast acting insulin on board I have more lows than when I was on MDI, but perhaps I just don’t remember anymore. I think we all suffer from the grass is alway greener syndrome.
Pumping is not great for a beach vacation and sometimes I think about returning to MDI.
Pumping has sure made my life easier, but by no means is it a cure, but…….I still think all type 1′s should try it if they have insurance that will pay for it.
I have also tried the CGM and I was not a fan, and now I do not use it.
Pumping isn’t for everyone. I was a diabetic for 26 yrs and completely ignored my older sisters pleas (she’s a t1 as well) to go on the pump.
I finally just got tired of injecting for every 15 grams of carbs. Plus, the lantus shots were like injecting Orange juice into my veins!
Pumping isnt perfect, but it does allow u the freedom from meals and shots, which is great.
I do a lot of watersports and I admit that throwing the pump into the mix presents challenges.
In the end, you have to do whats right for you. Just keep your mind open and learn all you can.
BTW – Insulin pens are kinda of cool – more discrete & much easier to carry than bottles. Plus, they don’t shatter when u drop them on a tile floor like the bottles do!
Kelly K