In a few weeks I am going to start on a insulin pump

[Jeanine28]

I have been taking insulin shots since 1996. My sugar levels have been out of control for 11 years. For a few years I was thinking about the insulin pump.I just thought it would be to hard for me to learn. I was introduced to the omni pod by a kid that my boyfriend dj his bar mitzvah. I thought that one would be good for me. But then I was introduced to minimed Paradigm 722 with the real time continous glucose monitoring system. I am going to get this one I think it's for me. Can you tell me some pros and cons about this pump. Can you also let me know what infusion set is the best. I have been reading that the cannula can bend inside you and then you are not getting insulin. What length of tubing would be best to get? I have read that people sometimes have problems when they have to go to the bathroom with the pump. What do i do with it? I dont want to drop it or pull it out of me. I also want to know where do I put the pump when I am going to sleep? I am afraid it might not be so comfortable and that my boyfriend might roll on it. I would appreciate all the answers that you can give. And I am sorry for so many question. I am just new to this and very scared. But I hope it will be a life changing experience for me.

                                   Thanks,
                                          Jeanine

[Forum-vol-wak]

I am the mother of a minimed pump. My daughter uses the minimed 712 and really likes it she clips the pump to hear waist band and has only dropped it in the toilet once.   (The pump survived). I would ask your doctor or pump trainer which length site would be good for you. Most of the people I know use the 23 tubing, but when it comes to sites everyone has there preference. We use the silhouette sets as my daughter is thin and has little fat on her body. They go in sideways so it is better for her.  

I have heard very few cons for this pump, but a lot of pros. I heave heard that if used properly it can drastically lower your a1c.  I would suggest you check out the following websites they would have some good info for you:

www.childrenwithdiabets.com- they have a link about pumps

www.minimed.com
i hope this helps

[t]

hello! i am a 24 year old  type 1diabetic. i have had diabetes for 16 yrs. i am also trying for the first time the insulin pump (medtronic minimed). i haven't had insulin in the pump yet, just saline. next week i get insulin in it though. it is larger then what i had expected it to be. i thought it was like the size of a pager, but it is not too bad. i have low body fat also, so i use the smallest needle, but i have more tubing because i wrap it up. i like the long tubing for when i am using the bathroom and stuff. i have been wearing it for about a week now and it really doesn't bother me. my boyfriend doesn't mind it either. he says as long as it will help me then wear it, so i do. my sugars are way out of control. my a1c is usually 10 or higher. i am suffering now because i have many of the complications. i am hoping that the pump will help prevent any further complications and get my diabetes under better control. good luck to you.

[rachel2001982]

I just got on the pump on july 3 this year and i have to tell you it is very easy to work. beacsue of my situation i was not able to go throught the classes or the saline part.  I was very pragnet and nothing they did would help me keep my sugars under control.  so i learned all i know from a 1 hour information on the pump and then everything else by myself.

i was very nervice and i hated it for the first two weeks as i was very pragnet and my needs were rising fast due to that.  But i have to say i love it now it was so easy to start to level out my sugars after i had my soon.  

I only wish i could have found a doctor to put me on it earlier since i ended up having my son 2 months early and he is still in the hospital :(.

I use the quick set.  The only thing i have a problem with is finding a site that works from having so much fluid from having my son but it is getting better.

Good luck and remeber give it some time it is diffrent when you have insulin in it if you have site problems but you probley no more with that since i have not had any trainning on it.

[TS1127]

I have been on Minimed 522 for 1 1/2 yrs. I love it. i am also slender. use the silhouette w/a 43" tubing. I tired the 23", but couldn't tuck in a shirt, or put pump on floor ( bathroom) without leaning over, so I tired the 43" I now love that. i can tuck in a shirt, without bunching and I put my pump  in a vanity drawer (bathroom)  I now can change my pants with my pump in my hand. couldn't do what with 23" tubing. I sleep & sometimes wear it with clothes a was band thing ( think its called, waist-it ) with a pouch for the pump. I purchased it on-line @ diabetesnet.com    They have all kinds of things for pump & books.Minimed has a 800 # you can call for help. I call whenever something happens that I'm not sure of. Thats why they R there. for sites I use,stomach, legs(thighs) back & butt, but everyone is different, so you'll have to see what works 4 U. I use every funtion my pump has. I learned from the book the pump came with, my Nurse and mini med 800 #.Good Luck & happy pumping!!