going back to shots from pump???

[badbetacells]

Anyone else considering going back to shots from an insulin pump? At least for a little bit?

I've been wearing a pump for almost 8yrs (currently Paradigm 722) and, while it does offer some advantages over multiple daily shots, lately the frustration of being attached to this "machine" is building. Ever have the site and tubing yanked out of you? Trust me....you'd remember. Not to mention sleeping with the darn thing - alternating bedsides to avoid the site makes you a "strange bed fellow." And your mobility is hampered because of the site, no doubt. I've had a good site, worked out, and had to change it early because of irritation.

Now I'm fully aware that shots are no panacea either, but I'm curious if anyone else can commiserate a little.

I could really use some stem cells right about now ;)

[JDRF Volunteer SG]

I loved the comment: "chiwawa after a bad day at the groomers".   :o)

Yes, people do go back and forth. Our lifestyles change, and the best solution for an individual can change too. The nice thing is that you have the options. There are pros and cons to both injections and pumps. You have done both, and even if you decide not to do the extremely changeable tethering, there is nothing wrong with going back and forth between the two occasionally.

[badbetacells]

That's exactly what I was going to do ie, Lantus and Humalog. Thanks. I'll have to google "tethering" now since I'm not familiar with the term.  

I'd just like to occasionally have the freedom (again) of not having to worry about the "tubing tangles" with every clothes changing, flipflopping sleeping positions, the site issues etc, etc, etc.

Yes, I know the benefits of the pump, and I'm not saying I won't go back, but I'd like to mix it up a bit.

[diabeticfor18yrs]

Ever considered or heard of "tethering"? Diabetics who lead very active lifestyles, mountain climbers or scuba divers or people who are just more active on certain days, choose to use the insulin pump some days and long-lasting insulin (lantus) on other days.  I am not a medical professional but read an article about this.  You should talk to your doctor about the possibility of tethering and switching to long-lasting insulin on certain days of the week or weekends if you're getting burned out from wearing the insulin pump so often.  Its one option.

[abler101]

They say place that darn thing in the body fat.. well what happens when you have harly no body fat and your as hairy as a bear..  I look like a chiwawa after a bad day at the groomers.  Shaved spots all over my body isn't very appealing.

I to have enjoyed not taking shots all day long, but it does become trouble some when you are attached to it 24/7.  I remember waking up and dont know how or remember when, but being wound up in the thing and have the site yanked out during the night.

Pros and cons.. I guess you have to just weigh them out.

[DennisIDDM]

here is a Unorthodoxed idea that a friend of mine does..
Only wears the Pump overnite and uses MDI the rest of the time..
During his awake time? He can get nice Control ( 80-100's after 4 hrs and 150 after 2 hrs ) and uses the pump just to keep things nice and controlled over nite..
He just went on the Omi Pod ... Another Idea?

I'm jealous.. I have to stay on MDI method, the VA won't give me a Pump.. So, if you want to dump yours? Please Let me know... at ***@****.

[KevinHarney]

Can't say that I can feel your pain because I am not nor have I ever been on the pump.  But I can say that this is precisely why I have never done so.  I think that your feelings are quite legitimate and need to be seriously weighed.  Go with your gut and do what is right for you at the given moment in time and re-evaluate later if need be.

[badbetacells]

Hahaha, I feel your pain (literally). I guess we have an idea what waxing must feel like, sorta. I'm glad I'm not alone. Also glad I found this forum.