question for those on MDI instead of pump...

[Denise]

If you were diagnosed and you CHOSE to stay with MDI instead of choosing to go on a pump, can you tell me why you made this decision? I have an appointment with my endo in a few weeks and I'm trying to make a list of things I'd like to speak about. Our goal for the visit is to get a pen to her to "play" with and see if she likes it. Initially she wanted to consider the pump but now she's backtracking. I really want to make it HER decision. It's not my body, not my diabetes but I want her to be able to make (as much as it can be for an 8 yr old) an informed decision. I noticed a few of you are still doing MDI (Tori was one child I noticed). I know my son's friend's little brother CAN'T go on the pump b/c insurance won't cover it at this point (nearly a year after dx!!!) :eek: ..... any input is greatly appreciated!

[zell828]

We are still on MDI, but we are starting pump classes next week so we are trying to get on the pump. I think whether you pump or stay on MDI is a personal decision of what you feel works best in your life.

[Eminemsmom]

Although we are now persuing a pump, we have chosen to stay with MDI for this long because we have been hesitant to add more confusion and things to learn about diabetes. D is hard enough and it took us a long time to get used to the management of it all. We became comfortable and somewhat "relaxed" when it came to managing d (And received the A1C's to prove it:(). We all just weren't ready. For our dd it was merely the fact that she did not want something to be attached to her all the time. We are now pursuing a pump because as she has gotten older and has learned that the pump may actually give her more freedom in regards to food, etc. (I think she's at the age and far along enough into her diabetes that she just wants to feel as "normal" as possible). Hope this helps.

[allisa]

To pump or not to pump.....it is a totally personal question and there is no right or wrong answer.

We don't pump...five years into dx.....my son has no interest ( goes to Diabetes camp and sees so many kids with pumps....but still....no interest).

He doesn't like the idea of something attached to him....he could probably be persuaded to pump if there was a pump that could simaltounesly ( sp ??) check your blood at the same time....he says he is waiting for that ! LOL

MDI works for us....I am pretty rigid about meal times and his food selections....but .....he nor me are complaining about it, so we will stay as is for now.

I agree with the above poster who was hesitant to add more confusion.....this works for us....I understand it ( as best as anyone can actually "master" D ;)).....

Sometimes I feel a little left out not pumping.....like the only kid in middle school without a cell phone:rolleyes:....hey even us adults want the cool new gizmos :p

[Christopher]

Hi,
In my humble opinion, there are reallly two main factors to consider: Overall "control" of blood glucose (BG) levels and quality of life. If BG numbers are for the most part OK, A1C is decent and your child is tolerating the MDI's then why go to a pump? However, if your child is having trouble dealing with shots, or you are having wild swings in thier BG levels, then trying a pump might be an option. In my specific situation the answer is easy because Danielle has no interest trying a pump. We like the freedom of just giving a quick shot and then we are done and she is jumping in the pool or running outside to play. There is nothing attachted to her all the time. Obviously she doesn't like the shots, but they are tolerable. We have our routine and for the most part it is not disruptive to her daily living. She eats when she wants to and what she wants to. I like the control of knowing she is getting insulin when I give her a shot. I don't worry that her pump has malfunctioned or the site is not good. For us, MDI works. However, if Danielle ever does decide to try a pump I will support her 100%.

But it is a very personal decision that (unless the child is very young) I think should be made by the person who has to endure the tx (shots or pump). Don't let anyone make you feel bad for your decision (shots or pump), because in the end, you and your child will be the one living with it 24/7. I know there was a thread where someone (I think Marsha/Twodoor2) listed out the pros and cons of MDI vs pump (in her opinion) that I thought was good. I tried finding it but couldn't. Maybe if she reads this she can repost it. Bottom line is, do what feels right for you and your child. Sorry for the long response :o

[Denise]

Oh please don't apologize for the long responses. I like hearing the explanations! Personally, I cannot even begin to think about a pump at this point as I am not even close to having mastered MDI! I have sooooo many parents here (that aren't knowlegable w/ D) asking me when I'm getting Molly a pump...like it's a foregone conclusion! :eek: I really haven't researched the pump much but wanted to be somewhat informed before I go to the endo in July. I don't like being blindsided with things. Molly knows about the pump, we've watched how it is inserted, etc. She goes back and forth but for now she says she doesn't mind the MDI. If it were me (which it isn't) I'd stick w/ MDI b/c I would not want to be attached to something all the time. :o I just want to be as educated as I can be in everything that could possibly happen (like that is possible lol) so when it is presented to us I can have a formed opinion.

[Caydens_Mommy]

I agree with alot of what the PP said..

We have not switched to a pump for several reason! It's a personal choice you have to make.. Cayden does not mind the shots, he does not think they hurt.. Also for the most part his blood sugars are pretty good, and we have had good a1c's thus far.. If we were not having good a1c's and he was really disturbed with the shots, then we would change or consider it.. Also Cayden does not really like anything at all attached to him and I am afraid he would rip it out, he is a pretty strong kid.. But, this is a choice you need to make that goes with your situation, what is best for your family..

I do want to try the CGMS though.. I feel like he could benefit from that.

[Carmen]

We are not on the pump because my son doesn't like the idea at all. His A1C is good and the shots are not a problem. He doesn't snack too much, that's true so this makes the whole thing easier.

However, we are on a CGMS and this makes a huge difference.

If and when my son decides to go on a pump, we will do it in a heartbeat. Also, we would do it if his A1C started to deteriorate even if I do not think that the pump is the D universal panacea unless you put a lot of work into it.

[hurrayupmom]

Hi, we are still MDI per Tori's request. She says she gets a shot and she is done, with a pump she is always D, not that she forgets she has D, it just is not as noticeable. She is ll and a dancer, so there would be times everyday she would not be able to wear pump. and on competition days she would be off all day and get shots. It is her choice. I have looking into the omnipod and we are going to discuss with endo next month. PM if you have any other questions. Tori would also talk with your dd. When we are home. Running out the door right now to do a garage sale shopping:Dwe love to do that

[Momof4gr8kids]

Julia was on a pump before she was dx'd for a year, but I tell you, I did so much research before making that step.
We decided to pump for two main reasons. Julia needed a lot more insulin for her basal at night then she did during the day. There was no happy medium with lantus that would work for her 24 hr cycle. We gave her lantus at night for the peak even, and that didn't really help, either. It was so hard to correct at night because one unit of insulin would drop her 400 pts, so for anything under 300ish, I had to correct and feed her carbs to make up the difference in the insulin. Doing that at night wasn't easy for her, so it was always hard to decide to let her ride until morning, or wake her and have her eat. She had such a hard time with lows when she played during the day that I felt like we were constantly feeding her something. When she started kindergarten the lows got worse. She'd be in the 30s after recess, and she had had a snack before. She was just so active and busy that we couldn't keep up with her needs, and the higher then needed lantus in the day.
Also Julia was taking around 6 injections per day. I got so tired of saying no to an apple, or shrinking a serving so that she could eat fruits, with her snack that it just didn't feel right. She didn't mind the injections, but that many pokes were not fun, either. Her first halloween she had something like 10 injections. We were days away from pumping, and we were already putting a lot of work into MDI, so pumping didn't really change that. After I got over the fear of a dead site over night I actually slept.

That's just our story. I really think you're doing the right thing by letting your DD take control of this choice. Julia isn't using a CGMS because she doesn't want to, but also because I am not ready for that.

The pump is a whole new world, and the first few weeks, or even longer are H E double hockey sticks. It's overwhelming, and despite what the CDEs say, it has been my experience that it's not just the basal dose that changes, and I've heard it go both ways for other people. So though it's not set in stone, it's not always as easy as they make it seem.

Wait until you're ready, and more importantly you are doing the right thing waiting until your DD is ready.

[Grace]

If you were diagnosed and you CHOSE to stay with MDI instead of choosing to go on a pump, can you tell me why you made this decision?
My dh and I didn't make the decision, our 16yo son did. But then, he's a teenager so we have different issues. ;)

He LOVES the pens because he can slip a pen and an extra needle with his One Touch mini into the pocket of his cargo-type shorts. LOL. Cargo pants are a D dream... He also keeps a small container of glucose tabs in that pocket.

And his GameBoy, and his pocket knife, and his chapstick, and the kitchen sink... Okay, maybe not the last one, but it sure seems like it sometimes when he's emptying his pockets!

Right now he doesn't want to be attached to a pump 24/7. I imagine that will change as he gets older and passes out of the I-can't-be-different teen stage.

[Heather(CA)]

We are still on MDI because Seth hates the idea of having anything attached to him. His A1c's are good, so that's not an issue. I also feel it's his decision. I have told him however that sometime during HS I want him to try a pump so that he knows his options BEFORE going to college and while I'm still around to help:cwds:

[Adinsmom]

We are back to MDI for the moment and it has made me realize a couple things. Before pumping I thought long and hard about it and to be honest we would probably have stayed MDI if Adin didn't need the little amounts of insulin I can provide with the pump. Adin's A1C was increasing every office visit and we had nothing to lose.

My little guy is 3. He is going to have D the rest of his life until there is a cure. It doesn't matter how he gets the insulin in him only that he does. I really like many features of the pump but there are also positive things to say about being MDI.

Good Luck.

[samheis]

My husband and I have decided to stick with MDI until Sam is old enough to show interest otherwise. I'm comfortable with MDI and his numbers stay mostly in control. And I have this idea that he should learn how to handle MDI before he moves onto a pump-kind of like the belief that you should learn to play accoustic guitar before you move on to electric.

[mickdg]

We're still on MDI, planning to start on a pump in Sept 08. Matthew just turned 3. The primary reason is that we'd like him to start half days of school in Jan 09. His sister benefited from school when she was 3 so we want him to have the same advantages. We're nervous about school. But we think it'd be better if he's on the pump by then. The staff and we should have more confidence in their ability to dose him correctly if/when necessary. It's an assumption we're making, and we'll be discussing with the school in September, but I think it's a reasonable one. They want to be trained. There's a T1 pumper staff member who's been telling us all year she'd take care of his numbers and insulin.

Here are some of the secondary reasons:

pro-pump
- Granularity of dosing. Lots of times we'd like to give less than the 0.5 units increments the pens currently provide, especially for minor corrections/tweaks at night time, or to more accurately dose for carbs. For example, some nights are right on, but others are on the borderline, where we either live with numbers that are a little higher than we'd like, or else correct and be extra vigilant. So, finer granularity dosing is a pretty big plus.
- Fewer needles. Even though he doesn't protest much, he still asks hopefully sometimes "no green one?" He doesn't fully get that the Levemir (green pen) is only at breakfast and supper. Still takes a nick out of me every time.
- Needle marks/effects. We only do arms and legs, and I've noticed already little bulges, a little more solid, on the backs of his arms. Then there's the occasional bruising when you hit a blood vessel. If we can spare him that...

anti-pump
- A1Cs are in decent range for his age/weight. Why mess with it?
- We've never given him shots in the tummy or bum, only arms and legs. I don't think he'll like it. We plan to start tummy shots because of the bulges I mentioned above, so it'll be good training for the infusion sets. (We'll give ourselves shots in the tummmy first, to show him, and be smiling throughout)
- I worry about malfunctions. These are embedded systems, so potential for software bugs...
- I worry about him accessing and (over-)dosing himself or disconnecting himself.

I think, on balance, there's more than enough pro-pump reasons for us.

[czardoust]

Kat was dx'ed 4 yrs ago at age 3, and she has always been on the Novolog pen, and Lantus by syringe. It was by choice, our endo offered her the pump. Tricare might have covered most expenses but for us, the MDI route was cheaper due to what is covered and what is not. It all came down to money for us.

[A&Ds Mommy]

We're still on MDI, planning to start on a pump in Sept 08. Matthew just turned 3. The primary reason is that we'd like him to start half days of school in Jan 09. His sister benefited from school when she was 3 so we want him to have the same advantages. We're nervous about school. But we think it'd be better if he's on the pump by then. The staff and we should have more confidence in their ability to dose him correctly if/when necessary. It's an assumption we're making, and we'll be discussing with the school in September, but I think it's a reasonable one. They want to be trained. There's a T1 pumper staff member who's been telling us all year she'd take care of his numbers and insulin.

How long is 1/2 day of school, does it involve lunch? Dylan is MDI and survived his first year of pre-K just fine. Of course there was no lunch involved just a snack and the teacher accomodated us to have snack at his usualy snack time.


Dylan is only 4 and really isn't aware of the pump just the Novolog Jr pen and syringe for Lantus. For me I don't like the idea of him always being connected to something and we are in really good control of him with the pen and his a1c numbers are good. So, until he has an interest in it we will continue to pump.

[Pavlos]

I noticed a few of you are still doing MDI

You may not realize it, but that was a very loaded question.

There is nothing inevitable or teleological about using a pump. One might argue that MDI with Lantus / Novo is a "generation" ahead of the pump; as a matter of fact it is an innovation of the 2000s, pretty much like the pump was a step ahead of regular/NPH way back when they were introduced a decade or two ago!

(I can see the flak coming from the pump "fascists"!)

[Denise]

oh Dear..I did not post to cause a stir! I just wondered the reasons (and I knew there were various reasons....) I got a few people who gave me strange looks when I told them I wasn't sure we'd do a pump anytime soon! I am glad to know it's "ok" to not consider it if all is well...

[Adinsmom]

Kat was dx'ed 4 yrs ago at age 3, and she has always been on the Novolog pen, and Lantus by syringe. It was by choice, our endo offered her the pump. Tricare might have covered most expenses but for us, the MDI route was cheaper due to what is covered and what is not. It all came down to money for us.

Interesting. Ironically it is the opposite for us. MDI is more expensive because of our co-pays. Syringes, Novolog, Lantus, test strips all fall under prescriptions therefore we pay a high co-pay for these items. Now, all I get at the pharmacy is the novolog and test strips. Pods are delivered every three months covered under DME with a reasonable balance left for us to pay.

[hawkeyegirl]

Well, I don't know if I'm a pump "fascist," but I do love our pump.

I agree that there is nothing inevitable about deciding to pump. It is possible to have very good numbers on MDI, and there are very valid reasons for choosing not to pump.

That being said, I don't think it's even a question that some things are possible with the pump that just are not possible with MDI. (Specifically, off the top of my head, very small accurate dosing and variable basal rates. I'm sure there are more.) Those things are not a big deal for some, and for some, the downsides of pumping outweigh the upsides.

I honestly don't see any pump fascists on here. What I do see are a lot of people who have tried both MDI and pumping, and the vast, vast, vast majority prefer pumping. It's one of those things that I think is hard to evaluate fairly without actually trying it.

[Scotty's Mum]

We have just spent our first year on the pump after 11 years on injections. Choosing to pump is a personal choice, and there are pros and cons to each method. Weigh up these pros and cons as you see them and make the decision based on what is right for you and your family, and don't worry about anyone else. Remember that whatever decision you make can be changed.

[Tigerlilly's mom]

Still on MDI here by choice of Tyler. His A1C is good, so we have no problems in that aspect. He eats when and what he wants, within reason, as would be the case with a non-d kid. At this time he doesnt want to have anything attached to him, and I plan to respect that. He doesn't mind his shots, says the lantus stings, but for 5 seconds once a day, nothing that isn't tolerable.
Staying with MDI (and which insulin you use) or going on the pump is a group decision, parent, child and endo should all be on board with the choice. I wouldn't want Tyler to become resentful of having diabetes, so I wouldn't ask him to do something that he wasn't comfortable with if there was another option.

[jwk's mom]

Jake is still on MDI by his choice. He doesn't even want to learn about pumping yet. He is in fairly good "control" on MDI. His A1c's are looking reasonable. As long as this continues I won't push for pumping. I believe that he is old enough to make this choice. That said I also believe that if his "control" became a concern that he would understand the need to attempt pumping. He tolerates the injections because he knows he has to have the insulin. Complains about the Lantus stinging on occasion. But for the most part does excellent with dealing with his D.

[mickdg]

How long is 1/2 day of school, does it involve lunch? Dylan is MDI and survived his first year of pre-K just fine. Of course there was no lunch involved just a snack and the teacher accomodated us to have snack at his usualy snack time.


Dylan is only 4 and really isn't aware of the pump just the Novolog Jr pen and syringe for Lantus. For me I don't like the idea of him always being connected to something and we are in really good control of him with the pen and his a1c numbers are good. So, until he has an interest in it we will continue to pump.

Lunch is extra/optional for the 1/2 day program. For Matthew we may opt-out. In which case, and what you are probably implying is, there's no rush to switch from MDI, which is a good point.

We don't do snacks unless he's going too low too soon after a meal. Not sure how we will handle that one with the school...

[Karenwith4]

We're on MDI although we have been researching the pump. For now I think we will stay with MDI. We have great A1Cs, and few/no issues with the pump. We've decided against the pump for now for a few reasons, the most important being that Em isn't interested at the moment.
I personally feel like we have better control with shots than we would get with the pump. The pump also seems like a huge hassle to me, far more than it is worth for medical reasons for us (I realize this varies and the pump is crucial for others). The numerous lifestyle issues touted as a benefit of the pump don't resonate for me or for Em and the inserter to her seems to be a far bigger deal than the shots - even if it is only once every couple of days.
From a medical standpoint I'm also not comfortable with the idea of a cannula inserted 24/7, especially teflon coated ones.
I've had a long conversation with our naturopath about the pump vs MDI (she's a T1 diabetic who has tried pumping and MDI) and she shared some interesting observations about the two options. Our CDE would like us to go to the pump but for now, we'll wait until it feels either necessary or at least more beneficial.

If we were to try the pump I think we would go untethered.
In general I prefer less technology to more in most things and for now diabetes is no exception. :)
hth
Karen

[KatieJane'smom]

My DD absolutely did not want to be attached to anything. Now she's showing some interest in the Omnipod so we'll give it a try.

The thing she loves the most & I would recommend it for a transition of sorts because it is like a pump site is the I-Port. You just stick it on, give shots in it for 3 days & then change it out - very similar to a pump site but no pump & no needle sticks (except for Lantus).

It's very hard to get the hang of at first - you have to slap it on hard & fast or the canula kinks & doesn't work. The company will send you samples to try before you buy.

When we looked at the omni-pod I commented to my DD - it's just like your I-Port only bigger.

She really loves I-Ports & they are so small & easy but we will be trying a pump soon. I think it was a good way to let her experience, sort of, what a real pump site is like.

[Momof4gr8kids]

- Needle marks/effects. We only do arms and legs, and I've noticed already little bulges, a little more solid, on the backs of his arms. Then there's the occasional bruising when you hit a blood vessel. If we can spare him that...


I'm not trying to sway you away from pumping, but the statement you made above about the needle marks is one I thought as pro pump too before Julia started pumping.

The marks for pumping are pretty big, and those bumps are still so possible. I find myself running out of room more often with the pump because the places where the sites have been take so much longer to heal, at least for Julia, and that makes sense because you are taking a tube and leaving it in for 3 days at a time v.s. something a little thiner in and out, even though there are a lot more. With little tummies, arms, legs and bottoms, there are only so many sites that are an inch apart.

It's really hard when your options are limited and you feel like you're running out of room. I'm sorry that you are feeling the bumps. Any chance you could do the bottom, or tummy for a little while while the other areas rest? I think that's probably your best chance of letting those areas recover. Pump, or not.

[hurrayupmom]

We are still on MDI because Seth hates the idea of having anything attached to him. His A1c's are good, so that's not an issue. I also feel it's his decision. I have told him however that sometime during HS I want him to try a pump so that he knows his options BEFORE going to college and while I'm still around to help:cwds:

I have let Tori read this and she agrees with Seth, Hates idea of having it attached. Very much outspoken on this issue.

To Denise--We also get looks and comments from people about not wanting the pump. Tori is very self-consious of things already and I do not want her feeling more because of a pump. We all have our reasons for the way we treat our kids's D. Everyone is doing a great job no matter what form of treatment is being used.

We are not saying we would never try pump. Looking into Omnipod also. But for now we are MDI and doing well.:)

[Mom2Will]

This is my opinion only:

MDI - loved the control we had to pull the injections, actually "see" what we were giving; loved Lantus and the knowledge it was always there and working.

Cons- Will is an eater, loves to snack, many, many injections and fear of stacking, yet saying "no" to things was heartbreaking. After baseball games he played and telling him he would have to have a shot for that snack and him having to choose whether to participate like everyone else or just walk away, it was heartbreaking. (he rarely choose the snack)

Pumping - I cannot believe the quality of life he now has (we've only been pumping a short time) we worried about being connected 24/7 but Will has taken it in stride and has not complained about his pump yet. We are early in the process but for me it has been much easier than MDI ever was, I love the fact that I don't have to do the math anymore (I still do as I question electronics LOL).

We just came back from vacation at the beach and next year I believe we will switch back to MDI when we go on vacation only due to disconnecting for swimming and playing at the beach and the worry that we had during those times.

The decision is personal, what works for one may not work or be the best for another. I love the fact we can switch whenever we want, just depends on what is best at the time and best for Will. I wish I could have gotten the hang of MDI better but it really didn't work well for us. I did love knowing Lantus was there, that has been really hard to get over and I still contemplate untethered. Hope this wasn't too long and, again, this is only MY opinion.

Good luck in whatever you choose, it will be right no matter what!

Cindy

[CButler]

I was beginning to think we were the only ones on the board doing MDI. We tried my five year old daughter on the Omnipod, but she couldn't stand the feel of it. She has Sensory Processing Disorder and touch is an issue.

[wilf]

When considering whether to go to a pump, the key questions is whether there is a medical reason for switching (ie. poor A1Cs, poor control). If so, then either better training for MDI or a switch is indicated.

But if A1Cs are fine, then it all comes down to questions of lifestyle, convenience, aesthetics and costs. Our approach is to let DD take the lead on whether/if to make the switch, since her A1Cs are fine.

[twodoor2]

I chose untethered because I really thought she did well on Lantus MDI, and she still does well on Lantus, but I don't want her hooked up 24/7 to something (that's just me). I just couldn't stand the inconvenience of injections, especially in public places. It's also difficult to get exact doses to the tenth of a unit which is what we need since she's so young and insulin sensitive. I admit I was a bit ambivalent going to the pump, but it's a nice convenience for our lifestyle, and remember, a pump is only as good as your settings are. It's not a magic device that automatically gives you perfect control. There's a lot of brainwork that must go into the settings, and sometimes your endo or medical team doesn't always give precise information on those settings. I find no matter what regimen you're on, MDI or pump, it's really important to self-edcuate and understand how insulin works and understand your child's individual needs. :)

[LantusFiend]

Why mess with what works? And MDI is definitely working for me.
I don't want to start over again with figuring out insulins to take.
With my highly variable insulin sensitivity from day to day, it's more convenient to change just my Lantus dose, rather than reprogram a pump.
I don't see any clear advantages for me in pumping.
I don't want to press buttons on the sabbath.
I don't ask insurance to pay for things I'm not sure are worth the money.
I don't like the increased DKA risk/ the possibility of dealing with pump failures.

[Ali]

As all the other posts have stated if you have good numbers and are comfortable with MDI then there may be no need to change. It really is YDMV and what is best for you. I switched because first, I have variable basal insulin needs over 24 hours that are hard to match without the pump. Second, my insulin needs change dramatically from day to day from hormonal issues and exercise. I find the ability to run a temporary basal increase or decrease easier than switching up long acting insulins on shots. I can make a temporary change (easy to increase/decrease for one to 24 hours without resetting any of you numbers) and then if the change is not working you can adjust again after three or so hours. This is great when you have unpredictable changes and when you do not know how long the change will be needed. Third, I love the ease of the pump for bolusing for food. Finally I found the elimination of dealing with all those used syringes fantastic.;) Ali

[Pavlos]

I don't want to press buttons on the sabbath.


:cool: I may not be Jewish, but that good enough a reason for me :D

[twodoor2]

I was beginning to think we were the only ones on the board doing MDI. We tried my five year old daughter on the Omnipod, but she couldn't stand the feel of it. She has Sensory Processing Disorder and touch is an issue.

I highly recommend the pump for very small children, in particular toddlers and babies. The pump I recommend is the Animas for the precise dosing and the exacting IOB calculations which none of the other pumps match (I have a medtronic and I went with that for other reasons).

I think very small children have insulin sensitivity issues that cannot always be addressed by diluted humalog, and they also tend to have very rocky basal needs. I do think that much older kids, teenagers and adults can probably go either way, pump or MDI, and find a way for it to work, but because babies, toddlers and preschoolers are so sensitive and so precarious to manage, I do think pumping does improve things for them.

[spamid]

We have gone back to MDI after much frustration with bad pump sites (cleo's). My daughter self injects, and was also changing her own sites (with supervision), and says she cannot feel the individual syringes. I am leaving this up to her for now, with the understanding that if her AIC's go much higher (7-8 now), we will go back. It definitely has to be a personal decision, and I think the child, especially an older one, should have their own input in the decision.

[NicksMother]

My son is 15 and doesn't even want to consider a pump. It has only been 3 months since he was dx'd and so far MDI seems to be working okay. We'll have a better picture once we get the first A1C at the beginning of Sept. Nick doesn't mind the shots but is really bothered by the thought of being connected to something all the time. Once he is out of school and not playing football and other sports that might change, but for now, it is his decision.

[Tweety8]

Hi everyone,

I am pulling up older posts regarding "pump or no pump" issues.

Dd has been pumping since July 9th of this year and I have had to chase 2 lows already, which had never happened to me before with the MDI's. I did feel way more control with the MDI's and then have been feeling like I put Dd on the pump for my own convenience. So, I haven't felt within my heart yet, the right answer and am continuing on with the pump, for now (we have the most amazing nurse who is training us through Animas, so I have really become close with her and I trust her so much with all that we have done so far).

Here is my main question: how long does it take before things level off, and the pump is keeping my daughter at a constant level? A good level, where I can actually sleep for more than 2 hours a night, instead of up worrying, checking her, and just praying that she makes it ok through the night??

Thanks for any input (again).

[hawkeyegirl]

Hi everyone,

I am pulling up older posts regarding "pump or no pump" issues.

Dd has been pumping since July 9th of this year and I have had to chase 2 lows already, which had never happened to me before with the MDI's. I did feel way more control with the MDI's and then have been feeling like I put Dd on the pump for my own convenience. So, I haven't felt within my heart yet, the right answer and am continuing on with the pump, for now (we have the most amazing nurse who is training us through Animas, so I have really become close with her and I trust her so much with all that we have done so far).

Here is my main question: how long does it take before things level off, and the pump is keeping my daughter at a constant level? A good level, where I can actually sleep for more than 2 hours a night, instead of up worrying, checking her, and just praying that she makes it ok through the night??

Thanks for any input (again).

I can tell you that when we first started pumping, I wondered if we had made a mistake too. Jack loved it instantly, but his numbers were all over the place, and I wondered if we'd ever get them back to where they were on MDI.

I can tell you that it did happen, and then some. It took some time to get there - a month or 6 weeks even, and it continued to get better even after that.

The first thing to do is to get those basals right at nighttime. I would focus on that for right now so that you can get some sleep. Once those nighttime basals are right, you can work on the daytime numbers.

It does get better, and when it does, it's SO worth it, I promise! Hang in there!

(And you might want to start a thread on this, because I'm afraid your question will get buried in this one. :))

[mommyofAx4]

my dd does not want the pump right now and i feel at her age its her choice she is the one that has to have it not us and mdi works out great for us sadfly she has plenty of time to change her mind

[TracieandJim]

If you were diagnosed and you CHOSE to stay with MDI instead of choosing to go on a pump, can you tell me why you made this decision? I have an appointment with my endo in a few weeks and I'm trying to make a list of things I'd like to speak about. Our goal for the visit is to get a pen to her to "play" with and see if she likes it. Initially she wanted to consider the pump but now she's backtracking. I really want to make it HER decision. It's not my body, not my diabetes but I want her to be able to make (as much as it can be for an 8 yr old) an informed decision. I noticed a few of you are still doing MDI (Tori was one child I noticed). I know my son's friend's little brother CAN'T go on the pump b/c insurance won't cover it at this point (nearly a year after dx!!!) :eek: ..... any input is greatly appreciated!

Denise, you are making the right decisions for your daughter. No excuses needed. It seems to me you are on the right track with your list of questions so .. go with it and dont worry about it. As you can see some of us go with the pump for 'our' reasons and some dont. For my DS, his #s are so erratic that pumping would be best. If you and your daughter are comfortable then, what is that saying... 'if it aint broke dont fix it.' Right? :D