Happy Tuesday Everyone!
So my pump “The Grinch” is finally taking care of both my basal and bolus. My green colored Animas has been helping my glucose levels to super stardom. 
It is really interesting because my levels have been more stabled (as oppose to spikes and drops) and my body feels a bit strange. Guess I am still adjusting.
But this journey has had some learning experiences that have been good for growing.
I have to say it could be a lot worse than not remembering to connect after a shower or realizing during those certain moments that you are over the hour grace period by 15minutes and you must reconnect …
I have only been fully on the pump for a few days so I am still getting into the swing of things.
There is something that has me really worried though. What if my Grinch delivers insulin without me telling it to do so?
I know the odds of this happening are low. But nonetheless it is still a worry.
I was told by my trainer not to go on roller coasters with the pump while on vacation because the piston can go nuts and the actual amount of insulin delivery can cause injury.
I am an extreme activity/sports kind of girl and I can understand the force of a coaster with its spins and turns can cause a malfunction. So it makes sense to temporarily disconnect.
But can this happen out of the blue? It can happen with activities such as coasters and high impact/contact sports, but what if you are just walking or even worse while your sleeping?
I decided to do some research to see if there has been any accidents or incidents where pumps bolus without a command and/or has there been any fatalities involved with it.
Searching FDA reports, I found that there have been individual accidents but in my opinion weren’t related to the pump malfunctioning.
For example: priming while still being connected, bolusing then waiting to eat and entering blood sugars where the desired bolus amount should be entered.
There were also the usual stories of people adjusting and trying to fine tune their rates which led to hypos and them passing out which they were easily revived from (relatively speaking).
Let’s face it; this happens everyday whether it is a pump, syringe or pen.
Then a friend of mine found stories that discussed actual mishaps that are similar to my fears.
Starting anything new comes with risks and challenges.
A pump can under deliver, over deliver, or be just right… the same as a boyfriend or co-worker.
Did you have any fears when you first started pumping? Do you still have them?
I learned about pumps about two years after my diagnosis. I wanted one so badly! I don’t think I was ever nervous about it. I really feel strongly that as type 1s we need to test often. My only fear is that people will start depending on their CGMs and not test as frequently. That to me is where the real danger lies. (wow I am so tired I am not even sure this made sense, lol) Point is, take it easy and don’t worry so much that you send your sugar up. I am proud of you Venus. I know how reluctant you were to try pumping again.
My only fear when I started pumping two years ago was that I would be under control of a “machine” (too much imagination on my part and the talking Hal from 2001 Space Odyssey – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbqra7kRXbk&feature=related ).
Anyway, so far, tho’ no problems with my Animas 2020 (I have a green one too called “Salvador Dali” – you can read about his “birth” here – http://www.diabetes1.org/blogs/Annas_Blog/2009/12/10 ). I’ve taken my pump on roller coaster rides, and touch wood, no probs. Probably I am living a death wish doing this maybe, but I just plain forgot to disconnect and then try to figure out “who to hand him to”.
There have been pump malfunctions tho’ over the years they’ve been around, but these are generally related to older pumps, and I believe (I HOPE) those malfunctions of the program have been resolved. I did write a story on behalf of Stephen Krueger (his parents asked me to help get his story out) and it’s been posted both at Diabetes1.org and also at Tudiabetes (lots of discussion there still). His story might put a person off of a pump, but I believe this was a fluke with the model of pump (MMT-511) he was using, in the end, causing his untimely death (his pump somehow dumped the whole 200 units of his cartridge into his body). His sis-in-law now is using a pump, even tho’ she was worried, but I and others assured her that things have changed in 4 years since Stephen’s death.
So, keep on pumping with your “Grinch” – you’ll find your life will be so much easier with him once you get to know him (and believe me you will – he’s connected up to you 24/7 – a very intimate relationship – nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more).
I have similar fears but the advantages definitely outweigh any doubts I have. As Tina said, I think we’ll just have to test often, even though I still hate testing!
I did have that fear when I started also. I have been using the pump for 3 years now and have never “suspected” it of malfunctioning. Even in 100+ degree humid Mexico, 30 degree Lake Tahoe (snow country…) and all the places in between. If there ever was an issue, it was “user error”. Pump malfunctions don’t even cross my mind anymore. I think the chance of it happening is SO low. If you notice anything strange, call your pump company immediately. They will walk you through some trouble shooting and send you a replacement immediately if anything is wrong.
Let the pump make your life easier, not more worry-some!
As you know, I had fears too about pump malfunctioning… but what helps me is to remember that when I took injection I messed up plenty and still survived it, adn the pump is much less likely to! I hope your worries ease and you and the Grinch are bonding well.