SHOTS vs. PUMP

[annier]

My son is 13 (was diagnosed a little over a year ago). He got sick about 2 weeks ago and we have not been able to keep his #"s within range on a regular basis-at ALL! It has been frustrating and I get scared thinking "he has been so high lately-how is this going to affect him later in life"?? But I have come to think that he is also going thru some puberty craziness and just requires more insulin. We have adjusted by increasing his insulin but his #s are still high in the morning. During all of this, he decided  to go back on shots.

His main reason is that having a pump attached to him..."BUGS"

I was crying yesterday because the pump has been a much EASIER road for us (so I thought) but he decided that he wants to be on shots for now. After that HUGE investment, I have to admit I was kind of upset. BUT-it is his body & his diabetes so I guess I just need to wait this one out and see what happens! I secretly hope he goes back on the pump but I think I should let him "call the SHOTS"! 

ANY FEEDBACK?

Thanks,
Annie 

[photoquilter]

I've had the same issue with my 17 year old son. Diabetic since 14. His dr said since he is going to have to deal this for many years, he should decide how to deal with it. He is on shots now, and like you, I'd rather have him pumping. He didn't like the pump stuck to him all the time. I think he didn't like a constant reminder that he's diabetic. It could probably be a teenager independance thing too, something he can control. I would just make sure he is keeping up on the shots and testing. My son was depressed and didn't take care of himself, ended up in DKA a few weeks ago. After they got his BG under control, they started him on anti-depressants. He's much better now. Being a teen with diabetes is hard...keep on the lookout for signs of depression and consider therapy. Does he have the pens for shots? Those seem to be a lot easier for my son. Also, the teen years have all the hormones messing with BG. Every time my son went through a growth spurt we had to readjust the doses. Good luck!

[dorianne]

My daughter (almost 13, diagnosed in May 2009), switched from the pump to injections (with pens) also.  She didn't like being attached either.  Her BG is a lot more difficult to control, as she doesn't finger stick and bolus as much as she should (sometimes not at all) when she is out being social.  It is so frustrating and I worry about her future so much.  I could go on and on, but I guess I had better start my own thread for that! 

She's been on injections for almost a year, and is finally doing much better at taking care of herself when away from home.  Under no circumstances will she consider going back on pump therapy!  Recently, she switched to a new doctor at a new facility and we learned of a new pump option. 

The Omnipod.  http://www.myomnipod.com Look it up if you haven't considered it.  Our family was so excited for this tubeless, nearly painless option.  They send out a non-working pod for free to test out how it feels/looks.  Unfortunately, for my petite, tight-clothes-wearing daughter, it was still too obtrusive.  So, for now, she is still "calling the SHOTS" too.     Maybe your son would like it though...  Also, a smaller pod has been developed, but it still has to go through the whole FDA approval process. 

[annier]

Thanks for the responses!

Dorianne : we do have the OmniPod-it was the best choice for us. And I love it! But, Like photoquilter said-I think it may just be a tenneage thing. I never thought of having the pump on as being a CONSTANT reminder! And, you are right too-I think Chris wants to feel "in control". I appreciate the insight, ladies!! I definitely LOVE the pens-they are the "way to go"! But-I have $75 worth of insulin (3 bottles) that we normally put in the pump so I guess I am going to get a RX for syringes so that doesn't go to waste!
UGHHH-so many supplies...I wish I could be the one with diabetes and let my son be free of this disease~!!
We can do this....together!
Thank you,
Annie 

[dmccoy87]

Hi Annie!  I'm sure it must be frustrating for you trying to help your son maintain good control while he wants his independence.  Has your son considered going untethered?  Using Lantus or long acting insulin for his basal while using the pump to bolus before and after meals?  If he doesn't want to have the pump at school/friends maybe he can consider using shots then but using pump at home for premeal/after meal bolusing, dual waves, etc. 

Also,has your son's insulin needs changed?  If he is a teen and growing, his insulin needs may have increased due to growth hormone.  Is his total daily dose appropriate for his weight? 

A good reference for going untethered, daily insulin needs etc are Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner and Using Insulin/Pumping Insulin by John Walsh.  Good luck 

[mikeko01]

I am a 35 year old male diabetic and was diagnosed when I was 12. I can tell you that you really have to let your teens do what they want. They are going to do things you won't agree with, and they are going to fight everything you say because you don't know what they are going through. I hated doctors, I hated specialist, I hated anyone who was not a diabetic trying to tell me what "I HAVE TO DO".

Just last week I started on my first pump, the omnipod, and I LOVE IT. I also started with the Dexcom monitor this week and love that as well, and really can not see how I did it before without them, but it was my choice on when I wanted to do it and now I am sold on it, but I had to be ready and not be told to do it.

So I guess what I am saying is be supportive, wait till they are ready, give the tools to research and find things on their own, and try and help them find others that are going through what they are. I know that it was the only way I would listen. But also set some goals for A1c's like grades and make them meet those goals how they want to.