ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: rays on April 19, 2012, 10:22:59 pm

Title: Insulin pump & surgery
Post by: rays on April 19, 2012, 10:22:59 pm

Hi all,

One week away from my middle fossa at HEI. I'm a Type 1 diabetic and use an insulin pump. I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience wearing a pump during surgery. I saw my endocrinologist and he said every hospital is different as far as keeping it on or letting them control my levels through an IV.

Thanks,

Ray

Title: Re: Insulin pump & surgery
Post by: Cheryl R on April 20, 2012, 08:08:41 am

I am not diabetic but a retired nurse and there have been a few questions on here from other diabetics.      I am not sure if they will keep the pump on you.    I am guessing they will not.     Your blood sugars will be going up due to the steroids you will be getting.     So they be checking the blood sugars often and give you insulin possibly thru continous drip IV during surgery and immed after.     They may go to sub q once you are eating and the dose according to what the sugar is.      Just make sure and remind the surgeon about this and if you have problems in the past with your levels.          Your appetite might be good post op or not feel like eating much so can't tell ahead exactly.                      Good luck with your surgery and hope the mid fossa does well for you.
                                                                                  Cheryl R

Title: Re: Insulin pump & surgery
Post by: rays on April 22, 2012, 10:59:29 am

Cheryl,

Thank you for the response. It's interesting you said to remind them. My endocrinologist told me too keep reminding them as well. He said that many times they don't realize that I could be type 1. They see a 50+ year old an assume he's type 2.

I'll take your advice and continually remind them.

Ray

Title: Re: Insulin pump & surgery
Post by: pjb on April 23, 2012, 07:56:22 am

Quote from: rays on April 22, 2012, 10:59:29 am

Cheryl,

Thank you for the response. It's interesting you said to remind them. My endocrinologist told me too keep reminding them as well. He said that many times they don't realize that I could be type 1. They see a 50+ year old an assume he's type 2.

I'll take your advice and continually remind them.

Ray

Not sure if this was stated it is too much to keep on top of all the posts and topics but if you have any sort of neck issues let them know so important on how they position your head during surgery many times people just cannot remember everything or think it will be an issue.

Best Wishes,