The next day after starting the pump on insulin I was ding pretty well. I decided that I wasn't going to be hesitant in my meals, instead acted how I would act in any normal day. Carb-less snacks were still happening so the basal rates could be worked on, but meals I was going to eat although be sure to count the carbs in what I was eating. For lunch that day I decided since I had to take my kids to two doctor's appointments that we were going to have Sonic (I think I get more excited than the kids). So after the last appointment I needed to drop off a prescription at the pharmacy for my son and barreled down the road to get our lunch. I ordered the SuperSonic Cheesburger (58g), Large Tots (33g), and a Diet Cherry Limeade (4g and super yummy). In total I had to bolus for 95g of carbs. It was delicious, way too much food but well worth it and on the 2 hour post meal check I was 133. At that moment, I was pretty hyped up as it was all going very well and I didn't have to try to figure out how to give myself 9 1/2 units by humalog pen. The rest of the day went very well and my confidence was through the roof. Life was good.
The next day, April 21st, I had my last training day and first site change. The 9 am appointment started with more diet and nutrition training. It was good as I had some questions and it was nice to review and be quizzed a little bit on the subject. Sometimes being put on the spot is tough but in this situation it was relaxed and besides this was very important to my day-to-day life. The second part of training was going over our basal and bolus rates, blood sugars and the site change. I have been avoiding the more dense hairy areas of my abdomen so far but I know the time is coming for that "KELLY CLARKSON" moment. I was nervous because I wanted to do it right, the one mistake I almost made was leaving the needle guard on the infusion set when it was time to insert it. The nurse was watching and reminded me so it was not a problem. Overall it went very well, a little pain with pulling off the old site sticky material but tolerable. Putting the new set in was easier than I made it because I was nervous but it got done and was ready to go. The nurse set up my bolus wizard and we went through some practice exercises. This was awesome, it calculates corrections for me, it calculates food bolus amounts for me when I put in carbs, I wonder if it does windows too? Granted the bolus wizard needs the right settings to be good and those may change for me in the future but so far so good.
With the appointment done it was time to go home and start living. The carb ban on snacks was lifted but I was going to be cautious as I am my third day into this and want to do a good job as I am still adjusting. Then it starts, Lunch I was high (186) pre meal and then 221 post meal, dinner I got back down to 133 pre meal and 211 post meal, I am starting to wonder what is going on. The dreaded 3:00 am check I was 301. I was confused, tired and feeling lousy so I did a bolus which I was reminded later you shouldn't do in the middle of the night. I was still awake at 4:00 am so I checked again and I was 299. What is going on? I did go down the next morning to 220 and was 192 post breakfast. My ear hurt, my head felt like it was underwater so it was time to call my Primary Care Doctor to get in and see what is going on. I called the office and they said they would call back after my Doctor's appointment but to test for keytones next time I go to the bathroom. It turns out I had the beginning of an ear infection and my wife just had an ear infection so they gave me a prescription for antibiotics and sent me on my way. Then pre-lunch I was 150 and post lunch I was 122 and the keytones were negative so I was feeling better. The doctor's office called back and changed up my basal rates and the rest of my day went well beyond being sick. Dinner pre and post I was in normal ranges, bedtimes I was 127 and 3:00 am I was 130. Went back to sleep happy but it was difficult with being sick. I was hopefully I would get better quick as we had Easter egg hunts and other stuff going on during the weekend. Easter weekend was bound to make things more interesting and frustrating at the same time.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The First Day of the Rest of My Life
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 was the first day of the rest of my life. The pump start with insulin was a nervous time for me. First I had to remember to not take my lantus in the morning which with two kids and being tired and starting to get a cold was a bit challenging. We have a morning routine in our house and not being a morning person it is important to have that routine. I actually went to the fridge where my lantus is kept and started to grab it before I remembered that I was not to do it this morning.
I succeeded in not giving myself lantus and was growing hungry. The pump start this morning I was to bring my breakfast with me so I can test and bolus (for the food and blood glucose correction if necessary). I usually eat breakfast somewhere between 6:00 and 7:30 am when the kids get up but my appointment for the pump start/training was at 9:00 am. Next was making sure I had my supplies for the pump start and figuring out y breakfast so I can start on the right foot and do better with counting the carbs in my meals. It was somewhat a celebratory day as well since there would be no or little use of needles anymore so I decided I was going to have some McDonald's breakfast: a sausage mcmuffin, hash brown and a coffee.
I get to the doctor's office and can smell my food and try to wait patiently to eat. When every morning you are set on a schedule it is hard to wait an extra couple hours to eat, but the pump is also supposed to give me freedom in when and how I eat so this was a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
Finally it was time for the appointment, I think I went through an emotional roller coaster with the ups and downs of excitement and nerves just walking down the hallway. It was all business getting the pump setup and setting the infusion set, filling the reservoir and starting the basal rate. After all the waiting and decision making it was on. It didn't hurt, but it was definitely odd after 20 years of needles this little blue (very expensive) thing was providing me insulin. So I counted up my carbs, figured my bolus amount including a small correction to get me in the normal 80-120 blood glucose range and with the press of a couple buttons my bolus for breakfast was being delivered. Fantastic, it was time to eat.
As I ate my breakfast there was more training, mostly review of what the books with the pump taught me but also guidelines and the testing schedule: before meals, two hours after meals, bed time and 3:00 am. All necessary to get the basal rates set correctly for me but a big pain in the butt as not being a morning person I am much less a 3:00 am person. One important thing to remember when testing your blood glucose at 3:00 am is your glasses, when you can't see like me trying to get a good droplet of blood and get it to the test strip should be a minute to win it game. I got it done after a couple of tries and would not have won it in a minute this time. I stumbled back to bed and couldn't go back to sleep as the cold was getting worse.
I was nervous the first day as this was a new way of life to me, I had to break out of my usual routine and learn to take care of myself in a different way. One of the things that is important to help set the basal rates correctly is to have carb-free snacks the first few days unless necessary for a low blood sugar. This was going to be difficult for me but I want to do things right so I guess it is time to stock up on some cheese. I freaked out at lunch time as my blood glucose was up to 277, fearing the infusion set was not set right or the pump wasn't working I called the doctor's office right away. They talked me off the ledge and assured me that this is normal for the first day as everything is an adjustment at this point. I ate my lunch, bolused for the food and correction. The two hour after meal check was much better so I was able to relax. Dinner went much better with good readings before and two hours after and my confidence began to grow. Bedtime reading was good as well, a little low so I had a small snack to be in the right range for bedtime. It was nice that there were some small cookies laying around as it is always nice to have a little treat especially when moving to a new part of life. I went to bed feeling good beyond the fact that I had a cold.
I got through the first day very well and was well on my way to the rest of my life.
I succeeded in not giving myself lantus and was growing hungry. The pump start this morning I was to bring my breakfast with me so I can test and bolus (for the food and blood glucose correction if necessary). I usually eat breakfast somewhere between 6:00 and 7:30 am when the kids get up but my appointment for the pump start/training was at 9:00 am. Next was making sure I had my supplies for the pump start and figuring out y breakfast so I can start on the right foot and do better with counting the carbs in my meals. It was somewhat a celebratory day as well since there would be no or little use of needles anymore so I decided I was going to have some McDonald's breakfast: a sausage mcmuffin, hash brown and a coffee.
I get to the doctor's office and can smell my food and try to wait patiently to eat. When every morning you are set on a schedule it is hard to wait an extra couple hours to eat, but the pump is also supposed to give me freedom in when and how I eat so this was a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
Finally it was time for the appointment, I think I went through an emotional roller coaster with the ups and downs of excitement and nerves just walking down the hallway. It was all business getting the pump setup and setting the infusion set, filling the reservoir and starting the basal rate. After all the waiting and decision making it was on. It didn't hurt, but it was definitely odd after 20 years of needles this little blue (very expensive) thing was providing me insulin. So I counted up my carbs, figured my bolus amount including a small correction to get me in the normal 80-120 blood glucose range and with the press of a couple buttons my bolus for breakfast was being delivered. Fantastic, it was time to eat.
As I ate my breakfast there was more training, mostly review of what the books with the pump taught me but also guidelines and the testing schedule: before meals, two hours after meals, bed time and 3:00 am. All necessary to get the basal rates set correctly for me but a big pain in the butt as not being a morning person I am much less a 3:00 am person. One important thing to remember when testing your blood glucose at 3:00 am is your glasses, when you can't see like me trying to get a good droplet of blood and get it to the test strip should be a minute to win it game. I got it done after a couple of tries and would not have won it in a minute this time. I stumbled back to bed and couldn't go back to sleep as the cold was getting worse.
I was nervous the first day as this was a new way of life to me, I had to break out of my usual routine and learn to take care of myself in a different way. One of the things that is important to help set the basal rates correctly is to have carb-free snacks the first few days unless necessary for a low blood sugar. This was going to be difficult for me but I want to do things right so I guess it is time to stock up on some cheese. I freaked out at lunch time as my blood glucose was up to 277, fearing the infusion set was not set right or the pump wasn't working I called the doctor's office right away. They talked me off the ledge and assured me that this is normal for the first day as everything is an adjustment at this point. I ate my lunch, bolused for the food and correction. The two hour after meal check was much better so I was able to relax. Dinner went much better with good readings before and two hours after and my confidence began to grow. Bedtime reading was good as well, a little low so I had a small snack to be in the right range for bedtime. It was nice that there were some small cookies laying around as it is always nice to have a little treat especially when moving to a new part of life. I went to bed feeling good beyond the fact that I had a cold.
I got through the first day very well and was well on my way to the rest of my life.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Kids and Curiosity
The kids must investigate anything that is new, especially something Daddy has hooked up to him. I am very open with them about my diabetes. They ask questions, more my six year old than my 2 year old, and I give them straight answers. They often want to know why I am giving my self shots or poking my arm and making myself bleed. I try to in the simplest terms explain diabetes and what I am doing. It is a basic explanation that my body needs insulin and does not produce it so I have to give myself shots in to give my body insulin. I realize this is beyond them and would answer more of their questions but that is where that usually ends. Then they ask why I poke my ark to get blood and I tell them I have to check to make sure I am OK. That is usually followed up with questions about how I know I am OK. I simply tell them whether my blood glucose reading is good or bad and what the good range is and they are satisfied with that. They are curious but giving them the straight answer on diabetes seemed to make it easier for everyone involved.
All that changed slightly the day I came home from training with the pump. Curiosity was running wild. My two year old loves buttons and all she has wanted to do is push the buttons, at least there is a keypad lock. She also decides that if we are laying down she must kick it a few times. Other than that she leaves it alone. My son on the other hand has questions, "What is that?" "Why are you wearing that?" "What is that tube for?" I take them one at a time and explain that this is an insulin pump and that I am wearing it so I don't have to do shots anymore. I explain the tube is what delivers the insulin and the I do that by telling the pump how much to send me. He too wants to press the buttons but I tell him how important not pressing the buttons is and to never touch the pump. He understands but I also know I have hung that forbidden fruit out there. It is a constant adventure because it is new to them too and I know they are at least double as curious as me.
The kids are smart and they know more than meets the eye and with everyday life I find with this it is best to be straight-forward with them. It is a double edge sword as I know that it worries them slightly about their Dad but they also understand that I am doing all I can to be healthy for them.
There are still questions now and then, mostly the following repeated many times: Does it hurt? The answer is always "No." How long do you have to wear that, a week? I tell them forever and my son usually responds, "So you will live for hundreds of years?" I sure hope so buddy.
Day One: Pump Training
Back on April 13th I had my first day of pump training, it was a long wait from when I got the pump and I was nervous and excited. This was a big change for me so I was worried about several things:
1. Sleeping with the pump. I wasn't sure how that was going to go.
2. I have a moderately hairy abdomen so I wasn't sure what to do about that (still am unsure on this one)
3. Contemplating having something attached to me 24/7 for the rest of my life.
Although I was very excited as well because I knew in the long run I would be healthier, have better control and couldn't wait to see the freedom so many have told me about.
So it was day one of pump training and I was ready. I had the box of stuff my insurance company sent me (pump and pump supplies). We started training with diet and nutrition part, and it had been a long time since my last education session, at least 5 years but probably more. Carb counting is still the way to go although I have learned it is great to have a refresher as time warps the mind a bit. Plus I have learned there are phone apps available to help with figuring out carbs in foods. Now I just need a new phone so I get on of those apps. The session also gave me a good chance to talk about homemade food. I love to cook but counting the carbs in food I make is difficult to do sometimes. I got some helpful information in the way of breaking down the recipes to be able to count the carbs.
In the second half of day one of pump training we basically got introduced to the pump and them used Saline and started wearing the pump to get familiar with the pump. This was a great first step because then it took some of the worry out of the change. We learned how to set basal rates, do boluses and set the infusion set.
Now I am wearing the pump with saline and it is a little odd at first. Well it was the end of training and time to get lunch and head back home. As I do things I had to get figure out what to do with the pump, for example wear to have it n the car as now I have a seat belt to contend with. Then do I want to put it in my pocket, attach to my belt or to my pocket. Little things I didn't give much thought to I know had to figure out what was best for me. That night I had track practice, I coach an elementary team, and decided to disconnect it for practice since it was day one and I had to do a lot of jumping in practice as was worried about it since I am just starting out. I realize with insulin I can't just make that decision like that but I did know that I could disconnect it for short periods for some activities. Practice went well and I reconnected it.
Now was the first night, what am I going to do with this thing. Considering it is about the size of a pager and has a tube about 32 inches long that is attached to me I was concerned. I sleep in boxer shorts so I didn't have a lot of options. I sleep on my left side and belly mostly so I decided it would be best to be on my right side. I also move quite a bit in my sleep so I was concerned about that too. I actually did alright but was thankful for this little get used to it period.
Day two and three not much else changed, I practiced doing a little bolus with meals just to do the process. Sleeping got a little better as well each night. Then after the third full day it was time to take off the pump and the infusion set. There was much concern on my part as I mentioned my moderately hairy abdomen, I couldn't but help imagine the movie "40 Year Old Virgin" when Steve Carrell's character was getting his chest waxed and when they rip off a strip he yells out "KELLY CLARKSON!" Well it was go time. It hurt a bit and it wasn't kind of on the side in a less dense area. So that still leaves me with the quandary of what to do. I am considering shaving as has been suggested but unsure of that as well. Time will tell and I give updates as I figure it out.
After three days it wasn't so bad wearing the pump. It was great to get to wear it with saline to get familiar with it and helped ease some of my concerns as well as give me a little more excitement for the pump start day with insulin.
1. Sleeping with the pump. I wasn't sure how that was going to go.
2. I have a moderately hairy abdomen so I wasn't sure what to do about that (still am unsure on this one)
3. Contemplating having something attached to me 24/7 for the rest of my life.
Although I was very excited as well because I knew in the long run I would be healthier, have better control and couldn't wait to see the freedom so many have told me about.
So it was day one of pump training and I was ready. I had the box of stuff my insurance company sent me (pump and pump supplies). We started training with diet and nutrition part, and it had been a long time since my last education session, at least 5 years but probably more. Carb counting is still the way to go although I have learned it is great to have a refresher as time warps the mind a bit. Plus I have learned there are phone apps available to help with figuring out carbs in foods. Now I just need a new phone so I get on of those apps. The session also gave me a good chance to talk about homemade food. I love to cook but counting the carbs in food I make is difficult to do sometimes. I got some helpful information in the way of breaking down the recipes to be able to count the carbs.
In the second half of day one of pump training we basically got introduced to the pump and them used Saline and started wearing the pump to get familiar with the pump. This was a great first step because then it took some of the worry out of the change. We learned how to set basal rates, do boluses and set the infusion set.
Now I am wearing the pump with saline and it is a little odd at first. Well it was the end of training and time to get lunch and head back home. As I do things I had to get figure out what to do with the pump, for example wear to have it n the car as now I have a seat belt to contend with. Then do I want to put it in my pocket, attach to my belt or to my pocket. Little things I didn't give much thought to I know had to figure out what was best for me. That night I had track practice, I coach an elementary team, and decided to disconnect it for practice since it was day one and I had to do a lot of jumping in practice as was worried about it since I am just starting out. I realize with insulin I can't just make that decision like that but I did know that I could disconnect it for short periods for some activities. Practice went well and I reconnected it.
Now was the first night, what am I going to do with this thing. Considering it is about the size of a pager and has a tube about 32 inches long that is attached to me I was concerned. I sleep in boxer shorts so I didn't have a lot of options. I sleep on my left side and belly mostly so I decided it would be best to be on my right side. I also move quite a bit in my sleep so I was concerned about that too. I actually did alright but was thankful for this little get used to it period.
Day two and three not much else changed, I practiced doing a little bolus with meals just to do the process. Sleeping got a little better as well each night. Then after the third full day it was time to take off the pump and the infusion set. There was much concern on my part as I mentioned my moderately hairy abdomen, I couldn't but help imagine the movie "40 Year Old Virgin" when Steve Carrell's character was getting his chest waxed and when they rip off a strip he yells out "KELLY CLARKSON!" Well it was go time. It hurt a bit and it wasn't kind of on the side in a less dense area. So that still leaves me with the quandary of what to do. I am considering shaving as has been suggested but unsure of that as well. Time will tell and I give updates as I figure it out.
After three days it wasn't so bad wearing the pump. It was great to get to wear it with saline to get familiar with it and helped ease some of my concerns as well as give me a little more excitement for the pump start day with insulin.
CGM Request
I also applied for the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) with my pump. I believe this is an important part of managing diabetes as it has can help with avoiding the roller coaster of highs and lows. It has predictive alerts for when your blood glucose is dropping or raising faster than a predetermined rate. Testing with your meter is still necessary but helping to maintain better control is what I want and not have to have those low or high times when I feel awful.
The first attempt I was denied by my insurance company as they stated I didn't have enough lows. I was upset by this because they have particular standard on approval, which basically is a certain number of lows below 50 in a set period of time. This is ridiculous because a CGM not only helps with the low blood glucose readings but also helps with the high blood glucose readings where effects can be just as detrimental to my health.
I appealed with the advice of my reps from Medtronic and wrote an appeal letter on why I should have a CGM. First off I stay at my home and need to be in good health to be there for my kids. There have been instances where I am getting low and don't realize it while I doing stuff for my kids and then the confusion sets in and makes it very difficult to know something is wrong. In addition, the paramedics had to be called once as I crashed unexpectedly in the middle of the of the night. My doctor had also written an appeal letter to the insurance company which helped as well. With that the insurance company approved the CGM for me which made me very happy.
I begin my training and use of the CGM in about 3 weeks from now, as I have been told it is best to get used to the pump before starting the CGM, after all it is having to have a wireless transmitter connected to a sensor that is inserted in the skin which I will have to change every 3 days. So my ratio of injections to need sticks every three days will 12-15 injections to 2 needle sticks. I will certainly take that ratio after 20 years of varying needle sizes multiple times a day.
The first attempt I was denied by my insurance company as they stated I didn't have enough lows. I was upset by this because they have particular standard on approval, which basically is a certain number of lows below 50 in a set period of time. This is ridiculous because a CGM not only helps with the low blood glucose readings but also helps with the high blood glucose readings where effects can be just as detrimental to my health.
I appealed with the advice of my reps from Medtronic and wrote an appeal letter on why I should have a CGM. First off I stay at my home and need to be in good health to be there for my kids. There have been instances where I am getting low and don't realize it while I doing stuff for my kids and then the confusion sets in and makes it very difficult to know something is wrong. In addition, the paramedics had to be called once as I crashed unexpectedly in the middle of the of the night. My doctor had also written an appeal letter to the insurance company which helped as well. With that the insurance company approved the CGM for me which made me very happy.
I begin my training and use of the CGM in about 3 weeks from now, as I have been told it is best to get used to the pump before starting the CGM, after all it is having to have a wireless transmitter connected to a sensor that is inserted in the skin which I will have to change every 3 days. So my ratio of injections to need sticks every three days will 12-15 injections to 2 needle sticks. I will certainly take that ratio after 20 years of varying needle sizes multiple times a day.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ordering and Waiting
I ordered my pump based on a time frame as I knew I would have to wait for training and I just purchased Lantus so I wanted to use that up before starting the pump as it took about $400 out of my wallet and I knew I had to pay for Humalog for the pump out of pocket as well. My insurance company has a program for diabetics which provides all supplies for the pump and testing (except for the insulin) at no cost to me so that was a big bonus. I ordered my pump (the color blue) and it arrived in a couple of days after processing. I was excited as I am a technology nerd and couldn't wait to check it out. I opened the box and did the smart thing and went to the workbooks they send first, although one was pretty basic I read them first. In 24 hours I was done with the manuals and doing the practice exercises with the pump. At that point I was all set, the problem was this was February and I had to wait until mid-April for pump training at the Doctor's office. I also learned that Medtronic has a online learning section, which I proceeded to peruse. It was very helpful and was pretty informative only issue was I have two small kids and it requires listening and watching so it was difficult for me to get very far into it.
So from that point it was a little over a month and a half of waiting to get to the training. I had many emotions and thoughts during the time that ranged from excitement to nervousness, after all I had been doing injections for over 20 years and this was going to be a big change. I wasn't sure how it would go or what it would be like to have something attached to me all the time but I knew it was for the better of my health and better for my family in the short and long term. My Facebook group has been very helpful in support and giving advice as some are parents of pump users and others are pump users themselves.
I also worked on getting the CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) for my pump which was a little more difficult and will tell about that process next post.
So from that point it was a little over a month and a half of waiting to get to the training. I had many emotions and thoughts during the time that ranged from excitement to nervousness, after all I had been doing injections for over 20 years and this was going to be a big change. I wasn't sure how it would go or what it would be like to have something attached to me all the time but I knew it was for the better of my health and better for my family in the short and long term. My Facebook group has been very helpful in support and giving advice as some are parents of pump users and others are pump users themselves.
I also worked on getting the CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) for my pump which was a little more difficult and will tell about that process next post.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Research and Decision
After hearing from the Facebook group, I did more of my own research on the two pumps (Animas Ping and Medtronic Minimed Paradigm Revel). I had brochures and went throughly both sites on the web to find what I considered the pluses and minuses. They each have positives to them some of which I wish I could have combined into one pump. I will highlight a couple of features that were different as there are some features that are the same even though it is difficult to determine that from there charts on the websites as one of them compares to a different model.
| Animas Ping | Minimed Revel |
| Bright Color Screen Remote Bolusing from Meter | Larger Reservoir Size Option CGM capability built into Pump |
CGM = Continuous Glucose Monitoring
I really enjoyed the bright color screen of my Bayer Contour USB meter. The screen actually made me more willing to test and maybe a little more excited about it. I realize it is just a psychological thing but it helped me as it would have different colors for in and out of range blood sugars. In addition I love technology and the fact that I could plug the meter right into the computer to download was a big plus.
The Remote Bolusing was interesting but it wasn't a big enough item for me to want the Animas pump. The larger reservoir size of the Minimed was something I liked because I didn't want to change sites as often, the smaller size or the Animas I might have had to change sites every two days instead of three. Besides the better control and freedom the pump helps with I wanted less injections. The built in CGM into the meter was a bonus on the Minimed as the Animas uses a separate module for the CGM, although they are working on integrating it.
One other factor that I got from talking to users was durability. From talking to several folks on Facebook the Minimed appeared to more durable that the Animas pump. Both were good in replacing a broken pump from my understanding but it appeared that the Minimed pumps did not have to replaced as often. Granted this was a small sample but it comes from the real user experience that I was hoping would help me.
One other factor that I got from talking to users was durability. From talking to several folks on Facebook the Minimed appeared to more durable that the Animas pump. Both were good in replacing a broken pump from my understanding but it appeared that the Minimed pumps did not have to replaced as often. Granted this was a small sample but it comes from the real user experience that I was hoping would help me.
My decision came down to the CGM being integrated and the ability to have a bigger reservoir. I have been a diabetic doing injections for 20 years and didn't want the possibility of have to do a site change every 2 days as opposed to 3. Granted it depends on the amount of insulin used each day but I didn't want to have worry about it which was important to me. Also I should note with the CGM you still need to test regularly but the CGM has predictive alerts and can help in those in between times, but the meter readings are used to calibrate the CGM. Someday hopefully they will have it figured out how to remove the testing all together but until then it is still a big improvement.
The pump selected was the Medtronic Minimed Paradigm Revel 723 (which can use the regular or larger 300 unit reservoir).
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Beginning of the Search
In the beginning I asked my Facebook group of diabetics the following:
"For the pump users. I am looking into getting a pump I know ads and disads of having one but my question is especially for those that may have a HDHP, do you know if there is a big difference in cost versus using Lantus, Humalog and pen Needles? Someone is helping me out in this and I am trying to acquire some information on this myself. After having to pay for my Lantus (in full for a 3 month supply, approx. $400) I am looking into the pump more closely. Any input on the financial aspect would be greatly appreciated."
"For the pump users. I am looking into getting a pump I know ads and disads of having one but my question is especially for those that may have a HDHP, do you know if there is a big difference in cost versus using Lantus, Humalog and pen Needles? Someone is helping me out in this and I am trying to acquire some information on this myself. After having to pay for my Lantus (in full for a 3 month supply, approx. $400) I am looking into the pump more closely. Any input on the financial aspect would be greatly appreciated."
The financial aspect was important early on because it is already expensive being a diabetic and I was worried with the pump it would only get more expensive. We are on a budget in our house and yes my health is of utmost importance but we must be able to afford whatever type of insulin therapy I was going to use. I found that there was not much info on this as it depends more on your insurance than anything.
I started doing research online of both Animas and Medtronic and their pumps. It was interesting the charts and comparisons they had. I like real information though so I went back to my group to get some of their thoughts. I asked again in a slightly different way (responses will be labelled person1, person2, etc.):
I started doing research online of both Animas and Medtronic and their pumps. It was interesting the charts and comparisons they had. I like real information though so I went back to my group to get some of their thoughts. I asked again in a slightly different way (responses will be labelled person1, person2, etc.):
ME: what pump do you have and what are your likes and dislikes? I am looking into getting a pump and wanted to get real people's thoughts. If you answered already no need to repeat unless you want to. About 3 months ago.
Person 2: No we both have the one right before it. I believe. I am gonna go look up the new one. The biggest reason I went with them in the first place is they seem to be slightly ahead in the technology. Wanted the new and best first!! February 1 at 9:45pm ·
Person1: Trying to remember the name of the newer one..that doesn't sound right. My son is getting the newer one this summer but don't have it yet. February 1 at 9:46pm ·
Me: Just looked it up it is the Paradigm Reveal February 1 at 9:49pm ·
Person3: I really like the MiniMed pumps that my daughter had. They do seem to be ahead on the technology a bit. When she got her first one 9 yrs ago we had a rough year, but they were always good about talking to us on the phone and sending out a replacement within 24 hours if necessary. The Animas has a few cool bells that madeher
Person4: I have an Animas, February 1 at 9:55pm ·
Person4: and 1. i like the fact that you don’t have to pull out your pump, and you can communicate, February 1 at 9:55pm ·
Person1: While my son was at camp they had reps from each company and I think if you could attend something like that you could get info from each rep and talk to many people that use them and find out a lot of the ups and downs of each. One of them claims to be waterproof but I know 2 people who "fried" their pumps when trying to swim with them on. February 1 at 9:56pm ·
Person4: 2. you use energizer lithium batteries, which cost more, but you get longer lasting battery life, 3. you can wear it in water, 4. you can have a lot more insulin February 1 at 9:57pm ·
Person4: customer service has replaced 4 of my pumps, just from breaking, never had to go back to shots! February 1 at 9:57pm ·
Person1: You have had them break 4 times? I'm always afraid my sons will break because he is extremely active but in almost 4 years all we've had is a couple of scratches on the screen. February 1 at 9:59pm ·
Person5: I have a ping February 1 at 10:00pm ·
Person3: My daughter had the MiniMed 755 which can hold a 300 units reservoir, the Animas pump reservoir only180 units. :-/ February 1 at 10:02pm ·
Person4: mine holds 200. February 1 at 10:02pm ·
Me: I have been talking to reps from both somewhat, the thing I don't like about reps is their job is to sell their pump. So all the stories and suggestions you each have help more than you know. February 1 at 10:09pm ·
Person5: I'm glad my complaining has helped you so much. February 1 at 10:12pm ·
Me: @Person5 - there are not many opportunities to hear from current users of products that give honest opinions. Reviews I believe are skewed, but hearing complaints or praises in this scenario helps way more. February 1 at 10:18pm ·
Person6: I have a Minimed Revel... I got it in January when my insurance let me upgrade from the Minimed Paradigm... I have only ever had a Minimed and debated switching in December. However, I was completely satisfied with my Minimed so I decided to stay with it. So, PROS: EASY to use... painfully easy at times, holds enough insulin to last 3 days-- honestly, I can't put everything down because it's basically all positives.... the only negative I can think of is that for me (a 4 year pump user) the changing of the reservoir uses baby steps that I don't need anymore (for example. the paradigm didn't ask if I saw drops of insulin after priming and the revel does) as you can see it isn't a big deal... and as to duration of boluses, I've never felt like I needed them to be shorter in duration.... and I also have the sensor- which is awesome... I'm a big numbers person so seeing trends and everything is perfect and has helped my control! If you need anything else let me know!! February 1 at 11:28pm · Like
Me: A question about disconnecting for swimming or something tha tyou need to take it off, I know you can do this but I am curious is it just disconnecting the tube from the needle part? Or do you need to use another infusion set? I realize you can only have it disconnected for a short period but wondered how that worked. February 2 at 8:34pm ·
Person6: I played 2 sports in high school and would disconnect for games and practices... so for 2-2.5 hours... there's the plastic part that comes out and the bandaid material part stays in with the tubing... no other infusion set is necessary.... it's kind of like an electrical plug... when not swimming it's plugged in, and you take it out when you're not, but the outlet is still there. February 2 at 8:41pm ·
Person1: Love Medtronic. In over 3 years we have only had trouble once and they sent us a new one from California
Person 2: Minimed! This is all we have ever used. Not much trouble and seem to be helpful. The Insulin Pump gave us our life back. I am so grateful for the company! My daughter eats so often that she would hate shots. She has had a pump since she was four! We have had it for almost 7 years! February 1 at 9:41pm ·
Me: Do either of you have the newer Reveal Minimed? Maybe it is all the same as I am learning all of this, or at least that is what I thought it was called. February 1 at 9:43pm ·
Person 2: No we both have the one right before it. I believe. I am gonna go look up the new one. The biggest reason I went with them in the first place is they seem to be slightly ahead in the technology. Wanted the new and best first!! February 1 at 9:45pm ·
Person1: Trying to remember the name of the newer one..that doesn't sound right. My son is getting the newer one this summer but don't have it yet. February 1 at 9:46pm ·
Me: Just looked it up it is the Paradigm Reveal February 1 at 9:49pm ·
Person3: I really like the MiniMed pumps that my daughter had. They do seem to be ahead on the technology a bit. When she got her first one 9 yrs ago we had a rough year, but they were always good about talking to us on the phone and sending out a replacement within 24 hours if necessary. The Animas has a few cool bells that made
Person4: I have an Animas, February 1 at 9:55pm ·
Person4: and 1. i like the fact that you don’t have to pull out your pump, and you can communicate, February 1 at 9:55pm ·
Person1: While my son was at camp they had reps from each company and I think if you could attend something like that you could get info from each rep and talk to many people that use them and find out a lot of the ups and downs of each. One of them claims to be waterproof but I know 2 people who "fried" their pumps when trying to swim with them on. February 1 at 9:56pm ·
Person4: 2. you use energizer lithium batteries, which cost more, but you get longer lasting battery life, 3. you can wear it in water, 4. you can have a lot more insulin February 1 at 9:57pm ·
Person4: customer service has replaced 4 of my pumps, just from breaking, never had to go back to shots! February 1 at 9:57pm ·
Person1: You have had them break 4 times? I'm always afraid my sons will break because he is extremely active but in almost 4 years all we've had is a couple of scratches on the screen. February 1 at 9:59pm ·
Person4: they ship them right away! i can't think of any negatives. February 1 at 9:59pm ·
Person5: I have a ping February 1 at 10:00pm ·
Person3: My daughter had the MiniMed 755 which can hold a 300 units reservoir, the Animas pump reservoir only180 units. :-/ February 1 at 10:02pm ·
Person4: mine holds 200. February 1 at 10:02pm ·
Me: I have been talking to reps from both somewhat, the thing I don't like about reps is their job is to sell their pump. So all the stories and suggestions you each have help more than you know. February 1 at 10:09pm ·
Person5: I'm glad my complaining has helped you so much. February 1 at 10:12pm ·
Me: @Person5 - there are not many opportunities to hear from current users of products that give honest opinions. Reviews I believe are skewed, but hearing complaints or praises in this scenario helps way more. February 1 at 10:18pm ·
Person6: I have a Minimed Revel... I got it in January when my insurance let me upgrade from the Minimed Paradigm... I have only ever had a Minimed and debated switching in December. However, I was completely satisfied with my Minimed so I decided to stay with it. So, PROS: EASY to use... painfully easy at times, holds enough insulin to last 3 days-- honestly, I can't put everything down because it's basically all positives.... the only negative I can think of is that for me (a 4 year pump user) the changing of the reservoir uses baby steps that I don't need anymore (for example. the paradigm didn't ask if I saw drops of insulin after priming and the revel does) as you can see it isn't a big deal... and as to duration of boluses, I've never felt like I needed them to be shorter in duration.... and I also have the sensor- which is awesome... I'm a big numbers person so seeing trends and everything is perfect and has helped my control! If you need anything else let me know!! February 1 at 11:28pm · Like
Me: A question about disconnecting for swimming or something tha tyou need to take it off, I know you can do this but I am curious is it just disconnecting the tube from the needle part? Or do you need to use another infusion set? I realize you can only have it disconnected for a short period but wondered how that worked. February 2 at 8:34pm ·
Person6: I played 2 sports in high school and would disconnect for games and practices... so for 2-2.5 hours... there's the plastic part that comes out and the bandaid material part stays in with the tubing... no other infusion set is necessary.... it's kind of like an electrical plug... when not swimming it's plugged in, and you take it out when you're not, but the outlet is still there. February 2 at 8:41pm ·
Welcome and Hello
Over the course of the next few days I am going to be posting some of my research process on selecting an insulin pump and get you up to speed on present day happenings. I have been a diabetic for over 20 years, I was diagnosed Type 1 when I was 16. High school was an awkward time to become a diabetic for me - I was at an all boys school in my junior year and involved in many things. I struggled with it at times from the mental aspect and still do at times but overall I have been doing well. My a1C's have been around 7.0 (a bit higher and a bit lower) but as I have aged I am found it harder to maintain control as the a1C's and blood glucose readings began to creep up consistently. I stay at home and take care of my two wonderful kids so I decided I needed to do something to not only better my life for myself, but to make sure I could be the best I could for my kids so I started inquiring about insulin pumps and doing research on my own. After being on Humulin N and R, and then Lantus and Humalog, I am now on a Minimed Paradigm Revel 723 Insulin Pump from Medtronic, started on 4/19/2011. In the following posts over the next week I will get up to speed on why I choose this pump, how my training went and then up to present day. When caught up I will write about my life on the pump. Enjoy.
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