I got a call not long ago from my pump company. I have to admit, I ignored the call. I have something of an outstanding balance on my account, and since I didn't need any supplies, I didn't feel like talking to the accounting department, either. *blush* Well, last week, I mentioned to my dear hubby that we needed to cut down the balance a bit so that I could reorder some supplies. Did that, check! Then was told, there hadn't been a hold on the account afterall. Oh, really? Why did you call then??
"Your Rx for sensors is expired. We faxed the doctor and he renewed everything BUT the sensors." Ugh.
First of all, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A YEAR!!! Wow, a year on sensors, and A1Cs in the 5s the entire time. :D BONUS! The proof is in the pudding, people, even if it is sugar free. haha. anyhoo. So now I'm waiting for that Rx to go through and hoping that I can get what I need before I run out.
DOH! Stupid, silly me.
Lesson learned: Don't avoid the hard stuff.
Showing posts with label Insulin Pump Works. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Insulin Pump Works. Show all posts
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday Posts
BG[CGM]: 177 and trending down. Panera Bread day at Church makes for a very carb-ridden lunch. :D
I've found a simple routine. Posting on Sundays. Though there are times I fret that I can't get into my blogger account to do more, I just can't do too much more!! :)
What's going on in Diabetesworld today?
Though it isn't said when the study was done, success was met for a small trial of an Artificial Pancreas. READ HERE. The article mentions the AP is comprised of a glucose monitor [inserted directly into the vein], insulin pump and use of both hormones, insulin and glucagon. It's an interesting read as it talks about how to make something absolutely personal universal. Though they are able to adust the parameters of the APs function so that the test group as a whole resulted in no hypoglycemia, it does mention that a percent of the group was settling for blood sugars that were slightly higher than the original rate i.e. the rate that cause some of the group to experience hypoglycemic reactions. So the question is... is that satisfactory?
They want to combine this new technology with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Which brings me to another topic. Do they really think the CGM is good enough? Lately, I'm having some doubts that it would be accurate enough to regulate my body without human interaction. Yes, the sensor has been good for me. Yes it helps me see trends, but unless that sensor is in a frickin' vein, it's not enough for me to treat myself. Usually, and this is expected so I'm not complaining, my sugars are already high when the CGM senses the trend up. And I'm pretty darn low when it starts sensing the trend down. Likewise, coming up from that low happens much more quickly than the CGM senses so that I'm often getting alarms when I'm already over 100. CGMS is for the BIG PICTURE, and because of it, my sugars are tighter and my A1C is below six. But that not saying it is all that helpful for warnings... or determing the need for glucagon and/or insulin. I don't know. Show me more!! I'm interested!
I've found a simple routine. Posting on Sundays. Though there are times I fret that I can't get into my blogger account to do more, I just can't do too much more!! :)
What's going on in Diabetesworld today?
Though it isn't said when the study was done, success was met for a small trial of an Artificial Pancreas. READ HERE. The article mentions the AP is comprised of a glucose monitor [inserted directly into the vein], insulin pump and use of both hormones, insulin and glucagon. It's an interesting read as it talks about how to make something absolutely personal universal. Though they are able to adust the parameters of the APs function so that the test group as a whole resulted in no hypoglycemia, it does mention that a percent of the group was settling for blood sugars that were slightly higher than the original rate i.e. the rate that cause some of the group to experience hypoglycemic reactions. So the question is... is that satisfactory?
They want to combine this new technology with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Which brings me to another topic. Do they really think the CGM is good enough? Lately, I'm having some doubts that it would be accurate enough to regulate my body without human interaction. Yes, the sensor has been good for me. Yes it helps me see trends, but unless that sensor is in a frickin' vein, it's not enough for me to treat myself. Usually, and this is expected so I'm not complaining, my sugars are already high when the CGM senses the trend up. And I'm pretty darn low when it starts sensing the trend down. Likewise, coming up from that low happens much more quickly than the CGM senses so that I'm often getting alarms when I'm already over 100. CGMS is for the BIG PICTURE, and because of it, my sugars are tighter and my A1C is below six. But that not saying it is all that helpful for warnings... or determing the need for glucagon and/or insulin. I don't know. Show me more!! I'm interested!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Slipping Away
BG[CGM]: 111
Time is slipping by so quickly! Spring is even closer than it was a few weeks ago. :D I'm dancing in my head. I'm singing in the rain. I'm just soooo darn happy that it's March.
I'm utilizing two basal patterns on my pump. Wow, it's so awesome. This thing really does alot more than I've given it credit for in the past. Thanks to my minimed rep, I'm slowly learning. It's about time, too.
I've got a busy month... girl scout lock-in, anniversary, dental appointments--I HAVE MY FIRST CAVITY!!!! 33 years, and I'm out of the club. Darn. :( I can't believe it. I thought I would be cavity free my whole life.
I guess that just shows how silly I am. :D
Time is slipping by so quickly! Spring is even closer than it was a few weeks ago. :D I'm dancing in my head. I'm singing in the rain. I'm just soooo darn happy that it's March.
I'm utilizing two basal patterns on my pump. Wow, it's so awesome. This thing really does alot more than I've given it credit for in the past. Thanks to my minimed rep, I'm slowly learning. It's about time, too.
I've got a busy month... girl scout lock-in, anniversary, dental appointments--I HAVE MY FIRST CAVITY!!!! 33 years, and I'm out of the club. Darn. :( I can't believe it. I thought I would be cavity free my whole life.
I guess that just shows how silly I am. :D
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fasting
BG[CGM]: 54 -- had a glass of juice
One of the greatest things about having a pump has been the ability to NOT eat. Fasting is a common factor for me and my faith. Even without diabetes, I've never been an AVID faster, but there are times...like during lent when fasting is something I'd like to be able to do. As a diabetic, I'm not obligated. There are always exceptions for example, being pregnant.
As a pumper, I feel I have the freedom for fasting.
Which takes me back to those days when I first got the Minimed insulin pump. I must have lost about 20 pounds in those first months. My eating habits changed unbelievably. Late night snacks, gone. It was a different world for me. The allowance of some simple sugared foods that before I had avoided or ate with much guilt also brought liberation. Seriously big changes for me.
Now, most of the dieting I do, I do in order to stay healthy and maintain an ideal weight. *thumbsup* AND, I can fast if I want to. :)
Thanks Dean Kamen, you totally made my day when you invented the insulin pump--the Segway PT isn't too bad, either. :D
One of the greatest things about having a pump has been the ability to NOT eat. Fasting is a common factor for me and my faith. Even without diabetes, I've never been an AVID faster, but there are times...like during lent when fasting is something I'd like to be able to do. As a diabetic, I'm not obligated. There are always exceptions for example, being pregnant.
As a pumper, I feel I have the freedom for fasting.
Which takes me back to those days when I first got the Minimed insulin pump. I must have lost about 20 pounds in those first months. My eating habits changed unbelievably. Late night snacks, gone. It was a different world for me. The allowance of some simple sugared foods that before I had avoided or ate with much guilt also brought liberation. Seriously big changes for me.
Now, most of the dieting I do, I do in order to stay healthy and maintain an ideal weight. *thumbsup* AND, I can fast if I want to. :)
Thanks Dean Kamen, you totally made my day when you invented the insulin pump--the Segway PT isn't too bad, either. :D
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Alzheimers
BG[CGM]: 160
Alzheimers runs in my family, so I know that possibility is there...
But there are times when I wonder if it's not Alzheimers, it's a loose mouth. :D Matt is often exasperated because I will ask him the same question three times in any number of hours. For example, What are you doing tomorrow? Then again later that day, So, what are you doing tomorrow? Finally, I'm likely to ask the next morning, what are you doing today?
I had a moment today when I thought to myself, are you just running your mouth without thinking? If you really thought about the question, would you find you know the answer? I was sitting down to lunch and, half talking to myself, said "What will we have for dinner?" But I know what we're having for dinner! I had just been talking about it with Matt because he was eating it for LUNCH! I just didn't think.
By the way, we're having turkey potpie, which is GREAT except I made the pie filling last night, and since then three people have dipped into the pot... so my pie is a little shallow. ;-) haha!
I think I'm going to try to think more. Good plan, huh? LOL
Had a pretty crappy D day, with highs and a sensor error two times... ugh. I think I'm doing better now. I had to change my infusion site, and from now on I think I will just avoid that area on the side of my gluteous maximus. It never absorbs well there and I end up with highs.
Alzheimers runs in my family, so I know that possibility is there...
But there are times when I wonder if it's not Alzheimers, it's a loose mouth. :D Matt is often exasperated because I will ask him the same question three times in any number of hours. For example, What are you doing tomorrow? Then again later that day, So, what are you doing tomorrow? Finally, I'm likely to ask the next morning, what are you doing today?
I had a moment today when I thought to myself, are you just running your mouth without thinking? If you really thought about the question, would you find you know the answer? I was sitting down to lunch and, half talking to myself, said "What will we have for dinner?" But I know what we're having for dinner! I had just been talking about it with Matt because he was eating it for LUNCH! I just didn't think.
By the way, we're having turkey potpie, which is GREAT except I made the pie filling last night, and since then three people have dipped into the pot... so my pie is a little shallow. ;-) haha!
I think I'm going to try to think more. Good plan, huh? LOL
Had a pretty crappy D day, with highs and a sensor error two times... ugh. I think I'm doing better now. I had to change my infusion site, and from now on I think I will just avoid that area on the side of my gluteous maximus. It never absorbs well there and I end up with highs.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
End of Day Report
BG[CGM]: 154, and holding steady. :P
Well, I got to a point where I started doubting the CGMS, and so I ended up checking sugars on my meter more than I expected to today. The variances I've experienced since making the video yesterday after first hooking up messed with my head. I understand the blood vs. interstitial fluid argument, yet at the same time, my sugars do not normally spike. They haven't spiked in the 24+ hours I've worn the CGMS. That Frosty-cino I blogged about here did the job, but in general my sugar charts look like rolling hills, some taller than others. So, I'm starting to contemplate my goals with the CGMS. If its purpose is to mark trends, than maybe wearing it 24 hours isn't necessary.
On the other hand, when Matt joins the military later this year, I want to believe that the CGMS can offer me a measure of security when I'm alone with my kids. Can it? Should I expect it? I believe the answer is yes. I also believe that overall, the competing companies have comparable products. Little differences here and there, conveniences, pros and cons. That competition will continue to instigate improvement. I think right now, the cons of both the Dexcom and the Minimed are enough that you could chose one over the other and not really be better off, one way or the other. That's just me. I'm pretty laid back. I like the infusion and transmitter device better on the Dexcom. That's why I went with it. That to me--at this point in my life--was more important than having the transmitter linked to my pump instead of another device. For someone on the go ALOT, they might feel differently. I'm not. Yes, I have four children, but really... I'm a writer, so I sit here. If I'm away from my desk I'm in my kitchen, which is a few feet away or i'm in the car with my purse. Not a big deal to me.
I'm justifying for myself. I know that my choice is my choice...but, of course--and Matt thinks I'M COMPLETELY NUTTY--I feel bad having to choose one over the other. That's me. The feel-bad-girl. I need to be okay with the decision, and I am. :) thanks for listening to me drone on and on again.
CGM tracking me down to 129, but it's been at least 45 minutes since I started this blog post. I really do love this CGMS technology. It's fabulous! I told the rep, I could just sit here and watch it...
Well, I got to a point where I started doubting the CGMS, and so I ended up checking sugars on my meter more than I expected to today. The variances I've experienced since making the video yesterday after first hooking up messed with my head. I understand the blood vs. interstitial fluid argument, yet at the same time, my sugars do not normally spike. They haven't spiked in the 24+ hours I've worn the CGMS. That Frosty-cino I blogged about here did the job, but in general my sugar charts look like rolling hills, some taller than others. So, I'm starting to contemplate my goals with the CGMS. If its purpose is to mark trends, than maybe wearing it 24 hours isn't necessary.
On the other hand, when Matt joins the military later this year, I want to believe that the CGMS can offer me a measure of security when I'm alone with my kids. Can it? Should I expect it? I believe the answer is yes. I also believe that overall, the competing companies have comparable products. Little differences here and there, conveniences, pros and cons. That competition will continue to instigate improvement. I think right now, the cons of both the Dexcom and the Minimed are enough that you could chose one over the other and not really be better off, one way or the other. That's just me. I'm pretty laid back. I like the infusion and transmitter device better on the Dexcom. That's why I went with it. That to me--at this point in my life--was more important than having the transmitter linked to my pump instead of another device. For someone on the go ALOT, they might feel differently. I'm not. Yes, I have four children, but really... I'm a writer, so I sit here. If I'm away from my desk I'm in my kitchen, which is a few feet away or i'm in the car with my purse. Not a big deal to me.
I'm justifying for myself. I know that my choice is my choice...but, of course--and Matt thinks I'M COMPLETELY NUTTY--I feel bad having to choose one over the other. That's me. The feel-bad-girl. I need to be okay with the decision, and I am. :) thanks for listening to me drone on and on again.
CGM tracking me down to 129, but it's been at least 45 minutes since I started this blog post. I really do love this CGMS technology. It's fabulous! I told the rep, I could just sit here and watch it...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Eating Out
is something I don't do very often. Matt and I, we just like being at home. But, occasionally, we splurge. Today, for my birthday we went to the Olive Garden. I didn't think to check the webpage for nutritional values, so I guesstimated. 79g Carbohydrates, actual Carbohydrates 106g!! 2hour post BG: 89
so the question is, who calculated the carbs? The menu values say a seving of salad w/ dressing is 22g CHO. 22g?? Where? Two little croutons?...okay big croutons, but still. 22g is like 2 peices of bread. dressing? That's mostly fat... some sugars. I don't know. I do know that if my sugar was 89 2hours later, taking insulin for 106g of carbs would have be the end! :D
It makes me feel a little frustrated, because the fact is, there are too many variables sometimes to get it right. The fat content was pretty high, totaling about 46 g. Sooo, that probably means I'll spike a little later. Fat slowing the sugar/carb absorption. I'll be interested to see what my sugar is in another two hours. I've tried the Dual Wave bolus--that gives me a boost of insulin but also a dose over a few hours--and I don't like it. My sugar is HIGH after the meal then back to normal in about two hours. I'll keep playing with it, hoping to get it right, but unless I have a high fat meal, which is rarely, I don't know that I see the point. :)
Am I making any sense?
What are we to do? How can we manage without hiccups when there are so many variables? From person to person, from food to food--X amount of carbs means nothing unless you know what the food is and how YOUR body will react to it. And how WILL your body react to it? Well, let's see....
Did I exercise? Did I just wake up? What time of the month is it? Am I sick? Do I have a cold? Yeah, it's that EASY. :P
so the question is, who calculated the carbs? The menu values say a seving of salad w/ dressing is 22g CHO. 22g?? Where? Two little croutons?...okay big croutons, but still. 22g is like 2 peices of bread. dressing? That's mostly fat... some sugars. I don't know. I do know that if my sugar was 89 2hours later, taking insulin for 106g of carbs would have be the end! :D
It makes me feel a little frustrated, because the fact is, there are too many variables sometimes to get it right. The fat content was pretty high, totaling about 46 g. Sooo, that probably means I'll spike a little later. Fat slowing the sugar/carb absorption. I'll be interested to see what my sugar is in another two hours. I've tried the Dual Wave bolus--that gives me a boost of insulin but also a dose over a few hours--and I don't like it. My sugar is HIGH after the meal then back to normal in about two hours. I'll keep playing with it, hoping to get it right, but unless I have a high fat meal, which is rarely, I don't know that I see the point. :)
Am I making any sense?
What are we to do? How can we manage without hiccups when there are so many variables? From person to person, from food to food--X amount of carbs means nothing unless you know what the food is and how YOUR body will react to it. And how WILL your body react to it? Well, let's see....
Did I exercise? Did I just wake up? What time of the month is it? Am I sick? Do I have a cold? Yeah, it's that EASY. :P
Monday, September 21, 2009
My Trip to St. Louis
BG: 120 <-- quick story, I'm trying to work out this bolus delivery thing. I know the dual wave, which gives a quick boost and then also a square dose of the insulin, is supposed to be most like the body's use of insulin. BUT, I have no idea how to make the ratio. Does it work to just 50/50? If my meal is high protein, would I go more on the square? How long should the square last? OMG! It's insane! The better question is who do I ask about this? Keep reading for the rest of the story.
Tonight, after a long day in St. Louis for my son's Endocrine appointment [he has growth hormone issues], we stopped a Wendy's to get him chicken nuggets, and... well, I got the Frosty-cino Shake. It was, by far, the yummiest, yummy I've eaten in...I don't know how long. It was rich, coffee-like, creamy. Mmmm. And I took enough insulin...so, I guess I'm confused about insulin action. Or, more likely, I just shouldn't eat THAT GOODNESS!! because in one hour my sugar was 221, then in another hour it was back down to 120. So, nevermind... I'm a diabetic, if I splurge, I'm going to see it. That spike just proves I am diabetic. Haha. Taking more insulin wouldn't have made the insulin more affective[/effective? Ugh!]. And if I'd taken more, I probably would have bottomed out later--evidenced by the 120 at 2hours. *sigh* It really was heaven through a straw.
Sidenote: I met with the Dexcom representative today and saw the SevenPlus CGMS. Way cool! I still can't believe that Minimed isn't on this... that they can't even give me a projected date for when they might have something updated from their current sensor. That sorta pushed me over into the Dexcom camp. If Minimed could say, yes, by the end of this coming year, we're looking at a sensor that is smaller, more accurate, etc, etc, etc, I might have waited. Now, it looks like I'm just going to have to wait until next fall to get my Dexcom linked up with my NEW PING. *shrug* Maybe? Nothing is ever set in stone, but that's what I'm seeing right now. It would be nicer, if the MM sensor was more compatible with my lifestyle. Of course, Dexcom won't be without its cons, either [but let's be honest, it's diabetes that's inconvenient!]. I will have an extra thingy, about the size of my pump, to carry around with me. I'm thinking of where I can put it. Any ideas?
Tonight, after a long day in St. Louis for my son's Endocrine appointment [he has growth hormone issues], we stopped a Wendy's to get him chicken nuggets, and... well, I got the Frosty-cino Shake. It was, by far, the yummiest, yummy I've eaten in...I don't know how long. It was rich, coffee-like, creamy. Mmmm. And I took enough insulin...so, I guess I'm confused about insulin action. Or, more likely, I just shouldn't eat THAT GOODNESS!! because in one hour my sugar was 221, then in another hour it was back down to 120. So, nevermind... I'm a diabetic, if I splurge, I'm going to see it. That spike just proves I am diabetic. Haha. Taking more insulin wouldn't have made the insulin more affective[/effective? Ugh!]. And if I'd taken more, I probably would have bottomed out later--evidenced by the 120 at 2hours. *sigh* It really was heaven through a straw.
Sidenote: I met with the Dexcom representative today and saw the SevenPlus CGMS. Way cool! I still can't believe that Minimed isn't on this... that they can't even give me a projected date for when they might have something updated from their current sensor. That sorta pushed me over into the Dexcom camp. If Minimed could say, yes, by the end of this coming year, we're looking at a sensor that is smaller, more accurate, etc, etc, etc, I might have waited. Now, it looks like I'm just going to have to wait until next fall to get my Dexcom linked up with my NEW PING. *shrug* Maybe? Nothing is ever set in stone, but that's what I'm seeing right now. It would be nicer, if the MM sensor was more compatible with my lifestyle. Of course, Dexcom won't be without its cons, either [but let's be honest, it's diabetes that's inconvenient!]. I will have an extra thingy, about the size of my pump, to carry around with me. I'm thinking of where I can put it. Any ideas?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Basal Testing -- Finally
BG: 106 :D
I love seeing that number, although the truth of the matter is... that's a one hour post meal check. It should probably be a little higher than that. *eyeroll*
So, Basals. Did my night-time and morning basal testing.
It was pretty simple, and reflected the results of the 3 day iPro--normal to lower until morning hit.
4:30am 116
5:30am 92
6:30am 90
7:30am 168 -- can you believe that? in one hour...
8:30am 183 --
9:30am 195
10:30am 166
11:30am 167
12:00pm195 -- and I ate lunch.
I'm not a professional at this basal changing thing, so the next day or so is going to be edgy. I know that I have to go two hours prior from when I want to see different results. So, at 5:30 to 7:30, I need a boost. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I have my sensitivity figured [as accurately as possible] at 40mg/dl for one unit. In that case, I need about one unit to get that 7:30 number down to 130, so I added half a unit for each of the 2 hours before 7:30. Will it work?
I have no idea. You tell me. :D
I love seeing that number, although the truth of the matter is... that's a one hour post meal check. It should probably be a little higher than that. *eyeroll*
So, Basals. Did my night-time and morning basal testing.
It was pretty simple, and reflected the results of the 3 day iPro--normal to lower until morning hit.
4:30am 116
5:30am 92
6:30am 90
7:30am 168 -- can you believe that? in one hour...
8:30am 183 --
9:30am 195
10:30am 166
11:30am 167
12:00pm195 -- and I ate lunch.
I'm not a professional at this basal changing thing, so the next day or so is going to be edgy. I know that I have to go two hours prior from when I want to see different results. So, at 5:30 to 7:30, I need a boost. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I have my sensitivity figured [as accurately as possible] at 40mg/dl for one unit. In that case, I need about one unit to get that 7:30 number down to 130, so I added half a unit for each of the 2 hours before 7:30. Will it work?
I have no idea. You tell me. :D
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Slipping
Crazy weekend, and I found myself slipping into old habits.
Today, I ate a breakfast bar on the way to the library because I felt lowish...and I swear, I'm always low when I go to the library. My brain only has to think the word and my body is activating any pockets or stores of insulin. Don't ask me!
I should have checked--test don't guess.
Well, it was a fine trip, no more low feelings.
I'm starting to wonder what people who actually make their food from scratch do.
Soups, breads, casseroles, roasts--sauces, gravies. :P
My goal this week is to look into that. I do alot of my own baking and cooking, but I've been struggling with my Bolus wizard, because I don't know numbers. Just amounts of insulin I would normally take for that much of that particular food.
If you drop by and have any suggestions, please feel free to comment!
Have a great week.
Love,
Bethanne
Today, I ate a breakfast bar on the way to the library because I felt lowish...and I swear, I'm always low when I go to the library. My brain only has to think the word and my body is activating any pockets or stores of insulin. Don't ask me!
I should have checked--test don't guess.
Well, it was a fine trip, no more low feelings.
I'm starting to wonder what people who actually make their food from scratch do.
Soups, breads, casseroles, roasts--sauces, gravies. :P
My goal this week is to look into that. I do alot of my own baking and cooking, but I've been struggling with my Bolus wizard, because I don't know numbers. Just amounts of insulin I would normally take for that much of that particular food.
If you drop by and have any suggestions, please feel free to comment!
Have a great week.
Love,
Bethanne
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Big Debate
BG: 146
It feels almost cliche to blog about this now...but I think I will anyway, for my own sake.
I spent the last three days attached to the iPro, the professional grade [though I don't think it's different from the regular CGM from minimed] Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. I'm interested in talking to the MM rep so I can ask her about how the patient version works with my pump, how it differs from the iPro, do I really have to wear all that tape????
If you haven't guessed it, I was NOT overly impressed with the hardware. It was big and clunky...and a LOT Tapey. [I'm feaking out about posting a picture, because... of my belly, but this is sorta a medical journey... *shiver* Be brave Bethanne!]
It feels almost cliche to blog about this now...but I think I will anyway, for my own sake.
I spent the last three days attached to the iPro, the professional grade [though I don't think it's different from the regular CGM from minimed] Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. I'm interested in talking to the MM rep so I can ask her about how the patient version works with my pump, how it differs from the iPro, do I really have to wear all that tape????
If you haven't guessed it, I was NOT overly impressed with the hardware. It was big and clunky...and a LOT Tapey. [I'm feaking out about posting a picture, because... of my belly, but this is sorta a medical journey... *shiver* Be brave Bethanne!]
So, there it is... is that usual? Does the sensor pod need to be taped down like that? The tape square is like what's used for IVs and it goes lower by another inch and a half. :P I don't know. I'm wondering if it would be worth it at this point.
On the other hand, I started looking at other companies and their products for diabetes management. Like Animas...and their One Touch Ping Pump, which is going to eventually be [somehow] linked with the Dexcom CGM--another sensor that LOOKS like a better deal all around than the Minimed option--size being a key component. [let's face it, size matters!] Time to start thinking...and start comparing...and deliberating.
I'm on the MM paradigm--a good pump, with good representation. I haven't been dissatisfied. But I'd like to see the paradigm do what the Ping is doing. Why isn't it? Why doesn't the paradigm pump have a remote/meter? Why doesn't the paradigm have smaller increments of delivery? I'm going to start asking lots of questions...
i'm in a sticky situation in regards to finances and insurances--getting laid off is a real bitch--so, part of me wants to jump right in and upgrade. The other part says, hold on... give it some time, see how the market goes. Maybe MM has something better in the works?
In case you're curious, the 3 day continuous monitoring results were eh. After seeing the MMrep last friday and getting on the Bolus Wizard my sugars have been rotten--if you ask me. But I'm sticking to it in hopes that with the logging and accuracy, I can actually get my basals figured out. The CGMS would be a great thing for this effort. For now, I'll just keep testing away. I'm up to about 8 times a day.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Minimed Rep
I finally met with the Minimed rep on Friday. She seemed pretty nice and VERY surprised that I wasn't using my Bolus Wizard. I left, kinda wishing I had told her that I was the Bolus Wizard. I mean, I can even add and subtract in my head. Let's just say when she was explaining to another pump candidate about A1Cs and she looked at me sorta humoringly, "It should be under 7... right?" *winkwinknudgenudge* I got a little irritated.
BUT, she had contacted me previously, when i received my replacement pump so we could get together and I never made it. So she probably has a preconceived notion of me, and I can forgive her that, because I didn't have time or the push for it at that time. I know that sounds crazy...and maybe it I'd met with her, I would have had this revision sooner...but, I wasn't ready I guess. I was too much living day to day...managing my diabetes, which btw, is possible without the Bolus Wizard. It just makes tracking a little more complicated.
So, I'm on the Bolus Wizard and my sugars are like CRAP (higher than they've been in weeks)! I've been bolusing what I know I need for a certain amount of food for so long that I have no idea how many carbs are in that stuff...right? It becomes second nature...this plate of food with this drink--take X units to cover. Unfortunately, I don't think 1 unit for 15 grams is enough, but I'm suspicious that 1unit for 10 grams of carbs is going to be too much. But with the pump tracking everything, I want to get it right. I'm trying to figure out what people are talking about when they say they have a hard time logging. I do, but that was before I realized my pump was going to do all of that for me! Good Lord! I have seen the light!
If I had visitors here, I'd ask, "Am I wrong? Am I misunderstanding something?"
Anyhoo. The Carelink thing is very cool. I think I will have to ask Laurel if her husband is using it... and the Bolus Wizard, too. :D Because as any Minimed Rep knows, you can't manage diabetes without that Bolus Wizard. ;-)
BTW, my last A1C was 6.5 and it hasn't been higher than 7.2 in over 10 years. That's good, if you ask me. I've never seen a five, and I'm hoping this surge of enthusiasm will instigate that. I'm off to get the iPro--CGMS this coming Tuesday. I'm so glad it's Tuesday because I've been fighting highs with this awful cold i got. Another sticking point, because the MM rep looked over my sugars for the last few days and of course, saw highs all over the place! How frustrating! Nothing like putting your best foot forward, eh? Grrrr.
Have a great weekend all.
Love,
Bethanne
BUT, she had contacted me previously, when i received my replacement pump so we could get together and I never made it. So she probably has a preconceived notion of me, and I can forgive her that, because I didn't have time or the push for it at that time. I know that sounds crazy...and maybe it I'd met with her, I would have had this revision sooner...but, I wasn't ready I guess. I was too much living day to day...managing my diabetes, which btw, is possible without the Bolus Wizard. It just makes tracking a little more complicated.
So, I'm on the Bolus Wizard and my sugars are like CRAP (higher than they've been in weeks)! I've been bolusing what I know I need for a certain amount of food for so long that I have no idea how many carbs are in that stuff...right? It becomes second nature...this plate of food with this drink--take X units to cover. Unfortunately, I don't think 1 unit for 15 grams is enough, but I'm suspicious that 1unit for 10 grams of carbs is going to be too much. But with the pump tracking everything, I want to get it right. I'm trying to figure out what people are talking about when they say they have a hard time logging. I do, but that was before I realized my pump was going to do all of that for me! Good Lord! I have seen the light!
If I had visitors here, I'd ask, "Am I wrong? Am I misunderstanding something?"
Anyhoo. The Carelink thing is very cool. I think I will have to ask Laurel if her husband is using it... and the Bolus Wizard, too. :D Because as any Minimed Rep knows, you can't manage diabetes without that Bolus Wizard. ;-)
BTW, my last A1C was 6.5 and it hasn't been higher than 7.2 in over 10 years. That's good, if you ask me. I've never seen a five, and I'm hoping this surge of enthusiasm will instigate that. I'm off to get the iPro--CGMS this coming Tuesday. I'm so glad it's Tuesday because I've been fighting highs with this awful cold i got. Another sticking point, because the MM rep looked over my sugars for the last few days and of course, saw highs all over the place! How frustrating! Nothing like putting your best foot forward, eh? Grrrr.
Have a great weekend all.
Love,
Bethanne
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