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!]

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.

More Insurance

BG: 123

Being the Republican that I am, I hate to have to use state run insurance, medicaid. But, as it stands, with my hubby still unemployed, we ended up applying a couple of weeks ago. We've got too much on the line to go without it. Sean needs his growth hormone and I need my insulin. We have BCBS through the Cobra Act as well, and that's really hurting our wallet... I hope it's worth it.

...then again, Matt has a live one on the line, so I'm hoping this is a very SHORT temporary set up. And as long as there isn't any break in coverage, we SHOULD be able to avoid the pre-existing condition, policy bullshit. [excuse my french]

That's my update for now.
More on this fiasco later. :D
Have a great week.
Love,
Bethanne

OMG! CGMS

I just got the craziest call from Minimed, wanting to tell me that my doctor put in a request for the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System!!! WTF? Wow. Seems like something I'd remember talking to him about at my appointment last week.

...we did talk about basal testing...
...and getting together with the local Minimed rep...

nope. Can't remember any CGMS discussion.
NOT THAT I'M COMPLAINING!

I've thought about it, but I just was waiting until I knew what was going on with my insurance.
Okay...so there's no definite yet, but wow. I'm a little pre-excited and hoping this goes through okay.

*breathe*

All I can see in my head is dollar signs...lots of dollar signs--and NO INSURANCE. I need to learn to contain my hopes.

Me and my Mom

We have this thing.

I was reading through some threads on the Diabetes Forums this past week, when I noticed a theme. Family helpers and do-gooders. It's part of loving someone, making sure they are going to be there the next time we call. I don't think diabetics are the only people who experience this kind of love. Alcoholics, over-eaters[obesity], epileptics.... just plain people, too, risk-takers, soldiers, policemen. If a wife noticed her cop husband leave the house without his mace or gun, she'd probably stop him. "Are you sure you don't want to take your sidearm?"

So, I'm breathing and fighting with myself over the hard feelings I get when my mom makes another comment about my diabetes...or insurance coverage...or how I deal with my insurance coverage. It BOGS me down to know that she still thinks I'm uneducated and I don't know how to deal with insurance companies. Lifting her eye-brows, making statements as if she's revealing something I haven't yet figured out [what? I'm going to have to fight the insurance company? i'm going to have to file claims? This is how things used to work in the industry?]. I mean, GAH! It's hard, because I know she means well.

I've been dealing with my diabetes for 20 years. I know how to work the system. I know how the system works...yet I'm still learning, and as the system changes, I'll keep learning. The tricky part is realizing that my mom deals with an insurance that I don't deal with, have never dealt with, and will never--God willing--have to deal with. HMOs. Totally different beast from the PPO I deal with--well, let's say HMO is the male and PPO is the female, same monster different gender.

I feel like it's about respect. I don't think I've ever talked to my mom about this kind of stuff and had her listen to me as if I knew what I was talking about. Frustrating... but I also see my mom talk to her mom that way, so maybe it's not just me, eh?

I love my mom. She does want what's best for me and wants me to be happy. Again, when people buy me sugar-free stuff because they know I'm diabetic, I say thank you and eat it, even though, I don't really eat MOST sugar free foods. I'd rather occasionally eat real sugared foods. *shrug* But it's nice of people to think of me. And it's NICE, NICE, NICE to have something besides water to drink!! LOL

I suppose part of the freedom of being able to share this is the fact that no one reads this blog. LOL But it helps to get it off my chest, and talk it out, and not feel so frustrated anymore.

On a side note: I changed my basals over the weekend. After keeping track of my BGs for a week, I felt it was time to shake things up a little and try to get them tighter. Research on the web, plus my own monitoring helped me make the basal levels better. I'm working on the night times right now because my mornings are still a tad elevated. Less than 180, more than 120. I'm feeling much better through the day, though. :)

Doctor's appointment next week.

Basal Testing

It feels like it's time. I haven't done a basal test in... well, years I'd say. Yikes. Time flies, that's for sure. I don't feel too off, but I do feel as if I'm taking too much insulin, or I wish I were taking less, I should say. :P

Course, this could end up being frustrating, but it's better to make sure my basals are where they should be, RIGHT? Right.

I'll start with the over night levels, eating a decent, lowfat dinner then fasting through the night and checking my BG every two hours. Good luck with that, I tell myself, you'll need it because you sleep like a rock. LOL I'll repeat the test on Friday to make sure the results are comparable.

~~~~~~~~~~

On a side note, Insurance is such a PITA!!
That's all.