[Leis87]

Ok so my specialist has suggested I go on the insulin pump. I have been doing some research and I believe I understand all the implications but I would love to get some feedback from some diabetics that are on the pump.... And I in return will log my journey here

The process to getting a pump is abit slow here in aus. There are a few assessments that I need to undertake first but the first thing I need to do is pick a brand. I have been suggested 2 brands, one is the "metronic mini med" the other is the "animas vibe" im going to call both reps today and arrange to meet with them and discuss them but to be honest I think I am leaning towards metronic just from what I read in its brochure.....

 

[Joshua Shorter]

I really wanted a medtronic about a year ago. However, my insurance wasn't going to pay for it even though I had a full rider for disposable medical equipment. They told me that my blood work indicated I didn't have diabetes at all. Pretty funny that they didn't mind paying for my endo appointments.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted.

 

[Patdart]

I can see where that would be a problem...the same way my first A1C was 6.9, but because I changed my ways, by the time I saw the doctor it was in the 5's. A friend suggested to me that I delay the diet until I saw him, but since it was a couple of weeks, I had already had my last real Coke, and was eager to get on with the problem at hand, I decided not to bother.

Good luck,

 

[Shanny]

I really wanted a medtronic about a year ago. However, my insurance wasn't going to pay for it even though I had a full rider for disposable medical equipment. They told me that my blood work indicated I didn't have diabetes at all. Pretty funny that they didn't mind paying for my endo appointments.

This still makes my blood boil. And these are the nincompoops who have taken charge of medical decisions made in this country for the last 30 years. People worry about the government being in charge? They should be so lucky!

 

[Joshua Shorter]

You're right, Shanny. We're going to get screwed one way or the other. At least this way some less fortunate will have access to some of the most basic care.

 

[mmckie]

I really wanted a medtronic about a year ago. However, my insurance wasn't going to pay for it even though I had a full rider for disposable medical equipment. They told me that my blood work indicated I didn't have diabetes at all. Pretty funny that they didn't mind paying for my endo appointments.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted.

They might have stated it wrong...has your endo diagnosed you Type 1 or Type 2? My insurance will only pay for the pump because mu bloodwork came back stating that I did in fact have antibodies and my c-peptide showed I am making decreasing levels of insulin, therefore I'm Type 1...not Type 2 which is what i was previously diagnosed as for 9 months until which i ha lost 55 pounds and had to begin insulin injections. Insurance companies just want to see certain things on that blood work. It is difficult to get a pump of you are Type 2 because in their mind it can be controlled by diet and exercise (which I know eventually the pancreas does give out which causes type 2s to beed insulin injections).

 

[Joshua Shorter]

Type 1 per my profile. They didn't like my c-peptide. Told me it was still at non-diabetic levels. All other blood work indicates diabetes but the only number they particularly care about was c-peptide. I plan on having it redone once i meet my deductible next year.

 

[diabetes86]

I realy Like my OmniPod NO tubing to tangle in brush (when I work out side. or climbing around my engine). I think they all do prity much the same thing. I have 3 different Basel setings and 3 different bolis ratios. a built in BG meter in the controller, I take a BG reading say how much Im going to eat and it offers a suggested bolis. I can change that, I can set a temperary basal.

 

[Leis87]

Hmm, have not heard of the omnipod, was only given 2 options.... Is omnipod made by metronic or animas? Or a completely different brand?

 

[marshagolightly]

It is made by Insulet Corp. You can google it. It's a different creature than the other ones. No tubes. Waterproof. I only remove it every 3 days to change to another one. It really works for me. Fits my lifestyle perfectly.





It's on my right arm right now. I have to change it tonight and am going to put the new one on my abdomen

Sent from my iPhone using Diabetes

 

[Leis87]

Wow, thats awesome!! Im not sure if they are available in aus, was kinda only given the 2 options :-(

 

[diabetes86]

Ask!! and ask Isulet to go to bat for you. That is how I finely got my'n my insurance said NO but insulet went to bat for me. Insulin Pumps - Insulin Pump Therapy | OmniPod Insulin Management System

 

[marshagolightly]

Wow, thats awesome!! Im not sure if they are available in aus, was kinda only given the 2 options :-(

Yes Insulet did all the legwork for me. I just called them and told them what I wanted. They handled everything from there with my Dr and insurance.

I see your in Australia. Not sure how it works for you there. I have employer sponsored health insurance.

Sent from my iPhone using Diabetes

 

[Leis87]

I have private health insurance, which covers it. But I need to be referred by my specialist which he has done but only 2 pump brands were reccomended to me. Its all still fairly new here, I even have to go on a waiting period for a while to get it fitted :-( I will have a look and asky specialist if I can use this other pump but I think my options are limited...

 

[mmckie]

Type 1 per my profile. They didn't like my c-peptide. Told me it was still at non-diabetic levels. All other blood work indicates diabetes but the only number they particularly care about was c-peptide. I plan on having it redone once i meet my deductible next year.

That is strange! You do have antibodies though, correct? I wonder why they would even bother with c-peptide....

 

[Leis87]

Met with a lady from metronic yesterday and I was happy with the pump. Certainly eliminated any fears of going onto it and it will certainly suit my lifestyle better than.injections. Meeting with a lady from animas today. Calling my educator today to go ahead.

 

[Leis87]

So I decided to go with animas. The screen was alot easier for me to read and the waterproofness of it was a benefit. Im only on a loan pump til my insurance waiting period is up so I can change over to medtronic in 9 months if I am.not happy so I guess I am lucky in that respect. Just got to get assessments done. Hope to be on it in the new year