[freebird]

My name is Tony and I'm new to the forum, but not to diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of 10(34 years ago) and have been using an insulin pump for the last 6 years. My first pump was the Mini Med 512, and my latest is the Accu check Spirit. I lost my left eye at 29 and have recently developed neuropathy (and carpal tunnel) in both hands. I also have neuropathy and arthritis in both legs due to a bicycle accident 4 years ago. After the bike wreck my Doctor advised me to file for disability, which I am still trying to obtain.

My hobbies include genealogy, ham radio and collecting/using straight razors (as well as mugs, brushes and strops) and collecting/using fountain pens. I also enjoy photography, camping and working on my web page.

 

[Terrie]

Hello Tony:

It's Nice to meet you. Sorry about your eye, Neuropathy and Arthritis. One of our Friends had a glass eye put in recently. They attached it to the muscles so it moves just like a real one. He drives a truck in Canada but is not allowed to drive it over the border in the U.S. because of his eye. I like your patch anyways.

Great hobbies that you have there. You use a straight razor?? Ummm....Careful with that, eh?

Those are Great photos of your Grandfathers. Finding out about our Ancestors is Amazing. Interesting that you went to school with your relatives. For sure, you never know. (I did leave a message but both times it said there was an error. So, I doubt if it went through).

How do you like using the pump?

Welcome! Good Luck with getting on disability. I was on it some years ago for severe RA. I went off of it about 6 years ago.

 

[freebird]

Hello Tony:

It's Nice to meet you. Sorry about your eye, Neuropathy and Arthritis. One of our Friends had a glass eye put in recently. They attached it to the muscles so it moves just like a real one. He drives a truck in Canada but is not allowed to drive it over the border in the U.S. because of his eye. I like your patch anyways.

Great hobbies that you have there. You use a straight razor?? Ummm....Careful with that, eh?

Those are Great photos of your Grandfathers. Finding out about our Ancestors is Amazing. Interesting that you went to school with your relatives. For sure, you never know. (I did leave a message but both times it said there was an error. So, I doubt if it went through).

How do you like using the pump?

Welcome! Good Luck with getting on disability. I was on it some years ago for severe RA. I went off of it about 6 years ago.

Hi Terrie,
Thanks Yep, I actually use a straight razor, IMHO it gives a much better shave than a modern razor. My face used to break out when I would shave, but since I started using the straight razor it hasn't. I did get a few severe cases of razor burn starting out, but once my face adjusted it's been smooth shaving ever since.

I've been told that I look like my Grandfather Daniel. Genealogy is interesting for sure. Since I started researching, I've found several Revolutionary War vets, Civil War vets, 3 great grand uncles who were killed in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and that I have a touch of Indian blood.Things that no one knew, or if they did know they never thought to mention.

I love the pump. When my Mini med died a few months ago I thought I was going to have to go on shots. (not able to work, no insurance etc, so 6,000 for a pump was out of the question). Through happenstance I found out that Accu Chek has a financial assistance program. I filled out the paperwork requested and found that I qualified for a 100% discount, plus infusion sets, test strips and other supplies. They did ask me to pass the word around, the program is based on need for the pump as well as finances, but it never hurts to try.

Disability has been a long time coming, 3 years in January. My Dr's and Lawyer are all surprised that it hasn't went through yet. The Lawyer & I both thought it had went through at the court hearing, but the judge totally ignored all of the evidence. I guess they want to make you wait so long to see if you'll give up or not. I've heard of some that have died waiting to get approved.

Tony
Tony

 

[Richard157]

Hello Tony, thanks for joining us. I hope your eye is healthy and gives you no problems. I have had carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve surgeries on my right arm. My fingers work much better now. I have EMG tests done on both arms to see if the nerve damage is getting worse. I had neuropathy in my feet and ankles but after pumping for awhile my control was much better and the neuropathy symptoms have disappeared.

Do you like your new pump as well as you liked the Minimed pump? Is it a lot different in any way? I use the Minimed 522 but I did not start pumping until June, 2007.

Good luck to you!

Richard

 

[freebird]

Hello Tony, thanks for joining us. I hope your eye is healthy and gives you no problems. I have had carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve surgeries on my right arm. My fingers work much better now. I have EMG tests done on both arms to see if the nerve damage is getting worse. I had neuropathy in my feet and ankles but after pumping for awhile my control was much better and the neuropathy symptoms have disappeared.

Do you like your new pump as well as you liked the Minimed pump? Is it a lot different in any way? I use the Minimed 522 but I did not start pumping until June, 2007.

Good luck to you!

Richard

Hi Richard,

Yes, after losing the left eye through an accident during a vitrectomy (torn retina, then it detached twice, had 3 major surgeries within 6 months). I was scared straight and the right eye has been stable for 7+ years now.

I was taking guitar lessons, and started having problems with my left hand,fingertips were numb, and my wrist felt like it had an electric current going through it when chording. I asked the Dr about it and he ordered an EMG. That was about 6 months ago. Even though it was just the one hand giving me problems, I had neuropathy in both. I've also suffered from re-occurring tendinitis, having surgery on three fingers on my right hand.

I really like the Spirit pump. It was a different system to get used to, but nothing worth complaining about lol. One thing that I really like is the fact that it gives you the option of using a rechargeable battery (1 AA). The 512 didn't allow for use of rechargeable batteries. Plus the larger reservoir makes it alot easier. Customer service is great as well, and Accu Chek even sent a trainer to Tulsa from New Orleans because the Diabetic Educators that I was going through weren't familiar with the system. I wasn't sure how I would like the luer lock system, but it's great. Included in the kit was a palm pilot (for keeping records, and bolus calculation), the Accu Chek Aviva glucometer and a second pump, a "temporary" unit in case something happens to the main pump and you have to send it in for replacement (no more going without a pump overnight while waiting for a replacement pump).

I'm glad I found the forum. I think it helps to be able to share information, someone might have a tip or trick that helps someone else. One of my teachers in High School said "Knowledge isn't knowing something, it's knowing where to find the information", and forums on the Internet are a great way to help find the information and help expand the knowledge of everyone involved.
Tony

 

[Terrie]

Hi There Tony:

Ya, I was going to say that you looked similar to your Grandfather Daniel.

You mean Accu-chek gives Insulin pumps and accessories at a low cost or free to Diabetics if they qualify? If so, that's Awesome! Is there a Special link? I just saw the free upgrade but you have to have had a pump already to upgrade from. Many do not. I'm Glad you got another pump.

Ugh! That's frustrating when they stall court cases for nothing. Well, don't give up and for heaven's sakes.....don't die......just to spite them.

 

[freebird]

Hi There Tony:

Ya, I was going to say that you looked similar to your Grandfather Daniel.

You mean Accu-chek gives Insulin pumps and accessories at a low cost or free to Diabetics if they qualify? If so, that's Awesome! Is there a Special link? I just saw the free upgrade but you have to have had a pump already to upgrade from. Many do not. I'm Glad you got another pump.

Ugh! That's frustrating when they stall court cases for nothing. Well, don't give up and for heaven's sakes.....don't die......just to spite them.

Hi Terrie,

Yes, Accu-Check/Disetronic does have a financial need based program, I'm even getting my supplies (test strips,lancets, adhesive wipes, a non-latex based adhesive (sets don't stick well to my skin),plus infusion sets) sent every month. . No special link, just call them up and explain your situation and they will put you through to a rep.

LOL don't worry,I don't have any plans on dying to spite them just yet lol.
Tony

 

[Anthill]

Welcome.

Hello Tony, You have been though the mill haven't you. I too have eye probs in the right eye and a stroke 2 and a half year ago but I am happy that the stroke is not Servere enough to have some Permanent disability. Your hobbies are interesting as I have a full call amateur radio operator too as I have to do something about getting the hardware back in the sky.

I was diagnosed at the age of 10 in 1971 right in the middle of ballet and pencil thin!!.

 

[freebird]

Hello Tony, You have been though the mill haven't you. I too have eye probs in the right eye and a stroke 2 and a half year ago but I am happy that the stroke is not Servere enough to have some Permanent disability. Your hobbies are interesting as I have a full call amateur radio operator too as I have to do something about getting the hardware back in the sky.

I was diagnosed at the age of 10 in 1971 right in the middle of ballet and pencil thin!!.

I was also 10, different year, summer of 74. I don't know of any age that's "good" for being diagnosed, but 10 seems to be a really bad age, doesn't it? Mom noticed that I was drinking alot, going to the restroom alot, and losing weight. Oklahoma's summers are rather hot, so she could've ignored the signs and thought nothing of it, but she knew something was wrong, so she made the appointment with my Dr. The Dr said it was fortunate she did for I was about "1 week from going into a coma". That was the days of test tape and the little kits with the eye dropper and the glass tube (I think I've still got mine somewhere). I didn't get my first glucometer until sometime in 78 or 79. They did have the insulin pump, but my Dr vetoed that because he had put one of his patients on it and she had died. He said he would never put another of his patients on the pump.

 

[Terrie]

Hi Terrie,
Yes, Accu-Check/Disetronic does have a financial need based program, I'm even getting my supplies (test strips,lancets, adhesive wipes, a non-latex based adhesive (sets don't stick well to my skin),plus infusion sets) sent every month. . No special link, just call them up and explain your situation and they will put you through to a rep.

That is Really Great for People. I hadn't heard of Accu-check supplying the pumps. That is Excellent for those who want/need them.

Our government supplies free pumps/accessories for Diabetics who can't afford them in my Province.

As for me, my Husband's work Insurance totally covers a pump/accessories, all drugs, whatever we need, thank God. I'm still sitting on the fence about going on the pump ride though. I did make an appointment with the Pump Instructor at my Hospital, to see what she has to say.

To me the pump seems like more problems than not, from what I've heard from pumpers the last 8 years. But most say that they love their pumps....I don't get. It's not logical. I do not like and have no patience for gadgets that malfunction(granted some People have smooth sailing with their pump).

If she's a Good "salesperson", I'll get a pump. If not, I won't. I find syringes so easy, I don't mind shots, my sugars are decent, I've had no complications for a long time(that we know of...touch wood). Sorry that I'm so negative about this. I definitely need some reverse psychology. Anyways, we'll see.......

Thanks for the heads up on the pumps from Accu-chek.

LOL don't worry,I don't have any plans on dying to spite them just yet lol. Tony

Good Show Tony. I'm Happy to hear it.

 

[Anthill]

I was also 10, different year, summer of 74. I don't know of any age that's "good" for being diagnosed, but 10 seems to be a really bad age, doesn't it? Mom noticed that I was drinking alot, going to the restroom alot, and losing weight. Oklahoma's summers are rather hot, so she could've ignored the signs and thought nothing of it, but she knew something was wrong, so she made the appointment with my Dr. The Dr said it was fortunate she did for I was about "1 week from going into a coma". That was the days of test tape and the little kits with the eye dropper and the glass tube (I think I've still got mine somewhere). I didn't get my first glucometer until sometime in 78 or 79. They did have the insulin pump, but my Dr vetoed that because he had put one of his patients on it and she had died. He said he would never put another of his patients on the pump.

Hey you sound like me when I was diagnosed, And I was in ballet too. as being thin is desirable and did I eat!!!! So good & bad memories back then and I had the Clinic Test kit too and just about always royal blue and that giant hyperaemic syringes.

 

[freebird]

That is Really Great for People. I hadn't heard of Accu-check supplying the pumps. That is Excellent for those who want/need them.

Our government supplies free pumps/accessories for Diabetics who can't afford them in my Province.

As for me, my Husband's work Insurance totally covers a pump/accessories, all drugs, whatever we need, thank God. I'm still sitting on the fence about going on the pump ride though. I did make an appointment with the Pump Instructor at my Hospital, to see what she has to say.

To me the pump seems like more problems than not, from what I've heard from pumpers the last 8 years. But most say that they love their pumps....I don't get. It's not logical. I do not like and have no patience for gadgets that malfunction(granted some People have smooth sailing with their pump).

If she's a Good "salesperson", I'll get a pump. If not, I won't. I find syringes so easy, I don't mind shots, my sugars are decent, I've had no complications for a long time(that we know of...touch wood). Sorry that I'm so negative about this. I definitely need some reverse psychology. Anyways, we'll see.......

Thanks for the heads up on the pumps from Accu-chek.



Good Show Tony. I'm Happy to hear it.

Hi Terrie,

Yes, pumps can be problematic. My previous pump(s) died a fast death when I was working, they didn't like static electricity. My blood sugar is so hard to control that a pump is the only thing that keeps it halfway under control. Sorry it took so long to reply, we finally had to put my Mom in a nursing home. She had Alzheimers and it got to where we didn't feel as if we could keep her safe.
Tony

 

[freebird]

Hey you sound like me when I was diagnosed, And I was in ballet too. as being thin is desirable and did I eat!!!! So good & bad memories back then and I had the Clinic Test kit too and just about always royal blue and that giant hyperaemic syringes.

Lack of appetite was never one of my problems lol. I was a fat baby, and have always been on the plump side, except for my high school years, I weighed 115 soaking wet. That was because school was about a mile away and I didn't want to ride the school bus, so I walked or rode a bicycle.

 

[Terrie]

That is indeed unfortunate that your Diabetes is harder to control. We sure are not all the same when it comes to diseases although many Drs.(still think) and many People feel that we should all fit into the same box. NOT!

Awww!! I'm sorry to hear that your Mom has Alzheimers and that you's are all going through this with her. That sounds like a really sad and scary disease, for the Person affected and hard on the Family.

 

[freebird]

That is indeed unfortunate that your Diabetes is harder to control. We sure are not all the same when it comes to diseases although many Drs.(still think) and many People feel that we should all fit into the same box. NOT!

Awww!! I'm sorry to hear that your Mom has Alzheimers and that you's are all going through this with her. That sounds like a really sad and scary disease, for the Person affected and hard on the Family.

Thank you. Alzheimers makes Diabetes look good lol. With Alzheimers you lose your family member twice. Once to the disease then when they die. They may still be alive, but they aren't the same person. My Dad has type 2 and the stress has driven both of our blood sugars out of sight, mine worse than his though. During the last 3 weeks my bg's have hit the 300+ range more often than not, his hit 255 yesterday (he rarely makes a comment about his sugars one way or the other, so for him to tell me came as a surprise). My sugars have started to come back down into a more normal range,(my Dr prescribed a mild sedative to help combat the stress for now), and it will just take a little time to adjust to the changes.

 

[Anthill]

Lack of appetite was never one of my problems lol. I was a fat baby, and have always been on the plump side, except for my high school years, I weighed 115 soaking wet. That was because school was about a mile away and I didn't want to ride the school bus, so I walked or rode a bicycle.

I guess I get so rapt over the art of dancing I can raise a sweat at the barre but not anymore as the 70's did not have the wonderful BG meters then so now I just dream and Fat and in control.

 

[Terrie]

Hi:

Yes, I know what you mean. Worst diseases have a way of making Diabetes look pretty lean. My Dad died at age 80. He had severe RA for about 12 years and Dementia later. Dementia is not as Bad(his had not progressed too far) as Alzheimers but it certainly is similar. Hopefully you and your Dad are accepting your Mom being placed in a home, okay. Also I hope that you and your Dad stay close.

 

[Terrie]

My Dad died at age 80. He had severe RA for about 12 years and Dementia later. Dementia is not as Bad(his had not progressed too far) as Alzheimers but it certainly is similar.

Sorry Tony, I should have researched it. Since his had not progressed too far before he died, his appeared mild to me compared to the cases of Alzheimer's I have seen.