So I went to the Endo today for the first time in a long time. Mainly due to insurance or lack there of I haven’t been able to see an Endo in iver 10 years. My new Doctor suggested I start using a pump. I would actually like to begin pump therapy but my insurance deductible is outrageous ($6000). Is there other options or financial assistance for obtaining a pump? My last A1c test was 8.6 which isn’t terrible but isn’t good either. I just think that injecting 4 times a day is gonna get real old real quick.
I'm sure you can do better, with either MDI or a pump.
If the pump will give you "well this is new" mindset and spur you into the mindset to get the tighter control that's great and worth the $6000. But you don't necessarily need a pump to do better.
Have you considered starting with a CGM first.. it is less expensive, and the info you get can help you to get get your A1C lower even while doing MDI. With the dexcom many get good results with restarting the sensor beyond the initial 7 day so there is a way to save funds.
I agree with Tim. I encourage you to get the book Using Insulin and do some fine-tuning of your I:C ratio, ISF and basal dose as well as considering diet modifications and learning accurate carb counting if that isn't something you're proficient at. Those skills will certainly help reduce your A1C and also are vital skills necessary to effectively use a pump. A pump isn't a panacea (especially if you need to pay so much for it!) and is only as good as the information you program into it (and continue to tweak based on results).
As far as funding, you can definitely talk with the pump companies as they are well motivated to get your business. I got assistance from animas, for example to cover the part of my pump cost that my insurance doesn't cover. But I'm not sure how that would work with a deductible that high (unless you use that up over the year in other medical expenses and then would be covered for the pump to whatever percent your insurance pays). Also the assistance is based on low(ish) income so that may or may not apply.
4 shots a day, that's what..1 basal shot and 3 for meals, are you correcting your highs? i do far more then 4 shots a day. it seems some, myself included at first, have a false sense of what a pump can and cannot do, that it's easier. one has to be so diligent when on the pump - especially when first starting out, always testing, changing basal rates, infusion sites - sets, etc...it's not easier by any means, it just provides better control for some who are dedicated to using it correctly, mainly having the ability to adjust basal rates (for those with DP, heavy workouts, etc..). it is no panacea and going on a pump takes a lot of work and one also has to be concerned with infusion sites - sets, tubes, if applicable, etc...if you're not correcting high BG's now or haven't figured out the reason why your A1C is high, it's probably not going to get 'better' on a pump. Just my thoughts. I was all hyped out about the pump too when first started...but, as mentioned, it is just as much, if not more, work. read some of the pump posts on here, people have just as many problems on a pump - they're adjusting basal rates all the time...it does however offer better control for many but their dedication to it is the answer.
Your reply is very helpful. You listed many of the reasons why I do not want a pump. Thanks for putting things way more eloquently than I could have. : )
Lots of helpful advice. As I said the pump is a suggestion from my Doctor, so I'm in that phase of researching and then I will try to make an informed decision. I really appreciate all of the advice that you are all sharing though. It means a lot.