My journey in wanting a pump started at the end of August of '10. When I went to my CDE (this was after I went to the CGM class) I was told I had to go to the “Is the pump for me” class. I already knew it was going to be for me and already knew which pump I wanted as well. So I went back to her and I was told I had to wait till I saw my dr and he may wanted to wait 6-8 months as they want to keep me safe, etc. I’m like well my sugar levels are erratic and I need to get them to calm down.
So I then waited till my November 22nd appt with my dr. I had prepared my list and was ready to fight with him. I had my list from the Animas pump group from here. I didn’t have to fight. I told him this would be the best thing for me as MDI was clearly not working for me any longer and i needed a change. He was all on board and asked me which one I wanted to go with. I said the Animas ping because of the food directory, and the support for the company has been great from what I have heard, etc. So he was pleased that I did my research and knew what I wanted.So I went over to the rep at Neighborhood who happens to have a desk at Joslin. I told him that my dr gave the green light to get me going on a pump. I told him which one and the color.
So I then hear I needed to learn I:C ratio. No problem. I was prepared to do Lantus and Humalog for a month. I then scheduled to do the I:C ratio with my first CDE that I had when I first went to Joslin as she happened to be available and my current one wasn’t. I then learned and was getting excited to hopefully begin pumping by the beginning of the new year. So weeks goes by and I find out that there was a delay. I needed the pump assessment and the day I was suppose to see my main CDE there was a snow storm here that cancelled my appt. I was like oh great, the one week I have off from class and I can’t get this in. Luckily that my first CDE had an appt available that week and can help me with the assessment. I was like oh thank god because I can not wait any longer to get this thing.
Before I emailed the pump coordinator, I figured the paperwork would be going in that afternoon. I also emailed the pump coordinator at Joslin to let her know I had the pump assessment and no response from her for over a week. I also emailed the rep at Neighborhood to find out what was going on and the Animas rep as well. Before I knew it, find out that my dexcom follow up was needed. I then learned at the appt that it wasn’t that. It was my dr and the dexcom person thought I wasn’t ready!!! I’m like wait a minute he gave me the green light in November and now he thinks no. I did express my frustrations and the dexcom person heard me and I FINALLY got the paperwork in that afternoon.
I got excited when I got the paperwork in finally. I figured it would take my insurance company 2 weeks to process. Nope, they responded after a week! And I got my pump on January 28th vs on Monday the 31st.
After all of this hassle and pain in my butt issues that brought me to the end result, I can not wait till February 8th. I have three samples of infusion sets to try. I have the batteries to be used in the pump. I have the software coming (once I order it), and I will be up and running. Overall, I am excited to be giving this a go. I just hate MDI right now with a passion and want something a bit more easier to handle (one I get up and running and get the hang of it). A pic of me with my ping is coming soon. My photographer took it and waiting for her to send it to me :).