! Switching Insulin for use with a Pump

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1

So, I’m curious I have been having a rough time getting back into the swing of things and all not only with my diabetes, but from the most recent Hurricane activity Gustav and Ike.

I just moved back to my hometown from the New Orleans area. I was forced to evacuate and actually lost my job because I had relocated and was unable to go back to my town. There was no power in my area for a month on top of the fact that gas was sold out in a 30 mile radius at least to the area of Louisiana I evacuated to.

So in short I’m in Birmingham,AL trying to readjust. So money plays a large role as well as no health insurance and that pesky and annoying year waiting for PRE-EXISTING CONDITION.
So I noticed that I can get a cheaper Insulin the Novolin R instead of the more expensive Novolog Insulin.

So therein lies my problem how can I see a doctor to inform me if I could switch Insulin.

I am going to try to see a doctor to provide me with information regarding this matter.
However, I was wondering if someone could provide a little experience and knowledge on this matter or even to provide a little information regarding this issue.

I would sincerely appreciate any information, I just want to make sure I can get through this time safely

Thank You
David

2

Hey David,
I’ve had diabetes since I was 11 and my mother is a doctor, so I have seen many patients “work the system,” so to speak, to get cheap and even free insulin. First, have you tried going to a public health clinic in your area? A lot of times they have some resources to go to. Second, since you say you are not making a lot of money right now, do you qualify for federal funds for medical visits? If so, you can talk to doctors about samples of insulin. Many insulin companies will give physicians vials of insulin so that they can give it to their patients to try. You might want to try to contact the pharm reps in your area and see if they might give you some. I am located in TN, and I know that Novalog gets sampled out quite often (I can even see if I can get my hands on some for you if you would like - I developed an allergy to it quite some time ago).
Basically, just ask around at the health centers in your area and see where you can go with it. Good Luck! Let me know if I can help you anymore!