Ok so I've been diabetic for 2 years I'm 14 and I really want the insulin pump. Here in NB my insurance won't cover it, but I found one close for 500$ which is a good deal. I went to a training session back in November 2011 and they put a pump on me so I could see what it's like. I loved it and I haven't stopped bugging for the pump since. I tend to miss some needles but c'mon I'm a teenager what do you expect. So I'm going to pick up the pump in a week but first my mom has to call my endo to make sure it's all good with her. Do you think she will have a problem with me buying a used one? Do you think she will let me go on it? My biggest concern is whether I'll be actually using it before school starts in 4 weeks. For all you pump users, how long should I expect to wait before I will be on and using my pump? My endo and dietician said that I have to have my diabetes in good control first, so I'm scared they won't let me go on it :( and I REALLY want to. What do you guys think?
When you say "used" what exactly do you mean. Do you mean used as in refurbished from a manufacturer like Medtronic, or used as someone had an old pump and they are selling it? First off if you are buying a used pump that an individual is selling, that is really on the illegal side. A pump is a prescription item that requires a order from your doctor providing your care. Second, I'd be concerned regarding used if its not a refurbished model from a manufacturer. There is no guarantee it is a functional device or if it has any major issues. At leas if it is refurbished through the manufacturer there is a safety check and they do offer some warranty on the device.
My next concern is if your insurance wont cover a pump, then I assume that means pump supplies too. Pump supplies are very pricey if paid for out of pocket. That is a cost you and your parents need to take into consideration.
Im not trying to dissuade you from a pump, im just concerned about this "used" part. That and you need to realize pumping while it does afford you a LOT of flexibility it is a lot of work too. I think the majority of us on here who pump will say it really requires more dilligence than MDI does. You really have to be dedicated to testing, and testing frequently since there is no long acting basal insulin. Your rapid acting acts as both your basal/bolus, and if there is a problem where you are not getting any insulin, your blood glucose levels can go high VERY fast.
As far as your doctor goes, the only thing I can say is have a talk with her.
its been refurbished with medtronic, so its basically brand new. My parents said they would pay for the supplies each month because they know how important it is to me. i know its a lot of work.
I cannot answer all of your questions, but I think it's a good idea wanting to switch to a pump. I am 41, and was on injections for 38 years. Diagnosed at age 3, I finally made the switch to the Animas Ping on July 10. It hasn't even been a month yet, but I already know that the pump was the right choice for me.
For me, the pump has been really helpful. As long as you're getting it directly from Medtronic, I think the refurbished aspect is ok. BUT, be sure that you're careful to look out for DKA and other complications that could result from the pump malfunctioning (this could happen with ANY pump, even a new one).
You note that your parents will cover the cost of supplies. Be forewarned that this can get expensive. I use each of my reservoirs twice. Not recommended, but it cuts down on waste and I've never had anything bad happen as a result.
Also, once Minimed has your prescription, call them and see if you can get samples of different infusion sets. They will usually send you a couple of each kind. This way, you can try them out and find the set that works best for your.
With a pump, you have to be patient. It may take a few months to work out the kinks and find all the settings that are right for you. To help with that process, make sure you have really good logs of info (blood sugar readings, insulin doses, carb intake, etc) for the past three months before starting the pump. The more information you have, the easier it will be to determine your settings. Test frequently and log EVERYTHING.
the infusions sets cost about $150 US for a box of 12 if your insurance doesn't cover. plus you have the reservoirs and dressings. there are lots of Canadians on the pump here, and you might want to check out our Canada group (which I see you joined) to ask them how they handled insurance coverage.
the bigger issue for me is you said, "I tend to miss some needles". The pump only uses short acting insulin, so you need to be much more keenly aware of what is happening than when you're on MDI and have some background insulin in your system even if you "miss a needle". if for some reason you're not getting delivery, whether it be a kinked infusion set, site going bad and needing to be changed, out of insulin in the reservoir, or say, you are unaware you disconnected and didn't reconnect (say after a shower), you could be going dka in a matter of hours. I find I test way more than when I was on shots, like 8 to 10 times a day. also, the supplies are not available at your average drug store, so you need to be constantly aware of when you need to reorder.
show your endo you're serious about your self care. keep good records of your bgs and dosing every day. if the endo thinks you're taking control of yourself and ready for a pump, I'm not sure how much time it takes in CAnada to get a trainer to come to your house, but it takes a few hours for them to explain all the mechanics, features, and troubleshooting any problems. look around the different pump groups and discussions here so you are familiar with the basics of pumping. hope this helps!
Thanks that helped a lot I’m really trying to take good care so I can get it.
Hi Emmy, I think the most important factor is that YOU are ready for a pump, if you consistently test and try your best your endo will support you. My son is also 14 diag at 10 and starting pumping 1 1/2 years ago with omnipod. there is alot to learn, so many variables as you already know, but no more shots and pushing a few buttons and carry on, so much better and lets be honest for a teen, way cooler than pulling out a bottle and siringe. my son is still pretty insecure about his D and i am hoping he will be more out at school this year. best of luck, it sounds like you have done your homework are ready for the change and quite responsible. best of luck! amy
Question : can I donate a pump to someone like Emmy?
I have 2 Medtronic Pumps I no longer use (on Omnipod) and it's a shame that they sit in my drawer when someone else could be using them.
You could perhaps do that however part of what you're buying from Medtronic is the pump itself and the other part of what you're buying is the "company", including training and malpractice insurance if something were to go wrong? I thought about hanging onto my pump (for $500...) when I got a new one but decided I didn't want any temptation lurking in my cabinet. When the prior pump blew up, Medtronic did a good job getting a replacement out to me quickly so I don't feel having a backup on hand is that big of a deal. Giving one to someone else seems like a great thing to do but there's probably risk involved for all parties? Maybe not much risk but the stakes are pretty high?
Medtronic has a way to donate but it does cost $. They say you and the donee have to figure out who pays.
Thanks MossDog and acid.
Emmy - If you'd like to call Medtronic to find out if we can do this, I'd be happy to help out.
Mike
i use mmol, is yours set to that? and the lady thats selling hers for 500 i talked to her and she said its working fine she just upgraded.
You can change from mg/dl to mmol w/ the "settings"
I think you can set to whatever you want. BTW - I'm not trying to "sell" mine to you. Be happy to give it to you at no cost. Both of mine work. I switched to the Omnipod, that's why I don't use anymore. Not sure how I feel about someone selling you one for $500.
we are not allowed to sell or give away prescriptions items here, sorry!
Ok Marie - so how do you suggest I proceed? I'd like to help out a fellow T1.
Emmy - feel free to message me and we can discuss.
marie, i really want to go on the pump. how can i get one? my insurance wont cover any of it not even the supplies my mom called and tried to argue with them, it was a no go.
I think it's better if the endo calls them. the endo has to be recommending pump therapy for you, at least that's how I believe it works in the US.
my insurance company wont cover it what so ever, and i will never get the pump if i cant get one that i can afford.