Thanks Nel,
I did put a post on the Canadian discussion on the DTC and think that I will likely have to track time and push inclusion of logging and an overnight check by a parent as essential and then go to our family physician for a signature. Our endo just flat out, disagrees with the DTC unless there are “other” complications.
Cheryl
Desdemona,
I agree, a change in employer, so subsequent change in policy is probably the source of your current problem, even if both employers had insurance through Manulife, it is the policy itself that dictates what the employer will or will not cover under the group plan contract. It seems though that the coverage was being considered though subsequent to the employment change, so I would still be asking a lot of questions.
Have you looked at MiniMeds site for information on the transmitter/sensor. The transmitter is small, about quarter size round, and about three quarters high, but definitely a separate unit, with a sensor that has somewhat of a big ■■■ needle to put under your skin. The advantage is that with calibration (BG testing) it does talk to the pump and sends readings every five minutes. IT DOES NOT adjust your insulin dosage. You receive feedback and need to adjust yourself. I can understand for planning parenthood why you would want a CGM, but if you have to go out of pocket to replace a good, working pump at the same time you may want to do a lot more research. You might find a CGM that will work well with your existing pump. I would consider asking Marps how her dexcom performs as I believe she uses a dexcom together with MDI. I have no idea what a dexcom transmitter or sensor costs. This site does have alot of discussions on CGM’s so there is definitely a whole host of people to go to with questions.
We spent the money less than two years back for a transmitter and sensors for my sons MiniMed pump. He wore one CGM for three days. Thats it, thats all. There is a considerable time delay on the upward and downward trends and it seems that his transmitter did little more than “alarm” almost the entire time he wore it. It was such a frustrating experience for him that he never even used the other three sensors that were purchased. They have since expired and the transmitter itself, that has a “guaranteed” life of six months has expired as well. So based on pricing at the time, about $1,200 out the window.
I was hoping that we would at least get a three day reading every quarter to include with our other data for diabetes clinic visits. No such luck as you can’t talk a 16 year old into anything that they have tried and been severly frustrated with. His situation though is likely very different from yours. He was between 15/16 at the time and growing like a weed, so eating almost continuously.
You would not likely have the same “alarm” all day, frustrations. Time changes and young son is now training for a 10K run as part of his high school athletic program. I was ready to rush out and purchase another transmitter and sensor pack so that he would have this tool available for training until I read several peoples posts about the time delay being so significant that they were only looking at fast upward or downward trends for a proactive response to highs or lows while doing this sort of training and paying little attention to the CGM beyond that as each quick response to trends was going to require another finger poke for verification before adding or reducing insulin.
When the time comes that we do decide to invest in another CGM, we will be looking at the various alternatives that are available. Comparing costs and may or may not use the CGM that will automaticaly talk to his pump if the alternatives prove to be more cost efficient to accomplish the same task. I may go to Marps at some point myself to get more info on her dexcom.
Cheryl
Cheryl ,
I did see your posting on DTC on other discussion …thanks for reminding me …have you read some of the recent responses ? Don’t give up yet, please .Record keeping of utmost importance . Alan P. also mentioned somewhere: …he will have to re-apply in 2015 .
Regarding CGMS …Medtronic is the only brand av. in Canada …I read, that Tu member Alan P.from BC was going to look into Dexcom …not sure if he can purchase , since Health Canada sets the rules , not MM or any other company ?? Would be interesting to find out .
It took me more than 3 days to " learn" the GCMS ( NO spring chicken and am still learning !!) set -up, calibration , how to insert , insert at night and add transmitter in the morning , do not over calibrate etc before "I got it " .Reading the postings here have certainly been a great education tool .Removed a sensor today with 10 days of use. I have used outdated sensors , I know of others , who have as well ; my transmitter was upgraded in Aug. 31, 2007 … 2 1/2 years of age ! ( from the bulkier size ) . Have you tried the transmitter …are lights flashing; have you changed the battery ? MM states a 6 month warranty ( is this the same meaning as guaranteed life ? ) One can set the alarms at one’s preference , one setting I use for instance : lo and hi . I have between 4.6 - 8.5 . I use the vibrate …everyone but I and Hubby could here the " ding dong " !! 20 plus minutes for the sensor to respond to interstional readings . I still finger poke regularly and I understand that a lot of folks do . My end result is not a lower A1C …BUT : fewer lows ! ( 27 plus years with diabetes and no complications )
Thanks Nel,
I will look at the DTC posts again to see what is new and will likely print out info for when we go to see the family physician in an effort to get his signature.
Good to know about MM being the only “Health Canada” approved CGM. My son’s endo would like to see him use it at least for a few days before each quarterly visit as it just gives so much more info than he can give using finger pokes. The transmitter is definitely done. Lights up normal at start, turns red after a few minutes, seems like it might take a charge but after waiting out the 8 hours, no go, and I have changed the battery a few times.
We can actually use ADP grant dollars in Ontario toward a replacement and sensors, but no point in spending the money on the CGM’s if he won’t use it. The time will come though when he won’t be living at home anymore, so no one to check at 2:00 to see how he is doing and may have no choice but to go the CGM route. I don’t worry during the day as he has never had a problem with hypo unawareness, but it would be nice to be able to sleep through the night occassionally without middle of the night alarms to check BG’s.
Cheryl
Make it a medical necessity.
Reactive hypoglycemia?
Frequent lows?
This is not the NHS - they should cover it - just keep fighting back.
Good point. Actually I have 1-3 sugar crashes most days, hence one of the reasons for the big pushes for the CGM. Good advice. Thanks.