Medtronic Insulin Pump

[karen1976]

Hi All,

I've had Type 1 diabetes for four years now, and am STILL having troubles properly regulating it with shots throughout the day. My Dr. suggested I try out the Medtronic Insulin pump. My husband and I are thinking of having a child in the next year or so and want my numbers to be tight, to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Question is, has anyone been on this system -- and, if so, how has it worked for you?

Would you recommend it? Is it easy to use, and has it been a big help to you?

My insurance wont cover the whole thing, and from what I understand it is quite pricey... would like to get more info before I dive in. (After you purchase the pump, what is the cost like for supplies?)

Thanks in advance, I appreciate it! I'm glad I found this forum, seems to be lots of good info!

Karen

[cowgirl_tuff79]

Hi! I have had a Medtronic pump for 4 months now and I LOVE it! Mine cost about $6000, but insurance covered about $5000. They will help you come up with a payment plan for your budget. I'm not sure of the cost of supplies because my mom orders them, not me. It is really easy to use and will definitely help control your blood sugar. First though, you'll have to tweak everything and then it should go fine. At first, it may seem really overwhelming and that you'll never get the hang of it. I caught onto it really fast and I think almost anyone can use. I can where it to school and I can still do sports. You can change things if you get sick and need more insulin or for anything. I highly advise getting it. You can even pick the color-clear, purple, blue, and I think there might be one other color. Good luck!

[karen1976]

Good to know, thanks for the reply! My insurance will cover $3000, the rest is up to me. :S Glad to hear that it has been easy for you to use, and given you better control. Does it bother you to wear it when you are doing sports and stuff? And does it alert you if you go too low (ie. when doing sports etc)? I go on the 19th to find out more about it, I think I'd really like to give it a try. It seems so much more CONVENIENT too! (oh -- to go camping without toting tons of stuff around...!) I'll keep you posted -- and if anyone has any other information, I'd love to hear it. Thanks so much!

[cowgirl_tuff79]

It doesn't tell if you get to low, but you can have it beep at certain times to remind you to test. It doesn't bother me at all when I do sports(but it made a small hole in a brand new leotard). It is a lot more convenient. I used to have to do shots at rodeos and it was a pain. Hope it works out if you get it!

[karen1976]

Well, I met with my Dr. and am going to meet with a rep. to find out how easy it is to use etc. They tell me I still have to carry my needles etc. with me all of the time, so we'll see. Kind of a bummer. I guess I was kind of hoping I wouldn't have to tote everything with me all the time...

Anyhow, going to see how the appointment goes and work some overtime to cover the rest of the cost. I'll let you know if I decide to go for it or not!

I will say, though, that this past week I have been almost PERFECT with my blook sugar levels... which is rare. What a difference, I feel FANTASTIC and finally, finally, finally think there's hope for me managing things! Woohoo!

[cowgirl_tuff79]

Glad to see your feeling better!

[karen1976]

Thanks... now I just have to keep it up!

This forum has been great, with tons of info. And you're all so friendly -- thanks for all your input!

I've started writing everything down too, so I can see a trend. The only part that's been really tricky is compensating for the gym and my protein shake (which I mix with some vanilla frozen yogurt and strawberry protein, delish, after a workout). Sometimes I need the shake with no insulin after and sometimes I need to take a bit. Just depends on how hard I push myself...

[Blair]

Good luck, Karen Most important is that you feel good.