It has taken much longer then I had expected to get my new insulin pump but I now have both the pump and the sensor.
Originally insurance was only going to cover so much, and I was still going to have to come up with $800.00. 8-) Wow! Like I have that much cash lying around! To say I was disappointed was an understatement. * NOTE TO SELF: JUST TRUST!
Then I received a call from my Medtronic rep. telling me that he recommended me for financial aid.
Ok, I thought, maybe that would work but I was still skeptical that I could really be eligible for it. But I applied anyway and waited, and waited. I called and bugged them to no end I am sure.
Then finally, I got a call saying that I was approved for partial financial aid. All I would have to pay was $300.00!! That was much more likely to happen! Ok, I can pay that much. Pump was shipped that day!!
Two days later I was anxiously waiting for the sound of the UPS truck, since they had called and said they were coming today and needed someone to sign for it.
UPS didn't come!
Nope, instead they came the day after! I was goin crazy by then. I had waited for 13 years for something like this.
I mean, can you imagine, after 13 years of 6-10 finger pricks a day, and multiple shots a day for years, then to get something that nearly eliminates BOTH of those things? Now granted, I already had the older version of the pump and had had it for 6 of those 13 years, but was still having to check my sugar multiple times a day. So to say that I was excited was really kind of lame. I was thrilled, overjoyed, jumping off the walls!
So days later my pump finally came. The really cute pink one too ;-) I ripped open the box, ready to set it all up...and there were no sensors.
Ahhhhh! I was so frustrated.
I was ready to know what my blood sugar was every five minutes! And not have to manually do it! Talk about control! Every five minutes 24/7! I couldn't even start to do that with a meter! I was past ready! But there were no sensors to be found.
I called my pump trainer (every time I get a new pump or something, I am supposed to go through training. Yeah right! I don't like to wait, so I read the manual and call if I have any problems.) to ask where they were? She told me that insurance still had not approved them for me yet! It's understandable considering how much they cost, and how many I would go through in a months time. But still! They said it was going to take 10-14 business days! Disappointed again.
But my God is always faithful! After we had talked about insurance and sensor, she told me about the program where I could send my old pump back and get a "small" refund. Can you guess how much the "small" refund was for?
Exactly $300.00! I got a $6000.00+ insulin pump for nothing
(The pump is around $6,105. And that's just the pump. The sensor is $999. And supplies are even more!)
He always provides for every need. Even when I worry and doubt. Praise the Lord!
So that problem was solved and I eventually got the sensors. I don't think it was even a full 10 days...
Then came the hard part. Inserting the sensor. Just what is the sensor you ask, if you are still reading this long winded post that is, well here, let me consult the expert in this area. To quote the Medtronic website,
"What is a glucose sensor?
The glucose sensor is a tiny electrode worn for up to three days. Following a 2-hour initialization period, the glucose sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which is where cells receive oxygen and nutrients, including glucose. The glucose sensor is easily inserted by patients, caregivers or healthcare providers into the skin (subcutaneous tissue) using the automatic insertion device. Like many types of infusion sets, a needle is used to introduce the glucose sensor, but the needle is then removed leaving a tiny flexible electrode just under the skin. The glucose sensor is then connected to the transmitter so the readings from the glucose sensor can be transmitted to your insulin pump."
Did you read that? Interesting huh? Well I though so. But they said it was supposed to be done easily, they didn't say anything about the hot flashes, and clammy feeling, nor about the lightheaded-ness I was feeling while trying to push the button on the inserter! and me not being worried about needles and having a very high pain tolerance! It took me ages to push that stupid little button to insert the sensor. Though I will say, part of the problem is that is has to go in at a 45 degree angle and I like straight up and down! But I did it, finally. And it works just wonderfully! I can already see a difference in my control!
Here, I will post some pictures to show you just what I am talking about.
The Pink Pump
The inserter
The transmitter
The sensor and yes the needle is huge!
Inserter and sensor ready to go. Huge...
Cue Jaws music...I can do this, it really isn't that bad, come on Shay! Pull yourself together! Just do it!
I did it! See I knew I could! =)
The needle comes out and the plastic stays in
Attach the transmitter..
Ta-da! It will now test my interstitial fluid for glucose levels and report to me every five minutes. Letting me know if it is rising or falling and alerting me as needed. Thanks for letting me be excited and very long winded about my favorite (most expensive) piece of technology!
