Back in 1992 I had my first heart attack and discovered that I was Diabetic. Since then I’ve had three additional heart attacks and used an increasing amount of insulin injections. I recognise that my high blood sugar was the primary reason for my high cholesterol and triglycerides, thus my blocked arteries and four heart attacks… bypass surgery and poor circulation. I won’t mention my cataracts in both eyes, and neuropathy of many areas of my body.
My first line of defense for my Diabetes was diet control and an oral medication. This worked for awhile. We added a coverage insulin (u100) and that help for awhile. We added along acting insulin (Lantus) and that worked for awhile. We added a injectable drug called Symlin and that helped for awhile. At the end I was injecting myself nine times per day and taking an unreal amount of insulin. This is regulated with 5-6 finger stick to draw blood samples. The Queen Goddess wonders how I didn’t leak. My primary injection sites were in my belly. Many weeks my belly was black and blue from bruising.
Several months ago my blood sugar readings began the roller coaster readings again. I had highs in the 500s and lows in the 70s. Many days it would drop from the 400s to the 70s and bounce up to the 400 and back to the 90s. I was again frustrated and worried.
This month I was hooked up to a Medtronics insulin pump. The Medtronics insulin pump is about the size of a beeper and worn on your belt or in your pocket with a tiny tube running to a port in your belly. Instead of 36 injections in four days I have one to change the input port. I still have the 6-8 finger sticks daily to draw a blood sample. (NOTE Finger sticks are the most accurate reading because we all have more blood vessels in our fingers.) What an improvement to my quality of my life. (There is a cap for the port if I wish to be naked or go swimming)
The Medtronics insulin pump functions like a pancreas with some input from me. I receive a steady dribble of insulin all day and night just like a pancreas works. I take a blood sugar reading 6-8 times per day and the gucometer sends the info to the Medtronics insulin pump. I verify the reading is correct and the Medtronics insulin pump gives me the needed insulin to bring that reading into the normal range. Before each meal I calculate how many grams of carbohydrate I will be consuming and input that info into the Medtronics Insulin pump before eating. The Medtronics insulin pump will then give me enough insulin to properly digest my meal.
Every other day I lay my Medtronics Insulin pump on top my computer tower, go to the Medtronics web site, key in my password and the Medtronics Insulin pump sends my data to Medtronics. Stacey, my main gal @ Medtronics calls me later in the day with suggestions and any adjusting or tweeking needed. My Doctor had to prescribe this Medtronics insulin pump and receives a weekly report from Stacey @ Medtronics.
I am blessed with great group insurance through the Queen Goddess’ employer, Taiho Corporation of America. I don’t understand why any insurance company would refuse to buy this $7000 Medtronics insulin pump. My co-pay was $1000. Lets look at the saving to the insurance company in insulin costs alone. I was injecting 200 units of Lantus insulin, 250-350 units of U100 insulin, 375 units of Symlin everyday. My blood sugar readings were dancing between a high of 550 and a low of 75. I am currently using about 300 or less units of U100 daily. My blood sugars have been under 200 with only one exception. (It was a great big piece of fresh Buckeye Pie and I figured the carbohydrates wrong)
The Medtronics Insulin Pump does make a improvement to the quality of my life. The Queen Goddess claims that after being “Hooked Up” my skin color has improved., my attitude has improved and I am a much nicer guy. I haven’t noted any difference yet. Perhaps the neuropathy is now in my brain too.
In conclusion I believe the Medtronics Insulin Pump is my new best friend. The Medtronics Insulin Pump has improved the quality of my life, my health (both physical and emotional), and my Hope for a future filled with giggles and laughter. Mizpah ;-}}>
