Comments on: Pump supply costs

By: daphne400

daphne400 — Wed, 06 Aug 2003 17:09:48 +0000

the new company is Animas and I haven’t found a web site yet, but heard at
pump training that they are presenting their pump for FDA approval. there’s
also a Korean company getting into the development phase but haven’t heard a
company name yet…If we all start a letter writing campaign and get your
insurance companies into the deal (mark-up on medical supplies is in the area
of 200% (believe it, it’s true)…we may be able to make an impact on
marketing…Joan: )

By: daphne400

daphne400 — Wed, 06 Aug 2003 09:02:08 +0000

Yes Frank, I totally agree. Considering I’m the "baby" of this group and
only been pumping 6 months (happy anniversary!). Skin and site care is the
most important issue regardless of using the pump or still doing the shots.
I think one of the things we all must stress to other pumpers is the
importance of educating ourselves…we really have to be as knowledgeable as
our doctors, nurse practitioners (gotta plug myself), nurses, CDEs,
nutritionists….One of the reasons why I decided to become a pump trainer
was to augment what I’ve been learning over the last 18 years teaching
patients about diabetes and how to take care of themselves. The other reason
why I decided to set a goal of becoming a CDE as well was because the need
is there for knowledgeable health care providers. We always think that our
health professionals KNOW ALL…funny how we find out they don’t…
SSSSSOOOOOo, even though we want to save money, saving our sites for future
use is paramount to maintaining our health…think about it…common sense
should prevail….Joan

By: elmo_15

elmo_15 — Sat, 02 Aug 2003 03:47:32 +0000

Frank, is this the name of the company??

The fist new Pump company should be <" animous"> corp. I
understand that
>they are designing new sets but who knows when they will be available.

By: elmo_15

elmo_15 — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 19:39:51 +0000

What I think we need is a more economical infusion set!!. At $10.00 per
change is too much. I plan on petitioning Maersk to accomplish this anyone
else like to join in?
fp

By: elmo_15

elmo_15 — Wed, 30 Jul 2003 10:46:07 +0000

Hmmmm. Thanks for that info John. I’ll definatly take that into
consideration. I’ve only been pumpin 7+ months and 20-25 yrs from now I’ll
be pushin up daisies. LOL

Do you know where Lynge, Denmark is located? Is it far from your location?
fp

By: mattie_70

mattie_70 — Wed, 30 Jul 2003 00:49:03 +0000

Hi fp…

If 8 days works for you, great. You must certainly have very tough skin
But consider what has happened during those 8 days… the healing process
has started, under the skin and on the skin surface. So when you remove the
infusion set, you may already have scar tissue forming under the skin, even
if you can’t see it. This means that the next time you get close to that
area, the aborbtion will be more erratic. Now, I live in hope of a cure,
but in the meatime I’m planning for a long-haul with my pump. In 20 years
time - no, in 50 years time - I want my infusion sites to be as healthy as
they are today. I know people who have been on a pump for 15 years already,
and some of them complain of major problems. Whole areas they used to use
that are now unusable.

So I change every day or two to keep my abdomen and round the sides of my
waist in really good shape.

John
PS Yes - I live in Germany, but I’m British
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By: daphne400

daphne400 — Tue, 29 Jul 2003 14:05:35 +0000

Hi gang:
I know we all want to stretch those infusion sets and prolong use of the
sites but remember, for all of us there is still the risk of infection, no
matter how aseptic we keep our technique. If you want to reuse an infusion
set, and all nurses, and other health professionals will cringe, but we do do
it, good handwashing is a must, do not I repeat, not wipe off the needle.
You are essentially immune to your own organisms, but not forever. You
remove the coating on the needle, the polish if you will, that lets it slide
into your skin. Ever get one of those syringe needles that were real
ouchers? That’s what I’m talking about. Not only that, you end up
stimulating hypertrophy of the tissue (thickens) and then you’ve shot that
site for use again possibly indefinitely. So much for preaching…..:) Joan

By: elmo_15

elmo_15 — Mon, 28 Jul 2003 01:52:23 +0000

Ya I kno what they advise they’re trying to sell more product. Seriously ya
really have to keep a eye on ‘em to make sure it’s not getting red etc.
fp
You in Germany?

By: elmo_15

elmo_15 — Sun, 27 Jul 2003 09:37:02 +0000

John,
How come you change sets so frequently? MY last set stayed in 8 days
probably could have gone longer but I was experimenting.
say, your in Germany, right?
fp

By: mattie_70

mattie_70 — Fri, 25 Jul 2003 23:16:56 +0000

>What were you using before, John, Humalog??

fp - hi.

Yes - I was using Humalog for 2 years previously. Generally, I have been
very happy with it. Fast but not too fast. But it is in my nature to try
out new things. You never know whether something might bring some
improvement unless you try it. That’s always been my philosophy.

My main pump problem is that I get such short life out of an infusion set.
Originally I got 3 days. Then it was 2. Now I’m happier changing every day.
I don’t have to, but I feel I get much better absorbtion stability that
way. Luckily I don’t have to pay for my sets, since I have a generous
health insurance. I’ve tried mixing a little Velosulin with the Humalog,
which some people find helps, but it didn’t help with me.

Here’s a little tip I’ve just learnt: I don’t use 10ml bottles of insulin
any more. I use the 3ml pen cartridges instead. One cartridge fills one
syringe. And no problem with dissolved air coming out of solution and
causing pesky bubbles. To draw the insulin out, you stick a second needle
through the rubber plunger at one end, while sticking your syringe needle
through the thin rubber seal at the other end.

Take care

John

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