JOAN
Joan,
Both hands? Take care and heal quickly! I just happen to have gotten the flu
again this week - had it 2 wks ago and feel miserable. Had a sick bb here 3
days and my resistance is always low anyhoo - even though I had a flu shot
in Oct.
Jan
November 23rd, 2003 at 2:57 am
Thanks for al the info. I am getting a MiniMed 507 - the 508’s have not
been approved for use in Australia. The only way I have managed to get a
pump is that after reading about them on the Web I managed to get the name
of the only Rep. for MiniMed here and then got the name of a Dr. who
is willing to have patients on the pump from her. I have my first appointment
with the Dr. on the 21st Jan and then go back on the 2nd Feb. for the pump
and for 3 days of training for 2 hours each day. They said the pump will
be fitted on the first day. The Minimed lady said that I was to bring
insulin with me and $180.00 to pay for a infusion set so I think
that here in Australia they do not give away free samples but maybe she
will have samples with her to see which ones I prefer. Anyway I will
find out in 3 weeks. Another thing that amazed me was that I rang the
three largest hospitals in Sydney and none of them have anything at all
to do with Insulin Pumps - I was amazed. Thank goodness for private
Doctors. I also contacted Diabetes Australia in Sydney and were told
by them that Insulin Pumps were "just a gadget that was used by Americans
and that they were not suitable for many people" - can you believe that!!!
So I am starting my own private war and have contacted TV Current Affairs
show and am trying to have a segment done on Pumps and the fact that in
Australia there are no Insurance Co’s. that cover pump expenses, that
hospitals don’t even use them and that no-one seems to realise the
wonderful differences it can make to the life of a diabetic. I have
sent emails to Govt. Departments, Health Companies and lots of others so
I hope I have some success. Any way sorry to ramble on so much. Thanks
again for your advice and I will let you all know how I go after my big
day on the 2nd.
Regards to all
Sue
November 23rd, 2003 at 7:43 am
Sue,
God Bless You. Anyone who helps educate the public, in my opinion, is an
agent of God.
Good Luck,
Gail
November 24th, 2003 at 5:29 am
Dear Sue:
You’ve just found out that you are probably going to become a consumer
advocate for diabetics in Australia!! Suggest you contact Minimed and
Disetronic to get things started…just drop us all a line…we’ll be glad to
help where we can…Joan:)
December 1st, 2003 at 8:43 pm
Well Sue in a way I believe that. The pump is not for everybody only those
who are truly dedicated, like us.. There are many, many others out there
who are not dedicated, (Denialists for example)
fp
snip>>
> and that they were not suitable for many people" - can you believe that!!!
December 2nd, 2003 at 3:01 am
Sue - hi. Good luck with your new insulin pump.
If you want a tip about the 507 - 508 problem, a friend of mine in England
started on a pump a few months ago, and he wanted the new 508, with the
remote control etc. The Minimed rep told him that the 508 was not yet
launched in Europe, and he could only have a 507C. So my friend rang
Minimed’s European director, and said he was going to buy a pump in the
next month, and if he couldn’t have a 508, he would just have to get a
Disetronic instead. They found a 508 for him within a week…
So check out Disetronic, and deal directly with Australia’s Minimed
director. The 507 is great (I have one) but the 508 is much better. Be an
active and demanding consumer. Do not let them give you their old stock
before they bring in a new model.
There are a lot of people on pumps in Australia, but their use is not yet
widespread. It’s the same here in Britain. So that may be why your local
hospitals do not have any experience.
Take care
John
–
December 4th, 2003 at 9:19 am
John:
another consumer advocate is born!!! You like the minimed…me, I’m very
happy with the disetronic…to each their own!!! Joan:)
December 4th, 2003 at 8:02 pm
>another consumer advocate is born!!! You like the minimed…me, I’m very
>happy with the disetronic…to each their own!!! Joan:)
Hi Joan -
I like the Disetronic as well!
I just happen to have a MiniMed…
because you have to buy one or the other. In fact, the reason I got a
MiniMed was that it does not have a fixed life span (the pair of Disetronic
pumps retire themselves after 4 years). Since I was self-funding, I didn’t
fancy buying a new pump again so soon.
Recently Disetronic have changed their policy, and in Europe their pumps no
longer expire after a fixed time. It was costing them too much in lost
sales (although it gained them a lot in repeat sales…).
But as far as I know they have not changed their policy in the US
John
–
December 5th, 2003 at 6:00 am
John, Please explain "expire"???
fp
December 6th, 2003 at 1:02 am
I have been with Minimed since 1989, going through three pumps in the process.
I have upgraded twice (at my own expense) to obtain new features. The 507,
which I presently have, has several features that I use extensively and as far
as I know are not available on the Disetronic. The square wave bolus is
absolutely essential with Humilog and long lasting carbs. Also, the
illuminated display is very useful. Beyond that, I am sure the Disetronic
does an equivalent job, and probably is quite satisfactory for most users. So,
it boils down to personal preferences, rather than quality. Someday, I will
probably upgrade to the 508, mainly to get some new features offered, but at
this point these features are probably not worth the cost of the upgrade.
David
John Neale wrote:
December 6th, 2003 at 9:28 am
We had no choice in the type of meter as our ins co only pays for the
disetronic and i thought i would be disappointed in it as i had had my heart
set on a minimed 508 for my daughter
in response to the disetronic not having a square wave bolus you can set a
temp basal rate to equal a square wave or give small amount of boluses during
the time of a square wave a disetronic you can have 24 different basal rates
in one day plus many temp basal rates preset
so far we have chose to use a couple of boluses for high carb meals like
pizza etc. and this has worked well
last pm she was ill with vomiting and diarrhea but did go to school until
1130 when she vomited x2 again her bs at both times was over 300
although 2 readings this am were 103 and 100 at 500am and 7am
so far she has had all her bs under 250 except for these 2 times when ill and
the first nite when she came home
this is day # 6 on the pump and her bs averages between 100 and 200 much
better than the bouncing around from 60 to 400 to 200 to 40 etc. that we had
been and it feels so strange letting her sleep with her bs at 100 or 108 as
before i would have had to make her eat and then still be low in am but now
she wakes up from being that low to 98 or 216 and i have not had to worry
about her seizing after a couple of times being in the normal range in am and
in pm
she even did her own insertion at school yesterday she put a rapid in her arm
(was her own fault that she needed to reinsert at school but a long story)
she is only using about 30 units of insulin each day compared to 48 plus
humalog coverages and is eating to her fullness or desires instead of have to
eat
i do appreciate all of your little helpful hints and trials that you all
relate too as it has come in so handy
thank you,
kathy mom of alisha 10yr and pumping
December 6th, 2003 at 12:43 pm
Frank,
I am going to see my CDE on Jan 31 to see about up grading to a 508. My
doctor suggested it was about time since I have had the 506 over six years
and he is afraid I will start having problems with it. He doesn’t want that
to start with my last A1c 5.6.
I know some of you have mentioned some of the new things with a 508. I went
to the site, but is too difficult for me to read about it. I know about the
remote control which would be an asset to me. Does the 508 also have a
lighted display? Could you tell me of the major changes?
Gail
December 6th, 2003 at 10:38 pm
Ok David, I hear ya, the square wave can be accomplished with the "D" by
programming a temporary basal, and the illuminated display? well I just
make sure I turn the light on in the room I’m in to see. LOL
The "D" delivers insulin every 3 minutes in units as low as .1 can be
programmed, You also get 2 pumps for the price of one and if waterPROOF is
your requirement, it is that, not water resistant.
Other than that i’m sure the "MM" does an equivalent job and is probably
quite satisfactory for most users.
fp
December 7th, 2003 at 6:36 pm
Hi John:
Disetronic pumps must be returned for servicing every 28 months ( I’m a
certified pump trainer). Its programmed to let you know. After servicing,
the warranty is renewed, so essentially you have unlimited warranty on both
pumps. One of the reasons why I chose Disetronic over minimed. Here in the
US, have to pay for servicing on the Minimed. Amazing what you learn in pump
training, right?
I don’t know if this policy is the same in Australia or Europe, but It
might be an idea to find out. Will Minimed give you a back up pump too?
They don’t here in the US, another choice reason….but good luck! Joan:)
December 8th, 2003 at 10:51 am
Granted the Minimed has the square wave, but Disetronic has a temporary basal
mode that can be raised or lowered and lasts for 12 hours. I’ve used it very
successfully, so I don’t see a problem either way. Just personal choice.
Joan:)
December 8th, 2003 at 6:59 pm
Hi Kathy & Alisha:
you might try having Alisha eat a more complex CHO (whole grain bread, whole
grain crackers - they take a bit longer to metabolize) along with a good
protein source ( 2-3 ozs.) at bedtime snack. It may help to stabilize her bg
during the night and you may find that she might be more stable over time.
I’m a type 2, but get the dawn phenomen so have gotten up with bgs over 260
before the pump. Now I have fastings between 80-109. Love our pumps,
right!!!
Dealing with lows - 1/2 cup of milk followed by 1/2 protein sandwich (
cheese, tuna, peanut butter, etc) will bring her bg back up, but stabilize
it more….kids are kookie because of all the growth hormone chugging along,
but give it a try…might help…Joan :))
December 11th, 2003 at 12:10 am
Not here in Canada either.
fp
December 11th, 2003 at 11:05 am
I use the illuminated display frequently (recently in a movie) and in
reduced illumination situations. The waterproofing is not a factor
with me, as I just disconnect the thing and set it aside when swimming
or showering. The neat thing about the square wave bolus is that it is
simple to use. I used to fake it with the 506 by setting temp basals,
but that was a real pain. Also, have so many basals is a waste for me
as I don’t need them, and probably wouldn’t have the patience to put
them it. As it is, I only use four, and many more are available should
they be needed. (I have forgotten how many, since I never use them).
If you believe in ‘buy American as much as possible, that is another
advantage, but not one to be considered if the performance is not
adequate.
Having a second backup pump worries me, as you have to keep it
programmed with batteries up to date, I would think. The Minimed will
expire if the batteries run totally out, and the internal backup battery
runs down. Then, I think, you have to return it to the factory for a
battery fix. The one time I had a failure, Minimed had a new pump the
following day by FedEx.
David
December 12th, 2003 at 6:51 am
>John, Please explain "expire"???
>fp
Switch off permanently, shut down, refuse to work any more… The pair of
Disetronic pumps are (or were) programmed to run for 4 years, and then
close down permanently.
Do they not do that in the US?
John
–
December 12th, 2003 at 2:59 pm
Thanks for the advertising Joan
My one main complaint about my MiniMed pump (apart from its loose rattling
door, and the unreliablility of the buttons) is the interminable clicking
noise it makes every time it gives me 0.1 units. Sometimes this prevents me
giving myself a discrete bolus at the dinner table. As I’m eating dinner
with my guests there is suddenly a constant clicking noise coming from my
direction. "What on earth is that noise?" "Oh, it’s me. I have diabetes.
It’s my insulin pump."
I don’t mind discussing my diabetes with others, but it is a private
medical condition and sometimes it is simply not appropriate…
John
–
December 14th, 2003 at 1:19 am
Dave, The "D" pump backup. I rotate ‘em every 2 months, when I do that, I
take the batteries out of one and put ‘em in the other. The only thing ya
have to do is reset the clock and/or make any changes in basals that may
have occurred in the last time period. Then clean the other one and put it
in its case for use 2 months from now.
slick, huh?
fp
December 14th, 2003 at 5:34 pm
I don’t believe that is correct John. These pumps can go on almost
indefinitely with the periodic maintenance feature being done.
fp
December 18th, 2003 at 6:34 am
Hi David:
The pump doesn’t kick into gear until it has both the motor and the
electronics batteries in place. My backup has been sitting on the shelf in
its little case, doing just fine, so that’s not an issue. Sometimes,
American bureauracy has advantages. The Joint Commission on Hospital
Accreditation (JCAHO) requires that this particular pump has a backup for
redundency…to my advantage.
As far as the square wave…the Disetronic temp basal mode can be increased
or decreased by tenths of a %, so I don’t see much difference, although the
backlight would be nice, but I need my glasses to see so need a little light
anyway….later, Joan :))
December 18th, 2003 at 2:41 pm
This is a new one on me…nothing in the literature that mentions that
limitation other than a mandatory q 28 month inspection and servicing….Joan
December 18th, 2003 at 10:49 pm
See John….we all have our preferences….my Disetronic beeps back to
acknowldge my bolusing….and if it’s quiet, people think I have a beeper
going off….it can also whirrr while its dosing…..I use it as an
opportunity to teach. My family is all very supportive…I’m the oldest of
8, with 19 nieces & nephews, and one grandson, so it isn’t an issue. I can
understand….both pumps have advantages and disadvantages depending on our
lifestyles….feedback to the manufacturer can prompt redesign as you are
seeing in the 508.
You’d be surprised in the opportunities I’ve had to enlighten my fellow
nurses and many of the residents I work with….diehard educator….Joan
May 11th, 2004 at 9:32 pm
I went on the pump 31/2 years ago to gain tighter control with this
disease and to try and avoid more complications.
I have already some kidney problems. Back in January ,99, I was
told that I was spilling high amounts of protein. At the 300 mark. The
doctor
told me to keep the fasting sugars to 120 before meals and 160 2 hours
later. Can you please tell me just how dangerous this reading is? The
doctor didn’t tell me anything other than this. I’m really uptight about
these
readings.
Kathy
May 12th, 2004 at 2:00 am
Those readings sound like good advice to me, Kathy
fp
May 14th, 2004 at 5:32 am
Hi Kathy:
I forgot where you live. First: you need to be followed by an
endocrinologist who knows what he/she is talking about. If you want, go to
www.diabeteswell.com and register for on-line management with Dr. Joe
Prendergast. His site is a WEALTH of information.
Second: if you are spilling that much protein, you should be on an ACE
inhibitor. If your doctor knows anything about the current treatment for
diabetes, he should have talked to you about it. It’s not just for
hypertension anymore. Studies have found that it can slow down the damage to
our kidneys…
Third: Educate yourself. The only way you will have good control, is to
know how to control your glucose. Optimal "Normal" glucose is 75-110 mg/dL
(fasting) and less than 140 1 hour after a meal. Don’t go crazy with those
numbers, just use them as a guide. some of us don’t function with a bg of
110….have to get used to it. Took me 3 months of being on the pump to get
used to the idea of "normal" glucose levels. My HgA1C (glycated hemoglobin)
is 6.2 which is "normal". Start learning as much as you can absorb….it’s
the best way to reduce fear and make the right decisions for yourself. Joan:)