Weekend Review

So, we went to Juno! It was great. I am already totally addicted to the sound track (which one of my friends predicted it would be up my alley). The movie was really good--- interesting how they weave in a lot of concepts without making outright political statements (abortion, divorced families, teenage secrecy, relationships and infertility). I really liked how it all played out, but I'm not sure how "normal" one's life could be after enduring her path. I'd be interested to see how people act between generations because I think that teenagers really could be nonchalant about being pregnant (you hear stories of it on the news all the time) and I think older generations (60+) might think that a young person couldn't move forward without guilt, etc. Following up on the concept of teens and pregnancy, a both BBC and NBC will are doing a show called "Baby Borrowers" where teens get hands on action of being a parent/family with a live baby. Apparently the BBC version was able to gain support among teens that they did not want to be parents and the series is used in some schools........... we'll have to wait and see what will happen with American viewers.

Speaking about parenting, my 4 year old is officially driving me bonkers! We're going through a phase of not listening, telling us that he doesn't want to do certain things, and challenging us when he doesn't want to do things. What happened to the little guy that used to want to cuddle??! Of course, as I write this, he just enthusiastically told his father "It's Sunday, we get to stay home together!!!". He does love his Saturdays and Sundays, but he also does fine at school. I don't know if it's because a fire alarm was pulled at his school (for no reason), but he's also regressed to the theory that he has to be by our side 24/7. I had been so happy to move out of that phase about 4 months ago! Ah, patience is needed, right?!?!?! Good thing he is really cute :)

Before I go, I must say GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WoooHoooo!

So, today was my appointment at the retinopathist. I was holding my breath as my eyes dilated and I waited for the doctor to come in. I always feel sort of funny being in the office because it is typically me (at 33) and about four other people that are at least 30 years older than me (and are often accompanied by someone my age!). The good thing is that I really trust my doc and he gave me an "all clear" for the next three months. Yes, I do go frequently because in 2007, I think I had about 5-6 treatments on my retinopathy, so I was hoping this year would be better. I don't know if it's just in my head or not, but I think that being happier with my work (new job last July) does have a positive outlook on my personal diabetic care. So, no need for laser surgery in the next three months and THAT is great news to me!

No update as of yet on my insurance and the Omnipod. I go back and forth whether I should proactively call Francisco, my newly appointed person at Insulet, or wait until some other issue comes forth and then I have to call and "bts" (my friendly, shortened term for bi**h slapping) someone. I'll probably go with the latter. All I have to say is do everything in writing!!! It is really helpful when you can be on the phone and say "On November 5, I wrote an email to so and so and she said this". I am still really enjoying the Omnipod and I find it so much easier to bring one black bag with me everywhere--- and to be completely honest, I test more frequently using this machine.

Tomorrow night, I think I've convinced my husband to go to the movies (we have drastically different tastes-- he likes Sci-Fi and I like "chick flicks"--- but we both tend to like politically motivated movies). Anyways, he did express interest in "Juno" so I think that we will see that while our little guy heads to an evening pizza party. Two movies in a week is virtually unheard of in my life, so I am a happy woman!

Random Stuff

So, I went to the movies in the theater yesterday with my friend (college roommate) and it was really nice to be there. I love movies, but my husband and I have drastically different tastes in movies, so we often don't go.......ironically, I think the last movie we saw together was Michael Moore's "Sicko" (a great film, I might add). It was nice to hang out without kids and enjoy a "chick flick". I'd like to see Juno, too.

I believe I have to go to the retinopathist this week for my check up---- always provides a lot of stress for me since I've come to expect the worst news. 2007 was a downer year since I had a lot of laser down on my left eye, but I'm hoping this year starts off better! I do like my retinopathist a lot-- he's really nice and really in tune with his patients (even though I tend to be the youngest one there by at least 25 years!). Let's just hope it all goes well! We'll know Thursday!

Well, I best test my blood sugar and start the morning right! Hope you're all having a nice weekend...............

Insurance surprise!

Well, my husband's work stuck with the status quo of UHC for their insurance coverage, but my work ditched GreatWest (no love loss there) and switched to CareFirst (Blue Cross/ Blue Shield). I wasn't sure how this coverage would be, but I was pleasantly surprised that all my current doctors were part of the PPO program. I am NOT willing to switch my endo or my retinopathist (mostly I won't switch my retina guy because I trust him with my eyesight). Yeah, they are all "in network".

Surprise of all surprises was that my husband picked up my test strips this evening and I had NO deductible!! I normally pay $20 co-pay on it, but because I'm covered by both, it rang up to $0.00. Can you believe it? In my 27 years of diabetes, I don't believe I've ever had my pharmacy bill come to zero.

Now, if we could only solve that Omnipod insurance problem!!! My rep, Francisco, at Insulet told me not to worry and I'm not going to.........I got my supplies mailed to me and that was a worry since my first round hadn't been covered yet, but I keep using it. Seriously, the Omnipod is so easy to use. And, even better, Insulet has made a deal with Dexcom for a development agreement to work on a CGM system and pump, all cordless. NICE.

ObamaClintonHuckabeeRomney

Ah, the joys of our changing political structure. Who would have guessed a month ago that what occurred in Iowa may again happen in New Hampshire. Ironically, it was less than a month ago when my office department sat around a table at our 'holiday' lunch (8 of us) and we all had to make predictions on who would be on the ticket for President. Shamefully, I didn't say what I hoped, I said what I thought was really going to happen (Clinton/Romney) and boy, I was wrong...... but, I'm not sad. While I do admire Mrs. Clinton and would like to see a woman win office, I don't necessarily agree that SHE is the right woman. I do think that she's an opportunist and very calculated........so, don't count her out quite yet. On the other hand, there's the man I do admire, Mr. Obama. I don't like that he's accepting TONS of money from insurance agencies (which ultimately will put a hold on moving forward with a universal healthcare plan), it is somewhat the necessary evil to be elected in this day and age.

What I do hope Mr. Obama hangs on to is his dedication to his own sense of individuality, his love for his family, and his personality. His charisma is what draws me to him and I'm in the process of reading his book as well as reviewing all the candidates to see what aligns most with what I hope our country can move towards......

World Peace
Healthcare for all
Homes for all neglected children

and, hell.......... stem cell research for a cure for diabetes!!!!

Happy New Year!

Well, I'm not one that believes in "resolutions" because they are so easy to break...... I have goals of what I'd like to do this year, but those remain to be completed (it's only the 6th day of the year!).

So far, the year has begun well. I was lucky enough to start the New Year in a great way-- celebrating with my husband, son and friends early into the morning and then going to two different friend's homes on New Year's day for lunch and dinner! Of course, I have bronchitis now, but it's totally worth it!!

So far, no insurance company has paid for my Omnipod....... I've been wearing it since September and totally loving it, but I've also gone a few rounds with Insulet (makers of Omnipod). I'm concerned that I'll be stuck paying for the whole thing and threatened to stop using it, but the rep (and I've now been assigned to one man, thankfully) insists that this is "typical" and the insurance companies will work it out sooner or later. I really dislike (I can't say "hate" because we're trying to teach our son NOT to use that.....) insurance companies!!!

Any political candidates out there that are ready to take on the insurance companies? and the lobbyists that limit scientific research??

Happy New Year!

Possible medical complaint?

Ok, so after reading some reviews online, I chose a new obgyn to go to for that fun yearly exam. There's nothing major to it, but who looks forward to these visits?! I completed the 4 page medical history and even made a copy of my most recent blood work done earlier this month from my endo--- quite proactive, I thought. The office staff was really nice and all seemed well.

I met with the doctor who was nice, somewhat quiet and reserved. She looked over my bloodwork and asked questions-- who was my endo? What was I here to see her for other than a yearly exam? and so on. When I mentioned my endo doctor's name, I noticed a slight side glance that I didn't really pay attention to until I was rethinking the whole appointment. So, we're in the middle of the exam and she asked me how many pregnancies I had-- one. She asked what "barrier method" we were using to prevent more pregnancies and I said bc, but I wanted to talk to her about the difference between name brand and generic since I had been using generic. She didn't even respond..... her first response was "I don't like subscribing bc for my diabetic patients." This caught me a little off gaurd.... especially since I've had doctors affiliated with Georgetown University and Stanford University and they've always known ALL medications I've been on.

So, she went on to say "I assume that you won't have any more children and I think the best option for you is sterilization." Ok, I'm not exaggerating and she used THAT word, NOT "tubal ligation". And, what's up with her assumption-- thanks for asking!!!! I was dumbfounded. She went on to tell me to google statistics about bc and cholesterol and diabetes and that I'd see that it isn't good for me. She then suggested that my husband have a vasectomy and, the third option, was to use a non-hormonal IUD. She again reiterated that sterilization would solve any issues. I told her that when I switched all my prescriptions over to mail order, my endo wrote them out (since everything is diabetes related except for bc)-- my endo is qualified for reproductive endocrinology, so she can prescribe bc. She did me the favor of writing all the meds together to submit to insurance. This doctor made a face after I told her that my endo knew I was on them because she prescribed them. She said she wanted me to go home and research bc and diabetes and if I came back and told her that I wanted the bc, then she'd consider it.

I left this office stunned. Going in for a yearly exam and coming out with the recommendation to be "sterilized"--- not a fun morning. I called my husband and broke down and cried. I tried to keep an open mind with her 'concern' and googled the information---- yes, there are risks to bc for everyone, but my docs regularly test and review my blood work and monitor all things. Ironically, my endo called me that night on my cell phone about my on-going issues with insurance and the Omnipod. I replayed the conversation for my endo and she couldn't believe the doc used the word 'sterilization' and reassured me she meant tubal ligation. She also said that IUD's run the risk of infection so it is just as much a calculated risk as bc. She reassured me that I don't have to change my current medications unless I want to.

So, here are my thoughts: the doctor made an assumption that I would not have any more children without even asking my plans. The doctor showed obvious dislike for my current endo. The doctor made it blatantly clear that the "best" option for me was to gaurantee I'd permanently prevent myself from passing on my genes. I'm thinking that maybe she has some strong feelings about eugenics and passing on what she deems as insufficient genetics. I'm also thinking that maybe there's some cultural differences since she and my endo are from countries in the Middle East that haven't always gotten along. Her method of discussing options was quite offensive, too---- start with the most dramatic options before moving back to more reasonable alternatives.

All I have to say is that I wouldn't want anyone else to suffer through the humiliation and shame she made me feel in going in for a simple yearly appointment. Still haven't quite decided it this warrants a complaint to the medical board...........

Omipod, DIsney World, Birthdays and Halloween......

So, the Omnipod is still working great and I've noticed another great advantage--- because it is mandatory and I change the pod every three days, there are no more little red marks on my belly from the insertion set! Woohoo.

So, my guys and I went to Disney World last week and we loved it. Yes, my son definitely tried our patience (a lot of "I don't want to do that), but also a lot of "WOW" after we forced him to do things!! We made it on to some of the rides, went to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and met up with a ton of characters. I think that my son's favorite was seeing Lightning McQueen in person (I was very impressed by this car, too!). I personally loved Epcot because I could feel I traveled all over the world! Personal favorite--- Morocco. Some day, my guys and I will go to Morocco.

So, both of my men were born in October. Hubby isn't gung-ho about birthdays, so that was pretty low key. This week will be celebratory for my son. A lot to look forward to and a lot to reminisce about. I can't believe he'll be four. It took me five days of labor to get him here, but those five days seem like nothing compared to the amazing things he has taught us about living each day and enjoying the simple things around us.

Halloween is around the corner and despite my personal dislike of it --nothing religious based at all---- I just haven't been fond of it because it rots to collect pillow cases of candy and not be able to eat it!, but my son and husband's enthusiasm for it has turned me towards enjoying the holiday. With and Omnipod, hey.... I may snag some butterfingers or snickers from my son's loot!!!!

The love affair contines.....

So, I'm still in love with my husband (we just celebrated seven years of marriage) and my Omnipod. It's almost been three weeks that I've been using the Ominpod and I am truly loving it. The only thing that I've noticed that I have not liked is that I can't access immediately how much of my reservoir is left at one push. Of course, that's just me being lazy-- it will tell you how much basal and bolus you've used in a day and you can always subtract that from the 200 units you've filled. The pods automatically deactivate every three days, so you know when you put the reservoir in. I LOVE having the meter built in to the PDM-- a lot less to carry around and worry about.

My affair with Minimed has officially ended. I called the company and cancelled my automatic shipping and that was liberating. Of course, there was a trap that I was caught in because they company got in the habit of billing me (like in 2003) before it got fully processed through our insurance, so I actually have a credit of $250 with the company. Awhile back, I just asked them to issue me a check, but they said it was a credit and I could call everytime I was billed for supplies and instruct them to deduct it from my credit (a royal PITA). I did it, but once my supplies were officially closed, I insisted they mail me my check. Of course, this will take 3-4 weeks. Mind you, this call was on October 5th and we'll see how long it really takes.........

A few more days, my two favorite men and I will be dancing in DISNEY!!!!! VACATION!

I'm cool....

in the eyes of my son. So, every morning, he likes to bring one of his toys with him to school to share with his friends (or, in the life of a 3 year old, show it while holding it with a death grip). Trying to explain/teach my son to be gentle with my insulin pump site has always been challenging since he forgets about it easily and he is only three.

So, with my new Omnipod, I've shown him the new pump and said "no more cords to worry about." He was mildly impressed with this fact, but since the actually insertion site is larger than before, he seemed intrigued with that. Well, this morning he saw that I was changing my site. I told him (as I try to remember to do) that the site is now on my left side of my stomach and he nodded his head. He then turned to the table where the old pod was sitting. With a twinkle in his eye, he asked if he could look at it. I told him that was fine and he was so excited--- he put it on his belly and said "I have a pod!" (Secretly, I was thinking "I hope never, big guy!"). Then he stopped and said "only mommies have these, right?" I corrected him that anyone with diabetes could have one and he seemed ok with that. He then went off while I finished things up still holding my old Omnipod. When I went into the living room, he had it inside his secret treasure chest (with other secret things, including shells and rocks he's collected himself) and said "I can't wait to show my friends my secret treasure chest stuff!"

Ok, so I'm not the drop dead gorgeous mom, but for now, he thinks I"m cool!!!

NEW TV SEASON!

Ok, we probably have the TV on way too much (I use it a ton for background noise and don't even watch) but I LOVE Thursdays and TIVO!! One of my favorite shows is Ugly Betty (whch I'm currently watching over TIVO) with my husband and my cat, Fudge (yes, the diabetic has 2 cats: Candy and Fudge-- we adopted them with those names!!)

So, update on Omnipod. Things still going well, but I do have to admit that I find myself trying to tuck in a non-existant cord in my pants after using the bathroom! Old habits die slowly, I guess. I also have a problem that I never wore a watch before because my pump was already attached to me---- now I don't have one! I can check it with my handheld device.

I did change my pod tonight on my own for the first time and it failed! Crisis!! But, I just didn't have it attached in a good spot for the pod to insert! All was fixed and pumping away without a cord. We took the pod that was on me and opened it up--- there really was this cute circuit board, spring to shoot the tubing in for insulin distribution, and 4 little batteries. Totally cool (and I'm a "tech-tard" as my husband would say).

Ok, time to focus on Ugly Betty!!!

I'm Cordless!

I can't believe it--- I am cordless! I am now hooked up to the Omnipod pump and it's surreal.

I met with the CDE tonight (which was a condensed training since I've already been on a pump) and within one hour, I had the Omnipod on my stomach and inserted without my giving any shot. The pod attaches like a large band-aid and isn't as heavy as you might think. Then your little PDM (about the size of a Treo phone) allows you to "connect the pod" (side note: in reviewing my description, I feel like I'm starring in a sci-fi movie!!). There was a little click noise and then a tiny prick (like tesing your bloodsugar) and it was done. Amazing! No needle for me to insert into my skin. AND, the PDM has a built in freestyle meter where you can store all blood sugars, carbs, bolus' and basal rates.

I'll be my endocrinologist's dream........ ok, I won't get ahead of myself. The dream will shatter after she sees numbers :)

WOOOHOOOO!

24 hours and counting!

So, by this time tomorrow night, I should be on my cordless Omnipod. I hope that meeting with the CDE (someone I've never met before) goes smoothly. I'm not really good at transitions and I'd rather my specialist teach me how to do it all, but she is way too busy to do informational sessions.

I'm excited about the new pump, but scared too. I guess I'm not that great with change, either! HA. Who knew a pump change could enlighten myself on so many of my own weaknesses!

Wish me luck.

Updates... Updates!

Ok, so I did indicate at one time I can be a bit lazy (my references to hating exercise), but I have been really busy in the past month. I have had good intentions of coming and posting, but blah blah blah :)

It's another one of those nice Sunday mornings.......relaxing. My son is currently sitting on my lap quietly watching some cartoon about racing cars and the less-spastic cat is sitting next to me, too. Hubby is getting some sleep-in time, but he's a night owl and I'm the morning person.

Guess what is sitting on the floor next to me? MY OMNIPOD. Turns out that Great West insurance decined coverage (in their opinion, it wasn't a "medical necessity" to have this pump), but it was worked out that UHC would pay in-network prices for the punp. So, I still have to pay 10% of it but it's better than not having it. I have training with a CDE on Tuesday night and she said because I'm already on a pump, I will leave her office on Tuesday wearing my new pump. I'm hoping that this is a one night training session since I have an appointment with my own endo in two weeks.

Interesting note- we went to a JDRF recognition lunch from the walk we did back in May and met some of the people running the Chapter. Our family team was able to raise $1,800 for the cause, so that was pretty cool. We talked to the woman who coordinates the walks and volunteers and I finally made my point (being slightly irritated at the walk) that I understood that the 3 year paraded out in front of the crowds made an impact and pulled heartstrings to raise money..... who wants a three year old to be pricked by blood sugar tests and multiple shots/pump configurations? However, it bothered me that their example of Type 1 stopped at a 13 year old. So, I pointed out that while it is important to show the little ones living with the disease, these little ones turn into adults (like me) and still have to live with the disease. They listened and said they were working on marketing ideas to get the attention of Type 1 adullts, so let's wait and see!

Two Cheers for Me!

Ok, I hate exercising. Any excuse that I can think of to deter myself from doing it, I do. But, I had made a promise to myself (another thing I'm not good at keeping) when I took this new job that I would get up earlier and make the effort to get my life on track on all levels. Now that I"m comfortable with the new job expectations (more or less!!!), it was time to take the inevitable step.

I went to the gym located in the building I work in (it's free!!) and walked for 30 minutes. Yes, I know it's not 3 miles and it's not for 1 hour, but dammit, I was exercising! I need to stay focused to do this multiple times a week.

Truth be told, it wasn't that bad!

Diabetchik v. UHC v. Omnipod

So.... I called Insulet (Omnipod company) on Monday and left a message stating I didn't know what information they needed. I left the same information for the UHC representative. Here I was totally bad-mouthing the insurance company when it turned out that I wasn't hearing from the Omnipod company. Ugh. I heard from the 3rd party appeal people and they said they needed a letter of necessity (in addition to the medical necessity paperwork my doctor already filled out!) and the billing codes for the supplies. Seemed easy enough IF I could hear back from the Omnipod company rep. I called twice and my 3rd party unbiased insurance person left 3 messages there. Hmmmm... not a resounding approval for Omnipod customer service.

But..... at a fundraising walk we did, I was able to meet a local rep for the Omnipod company and, after living with this damn disease for so long, I figured what the hell, I had nothing to lose and I called her for help. I explained that the customer service rep for her company wasn't calling me back and I really wanted to be on this pump. I also explained that I had additional (new) insurance information (which I had left on my voicemail to the Omnipod rep before). The local rep was AWESOME. Probably because, like me, she is also a Juvenile Diabetic and has lived through the annoyance of insurance hell. She got on the ball, asked me to fax my additional information to her, and she'd work her angle.

Surprise, surprise..... the Omnipod rep called me today. She didn't address the last phone calls I made, she just wanted to verify that she had my new insurance information. Gee, think someone is breathing down her neck?!

Don't get me wrong....... I'm not out to give any customer service rep a hard time because that is a thankless job, but you kind of want to remind them that this is someones life they are handling and it's pretty time sensitive to me.

Oh, by the way...called Minimed today to update personal information. Turns out that I owe them $41.60 for my last box of supplies, but they OWE ME a credit of $317.42. They overcharged my supplies from Nov. 2006. I was told that when I owed money for supplies, I had to call and instruct them to deduct it from my credit-- their billing department couldn't automatically do that. HOW INSANE. I think they were just hoping I wouldn't notice that they owed me money.

Maybe a call to the better business bureau is in order..........

A Moment to Reflect

Happy Sunday Morning!

Well, I am sitting on my couch with my laptop with the sound of Spongebob Squarepants playing beside me. My cat, Candy, and my son are lying on the couch next to me. Candy is ignoring both Spongebob and my typing, but is purring loudly while my son seems to be fascinated with Spongebob. More than half the time he's asking "what did he just say?" and he's not really following the story (thankfully), but we're relaxing and THAT is a nice thing!

I did receive a letter from UHC. They have sent my Ominpod request to a third party to verify my information. I read the information twice only to realize that they have denied my request because they "need more medical information" and that I should phone the info or fax this info into this third party, do this within 30 days, but they don't tell me exactly what information they need!!! Yet another round of phone calls await me on Monday!

DENIED

Update: I received a phone mesage from Insulet (Omnipod) that my insurance (UHC PPO) has DENIED my application to change my insulin pump from a Medtronic to the Omnipod. I am frustrated to say the least.

The woman told me that the insurance has denied the application, but it appeared like they wanted more "medical information", so the representative was going to contact my insurance company and my doctor to see if they could appeal the decision. Part of me is grateful that someone is trying to 'advocate' for me, but on the other hand, is the Insulet company promising my liver in exchange for coverage?!?!

I think it boils down to the insurance company looking at it and saying "hey, she's had this pump for 5 years and she's fine. There's no medical need to replace it." Of course, they are not counting that I'm no longer under warranty.... but, the insurance company, I assume, reasons "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". So, I guess I can't have a new pump (even though I'd find it easier to be CORD FREE with a three year old) until there's a crisis and the pump malfunctions/breaks.

Can you feel my love for our healthcare system right now?

Michael Moore...................save me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 Weeks... Omnipod, where are you?!

Greetings!

Ok, so two weeks ago today, I faxed in my registration for an Omnipod and heard that my insurance would need to be contacted for approval. This could take up to 4-6 weeks. Ugh.... you have to love PPO insurance, eh?!

On more positive notes, I would have to say that if you're in a rut about diabetes in general, it most likely affects all other aspects of your life. Sometimes counseling helps.... in my case, when I did it years ago, it didn't really help all that much. Yes, it's good not to pent things up, but I found myself talking and realizing that as much as I talked about my hatred of living with this disease, it wasn't going anywhere. Talking wasn't curing and I felt more frustration with cyclical talk. I do have to say that sometimes changing an aspect in one's life might help. I started a new job recently and it's been like a rebirth in overall focus.

Perspective is improving, but the insurance quandary still pisses me off :)

Insurance hell and other life stories

Happy Friday! This past week, I've been enjoying time to myself as I start a new job on Monday. I've realized that I would actually love being rich and being able to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Ah..... I lived it this week. Slept when I wanted to, read when I wanted to, had a massage, and yes, my son went to daycare! (snickering of 'bad mother' out there?!?!?!)

Anyways, last Thursday, I had laser surgery done for the umpteenth time on my left eye. Some of my vessels had grown close to a nerve, so it was more painful than I expected. My doc was patient and reassuring, but I was definitely over that situation. I went home with a headache that felt like a hangover without the benefits of having some nice fruity drinks beforehand!

On another note, my endocrinologist signed off on my Omnipod registration. Wooohooo. I faxed it the day she signed it to the Insulet company and was hoping to do training this week since I've been off. WAY TOO optimistic of me. I got a call from Omnipod saying they received my paperwork and were now talking to my insurance.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, no. The damn insurance companies. So, I tried to wait a day or so, but then couldn't hold back--- I called Insulet and the nice representative told me it usually takes 6-8 weeks before I'll hear from them while insurance reviews it.

Are you kidding me???? I already have a pump..... it is a medical necessity... but, the pessimist in me kept thinking "they're going to find a way NOT to cover it". I kept thinking of Michael Moore's movie, SICKO, where insurance companies did everything they could to find a loophole NOT to cover expensive things. I tried to reassure myself that we have very good insurance, so I kept my fingers crossed.

I have received a call from a very nice "benefits representative" from Insulet. She said she was currently reviewing my case and working with the insurance company and had noticed that I had checked off that my current pump was out of warranty. I said yes, that Minimed had been calling me for the last month to "upgrade" me. She asked me if I had any current problems with my pump and I told her I didn't think so, BUT, it was out of warranty...... Murphy's Law.... something WILL happen. She asked again if I had any noticeable problems with my pump, battery, etc. I told her that I was changing my battery more frequently than I remembered, but it appeared to be working. That seemed to be all she needed and then she said "Well, insurance companies typically don't want to replace something even if it's out of warranty until it becomes broken."

Ah, thank you for my very expensive health insurance. The future of my care and flexibility is now in the hands of people that have never lived with this disease and don't know the consequences of not taking the best care possible.