Re: Insulin pumps to Heidi

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi,

Thank you so much for replying to me.

I'm sure that the insulin pumps will become more common in the UK in the not too

distant future. The government have recently published a National Service

Framework on diabetes which incudes recommendations for treatment, including the

use of pumps. But, of course, it takes a while for these recommendations to be

put into practice.

I had my TP in August, 2000, and my diabetes has been really well controlled on

small amounts of insulin. Then, following further episodes of pain, they found

that i still had a pice of pancreas! Since i have had further surgery to remove

this piece of pancreas in November, my diabetes has been a little more difficult

to control, although things are more settled now. I am trying to get another

appointment with my diabetes specialist soon, and discuss the situation with

him.

I would be greatful for any information, if you don't mind sending it so me. My

email address is daveandsue@...

Good luck with your appointment and thanks once again.

Sue.

> Message date : Jan 08 2004, 12:18 AM

> From : hhessgriffeth

> To : pancreatitis

> Copy to :

> Subject : Insulin pumps to Sue

> Dear Sue,

>

> Unfortunately, I don't have my pump yet. My endocrinologist

> recommended that I get one, and I have my appointment to

> discuss this with him next week. I also take Lantus and

> Humalog, but I inject the Lantus on a split schedule because it

> wasn't working for the full 24 hours for me. And I inject Humalog

> both before my meals, and then again 2 1/2 hours after lunch

> and dinner, because I have dual wave digestion and have to

> inject for protein, which doesn't start digesting until about 3

> hours after I eat. So that generally means at least 7 injections a

> day, sometimes more. That amount of daily injections is reason

> enough to need the convenience of the pump. It is also

> recommended because of my brittleness, to help deal with

> those days that I have the wild swings in blood sugars.

>

> You would be an ideal candidate for a pump, especially with your

> work schedule! It's a shame that they aren't that common in

> Great Britain, and that you don't have the people trained to teach

> about them. The mini med seems to be the most popular one

> used over here, and that's probably what I'll be getting. My

> insurance will pay for it.

>

> As soon as I meet with my doctor on Tuesday, I'll get back on the

> MB and tell you everything I can about the pumps. If you want me

> to send you some information, I can send you everything to your

> personal email address, if that's okay with you. Maybe if we can

> collect enough positive information about the benefits of the

> pump, you can convince your doctor into prescribing one for you.

> I think it's awful that he wouldn't want to help you to use

> something that would make sure an improvement to your

> lifestyle....bugger the cost!!!

>

> With hope and prayers,

> Heidi

>

> Heidi H. Griffeth

> South Carolina

> SC & SE Regional Rep.

> PAI, Intl.

>

> Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

> should not be substituted for consultation with a medical

> professional.

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