Diabetes supplements and pumps to Karyn

[Guest guest]

Karyn wrote:

> I have an appointment with a pain management specialist who is well

trained on herbs and vitamins. I also finally have an appointment with Dawn

Ayers, MD, an Endocrinologist, to see about a pump, as I heard this helps.

Karyn,

Thanks for contributing all that information about CLA, Magnesium, Chronium

w/niacin, ALA, Vitamin C,Vitamin E and DHEA. I've been taking all of those

supplements except DHA, I'll have to add that to my list. It's good to know

that

I've been doing the right thing. All of those supplements were suggested by

my own research and a diabetes support group I belong to. Curiously

enough, my Endocrinologist didn't provide me with any of this information nor

did his CDNE. I walked out of the door after my first appointment empty

handed, except for a monthly BG chart to fill in.

In the two subsequent appointment's I've had with him (every 6 months), I've

been less impressed each time. His wife is the CDNE, and I've only met with

her three times in the last 18 months, too. Thus far in my journey as a

diabetic, they haven't really provided the type of support I had anticipated.

I've made all adjustments to my insulin scheduling and dosage completely on

my own, with suggestions from an advisor in an online diabetes support

group. The one suggestion my CDNE made to help me with my delayed

protein digestion didn't work at all, and the only way I was able to get that

under control was by discussion with the online support group advisor. This

man doesn't have a medical degree, yet he is a diabetic and spends all his

time in research and study of diabetic complications and what to do to avoid

them. He was an engineer by profession, and much of his interpretations and

charts and literature is so thoroughly technical that I sometimes have trouble

getting the " gist " of it, but he's great about simplfying things for an idiot

like me,

too!

It's been through this man's suggestions and his breakdown of my insulin

needs that I've been able to get control and have all my hbA1c's at 5.5%,

5.7% and 5.6%, so you can see how helpful he's been. If you would be

interested in joining this online diabetic support group, please let me know.

You might be interested in many of his suggestions. I've seen him help so

many people that I have to admit that I'm impressed with his knowledge.

I had my own appointment last week about the pump. My CDNE said she's

willing to petition with reps from the pump manufacturer to my insurance

company, (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) to see if they would allow it, but it looks

like a tough battle. I don't show any medical necessity for a pump, since my

BG's have been under good control and I've had such good scores. I also

don't have any complications that would warrant the need for it. After careful

consideration of the pro's and con's, I've decided not to apply for it for a

while.

There's just too many other things doing on right now, and I think I'll wait

until

later in the year or early next year. I personally don't mind the injections

or

sticking myself at all, so I can afford to wait awhile before I get myself into

another " project " .

I'm excited for you, it may help you get the control you're seeking. I was

thinking about the Medtronic MiniMed or the new Animus pump. Which ones

have you been interested in? Please let me know how things go.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or opinion

only, and should not be subsituted for consultation with a medical

professional.