Story Time!
About a month ago my insulin pump alarmed very loudly in the middle of the night. Feeling drowsy, barely able to think outside of the dream I was just having, I realized I didn't recognize the alarm. I can't remember which buttons I pressed but I woke up the next morning in a panic. What happened last night? I proceeded to call the customer service line on the back of my pump. They told me three things:- First, I needed to order a new insulin pump.
- Second, they would send me a temporary replacement pump over night.
- Finally, I had 90 days to return the replacement pump otherwise I would be charged around $3,000.
Immediately after I got off the phone I felt a wave of stress and excitement. A million questions rattled through my head while at the same time feeling frozen like there was nothing I could do. Most of my immediate questions were practical. I was first concerned about how much money and time this whole process would cost me.
- Will my insurance cover the cost of a new pump?
- Is it even possible for me to continue to use an insulin pump?
- What kind of pump am I eligible for?
- How soon can I see my doctor?
The second set of questions that flooded my mind was driven by the excitement. I spend so much time reading about how research and technology have wildly improved and this was the first time, in a long time, that it could significantly change my life. Out of self-protection, I'm always telling myself it's going to take another 10 years before any of this research will impact me. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, I have to seriously imagine this new technology in my hands.
After making many more phone calls I was able to see my endocrinologist to discuss my options. Considering I only get to see my endocrinologist 3 times/year for 15 min on average we didn't have much time to go through all of my individual concerns. She did tell me which two insulin pumps she recommended and suggested I make an appointment with my nurse practitioner so I could see some of the models in person. I was glad I happened to bring my notebook to that appointment. Inside the doctor's office, there were several useful charts and visual diagrams on the walls that I wish she had handed out to me before I left. I would have been lost trying to look up information on the internet if I hadn't taken notes.
I had some time to think about the different types of insulin pump therapy that are available to me before I met with my nurse practitioner. After reflecting on what my endocrinologist told me I knew she was most confident in me ordering the pump that supports the CGM sensor that I currently wear. This would be a big change for me considering I've been using a different brand my entire life. The pump she suggested is not a closed loop pump either, so it would take another 5 years before I would be able to get on one. She recommended this because the closed loop system is so new that she wouldn't want me to be someone who suffered from any of the "kinks" the product might have along the way. This was disappointing to hear but I take her advice seriously. It was because of this advice that I walked into my next appointment only having considered that one option.
When I finally got into see my nurse practitioner she pulled out three different insulin pumps and briefly described the differences. Below are my notes on my three options
Omnipod
- Not closed loop
- Wireless controls
- Sensor does not communicate with pump at all (2 devices)
- Seems to be made for active children
Medtronic 630G
- Closed loop- suspend low setting
- Sensor & pump in one device
- New to my doctors - I would be the 1st patient using it
- Different sensor than the one I am using
- Same brand of pump as the one I have been using for 19years.
T-Slim
- Sensor and pump in one device
- Same sensor as the one I already use
- New pump to market
- No closed loop suspend low function
We talked about the differences for all of 7 min. Then she turned to me and bluntly asked: "Do you already know what you want?"
I told her that I was under the impression that my doctor thought that the T-Slim would be the "safer" option for me considering the Medtronic is so new and none of her patients are currently on it. The nurse practitioner replied saying that my doctor wasn't wrong but she thought that out of all the patients I would be the best candidate for using the Medtronic. She explained that I have very good control and the new closed loop suspend low function would be very beneficial for me. She said that in the end, the decision is up to me and that if I was up for trying something new now would be a great time to do so. I paused thinking about her advice.
Unfortunately, I had to make a decision on the spot. If I left this appointment without making a decision it would be another 6 months before the paper work would even be started. So, I made my decision. I chose the Medtronic 630G. I figured even if it is a risk, it would be worth it in the long run. To me, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Now I just have to wait for the paperwork to go through my insurance and hope that I am approved for coverage.
To be continued...
-Kailey
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