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[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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Comments

  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    mars bar wrote: »
    Hey guys, is cranberry juice suitable for a diabetic? I'm not sure which type this person has in case that's relevant info.

    Generally alot of sugar added to cranberry juice, depends on your control and what you can tolerate. I wouldn't recommend it though, I only take it when I'm out on the bike or having a hypo.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 874 ✭✭✭eilo1


    So I had my review yesterday and the HbA1c is down from 8.9 to 8.5 still too high but at least it was a little change.
    My cholesterol was down from 7.4 to 6.6 and my insulin sensitivity is better as I am now using 2 units less on my basal rate (and staying steady over night).
    So I was happy with all of that until the kind doctor pointed out that I had put on 3kg :( devastated!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,438 ✭✭✭5live


    eilo1 wrote: »
    So I had my review yesterday and the HbA1c is down from 8.9 to 8.5 still too high but at least it was a little change.
    My cholesterol was down from 7.4 to 6.6 and my insulin sensitivity is better as I am now using 2 units less on my basal rate (and staying steady over night).
    So I was happy with all of that until the kind doctor pointed out that I had put on 3kg :( devastated!
    That is crappy:(.

    Out of curiosity how would a diabetic go about losing a bit of weight? I am carrying a few pounds extra myself but could never figure ot how to go about it:o


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 874 ✭✭✭eilo1


    5live wrote: »
    That is crappy:(.

    Out of curiosity how would a diabetic go about losing a bit of weight? I am carrying a few pounds extra myself but could never figure ot how to go about it:o

    No point asking me! :(

    Its really annoying as I over the last 4 months I have started a weight lifting regime 3 nights a weeks and play tag rugby twice a week. But im gaining weight not loosing it.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    5live wrote: »
    That is crappy:(.

    Out of curiosity how would a diabetic go about losing a bit of weight? I am carrying a few pounds extra myself but could never figure ot how to go about it:o

    Asking myself or the mods here based on everywhere else they post your going to hear alot of cycling or running suggestions. (Cycling is more fun and everyone looks better cycling than running though :p a couple of weirdos will suggest combining the two with swimming in some weird fetish event)

    Jokes aside, the easiest and best way to lose weight is to start doing a little more exercise than you currently do and try and take in a bit less calories than you use up for awhile.

    Also to be clear it's not so much the losing weight but losing fat that is important, some people gain weight as they get fitter and this is nothing to be concerned about.
    eilo1 wrote: »
    No point asking me! :(

    Its really annoying as I over the last 4 months I have started a weight lifting regime 3 nights a weeks and play tag rugby twice a week. But im gaining weight not loosing it.

    The weight lifting regime is probably the reason as you would be gaining muscle mass (not fat), don't look at it as a negative.


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  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Asking myself or the mods here based on everywhere else they post your going to hear alot of cycling or running suggestions. (Cycling is more fun and everyone looks better cycling than running though :p
    Where did I put that banstick?
    CramCycle wrote: »
    a couple of weirdos will suggest combining the two with swimming in some weird fetish event)
    I'm in agreement with you over the craziness of that triple-athlon type event. :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88,972 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    Silly question (I suspect), I've only ever used the same one pharmacy to get my LTI prescription, I now intend to switch to a nearer outlet. Do I just bring my book to the new pharma and that's that?


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    mike65 wrote: »
    Silly question (I suspect), I've only ever used the same one pharmacy to get my LTI prescription, I now intend to switch to a nearer outlet. Do I just bring my book to the new pharma and that's that?
    Yep. Once the pharmacy has seen the LTI book you should be ok. I was getting stuff from multiple places before.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,542 ✭✭✭BlackEdelweiss


    I started on 4 doses of insulin a day today, up to that it has been 1 dose of lantus at night. I have so far given myself 2 doses of Novarapid today and had 2 hypos fairly soon afterwards. I did not eat since about 3.30 today and just checked my blood and it is at 21.7 and my keytones which have never risen above 0.0 for the last year are reading 0.1. I was expecting a nice low reading today with my new insulin regime, how am I so high now???


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    I started on 4 doses of insulin a day today, up to that it has been 1 dose of lantus at night. I have so far given myself 2 doses of Novarapid today and had 2 hypos fairly soon afterwards. I did not eat since about 3.30 today and just checked my blood and it is at 21.7 and my keytones which have never risen above 0.0 for the last year are reading 0.1. I was expecting a nice low reading today with my new insulin regime, how am I so high now???

    Welcome to rebound world, the only thing worse than a hypo is the hyper after it. I's say it's more your relative newness to it all, self correcting is always too severe at the begining (and for most of us continues to be :P ). Mind giving any details on levels of novorapid you were started on or other details on how you corrected?


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    robinph wrote: »
    Where did I put that banstick?

    NOOOOOOOOOO, spare me please!
    I'm in agreement with you over the craziness of that triple-athlon type event. :D

    Makes me hypo evertime I think of it
    don't tell anyone I plan to have a huge hypo on the 28th August


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,542 ✭✭✭BlackEdelweiss


    CramCycle wrote: »
    I started on 4 doses of insulin a day today, up to that it has been 1 dose of lantus at night. I have so far given myself 2 doses of Novarapid today and had 2 hypos fairly soon afterwards. I did not eat since about 3.30 today and just checked my blood and it is at 21.7 and my keytones which have never risen above 0.0 for the last year are reading 0.1. I was expecting a nice low reading today with my new insulin regime, how am I so high now???

    Welcome to rebound world, the only thing worse than a hypo is the hyper after it. I's say it's more your relative newness to it all, self correcting is always too severe at the begining (and for most of us continues to be :P ). Mind giving any details on levels of novorapid you were started on or other details on how you corrected?
    I was on 3 diamicron and 2 glucophage a day plus the lantus at night. They started me on 6 units of novorapid 3 times a day with 8 units of lantus. For my hypo I had lucozade for the first one and the 2nd was more of a low than a hypo so I just had soup and a roll in work. A bag of crisps on the way home from work and that was me till 6.30. For the 1st time in ages I got really annoyed with my diabetes.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    Never ask for a diet coke in a noisy pub and expect that to be what you get. I thought it tasted a bit funny, but carried on drinking the whole pint of it anyway.

    I had just finished a 10km race though, and 40seconds quicker than I've managed on that particular course previously. I guess a bit of extra sugar isn't too big a deal in that case.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 184 ✭✭xxshebeexx


    mars bar wrote: »
    Hey guys, is cranberry juice suitable for a diabetic? I'm not sure which type this person has in case that's relevant info.

    My doctor didn't recommend it, too sugary! I take cranberry supplements instead.. all the benefits without the sugar! Except they don't taste as good....!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,458 ✭✭✭CathyMoran


    Have a cold and it is really messing up my blood sugars :( My gorgeous daughter has it too and has been more clingy as a result - did not get lunch and breakfast was coffee...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,128 ✭✭✭cynder


    how you feeling now cathy? hope your on the mend.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,458 ✭✭✭CathyMoran


    how you feeling now cathy? hope your on the mend.
    Thanks, we are all down with it. It messes up my blood sugar control and I am not really feeling like eating either. I know that it will be over with time, it just is not nice.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14 over30


    hi all, i am new to all this but hoping i will be able to get some info re my thyroid medication, eltroxin being taken off my long term illness card. i have been using it for years but have been informed by my chemist that i can't get it any more. it was obviously approved by the health board years ago when my diabetic clinic wrote the prescription.
    i know there are plans to introduce a charge sometime soon but i didn't see anything in the paper about it recently. to be honest i don't mind having to contribute as i am very aware what insulin etc would cost if the l.t.i scheme was not available to us.
    has anyone else had items removed in the last few weeks.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    over30 wrote: »
    hi all, i am new to all this but hoping i will be able to get some info re my thyroid medication, eltroxin being taken off my long term illness card. i have been using it for years but have been informed by my chemist that i can't get it any more. it was obviously approved by the health board years ago when my diabetic clinic wrote the prescription.
    i know there are plans to introduce a charge sometime soon but i didn't see anything in the paper about it recently. to be honest i don't mind having to contribute as i am very aware what insulin etc would cost if the l.t.i scheme was not available to us.
    has anyone else had items removed in the last few weeks.

    It's not your chemists choice, it's your local health boards.

    Go back to your Diabetes clinic, explain the situation to your doc and let him decide. If you need it for your diabetes, he can write out a script for your LTI book to be sent off to your local health board (they may not approve just to be clear)for them to approve. You can do what I used to do and show it to your chemist (a new one in this case) before you send it off (the script in your LTI book if there is any confusion).


  • Registered Users Posts: 14 over30


    hi cram cycle
    thanks for reply. it was the health board that informed the chemist but i suppose i'm wondering why they didn't write to me with that information as well and why all of a sudden they have decided to remove it from my approved meds prescribed by the diabetes doctor. i will be attending the clinic in a few weeks so will get a letter from them saying i need it along with all my other diabetic items. the health board are probably just going to cutback as much as they can. i don't have any idea what they would cost every month as they were always on the l.t.i card, i'll wait and see what happens. i have enough to keep me going for the next few weeks.


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    over30 wrote: »
    hi cram cycle
    thanks for reply. it was the health board that informed the chemist but i suppose i'm wondering why they didn't write to me with that information as well and why all of a sudden they have decided to remove it from my approved meds prescribed by the diabetes doctor. i will be attending the clinic in a few weeks so will get a letter from them saying i need it along with all my other diabetic items. the health board are probably just going to cutback as much as they can. i don't have any idea what they would cost every month as they were always on the l.t.i card, i'll wait and see what happens. i have enough to keep me going for the next few weeks.

    Sorry to hear that, hope it goes well. I suppose it comes down to whether the condition would be there without your diabetes and that is where someone has advised them that the LTI card shouldn't cover it but hopefully your doctor can write a letter explaining it is essential for your diabetes treatment, hopefully, good luck.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14 over30


    i have been on eltroxin for years but when the diabetic doc first prescribed it he said i didn't really need at that time but that i would need it very soon as this was very common among diabetic patients and necessary.
    i got the impression he put people on eltroxin if there was any sign of thyroid problems and the health board approved it without question. do you know if the thyroid is part of the endocrine system? i also get lipitor for cholesterol control on the l.t.i, the health board did refuse it at first but the doc said it was necessary so it was ok'd. it will be interesting to see what happens.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 184 ✭✭xxshebeexx


    I have another work related question.. not about being a flight attendant this time! I've just been offered a job, albeit not on a plane! It's a great job, I'm really excited, I've only just finished college so it came as a complete surprise because it's a fantastic starter position in a successful international company.

    How do I go about telling them I'm Type 1? I've had part-time jobs for the last few years and my hospital appointments have never been an issue as I could always swap shifts with others. However, this is job will be quite demanding, timewise, so how does that work with appointments? Do they legally have to let me go to them, even if they're sometimes quite close to each other (like a blood test one week, then the follow up appointment the following week)? Can they hold it against me, when it comes to reviews and that, with missing mornings (the job is in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, I go to Blanchardstown hospital so it takes at least an hour to drive from one to the other) or can they make me change appointments?

    Obviously, I'm not sure what their policies are yet as I've only been offered the job and have yet to discuss exact terms with them, but I'd like to know what my rights are in relation to work and diabetes!


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    Congrats on the job.

    Apart from jobs where there are legal restrictions, such as being a pilot, there is no requirement to tell them about diabetes before hand. You should tell them once you've started though.

    I've previously found a chance during the first week or so to say "officially" to the HR person so that I can't be accused of hiding things from them. Also tell any direct supervisors/ managers.
    Then I'd mention in as insignificant a way as possible to people that I'm working with day to day so as to not make any kind of issue over it. That is entirely down to your own personal preference though and only when you feel comfortable to tell them.

    They have to allow you to go to hospital appointments, but I think they can take it out of you holiday entitlement. There will be a lot more information on exactly what they "have" to give you time wise on Citizens Information.


    I've always been very lucky with my employers since I've been working with diabetes and them giving me any time I needed off for appointments, my current employer is me though which makes it even easier.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    Just quickly spotted a paragraph on this page about appointments, would need to track through the pages in more detail to get the exact rules on time off though:
    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/sick_leave.html


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 184 ✭✭xxshebeexx


    robinph wrote: »
    Congrats on the job.

    Apart from jobs where there are legal restrictions, such as being a pilot, there is no requirement to tell them about diabetes before hand. You should tell them once you've started though.

    I've previously found a chance during the first week or so to say "officially" to the HR person so that I can't be accused of hiding things from them. Also tell any direct supervisors/ managers.

    Then I'd mention in as insignificant a way as possible to people that I'm working with day to day so as to not make any kind of issue over it. That is entirely down to your own personal preference though and only when you feel comfortable to tell them.

    I do plan to tell them, I'm just hoping that they won't see it too negatively. Previous employers I've had didn't really understand what Type 1 entails and I've had to explain a lot! I just haven't had a full time, Monday to Friday job before so not sure yet how it'll fit in!
    robinph wrote: »
    They have to allow you to go to hospital appointments, but I think they can take it out of you holiday entitlement. There will be a lot more information on exactly what they "have" to give you time wise on Citizens Information.

    I've always been very lucky with my employers since I've been working with diabetes and them giving me any time I needed off for appointments, my current employer is me though which makes it even easier.

    That would make sense. I don't mind them taking it out of holidays (at least not too much ha), as long as it's okay with them that I attend appointments.. I'm just getting my hba1c on track and want to keep that up!
    robinph wrote: »
    Just quickly spotted a paragraph on this page about appointments, would need to track through the pages in more detail to get the exact rules on time off though:
    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/sick_leave.html

    Thanks! :) I'll have a read through that!


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    xxshebeexx wrote: »
    ... fantastic starter position in a successful international company.
    xxshebeexx wrote: »
    I do plan to tell them, I'm just hoping that they won't see it too negatively. Previous employers I've had didn't really understand what Type 1 entails and I've had to explain a lot! I just haven't had a full time, Monday to Friday job before so not sure yet how it'll fit in!
    If it's a decent "big" company it really shouldn't be a problem. You don't need to explain anything to them, just tell them your diabetic. If they look especially quizzical at that then just give them something along the lines of you needing the very occasional allowance of time off for a hospital checkup, and ask them who the first aider is on site so you can say hello to them.

    Could actually be worth speaking with the first aider at some point as sometimes they could do with a little education on diabetes, I know I'd not have had much of a clue back when I was the first aider many, many years ago.
    xxshebeexx wrote: »
    That would make sense. I don't mind them taking it out of holidays (at least not too much ha), as long as it's okay with them that I attend appointments.. I'm just getting my hba1c on track and want to keep that up!

    I never had any holidays taken off me in previous jobs.

    Job I was in at diagnosis was just glad that I was back in action after being off for so long, they let me just come and go as I pleased for the first month back after I got out of hospital and needed to build my strength back up. I was in a very bad way back then though so that was an unusual situation.

    Another job as for a big multinational, but was working in a semi-industrial environment. Never a problem to get time off then as I was actually working nights, but they had sent me for a medical with a GP at some point early on.

    Another job was very good to me as well and I could take any time I needed off, did help that one of my managers wifes was diabetic as well. I had several managers, not the manager had several wives. ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Well my insulin pump broke yesterday morning! And to make matters worse its out of warranty. Minimed are sending me a temporary pump to do me over for 3 months, bit after that I don't know what's going to happen. I've been on to my diabetic consultant so I'll just have to see what happens really.
    This is my second pump that went belly up. I'm actually using my old one that's a bit dodgey at the minute. Here's hoping it holds up!


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    I thought they would be supplying you with a new one once they are out of warranty?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 414 ✭✭ElBarco


    robinph wrote: »
    I thought they would be supplying you with a new one once they are out of warranty?

    I think you need to get approval from the HSE for this - it's not automatic. Mine is out of warranty later this year and I've started the process with my clinic. Well, I've said it to them and they tell me they've started the process...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    ElBarco wrote: »
    robinph wrote: »
    I thought they would be supplying you with a new one once they are out of warranty?

    I think you need to get approval from the HSE for this - it's not automatic. Mine is out of warranty later this year and I've started the process with my clinic. Well, I've said it to them and they tell me they've started the process...

    I'll have to get back in touch with them now. But I was never informed about any of this tbh. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes really. My temporary pump will be arriving today so hopefully that will give me enough time.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    I'll have to get back in touch with them now. But I was never informed about any of this tbh. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes really. My temporary pump will be arriving today so hopefully that will give me enough time.

    Whats the difference between the temporary and the actual pump?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 414 ✭✭ElBarco



    I'll have to get back in touch with them now. But I was never informed about any of this tbh. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes really. My temporary pump will be arriving today so hopefully that will give me enough time.

    It could be different in your clinic but that's how mine operates. They didn't volunteer the information by the way. Long bitter experience in IT makes me paranoid about warranties.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Whats the difference between the temporary and the actual pump?

    As in, my pump is out of warranty, so they sent me out a loan of a pump for 3 months to give me some chance to get a replacement.

    Only trouble is that they sent out the wrong one...god damn it....

    EDIT: Turns out the one they sent me will actually work with the supplies i have...phew

    I have a minimed 512, and they sent a larger 712 which i just figured would need larger reservoirs...turns out the small ones fit just fine.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    As in, my pump is out of warranty, so they sent me out a loan of a pump for 3 months to give me some chance to get a replacement.

    Only trouble is that they sent out the wrong one...god damn it....

    EDIT: Turns out the one they sent me will actually work with the supplies i have...phew

    I have a minimed 512, and they sent a larger 712 which i just figured would need larger reservoirs...turns out the small ones fit just fine.

    Ah, the way you said temp, I thought it was one that would not last. Can they not just leave you with that one if it is the same or close enough and just replenish their stocks?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,054 ✭✭✭Carsinian Thau


    I seem to be alternating between being hypo aware and hypo unaware, which is getting pretty annoying tbh.

    I've had 3 in the past day. One an hour before going to bed which I caught because I felt hypo, another that happened while I was asleep that I actually woke up for (that almost never happens) but the one that I had just now involved me going all the way down to 3.1 and only noticing because my screen was kind of hard to read.

    My endo calls this significant alteration in vision as being hypo unaware because apparently I'm waiting for neurological effects to begin before I can know that something's up.

    Has anyone ever become hypo unaware and then returned to awareness again? Does it take long?


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Has anyone ever become hypo unaware and then returned to awareness again? Does it take long?

    I imagine it is different for each person and depends on how tight your control is for awhile/how long its been gone, as well as just variations from person to person. When I lost mine it returned in a few weeks (3 to 4) (could have been earlier but I was just that good :cool: ). The nurses at the time told me it could take anywhere from a fortnight to 6 months, I was surprised mine returned so quickly as I could get down below 2 with no noticeable symptoms (IMO everyone else disagreed and said it was really obvious) before hand and then could pick it up anywhere below 3.5.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,458 ✭✭✭CathyMoran


    I never oick mine up unless I am 2 or less and then I would tend to start fitting at about 1 which is not a big difference! I still keep my control very tight but am starting to loosen it a bit. A few years ago a blood sugar of 4.5 would have made me feel low.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    CramCycle wrote: »
    ...everyone else disagreed and said it was really obvious) before hand and then could pick it up anywhere below 3.5.

    That really annoys me, but only when it's the mother doing so. I appreciate people pointing out that things might not quite be right and prompting me to take some Lucozade, but then "certain people" try and accuse me of being hypo just when I happen to disagree with them about something. :D

    I'm tending to be hypo aware at about 3.5-4 at the moment, but it depends a bit on which meter I'm using at the time.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,161 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    robinph wrote: »
    That really annoys me, but only when it's the mother doing so. I appreciate people pointing out that things might not quite be right and prompting me to take some Lucozade, but then "certain people" try and accuse me of being hypo just when I happen to disagree with them about something. :D

    Used to have an issue with an ex (many moons ago) in the same vein, we would be having a discussion and we would disagree, then I would have a hypo, she would point it out and while getting in some sugar she would say that I can't be talked too when I am having a hypo (she is right but I shut up when I see the glucometer reading), but for the rest of the discussion/day/week the tone would be "your wrong, your still recovering, your still having a hypo, your an ass why can't you admit when your wrong". After awhile it turned into "HAVE A LUCOZADE" during every discussion and "YOU SAID YOURSELF THAT THEY CAN BE mildly INACCURATE" if a meter reading was taken to show I was OK!

    I finally did admit I was wrong and left her for greener pastures :pac:

    TMI as kids today say, TMI


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    So the process has begun for me to get a new pump. An application has been sent to the HSE for an Animas pump. I wonder how long its going to take, as of now my consultant doesn't know and is saying it could be weeks. Who knows really. I suppose when you realise that these things cost 7000+ dollars it's understandable enough!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 414 ✭✭ElBarco


    So the process has begun for me to get a new pump. An application has been sent to the HSE for an Animas pump. I wonder how long its going to take, as of now my consultant doesn't know and is saying it could be weeks. Who knows really. I suppose when you realise that these things cost 7000+ dollars it's understandable enough!

    At least the ball is rolling on it. I'll let you know if/when I hear anything myself.

    Reading about it has reminded me to write down my basal rates somewhere though. I'd be in trouble if I had to come up with them off the top of my head if the pump gave up.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,054 ✭✭✭Carsinian Thau


    So the process has begun for me to get a new pump. An application has been sent to the HSE for an Animas pump. I wonder how long its going to take, as of now my consultant doesn't know and is saying it could be weeks. Who knows really. I suppose when you realise that these things cost 7000+ dollars it's understandable enough!

    I'm actually very curious to find out how long this would take. I could never work out how much was my consultant delaying it vs. how much the HSE were delaying it. (I have a new doctor now, didn't get on terribly well with the old one towards the end).

    Rang about my HbA1c today (after over a month of waiting for them to post it or phone me with it). Turns out that I correctly predicted the junior doc had taken the sample improperly and was informed by the secretary that the lab just said it wasn't usable. I'll get it done myself and phone them with it.

    I had another hypo earlier today (bringing me to four in about 24 hours). I've had about 2 hours sleep because I was actually a little afraid of chancing sleeping. Think I might be a little under the weather so I'm guessing that's what's throwing me completely recently.

    Anyone want to come manage my life for a while? :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,458 ✭✭✭CathyMoran


    I have several hypos a day, I think that it is harder when you are keeping tigtht control.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,054 ✭✭✭Carsinian Thau


    That's the thing that annoys me though;

    I don't regard my control as being particularly good. I'm trying to make it better but I'm not getting to where I want to be. I've been up as high as 14.5 today (and I probably went higher than that again, just didn't test it at that level). I occasionally hit 20s. I just oscillate way too much.

    I know it's a constant thing but it's annoying that I never seem to be happy that I'm consistently going in the right direction with it. When I first got my pump, I actually almost went mad with power that I could now approach something resembling control (I lowered my HbA1c by 3% in about 3 months, my nurse was more than a little concerned and pretty much told me not to be quite so trigger happy). And then for ages I was frustratingly high a lot and recently I'm everywhere.

    That sleeping thing is my main problem. There are a lot of nights when I'm so scared of going hypo in my sleep that I just raise my sugars for the sake of what I incorrectly perceive to be an easy life.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,078 ✭✭✭Hal Emmerich


    So the process has begun for me to get a new pump. An application has been sent to the HSE for an Animas pump. I wonder how long its going to take, as of now my consultant doesn't know and is saying it could be weeks. Who knows really. I suppose when you realise that these things cost 7000+ dollars it's understandable enough!
    I'm near sure it's €3500, it was on TV the other day about the cost price vs the insurance price in England but I just didn't fully catch it.

    I'm near sure the figures were £3000 to buy and £5000 to insure. Bloody currencies.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,118 Mod ✭✭✭✭robinph


    I was told to get mine covered for £3120 on the contents insurance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,458 ✭✭✭CathyMoran


    That's the thing that annoys me though;

    I don't regard my control as being particularly good. I'm trying to make it better but I'm not getting to where I want to be. I've been up as high as 14.5 today (and I probably went higher than that again, just didn't test it at that level). I occasionally hit 20s. I just oscillate way too much.

    I know it's a constant thing but it's annoying that I never seem to be happy that I'm consistently going in the right direction with it. When I first got my pump, I actually almost went mad with power that I could now approach something resembling control (I lowered my HbA1c by 3% in about 3 months, my nurse was more than a little concerned and pretty much told me not to be quite so trigger happy). And then for ages I was frustratingly high a lot and recently I'm everywhere.

    That sleeping thing is my main problem. There are a lot of nights when I'm so scared of going hypo in my sleep that I just raise my sugars for the sake of what I incorrectly perceive to be an easy life.
    I can relate to the sleep thing, my blood sugars are higher at night because I am scared of not waking up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 414 ✭✭ElBarco


    CathyMoran wrote: »
    I have several hypos a day, I think that it is harder when you are keeping tigtht control.

    Agreed. I had a very nasty low the other day when I had my son with me at the shops. It came on very quickly and was quite bad (1.9). He's 18 months old and a handful at the best of times. It was bloody terrifying - I couldn't think and when I did manage to get it back up I was shaking at how easily he could have gotten away from me and into traffic.

    The good news was that he got quite a few chocolate fingers as I was trying to sort myself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Hey guys.....

    Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on the following. I am assuming this is the right thread as it concerns diabetes but apologies mods if it isnt!!

    So, eight months ago (Jan) I got a job as a Weekend Manager in retail. Now it is safe to say that the company is THE leading retailer in the country at the moment. I initially applied for the position as it was Weekends as I know with retail the hours were scarily long so therefore opted to for the weekend position so that I would be able to control my diabetes accordingly. I am Type 1 diabetic for the last 13 years and have (had!!!) excellent control with my HBA1C always in or around the 7 mark. From the begining it became clear that this job was anything but weekend with me averaging about 45hours a week. These hours came at a cost to my diabetes and over the last few months my diabetes control has expectedly began to worsen with my numbers ever increasing!

    Basically enough was enough last week and I decided I can no longer go on like this that my long term health is more important than their short term gains. I verbally requested that they reduce my hours with no being the response. I then put it in writing with them again stonewalling me. So for a finish I handed in my notice and my last day was yesterday.

    I was considering writing a letter to head office about the whole situation as while store level senior management were horrible, head office I feel would be horrified to know of such antics. Am I being a total an utter whinge bag or have I been wronged in some way??!! Because while I myself dont like to classify diabetes as a serious condition there is no doubt it does impact your life and how you have to live it!!


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