I paid about $560 for my PDM and the first 3 months supply of pods. That was with insurance. THe PDM is MUCH cheaper than other pumps. I think most of them cost a couple thousand. I know I priced the Minimed pump and with insurance the pump was going to cost me $1,200. I pay about $148 or so every 3 months for my pod supplies. I replace them every 3 days. Within those 3 days I use 100 units of insulin in each pod, although they can hold more if you need it.
I feel bad for Batts but I personally couldn't have asked for better results.
I took Lantus and Novolog. I had been T1D for almost 15 yrs and my HA1C was up to 12 when I got the pump. The lantus was very problematic for me and had peaks of actiivity. At my best control I was taking 7-9 shots a day and feeling like crap.
Within 4 months of the pump, my HA1C dropped 3 points. THREE POINTS! I had to fight for this pump b/c of health insurance, and all I wish now is that I got is sooner. Yes... getting your basal and correction is really critical and can be frustrating. Yes... it is expensive and can be a problem if you go to the beach, swim, or do hard core sports. Yes... the supplies are different and will take up more room in your home. But for me, the control and ability to take extra shots (especially helpful when I'm sick) was way worth it.
There are accessories for holding the pump, remote control for the pump, pump pouches, elastic bands, shorter tubing, longer tubing, different infusion sets, and different pumps entirely. So don't let small stuff get in the way of your decision. Come back here and ask around about the small stuff. Make an educated decision that fits you.Im not a pump salesman, I just love my pump (Medtronic Minimed Paradigm 722).
Dennis
yes! you absolutely answered my question and thank you - i appreciate the details!
thank you so much!
[quote user="Scientist"]
I feel bad for Batts but I personally couldn't have asked for better results.
[/quote]
There's no reason to feel sorry for me. It's great the pump helped you but the pump just isn't the method for me, there's nothing "sad" about that. I take great offense to your comment.
Woah woah woah... I never anything was sad. Especially anything about not using, having or needing a pump and avoiding the cost and insurance issues that come with a pump. And I felt bad for the trouble you went through with the pump. I don't wish pain or suffering upon anyone. Correct me if I'm wrong, but constant spikes and drops are a bit of a pain in the ass. THAT'S what I felt bad for you about.
No offending intended.
I have been on a pump for almost three years now, and within the last two weeks had to go onto shots while my pump supply reorder was basically held up. My numbers have been pretty awful--200's for two weeks, I had two good reads that whole time. I gave up pretty much, my pump didn't alert me my two hour post meal was up and it was time to check, so I'd forget and then when I would check, I would be so high, I'd be frustrated with myself.
When I was first dxed, I fought pump therapy, but honestly it's easy. I don't have problems hiding it and it's practically a part of my body now, my sugars are SOOOO much better I can't even explain, and it definitely takes the 'hard part' out of getting the exact dose of insulin needed. For example- My insulin to carb ration is 1:20 so say I eat a Special K bar that has 18 carbs in it- instead of taking 1 full unit on shots, my pump will give me 0.9 units. Then I don't go too low. It's small scale in this example but it adds up. I didn't used to want to live with a pump, and now I can't live without it.