[stangpride]

Good Morning,

My name is Kathleen and I just joined this forum this morning. I've been an IDD for 33+ years and counting. I was Dx'ed at the age of 2, shortly before my 3rd birthday. Technology has come a long way since that time, I tell ya! I am currently using a Deltec Cozmo insulin pump and have been since June of 2005. I know my A1c's went totally ballistic at first, and I've been fighting ever since to get them back down to a normal range. Just received my best results in June this year, after stating on the pump 3 years ago, and that was 6.9, so I was absolutely thrilled. Long way to go yet! I can say the UltraSmart BGM is what's helping me focus in on the changes I need to make to be successful at controlling my diabetes because it offers me the most logs so I can track as many things as possible. I love that meter and currently have 5 of them. I keep one at work, one in my work backpack, one at my bedside, one on the counter in the kitchen, and another one in my overnight bag. I never leave home without at least one in my possession!

I had a motorcycle accident in July of 2004, and after starting physical therapy, I had 3 overnight insulin reactions in one week where I woke up and could no longer walk by myself and needed assistance, which is what made me decide to go on the pump. Since that time, I have not had one overnight low where I could not wake up and help myself, which was the primary reason for going on the pump for me, as I will not always have someone available to help. I know the pump can be just as complex as rocket science at times with all the different variables making it difficult to keep a regular BGL at all times [lack of sleep, illness, amount of exercise, stress, etc.], but I do know now that I am getting better and better at keeping control because I am adamant about monitoring my glucoses. I am definitely interested in obtaining a CGMS, and liked the Medtronic Guardian model, but have not read if I could use this with a pump not made by them...I wouldn't see why not, but then again, you never know. I am currently researching this option.

At any rate, I am a part of several diabetic forums and am looking for more diabetic friends. I am out near Dulles Airport in Chantilly, so hopefully I can meet some other folks like me and we can get to know each other and have many knowledgeable discussions, and perhaps support each other through life's ordeals.

Glad to be here!

V/r,

Kathleen

[xMenace]

Welcome Kathleen.

[mortis505]

Welcome to DF! Its a great site with lots of good people.

[notme]

Welcome to Diabetes Forums Kathleen. Glad you found us and joined in!

[poodlebone]

Hi Kathleen!

Welcome to the forum! The pump has also stopped the overnight lows I used to have that caused seizures. I live alone, so those were not fun! I also use the UltraSmart meter, which I love.

I have a Minimed pump and started using the CGMS sensors at the end of June and so far it's been working great. Since I have a MM pump, it also acts at the receiver for the sensor readings but anyone can use the standalone Guardian system (even if they're not on a pump) but it means you'll have to wear another device to get the readings. The Guardian receiver looks like a Minimed pump, without the pump functions. Since Cozmo doesn't have an integrated CGMS, you'd have to wear another device no matter which one you choose.

[stangpride]

Hello Again,

I just wanted to say thanks for all the Hello's and Welcomes. I appreciate the acceptance.

Can anyone tell me the cost of the Guardian REAL-Time CGMS and how much supplies cost? I realize insurance probably will not help me obtain or sustain this device (I have Guardian/OneNET/MAPSI PPO), so it will probably be pretty expensive to buy, then support with all the constant need for supplies. I know test strips are outrageous, and so would imagine sensors for those systems would be just as bad in price. I do know Guardian pays quite a bit for my supplies (they cover my pump supplies 100%, thankfully - but I do have to pay $100 every so often for different tacky glue and Bioclusive dressings that work with my active lifestyle, which is no big deal, considering the money I save elsewhere.)

Thanks again for the welcomes!

V/r,

Kathleen

[rajubmallah]

say just hello to members

[BrianSCohen]

Kathleen,

Welcome to the forums. You are actually close to where I live. I often attend the diabetes support group at Fair Oaks Hospital (INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM : DIABETES : Inova Diabetes Center Support Groups). The next meeting is 8/20, although I won't be there, I'll be at the following one. Unfortunately, I am going to have to spend the week at Woods Hole on Cape Cod.

There is also a pumpers group. Even if we don't have a chance to meet, I do welcome you to the forum.