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Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

blog.lauramichet.com

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Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#91

Post by officialchicken »

bradleyy wrote: post #86

This is literally the reason I'm still on multiple daily injections (MDI). I'm sympathetic to the author, I spent 50+ years without Type 1, and a few with it. Just this morning, I ended up bolusing correctly, but then an emergency caused me to perform a lot more exercise than I had planned on. Then, bam, I'm paralyzed in bed, thinking about calling the ambulance, eating sour patch kids. And believe me, when sour patc…

I'm having almost the exact same day as you today - except for the past 50+ years I have been t1d, and I'm back on MDI. I quit using a pump about 15 years ago. And it definitely improved my QoL just by not having to deal with all the insurance hassles. Removing that stress alone I think will extend my life longer than using a pump will.

> And believe me, when sour patch kids are an effective medicine, you have a disease that must just exist for spite.

Feel free to ignore below if spk's were just the closest, but there are better flavored non-melting options that also travel well.

I keep some Transcend gels (available from Amazon) on my nightstand and scattered all around my house. They'll "burn" if you need to suck down three or more back-to-back (I rarely need them, and when I do it's usually only 1) but they're a zillion times better than any candy with predictable (5-10 mins) time for the glucose to hit you - unlike candy. They recently changed the packaging design, so you'll need to snip a tiny bit off the corner (sorta like a tiny pre-cut) in case you need to open with the convulsions.

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#92

Post by babar »

diob wrote: post #90

I have a fear that my CPAP machine will die one day while I'm away from home, such as vacation overseas or during a business trip. I literally no longer can sleep without it, I have anatomical sleep apnea (perfectly fit), but it's quite severe (79 AHI). I once forgot it on a trip to a different state, and tried to sleep in the hotel but basically just had insomnia, as I could no longer pass out when I woke up from th…

If you haven't already, you should try making an appointment with a sleep doctor. Mine was able to write me a new prescription without a new sleep study, just a regular office visit. Make those insurance companies pay for what you are entitled to!

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#94

Post by cperciva »

antasvara wrote: post #28

Reading this, my takeaway was less about the pump and more about how every part of the medical system is disconnected from every other part. There were some mistakes made but they were all pretty reasonable decisions. But the situation that caused this in order: 1. The support line for the pump won't suggest sending it to where you are because you say you have a backup plan. 2. The support line also isn't a doctor; t…

One issue here which is obvious to me is that access to insulin should not be gated on paperwork. I can walk into any pharmacy in Canada and say "I'm diabetic and need insulin" and the pharmacist will sell it to me. They'll ask questions of course since this is not the usual path but my doctor's office being open will have no influence on whether I get it -- just on whether it's a 5 minute process or a 15 minute process, and potentially whether I have to pay myself or have it covered by insurance.

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#95

Post by djeastm »

epolanski wrote: post #33

[flagged]

I urge you to learn the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: https://joslin.org/news-stories/all-news-stories/education/2...

My family is unfortunately rife with Type 1. Even appearing later in life with no connection to diet/activity. It's a genetic problem.

I empathize with people with Type 2, but it's a different disease.

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#96

Post by rimshot »

I've been a T1 for 35 years. I use 20 year old insulin pumps so that I can have more control over them. I'm able to run open source software to talk to the Dexcom and the pump to control the insulin output, and tune it exactly how I want it. I started with OpenAPS, then Loop, then iAPS. I probably owe my life to these projects.

The FDA approved stuff is much more of a one-size fits all, and I understand why it needs to be that way. I just wish we had more open pump options in the US.

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#97

Post by s1artibartfast »

FireBeyond wrote: post #88
s1artibartfast wrote: post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Liability laws incentives play a big part. Good faith effort and patient care increase the surface are for attack.

Potentially. However, depending on the nature of the interaction, abandonment is equally a concern for a provider. If I'm treating or begin care of a hypoglycemic patient (and I'm not saying that in this case, such a thing has happened), then legally, I can be found guilty of abandonment if I don't transfer care to a higher level provider or conclude the course of treatment or intervention planned. I can't just say "…

I think we are saying the same thing. There is a line that triggers obligation and liability. If the location is abigious or the liability is extremely high, then there is incentive to error on the side of avoidance.

This might mean not taking a patient or class of patients into care.

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#98

Post by m463 »

diob wrote: post #90

I have a fear that my CPAP machine will die one day while I'm away from home, such as vacation overseas or during a business trip. I literally no longer can sleep without it, I have anatomical sleep apnea (perfectly fit), but it's quite severe (79 AHI). I once forgot it on a trip to a different state, and tried to sleep in the hotel but basically just had insomnia, as I could no longer pass out when I woke up from th…

Happened to me once. Water chamber broke in checked luggage. I slept poorly for a few days far from home.

Thinking back later:

- I wonder if I could have sealed the area where the water chamber goes and done it water-free?

- I should have taken 1x extra parts for everything

- I have a complete second setup, maybe I should have taken that?

thing is, the 100's of times I didn't need to "overthink" things set my "over" and "appropriate" thinking levels and I thought i was ok.

as to the sleep study - it is LOTS less invasive nowadays. You probably take a device home with you, strap it to your body while you sleep and return it the next day. None of this "sleep in hospital setting" nonsense.

Re: Having your insulin pump die while you're on vacation

#99

Post by EA-3167 »

m463 wrote: post #98
diob wrote: post #90

I have a fear that my CPAP machine will die one day while I'm away from home, such as vacation overseas or during a business trip. I literally no longer can sleep without it, I have anatomical sleep apnea (perfectly fit), but it's quite severe (79 AHI). I once forgot it on a trip to a different state, and tried to sleep in the hotel but basically just had insomnia, as I could no longer pass out when I woke up from th…

Happened to me once. Water chamber broke in checked luggage. I slept poorly for a few days far from home. Thinking back later: - I wonder if I could have sealed the area where the water chamber goes and done it water-free? - I should have taken 1x extra parts for everything - I have a complete second setup, maybe I should have taken that? thing is, the 100's of times I didn't need to "overthink" things set my "over"…

You’re correct! My mother had just such a study a few years ago and it was utterly convenient.
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