A baby and 14 months later, I finally can check "do a follow-up YouTube video on how I like my Dexcom G4 Platinum" off of my to-do list. Remember that unboxing one?
I realize none of this is earth-shattering news, but hey, you know, might as well provide some unsolicited user experience feedback. Mostly I did this so I can stop thinking to myself, "I really should get around to that..."
(I should also note that this video assumes you already know the basic "pros" like, "It tells me trend information!" and "It alarms for high and low BG parameters that I can set!", and "cons" like, "I have to wear a medical device!" and "Holy hell this thing is expensive!".)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: Lenny the Lion(s).
UPDATE: Congratulations to:
What you can win: One of five "Lenny the Lion" stuffed animals!
Made possible by: Medtronic Diabetes (http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/home)
Why you want this: "Lenny has diabetes, wears an insulin pump, and teaches kids how to lead a strong and active lifestyle like him, and to not let diabetes hold them back.
Every child 12 years or younger who goes on the Medtronic insulin pump for the first time receives their very own Lenny stuffed animal at traning. Lenny has areas on his body to practice putting infusion sets in."
If you don't pump with Medtronic or fit the age requirement - here's your chance to own one anyway!
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will need to leave a comment on this blog post (required) with your best lion pun. Can't think of one? "Impawsible."
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. addresses only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Thursday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Sunday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hallie AddingtonDecember 18, 2013 at 10:27 AM
Avery would love this!! We've never used Medtronic but we ARE big Lenny fans!
Here we go...
Why did the lion lose at poker?
He was playing with a cheetah!
And one for good luck...
Would a lion ever cheat on his wife? No- but a Tiger Wood!
Here we go...
Why did the lion lose at poker?
He was playing with a cheetah!
And one for good luck...
Would a lion ever cheat on his wife? No- but a Tiger Wood!
What do you call a lion wearing a stylish hat? A dandy lion.
What is a lion's favorite flower?
A dandelion!
A dandelion!
Are you lion to me?!? ;)
To be purrfectly honest, I'd be lion if I said I didn't want one of these. Manely beclaws I started MM pumping at 12 and they weren't around then.
^^My losing comment from last year. (Let me know if that won't count [though the rules don't say that it wouldn't.] and I will come up with another.)
^^My losing comment from last year. (Let me know if that won't count [though the rules don't say that it wouldn't.] and I will come up with another.)
* * * * *
What you can win: One of five "Lenny the Lion" stuffed animals!
Made possible by: Medtronic Diabetes (http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/home)
Why you want this: "Lenny has diabetes, wears an insulin pump, and teaches kids how to lead a strong and active lifestyle like him, and to not let diabetes hold them back.
Every child 12 years or younger who goes on the Medtronic insulin pump for the first time receives their very own Lenny stuffed animal at traning. Lenny has areas on his body to practice putting infusion sets in."
If you don't pump with Medtronic or fit the age requirement - here's your chance to own one anyway!
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will need to leave a comment on this blog post (required) with your best lion pun. Can't think of one? "Impawsible."
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. addresses only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Thursday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Sunday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: Coco The Monkey Books.
UPDATE: Congratulations to the winners:
What you can win: Six "Coco's First Sleepover" books, available to TWO winners! (So you'll get three books - one to keep, and two to share!)
Made possible by: The Lilly Diabetes/Disney collaboration (http://t1everydaymagic.com/), and me (because I'm shipping them to you). They shipped me a package of them earlier this year, and I saved them for #GiveAllTheThings!
Why you want this: Lilly Diabetes and Disney joined together to create special materials for type 1 families, including books that cover real-life issues. This is the latest edition, which was "launched" at the Friends For Life conference this past July. The first Coco book (Coco and Goofy's Goofy Day) is also now available in digital format.
I wish books like this had been around when I was diagnosed as a child - I appreciate how these Coco stories involve her type 1 diabetes, but don't revolve around it.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. Email me a video of you doing your best monkey impression.
Kidding. Don't do that.
What you SHOULD do is leave a comment on this blog post (required) telling me who you're trying to win the books for (and with whom any extra copies would be shared)!
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. residents only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Wednesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Friday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
I would love to win these books for the school libraries in my district; these would be awesome for kids to be able to read and check out.
I would love to win this book for my 5 year old daughter, who has Type 1. She loves anything Mickey mouse related. As far as the extra books, I would give them to families with little ones in the wonderful support group I am in.
* * * * *
What you can win: Six "Coco's First Sleepover" books, available to TWO winners! (So you'll get three books - one to keep, and two to share!)
Made possible by: The Lilly Diabetes/Disney collaboration (http://t1everydaymagic.com/), and me (because I'm shipping them to you). They shipped me a package of them earlier this year, and I saved them for #GiveAllTheThings!
Why you want this: Lilly Diabetes and Disney joined together to create special materials for type 1 families, including books that cover real-life issues. This is the latest edition, which was "launched" at the Friends For Life conference this past July. The first Coco book (Coco and Goofy's Goofy Day) is also now available in digital format.
I wish books like this had been around when I was diagnosed as a child - I appreciate how these Coco stories involve her type 1 diabetes, but don't revolve around it.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. Email me a video of you doing your best monkey impression.
Kidding. Don't do that.
What you SHOULD do is leave a comment on this blog post (required) telling me who you're trying to win the books for (and with whom any extra copies would be shared)!
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. residents only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Wednesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Friday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, December 16, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: Monica Vesci Clutch.
UPDATE: This contest is now closed! Our winner:
What you can win: A "Hot Pink Heidi Camino Sans" clutch purse, with clever hidden trash container and compartments for all of your diabetes gear!
Made possible by: Monica Vesci (http://www.monicavesci.com/)
Why you want this: My love for Monica Vesci clutches is well documented:
"What I like about this bag: it's sneaky in that it doesn't look like a diabetes bag, it's clearly very well-made (it actually reminds me, in terms of design, construction, and quality, of a Coach bag), it has appropriately-sized pockets and loops, and the sharps container is pretty genius. While I personally would prefer the outer material to be a bit more sturdy/stiff (it softens up a tad with use), I suppose that's a good thing for when you need to cram a bunch of stuff in there. It's a very roomy bag that is even long enough to hold a Dexcom G4 sensor still in its packaging - impressive!"
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. There are a lot of ways to earn entries into today's contest:
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. residents only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Tuesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Friday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I would use it to keep test strips from showing up everywhere such as the bathtub, the front porch and my favorite in my shoes.
* * * * *
What you can win: A "Hot Pink Heidi Camino Sans" clutch purse, with clever hidden trash container and compartments for all of your diabetes gear!
Made possible by: Monica Vesci (http://www.monicavesci.com/)
Why you want this: My love for Monica Vesci clutches is well documented:
"What I like about this bag: it's sneaky in that it doesn't look like a diabetes bag, it's clearly very well-made (it actually reminds me, in terms of design, construction, and quality, of a Coach bag), it has appropriately-sized pockets and loops, and the sharps container is pretty genius. While I personally would prefer the outer material to be a bit more sturdy/stiff (it softens up a tad with use), I suppose that's a good thing for when you need to cram a bunch of stuff in there. It's a very roomy bag that is even long enough to hold a Dexcom G4 sensor still in its packaging - impressive!"
Other notables:
- Handheld Bag with Zipper, Interior Round Zip Pocket Includes Removable 50ml Sharps Container with Screw Lid
- Interior Insulin Penholder Sleeve
- Two Interior Slip Pockets for Meters, Test Strips, Lancets, Glucose Tabs, CGM or Other Supplies
- Interior Zippered Pocket with Two Slots, One for Credit Card another for Small Supplies like Batteries, Lancets and Insulin Pen Needle Heads
- Treated Cotton Canvas Exterior with Metallic Leather Trim
- Embossed Signature on Natural Cowhide
- 100% Polyester Wipe Clean Lining
- Chevron Pattern Placement May Vary from Sample Shown
- 11.75"L x 3.5"W x 6"H
- Designed in Denmark | Manufactured in U.S.A.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. There are a lot of ways to earn entries into today's contest:
- You will earn one entry by leaving a comment on this blog post (this is required to enter the contest), telling me how and/or where you'd use your Camino Sans clutch.
- You can earn TWO entries by sharing a photo on Instagram or Twitter, using the hashtag #GiveAllTheThings, of your "test strip graveyards". Per Monica: "I would love for contestants to submit photos of their used test strip and/or needle graveyards at the bottom of their bags, pockets, on their desk after they empty out the contents of their bags, etc. I would love to see more real life photos showing why people want and need the Camino Clutch and how it can help solve their graveyard problem, so to speak."
- You may also earn an additional entry for liking the Monica Vesci Facebook page, and one for following her on Twitter.
This means you can have up to FIVE entries total!
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, December 13, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: Alecia Wesner Jewelry.
UPDATE: Congrats to the winner, Jennifer!
Made possible by: Alecia Wesner (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AleciaWesner)
Why you want this: From Alecia:
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. residents only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Saturday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Tuesday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I would wear this necklace to work! At home my baby would rip it off, but at work it would remind me that even on the craziest classroom days, everything will work out!
* * * * *
What you can win: The Double Maple Seed necklace, handcrafted with sterling silver on an 18" chain by a fellow PWD!
Made possible by: Alecia Wesner (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AleciaWesner)
Why you want this: From Alecia:
"If things seem like they are spinning out of control, just remember, that's EXACTLY how little maple seeds get where it's going.
I love being hands-on with the jewelry I create. What makes my Maple Seed collection so unique is that these 'charms" are not a direct casting or a "duplicate", but rather, they are an imprint. After painting a dried double maple seed with layers upon layers of precious metal clay (fine silver), I bake the concoction in a kiln. While the clay and Maple seed burn away, what remains is a fine silver imprint of the seed. After some polishing, I make a mold of my fine silver maple seed and later cast the seed in sterling silver (stronger and more durable than the fine silver).To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post (this is required to enter the contest) telling me where you'd wear this gorgeous necklace, if you won. You can earn one additional entry for liking the Alecia Wesner Jewelry Facebook page.
Whew, so that's how it works. It takes time and dexterity and patience. Like I mentioned, sometimes things do seem to spiral out of control, but that's exactly how a little maple seed gets a shot a being a strong, beautiful tree."
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to U.S. residents only. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Saturday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Tuesday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, December 12, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: SleekSleeves.
UPDATE: Contest closed! Congratulations to the winner, Kristina!
What you can win: A SleekSleeves gift package - sticker, hat, and $100 worth of "sleeves" (customized just for you!), plus a personalized note.
Made possible by: SleekSleeves (http://www.sleeksleeves.com/)
Why you want this: I found these guys on Twitter and thought, "that would be a neat way to 'protect' a CGM sensor or pump site while exercising/baby wrangling", and it turns out I wasn't the first to have that idea. :)
Here's their backstory:
In 2006, our dear friend, Diane, developed a medical condition that meant she’d have to wear a wrist brace. Always active and seriously put-together, Diane’s understandable desire to look good while playing bridge and visiting friends sparked the idea for what would become SleekSleeves. Diane knew that adding fashion to medical therapy would benefit her state of mind and, consequently, her health.
With Diane’s notion of the mind-body connection to guide us, we set about developing a product line to help individuals facing health challenges to Look Good and Feel Better. Today at SleekSleeves, we receive a continuous flow of inquiries, comments and accolades from new friends and fans of our products. From Alabama to Australia, New York to South Africa and beyond, SleekSleeves users are thrilled to find products that provide vibrant, stylish coverage for all types of medical devices. As SleekSleeves continues to reach further around the globe, Diane’s spirit remains our inspiration.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post (this is required; no blog comment = not qualified to win!) telling me what you envision using SleekSleeves for, if you won! You can also earn extra entries for liking SleekSleeves' Facebook page and following @SleekSleeves on Twitter - so, four entries are possible per person.
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to all, geographically-speaking. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Friday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Sunday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
These would be perfect for my very active 3year old's Omnipod!
* * * * *
What you can win: A SleekSleeves gift package - sticker, hat, and $100 worth of "sleeves" (customized just for you!), plus a personalized note.
 |
| Several "sleeve" options to choose from! |
Made possible by: SleekSleeves (http://www.sleeksleeves.com/)
Why you want this: I found these guys on Twitter and thought, "that would be a neat way to 'protect' a CGM sensor or pump site while exercising/baby wrangling", and it turns out I wasn't the first to have that idea. :)
Here's their backstory:
In 2006, our dear friend, Diane, developed a medical condition that meant she’d have to wear a wrist brace. Always active and seriously put-together, Diane’s understandable desire to look good while playing bridge and visiting friends sparked the idea for what would become SleekSleeves. Diane knew that adding fashion to medical therapy would benefit her state of mind and, consequently, her health.
With Diane’s notion of the mind-body connection to guide us, we set about developing a product line to help individuals facing health challenges to Look Good and Feel Better. Today at SleekSleeves, we receive a continuous flow of inquiries, comments and accolades from new friends and fans of our products. From Alabama to Australia, New York to South Africa and beyond, SleekSleeves users are thrilled to find products that provide vibrant, stylish coverage for all types of medical devices. As SleekSleeves continues to reach further around the globe, Diane’s spirit remains our inspiration.
And as for how a real PWD uses them:
Whether Taylor is wearing her Omnipod on her arm or thigh, she adds an element of fashion and comfort to her every day wardrobe with a SleekSleeves arm band. Also worn by Robin Roberts to cover her PICC line while undergoing cancer treatment, SleekSleeves are versatile, comfortable and fashionable. Depending on your needs, SleekSleeves will work with you directly to determine what sleeve option is the best fit for you, your device and lifestyle.
"My daughter [Taylor] has worn her SleekSleeves to gymnastics, cheer practice and to the pool. They are perfect for fashionably covering her Omnipod and it stayed in place through all her activities." -Barb Heid
The winner will be contacted by SleekSleeves, and together will decide what products will suit their needs best.
The winner will be contacted by SleekSleeves, and together will decide what products will suit their needs best.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post (this is required; no blog comment = not qualified to win!) telling me what you envision using SleekSleeves for, if you won! You can also earn extra entries for liking SleekSleeves' Facebook page and following @SleekSleeves on Twitter - so, four entries are possible per person.
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open to all, geographically-speaking. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Friday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Sunday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: You Can Do This Project Bracelets.
UPDATE: This contest is now closed - congratulations to Catherine Forbes!
What you can win: An entire bag of You Can Do This Project bracelets/bands! (I think there's 50/bag? 100? I don't remember, but it's "a lot".)
Made possible by: These bands were manufactured by Hope Paige Medical and paid for, in part, with a Seeds grant from the Diabetes Hands Foundation.
Why you want this: These bands were originally purchased with the intention of handing them out at conferences in 2013 - after exhibiting at both Friends For Life and TCOYD - Omaha this year, we have some leftovers!
I know that several times in the past individuals have asked me how to get one of these - while I have some extras, it's not possible for me (financially, time-wise, etc.) to mail a bracelet to everyone who has asked for one. (And because Seeds grant money was used to purchase them, it gets kind of sticky to "resell" them, even to cover shipping costs. They have to be used for what they were intended for - to give away.)
But send one person a bag of them, to distribute to others in their community (or as they see fit)? I can do that.
Having a small reminder on your wrist of the diabetes online community and the fact that, whatever you're facing, you aren't alone - it can be a huge help.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post telling me who you would share your bracelets with (required) if you won. You can also earn extra entries for liking the You Can Do This Project Facebook page and following @YCDTProject on Twitter - so, four entries are possible per person!
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open only to... wait, no, it's open to everyone. (How awesome would it be to get some You Can Do This love to another country?!) #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Thursday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Sunday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Getting to the post office doesn't happen too often with a four-month-old, so forgive me if it takes a bit for me to get them to you.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
* * * * *
What you can win: An entire bag of You Can Do This Project bracelets/bands! (I think there's 50/bag? 100? I don't remember, but it's "a lot".)
 |
| Duck not included. |
Made possible by: These bands were manufactured by Hope Paige Medical and paid for, in part, with a Seeds grant from the Diabetes Hands Foundation.
Why you want this: These bands were originally purchased with the intention of handing them out at conferences in 2013 - after exhibiting at both Friends For Life and TCOYD - Omaha this year, we have some leftovers!
I know that several times in the past individuals have asked me how to get one of these - while I have some extras, it's not possible for me (financially, time-wise, etc.) to mail a bracelet to everyone who has asked for one. (And because Seeds grant money was used to purchase them, it gets kind of sticky to "resell" them, even to cover shipping costs. They have to be used for what they were intended for - to give away.)
But send one person a bag of them, to distribute to others in their community (or as they see fit)? I can do that.
Having a small reminder on your wrist of the diabetes online community and the fact that, whatever you're facing, you aren't alone - it can be a huge help.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You will earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post telling me who you would share your bracelets with (required) if you won. You can also earn extra entries for liking the You Can Do This Project Facebook page and following @YCDTProject on Twitter - so, four entries are possible per person!
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open only to... wait, no, it's open to everyone. (How awesome would it be to get some You Can Do This love to another country?!) #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Thursday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Sunday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Getting to the post office doesn't happen too often with a four-month-old, so forgive me if it takes a bit for me to get them to you.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
#GiveAllTheThings: I Heart Guts.
UPDATE: Here are the winners!
Made possible by: I Heart Guts (http://iheartguts.com/)
Why you want this: Because you have a sense of humor; because these pancreases are worth far more than the one in your body anyway, and because they will make you smile, laugh, and squeal with joy. Probably all at the same time.
Awkward.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You can earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post (required) with your best pancreas insult ("The last time you had a job, Ronald Reagan was president", "You look like a wiener"). Facebook and Twitter love for I Heart Guts earns you another two entries. Four, total!
First prize is the plush pancreas and a pin.
Second prize is the keychain and a pin.
Third prize is two pins.
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open only to U.S. addresses. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Wednesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Friday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner. You can only win one prize.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
First prize:
Q: What did one busted pancreas say to the other busted pancreas?
A: Nothing. Pancreases can't talk. Duh.
Second prize:
A: Nothing. Pancreases can't talk. Duh.
Hey Pancreas, You're so useless, even the Kardashians pity you.
Third prize:
My pancreas is just like my massage clients. It lays there and lets me do all of the work!
* * * * *
What you can win: Pancreas-themed goodness: a plush, pins, and/or keychains! There will be three winners.
Made possible by: I Heart Guts (http://iheartguts.com/)
Why you want this: Because you have a sense of humor; because these pancreases are worth far more than the one in your body anyway, and because they will make you smile, laugh, and squeal with joy. Probably all at the same time.
Awkward.
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You can earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post (required) with your best pancreas insult ("The last time you had a job, Ronald Reagan was president", "You look like a wiener"). Facebook and Twitter love for I Heart Guts earns you another two entries. Four, total!
First prize is the plush pancreas and a pin.
Second prize is the keychain and a pin.
Third prize is two pins.
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open only to U.S. addresses. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Wednesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Friday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner. You can only win one prize.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, December 9, 2013
Choosing An Insulin Pump: The Empire Strikes Back.
[An update/resolution to this post can be found here.]
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind
Some come from ahead, some come from behind
But I've bought a big bat, and I'm all ready, you see
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me"
- Dr. Suess
It hadn't really occurred to me that obtaining a new insulin pump to replace my soon-to-be-out-of-warranty one would be a challenge. Based on my past experience, I figured that filling out all of the paperwork would be the most difficult part of the process (and God laughed): the warranty on my Animas Ping expires at the end of this month, so of course I need a new one. The pump's housing is quite scratched up, and the buttons are not as responsive as they once were. The pump's technology is now at the very least five years old (FDA approved the Ping system for sale in July of 2008), and doesn't have many of the features that newer pumps offer patients.
Except that Cigna and Care Centrix (my insurance and DME providers) don't seem to agree.
For a company that says they are "dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security", I'm sure not seeing it. Using a medical device that's endured four years of use and (inadvertent) abuse is going to help my "sense of security"? Do you know how many times this pump has been dropped, knocked around, or been exposed to snow and below-freezing temperatures? It's the nature of wearing a medical device 24/7 for four years. It's normal wear-and-tear.
This process started with me filling out patient info forms with both Tandem and Asante (figuring that since Animas was already approved for me, I didn't need to pursue that route), and my doctor faxing over the needed signatures and documents. It's been a few weeks since we did that, and an insurance verification rep from Tandem and I have been emailing back and forth periodically throughout the process (asking when my current pump was purchased, if it was still in warranty, etc.). When I answered that my pump was purchased in December of 2009, the rep responded positively. "Great news", she said.
And I thought it was, too.
Except that her follow-up email said this:
I also want to point out that the Cigna employee used the phrase "entitled to" when referencing my ability to obtain a medical device that makes a huge difference in how I am able to manage my health.
I took to Twitter.
This process started with me filling out patient info forms with both Tandem and Asante (figuring that since Animas was already approved for me, I didn't need to pursue that route), and my doctor faxing over the needed signatures and documents. It's been a few weeks since we did that, and an insurance verification rep from Tandem and I have been emailing back and forth periodically throughout the process (asking when my current pump was purchased, if it was still in warranty, etc.). When I answered that my pump was purchased in December of 2009, the rep responded positively. "Great news", she said.
And I thought it was, too.
Except that her follow-up email said this:
"Just got off the phone with CareCentrix. Per CCX the expiration date does not warrant a new pump. They state the current pump most be malfunctioning or not meeting your medical needs."I responded by telling her about the pump being scratched up, and the buttons not working consistently.
"The only way we can get this approved is if we could show your A1C’s being effected by the current pumps malfunctions. Looks like your last A1C’s were in the 6’s which would be considered manageable. We may have to wait until the warranty is up on the pump and the functionality is no longer meeting your medical needs."Expressing my disappointment, I told the Tandem rep that I'd be contacting Cigna. She added that she was very surprised to find out that Cigna does not have an automatic approval policy for a new pump when the old one is out of warranty - to her knowledge, they are the only carrier with that policy.
I also want to point out that the Cigna employee used the phrase "entitled to" when referencing my ability to obtain a medical device that makes a huge difference in how I am able to manage my health.
I took to Twitter.
I will not cry at work. I will not cry at work. Cigna/CareCentrix won't cover new pump unless my A1Cs show adverse health from current one.
— Kim / Diabetes (@txtngmypancreas) December 6, 2013
I am crushed.
— Kim / Diabetes (@txtngmypancreas) December 6, 2013
So let me get this right - because I am too healthy, I will continue to use inferior technology. This is so backwards.
— Kim / Diabetes (@txtngmypancreas) December 6, 2013
So they're waiting until my health is negatively affected to cover better treatment options? Way to be proactive, @Cigna.
— Kim / Diabetes (@txtngmypancreas) December 6, 2013
And then, a ray of sunshine:
@txtngmypancreas Kim, I would like to try and help you get this resolved, can you please email me at LetUsHelpU@Cigna.com? Thank you.
— Customer Service (@Cignaquestions) December 6, 2013
You bet I'll email you. R2? Fire up the converters!
Because the thing is - it's great that I have an insulin pump already, and I'm thankful for it. It is one tool among many that has helped me attain what is apparently the only criteria that Cigna cares about - a "good" A1C result.
What Cigna fails to factor into their judgement here is that A1C isn't actually a great summarization of my diabetes management - it simply provides an average. It doesn't factor in standard deviation of glucose values, it doesn't predict the chances of me developing complications, and it certainly doesn't relieve any of the cognitive burden of managing this disease all day, every day. My A1C doesn't tell them how I attained that result.
And what Cigna/CareCentrix also fails to recognize is that part of the reason I'm okay NOW is that I have been able to use the best of what's available NOW. If you want me to continue to be healthy in the future, I need to be able to use the best of what's available in that future. "You're doing okay with what you're using" is the exact argument FOR a new device being approved. Let's make sure I keep doing okay.
What this boils down to is really simple - Cigna/CareCentrix can either pay for a new insulin pump now (because that is the treatment option that is most effective for me, given what's currently available), or they can wait until I've experienced any number of adverse health outcomes that result when this old insulin pump malfunctions and pay for any resulting hospital charges. Show me where that fits into their mission statement of "helping people improve their health and well-being".
Do I sound dramatic? Good. This is my life and my health we're talking about, and I take that health very seriously. Give me the tools I need to help me be healthy, and it will save you money in the long run, Cigna. If the technology is there, let me use it.
Let all of us use it. This isn't just about one person with some degree of social media influence fighting for what she needs - this is about every person having access to what can help them achieve good health. This is about all of us, and moral issues aside, it's to a payer's financial benefit that their customers have access to the baseline preventative care they need.
I will write whatever needs to be written; show whatever needs to be shown; speak with whomever needs to be spoken with; do whatever needs to be done. Their policy is wrong, and I'll be happy to tell them exactly why.
(Where things stand as of this posting: Cigna has spoken with CCX and the request is being looked at again. I'm working with my endo's office to get CCX whatever proof they need to get a new pump authorized and covered.)
"Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1." - C-3PO
"Never tell me the odds." - Han Solo
#GiveAllTheThings: ipSOX (Insulin Pump Sox).
UPDATED: This contest is closed! Congrats to:
What you can win: One of five insulin pump "sox"; a stretchy cotton cover that provides protection and a little character to your external pancreas!
Made possible by: ipSOX, Ltd. (http://www.ipsox.co.uk/), and I'll ship to five winners.
Why you want this: I mean.
Why wouldn't you?
You could also use this for your glucose meter or CGM receiver!
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You can earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post telling me which design you'd want (from top left, clockwise: Raving Robin, Sweetheart, Luscious Lime, Pink Flowers, or Pouting Purple.
You may also earn one entry each for a Facebook Like or Twitter follow for ipSOX, which means you can have your name in the hat up to FOUR TIMES!
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open only to U.S. addresses. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Tuesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Thursday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
Disclosure: ipSOX sent me five "sox" to give away, plus one to keep for myself.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Raving Robin is my favorite. Super cute!
I'd love Pouting Purple because it just looks happy & would make me smile when I looked at it, plus purple is my favorite color.
Raving Robin for me, but they are all cute - I'm not that picky {Editor's note: you're getting Pink Flowers.]
Raving Robin or Sweetheart :) they are both so adorable but even cuter than both of those is the penguin... :) {Editor's note: you're getting Sweetheart!]
Aly would love these [Edit'or's note: you didn't specify which one you wanted - so you're getting Luscious Lime.]
* * * * *
What you can win: One of five insulin pump "sox"; a stretchy cotton cover that provides protection and a little character to your external pancreas!
Made possible by: ipSOX, Ltd. (http://www.ipsox.co.uk/), and I'll ship to five winners.
Why you want this: I mean.
 |
| (This is how it fits on a Snap insulin pump.) |
Why wouldn't you?
I really like the ipSOX origin story - you can find it here. If you don't feel like clicking over, that's cool - I'll just copy their description: Based in the U.K., "ipSOX Ltd sells and distributes funky covers for insulin pumps that are made of a cotton/Lycra mix so that [your] pump feels soft against skin. [They are] comfortable to wear and will protect the pump, and the pump covers are machine washable.
The pump covers come in a selection of vibrant colours and designs that can be matched to clothing and personal taste, and will stretch to fit any insulin pump."
The pump covers come in a selection of vibrant colours and designs that can be matched to clothing and personal taste, and will stretch to fit any insulin pump."
To enter today's contest: Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter today's contest. You can earn two entries by leaving a comment on this blog post telling me which design you'd want (from top left, clockwise: Raving Robin, Sweetheart, Luscious Lime, Pink Flowers, or Pouting Purple.
You may also earn one entry each for a Facebook Like or Twitter follow for ipSOX, which means you can have your name in the hat up to FOUR TIMES!
Rules: This contest ends tonight at midnight CST, and is open only to U.S. addresses. #GiveAllTheThings contests are intended for people with diabetes (or their caregivers) only. Since the Rafflecopter widget requires you to share an email address, I'll be emailing the winner (as well as announcing them through an update on this post) Tuesday morning - you'll need to respond to me by Thursday evening (let's say 7:00 pm CST) with your shipping address in order to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick a new winner.
Good luck!
Disclosure: ipSOX sent me five "sox" to give away, plus one to keep for myself.
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