I have been so incredibly naughty

[AJLang]

I'm meant to be on a self-imposed economy drive after my trip away combined with me owing far too much money to the bank than is good for me BUT. I have just splashed out on a major purchase...........a CGMS - the Dexcom one to be precise. I know that it is a good idea because my BGs are so erratic because of the gastroparesis but I'm feeling very guilty at buying something so expensive...........................

 

[novorapidboi26]

WOW, that must of been a big decision............

What are the costs likely to be to run such a device.........

 

[Northerner]

I think if it is something that will help you with your control then it is money spent very wisely AJ 🙂 I suppose that the biggest expense will be the day to day running costs. So many of the people in North America seem to have them that it must seem almost natural to expect to use one!

I hope that it really helps you out, but you might have to cut back on the champagne for a week. Or possibly two! 😉 🙂 You'll have to let us know how it goes!

 

[AJLang]

It was a massive decision but instinct has told me it was the right one (I hope). I must admit that I got a bit confused over the costs. To buy the transmitter etc it cost ?1075. The sensors were ?250 for four - I think that "officially" they last for seven days each (actually I think the official length of time was more than this but I can't remember exactly) but they can unofficially last as long as 14 days (and possibly a bit more) per sensor.

It was a big decision but I've now had diabetes for 40 years and the gastroparesis is making my BGs erratic I'm worried about the effect on my eyes (one of which already has maculopathy) so I thought that if I used the CGM it might extend my quality of life for much longer - and I really do want to reach 100 fully alive and kicking and having fun!!!!

 

[AJLang]

[QUOTEI you might have to cut back on the champagne for a week. Or possibly two! 😉 🙂[/QUOTE]

That is too big a sacrifice - I will need to cancel the CGM order now!!!!!!! After this purchase I really, really must be a good girl - OH has realised that my working part-time doesn't quite fit with my overspending patterns!!!🙄

 

[Caroline]

Your health is important, so something that will help you long term is money well spent.

 

[AJLang]

Thanks Caroline. On a serious note I've tried everything else that I can to get good control but since the gastroparesis my HBA1C has been between 7.8 to 8.1 and I really want it to be nearer to 7.5 which is what it has averaged in the past - if the CGM helps me to get it even lower that would be fantastic because the lowest I have ever had is 7.2. Also when running between classes it is virtually impossible for me to stop to test so it will be great being able to check my BGs when I'm between classes - at the moment I have to err on the side of caution and keep them about 10-12 when I'm teaching for three hours without a break otherwise I risk having a hypo whilst delivering a lecture - and that is something that I could never risk.

 

[novorapidboi26]

I think this will really help you out, more so in times where your gastroparesis is giving you bother..............

good luck and I look forward to hearing your thoughts...........

 

[trophywench]

You're worth it !!

How long does the transmitter last on the Dexcom?

 

[AJLang]

Good question, thank you, I hadn't thought about the transmitter life. I don't how long the transmitter lasts...guess I will need to find that out.

 

[Northerner]

Good question, thank you, I hadn't thought about the transmitter life. I don't how long the transmitter lasts...guess I will need to find that out.

The question of self-funding a CGMS was discussed a little while back:

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=14985

🙂

 

[AJLang]

I've found out that the transmitter lasts a minimum of 500 days. I must admit that I hadn't factored in having to buy a new one every 18 months as well as the price of sensors but they did say that some people have found that the transmitters have lasted longer.. At least after 18 months I will know if it has helped me enough.......and if it means that it helps me to keep my health in a good enough state so that I can work longer then it will pay for itself!! Also, on the link that you posted Alan it said that some people were finding that the senors were lasting a month plus which does make it much better value! I promise to keep everyone updated on my progress with the Dexcom. I can't wait for it to arrive, it should be here on Tuesday

 

[Flutterby]

I'm glad you have made the decision to buy one and I really hope it helps you. It's just sad that you've had to self fund, in your situation I can't help feeling that some help with cost should be available to you. But sadly life isn't like that - let us know how you get on with it.x

 

[AJLang]

Thanks Karen x. Can't believe that after tonight I won't be lying in bed during the middle of the night wondering what my BGs are doing. fingers crossed that the CGM will wake me up as soon as my BG goes above 10. Although I hadn't told him I was buying it my OH has been incredibly generous and postponed buying a car so that he can give me money each month for the sensors for the full amount. I feel guilty about this so will definitely try to cut back my own spending so that he doesn't have to give me so much because he is already very generous with me as I spend far more than my part-time salary 😱We can't downsize the house to pay for it because we already live in one of the cheapest houses in town. Can't sell my car either because I sold it earlier this year when I gave up driving because of my eyes.......so all I can do is be good and cut back on other expenditure (or at least try to......🙄)