No, not that type of pump!
People who read this blog for a long time (you poor souls) may dimly recall that in September 2009 I wrote an article where I mentioned I would be getting a pump (it’s here, if you don’t remember it).
You may also dimly recall that I was a bit eggy about having to wait eighteen months (or 2.8% of my lifetime, I cleverly calculated at the time) to get the damned thing. I swore blue murder and mentioned that I would write to all concerned to remedy this crappy state of affairs.
Well, months passed, and I did indeed write to my MSP (health is a devolved matter and so is handled by the Scottish Parliament rather than Westminster) and the chief big cheese of my health board. I’m pleased to report that I achieved absolutely nothing and, in fact, I hear ugly rumours that since writing my original article the waiting list for pump therapy in the Lothians has now increased from 18 months to three years. Very not so good.
Anyway, time has now elapsed and I’ve been given an approximate start date for my lovely new pump – sometime in November. So that’s something to look forward to, an early Christmas present of sorts.
I’ve also been given a choice of pump. The decision of which pump to go for was, in the end, a pretty easy one as I was given a choice of *drum roll please* one. The Medtronic Veo or the Medtronic Veo. Fortunately I hear it’s not actually a bad pump and I suppose it does cut down on training costs – apparently the reason for the long waiting list. The probable fact that apparent difficulties relating to training is an excuse for rationing and limiting the supply of expensive pumps is, of course, neither here nor there.
As we all know, pumps aren’t a magic wand for good diabetes care. I’m not expecting it to magic my diabetical problems away in an instant (and anyone that does is somewhat deranged). However, I do think pumps are a more subtle and versatile tool for trying to manually replicate what your pancreas does automatically (well, it would if it worked!) which is, after all, what we diabetics are trying to do day in day out.
So there we have it – the end of the pump saga is gradually hoving into sight. No doubt I’ll keep you all updated with further developments as and when they eventually happen.
How exciting roll on November. Its dreadful that you’ve had to wait so long. I find my pump the Accu chek Spirit is great. Having a device that gives you a constant level of insulin as the body needs makes so much more sense. Good luck and keep us posted on how you get on.
Yay! congrats for all your efforts, nagging, slander and under hand tactics… 🙂
Seriously hope it goes well.. I know that Andrew over @ My Pump is on the Veo so might be worth getting in touch! Or even call Caroline at Medtronic for some 1 on 1 training??
@mikeinspain – all of the above had no effect whatsoever…
@Tim Ah, but tell me you didn’t enjoy doing the above???? 🙂
@mikeinspain – he he he; no.
Congratulations! I’m getting a Medtronic Veo too, on the 23rd – I can’t wait! The wait in my area isn’t as bad as yours – in March I was told I could get one next spring, but after several trips to A and E and a lot of moaning, they finally gave in and said August. 😀 It’s so exciting, my pump arrived last month and I’ve been staring at it in awe at least once a day ever since.
1) Congratulations now ’cause I’ll forget by Novemeber.
2) You can practice by pumping down beer at the pub. Sure it will not help a bit but it will be fun.
Can you just pay for the pump and supplies yourself, so you don’t have to wait years?
[I realize the cost may be prohibitive for many, if not most.]
-Steve
(from the U.S.)
The NHS is a jealous god – self-fund any part and it’ll deny your very existence. Then you’ll have to self-fund your consultations too.
@mikeinspain. – of course he enjoyed slander and underhand tactics, he’s a lawyer!
@Tim – congratulations and welcome to the 21st century! Hopefully you’ll be fully road tested by December’s anticipated Switzerland excursion!
@Lesley Another excursion!!! When? Where? Actually “WE” all cost poor Yoan so much money over the 2 days that the finance dept. won’t invite us back!!! hehehe
@Mike They mentioned a re-group in December! And the football thing in August, but I haven’t heard anything more about that. Over to FB…
@steveparkermd Yes you could and as you rightly suggest would be an expensive option. From speaking with people who are trying to get on the pump program most would contribute to the overall cost of a pump and/or cgms.
@bennet Nº 2 Sounds like a great plan!! 🙂
@steveparkermd – you probably could entirely self-fund; but I don’t know anyone who’s done it. The NHS, however, tends to be fairly iffy about self-funding and probably wouldn’t be very helpful.
The waiting period also varies around the country – the NHS can be maddeningly inconsistent – so you might have wait of only a few weeks in London but 3 years in Glasgow. Equally, other treatments might take a few weeks to arrive in Glasgow but years in London – depends on the health board’s spending priorities.
@bennet – 1) thanks old chap :-); 2)beer in a pump, now there’s an idea!
@Tim Excellent news Tim…. not too long to wait either. Anyone with lots of money can go to London Medical to get a pump as long as they have enough to go private for ongoing care too if the NHS refuse to see you – which we were told would happen in Glasgow when we first asked for a pump. They have changed that policy now, but it’s still a case of if you start off self funding you’ll have to continue self funding.
I can honestly say the pump has made a massive difference to Marc, I hope you find it great too : )