Define Managing Therapy OR Monitoring a Health Condition

rockingbilly

teddysmum wrote: »

Type one diabetics who have problems with glucose levels and insulin calculations are given pumps, which do the work for them.

That is a rather sweeping statement to make. I have asked many times of the GP for one and every time have been refused on the grounds that I am too old. Pumps are in the main issued to children and young people.

Besides which the pumps are not automatic as such, they still require calibration etc.
Mind you it won't be too long before 'sensing' pumps will become available on the NHS. These do away with blood testing as the pump continually monitors the body and automatically injects just the right amount needed. This is the next best thing to a transplanted Pancreas.

I would love one as it would solve all of my problems but alas being over 65 precludes me as per our local Trust.

teddysmum

rockingbilly wrote: »

That is a rather sweeping statement to make. I have asked many times of the GP for one and every time have been refused on the grounds that I am too old. Pumps are in the main issued to children and young people.

Besides which the pumps are not automatic as such, they still require calibration etc.
Mind you it won't be too long before 'sensing' pumps will become available on the NHS. These do away with blood testing as the pump continually monitors the body and automatically injects just the right amount needed. This is the next best thing to a transplanted Pancreas.

I would love one as it would solve all of my problems but alas being over 65 precludes me as per our local Trust.

Not so. I went on a health course and the lady, now blind, who ran the course was in her forties and showed us how her pump worked. They are given to those deemed to be at risk , if not given one.

teddysmum

antrobus wrote: »

So, in addition to suffering from dementia, and taking morphine, you are also a diabetic?

It's a miracle you are still alive.:)

Especially as he is chauffeured on journeys too long for him to manage and is medicated throughout the day, by a wife who needs AA. (See latest threads).

teddysmum

rockingbilly wrote: »

I forget what medication I should be taking and when. I am go good at assessing my blood/sugar levels or injecting myself with the right type and amount of insulin.
She tests my blood at least 4 times a day, sets up the syringe with the right medication and injects me. If she has to intervene (generally at about 3am) to increase my blood sugar level she sets up the injection and injects me.

For fear of OD on Morphine, she has to control everything I am supposed to take throughout the day and night Medication is due 8am, 12noon. 4pm, 8pm and 3am a total of 29 tabs a day.
All in all up to about 90 mins per day - about 18mins a time which includes her writing up what I have had.

And this poor woman needs AA. (Ah, perhaps it's not AA for Attendance Allowance)

rockingbilly

teddysmum wrote: »

Especially as he is chauffeured on journeys too long for him to manage and is medicated throughout the day, by a wife who needs AA. (See latest threads).

Hence the reason why the car has to be an automatic one???
Perhaps the lady in question has conditions that affect only her joints??

rockingbilly

teddysmum wrote: »

Not so. I went on a health course and the lady, now blind, who ran the course was in her forties and showed us how her pump worked. They are given to those deemed to be at risk , if not given one.

well I suppose that there are winners and losers.
My GP will not prescribe one for the over 65's!!

As a matter what would you consider someone to be 'at risk'?

Average blood sugar levels (14/30 day periods) of over 25? (as per meter readings)
With hits just before bed of over 30?
And lows of 2.5 generally around 3am?

Maybe it is all my fault - too many pieces of fudge every evening?