A great Book & a new Transmitter

during my last business travels I had time to read "The Borne again Diabetic" by William Lee Dubois. I really enjoyed the book. This book covered more topics on diabetes, in only 200 pages, and in an easy to understand way, then any other book I have read on the topic. Every topic I could think of was covered in the book. It reminded me of a few things I had forgotten about. It gave me new information on Type 1 and especially Type 2. It was also enjoyable to read.

I have asked several member of my family, Type 3s, to read it. The book is aimed at diabetics, but anyone with or without diabetes will come away with a new understanding.

I learned something new about my Guardian CGM this week. It started with my weekly sensor replacement. When my sensor ended on Sunday afternoon and I stuck the transmitter in the transmitter charger, the green light blinked 4 or 5 times and then stay on. It didn't shut off. I woke up Monday morning and it was still on. I didn't think much about it, as I thought the book stated, when it was a solid green the transmitter was fully charged. Wrong.....

I inserted a sensor and went through my morning cleansing ritual. About fifteen minutes after insertion, I connected the transmitter to the sensor and started the new sensor routine. Ten minutes later I received the Lost Sensor alarm. I tried again, while eating my homemade egg muc-muffin with a thin slice of cheese and ham. The same alarm, Lost Sensor. So, I waited. I went to work and then tried two more times. Lost Sensor alarm on each try.

I sat it all aside and waited to go home and make a few phone calls. I also thought it would be a good idea to collect the information on my Guardian, just in case the help desk ask one of those detail questions.

I called the MedTronic help desk and I was told my charger was bad. They will send one to me overnight and I will have it in the morning.

The charger came, while I was at work, so I had to wait until I got home to try it out. I plug in the transmitter for charging. Four or five blinking green lights followed by a constant solid green. Same damn problem. I deduce, that the charger is not the problem, so I call the MedTronic help desk.

The real problem is the transmitter batteries will not take a charge. I was told that my transmitter was out of warranty, it is only a six month warranty. I started using my transmitter in October 2007. I would have to purchase a new transmitter, if I wanted to continue using the Guardian. I did get eighteen months out of this transmitter. I was told nine to twelve months was the usual lifespan of a transmitter battery. You know, battery technology and all, it is hard to predict exactly how long they last. I thought it was great, that the warranty was three months shorter then the minimum life expectancy of the transmitter. sounds like someone engineered in a little extra profit for replacement parts.

Did I want to continue using the Guardian and purchase a new transmitter? The Help desk agent asks?

Oh I don't know let me think about it. Fuck Yes! Is what I said on the inside. Simply "Yes" was my answer to the agent. You really don't want to piss-off someone that you expect to help you.

OK then, lets start the process was her response. We all know what that means. Questions and Answers. Insurance and coverage rules to sort through. I was lucky this time. The agent was doing most of the work for me. See it pays to be nice! They will get back to me and let me know how much I have to pay; Let me know if I need to contact my Dr.; and if there is any more information they need.

So now I wait. Two days have gone by. I am making the assumption that all is well. I will give it till Monday, before I start to bug folks on the status of where my new transmitter stands in the shipping process.

Travel picks up

I haven't take a business trip since early 2008. Over the past 4 weeks I have taken 3 business trips. This have give me several opportunities to see how the OmniPod does with the security screening.

The standard metal detectors do not set of the alarms. Over five times I have walked through the metal detectors. Zero alarms went off. I did go through one detector and I was asked to step into the scanner tube.

The scanner tube was a new process. I was asked to face to the right, with my feet on the green foot prints. Raise my arms and then stand still. A few clicks and buzzes, then I was asked to turn to the left with my feet on the red foot prints. I was asked to keep my arms down, and then there were a few more clicks and buzzes.

The TSA agent, said I was done and thanked me for cooperating. You're welcome I replied, thinking about what would happen if I didn't cooperate.

Not sure if they could tell I had the OmniPod on with this second procedure, but no questions were asked nor were any comments made. Usually, I get the question; eppi pen? When I carry my Humalog pen with me. My response is "Yes". No need to upset the TSA agent's mind set.

So, I am satisfied that the OmniPod will not raise questions or impede travel when going though the airport.