Sometimes you just have to ask
Some of you may remember that I have type 2 diabetes. For those who didn't know, well, now you do.
Anyway, I recently ran out of insurance therefore becoming unable to afford my medication. I have watched my blood sugar numbers rocket up to close to 500 all the time. For those who don't know, 500 is not good. It should be 130 max according to my doctor.
So I have been feeling horrible. Both physically and mentally because of feeling sick all the time.
So, instead of moping around wondering what to do, I asked my doctor what I can do.
She was sympathetic about my plight. I am sure she hears this type of hard-luck story all the time. Since I live in one of the poorest counties in the state, I know the burden of being stuck in the middle of making too much money to qualify for help, but not make enough to pay the bills.
My normal insulin costs about $125 or so through my pharmacy. That is too costly for me. However, my doctor found an alternative insulin that I could get through one of those Big Box Stores and it was only $43.
After I took the first dose last night, my blood sugar was 215 when I got up this morning! Normally, it is 450 or higher. I felt good almost all day long. That is a first in a long time. (Thank goodness the needles are not as long as the one's pictured!)The Moral of the Story
I guess the conclusion of this story and the moral of it, too, is don't be afraid to ask questions. You may get an answer that can help you.
In my case, I was very happy to have asked for help. Why didn't I ask sooner? Because without insurance an office visit is over $300.
I am a single grandma trying to raise her granddaughter and that can be very difficult. And, that is why I am spending my extra time working on my websites and working an extra job, too, while spending as much time as I can with my granddaughter. We are still working on her vlog and redesigning that, too.
Even here on WA, it can be vitally important to ask questions. So don't be afraid to ask. You might just get the help you need to succeed!
Karin, the Asker
Recent Comments
34
I do remember about your Diabetes Karin, but find it sickening that the Government can't help those who ACTUALLY need it more....
Happy to hear you have found a workaround though and those levels are much better, although I hope they continue to decrease....
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking!!
What's the worst that can happen??
Take care my friend and enjoy the rest of your week!!
🤗🤗
Thanks for your thoughtful words. I do appreciate them. I am working on other healthful things like diet changes more fruits and veggies and less pizza.
My granddaughter is going to start walking with me again, too.
Karin
You're most welcome Karin and that sounds like a solid plan!
I could do with making a few better health choices!
Have a great start to the weekend my friend!
When part of my right foot was amputated in 2015, that was when I was diagnosed as a type 2 Diabetic. In 2017, I quit taking insulin or anything else, and a few years after that weighing in over 100 pounds lighter, it has since been determined that I don't have Type 2 any longer, and my sugars were excellent according to the VA!
Hang in there, Karin!
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff, for your inspiring words. Sometimes we can feel trapped by a diagnosis. I know I have felt that way.
Thank you again.
Karin
I did too, Karin! It took losing the majority of my right foot to spur me to action!
It was painstaking, but I got it done!
I can't believe insulin was that expensive! I had three new bottles of it a few years ago before I finally threw them away. Mine were only $15/ ea.
Jeff
We are discussing amputation of one of my dad's legs tomorrow. His is not diabetes related that we know of. He just won't heal from a surgery a couple of months ago.
It scares me for him, but also reminds me about amputations for diabetics...
I know I can get better, but my doctor tells me I should just get used to taking medication for the rest of my life.
I still believe it can be reversed...even for me!
Karin
I believe that it can be reversed for you too, Karin!
I thought ;osing well over half of my right foot was the end of the world, but I learned that it was not the case!
I will keep your father in my prayers! We can all adapt, and overcome!
Jeff 🙏🙏🙏
Sorry to hear your problems, I tend to hate big pharma with a passion. Here ar some alternatives that may help.
Retail Prices of Mixed Insulins
Average price per insulin unit Average price per dispenser or package
Insulin lispro/insulin lispro protamine
Humalog 50/50 KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.46 $689.86 per carton of 5 pens
Humalog 75/25 KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.47 $704.41 per carton of 5 pens
Humalog 75/25 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.36 $364.41 per vial
Insulin lispro 75/25 KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.18 $276.18 per carton of 5 pens
Insulin isophane/insulin human
Humulin 70/30 KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.40 $121.40 per pen
Humulin 70/30 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.19 $190.02 per vial
Humulin 70/30 vial (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.18 $55.38 per vial
Novolin 70/30 FlexPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.22 $334.04 per carton of 5 pens
Novolin 70/30 ReliOn FlexPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.03 $42.96 per carton of 5 pens
Novolin 70/30 ReliOn vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.02 $24.88 per vial
Novolin 70/30 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.17 $168.06 per vial
Insulin aspart/insulin aspart protamine
Insulin aspart 70/30 FlexPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.23 $345.53 per carton of 5 pens
Insulin aspart 70/30 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.18 $182.26 per vial
Novolog 70/30 FlexPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.47 $707.88 per carton of 5 pens
Novolog 70/30 ReliOn FlexPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.06 $85.90 per carton of 5 pens
Novolog 70/30 ReliOn vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.07 $72.91 per vial
Novolog 70/30 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) $0.37 $370.85 per vial
Steve
Thanks for the information. They actually put me on the Novocain 70/30 Flexpen. It was a bit more than vials, but I am better with the prepared pens and I already had a ton of unused needles so it made sense to go with that one.
I am checking into other options too. Thank you for looking all this up. I appreciate that!
Karin
Thank God you have found the insulin. If you call customer service of the company that produces your type of insulin I think they will help you. My husband is a diabetic. 500 reading is extremely dangerous
Yes. I am very thankful. My doctor is working with me to hopefully get all of my diabetic supplies at a very reduced cost. I am grateful for that too.
Karin
The health care system in the United States has bankrupt many. When they worry more about money than actual healthcare it hurts us all. I'm glad your doctor was able to help.
If you ask, and get a "no", as long as you're not any worse off for asking, then it's always worth asking. I've been pleasantly surprised more than once by following this rule.
I'm glad you're feeling better. 😊
Thanks. I am glad I feel better, too. Two days in a row now that I have felt pretty good. I am so thankful for that. Earlier in the week, I hurt so bad that I was sure I would not wake up in the morning. It really showed me that—at least for now—I need that stuff until my body can make it again for me.
We could really have a lot to say about healthcare in the United States. But I do have to go to bed tonight... LOL
Karin
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Think easy, stay easy, sleep well, share your stories with others, it helps much to keep the body systems down at pressure and analyze to new diet styles for stabilization of sugar in blood, reduces effects of diabetes for longer period of time. Provides medicine from doctors to do its work in body. just an advice or support,
sharing by my experience, the best strategy to take.
Clotilda
Thank you for the words of advice. I appreciate them.
Karin
appreciate,
Clo
welcome,
bests to you in WA,
Clo