[Gransonec]

Okay, a few hours ago, I got a call, from my medical clinic, wanting to set up a CT scan. It was terrifying because it was out of the blue. I hadn't heard from my primary physician and this is after I had a renal ultrasound, another blood test, and a visit to my primary on Friday. So, instantly terrified about what's going on, especially since the lady who did the ultrasound said she wouldn't be letting me leave, if she saw anything serious. Not, exactly, a confirmation that everything's fine. Anyway, after I got off the phone, scheduling the CT scan, I logged into the clinic's website, to look at my records. Yes, it is scary having access to test results, possibly weeks before the next doctor visit. Apparently, the kidney scan came up normal, though I couldn't interpret all the values myself. I think, it's less 'GREAT!' and more 'It could be worse'. Apparently, there is no stenosis of my renal arteries causing my high blood pressure. But, apparently, my latest blood test shows very high adrenal gland hormone levels. There was also a new health issue noted in my records. I had to look that condition up and saw that it causes primary hypertension. So, the CT scan is to check my adrenal glands for a growth or something on one or both of them, causing them to go into overdrive. Apparently, if it turns out that I have this condition, it may be possible that the escalating high blood pressure that I have had for over 20 years could be curable, with medication and/ or surgery. Too much to hope for? Is it weird to hope that the doctors finds something wrong? Gotta say, I could really use some 'good' news. My health is not the best and I now, finally, have health insurance. So, I can now have more than the very minimum healthcare of me going to a doctor, every 3 months, to get new blood pressure medicine prescriptions. Apparently, I now have an expanding healthcare team. Within the last 3 weeks, i've picked up a new primary doctor, had a bunch of blood and some urinary tests. Had x-rays and the ultrasound. Saw a diabetic educator. Started insulin therapy, yesterday. My blood sugars are already down into the normal range, from a fasting level of 260. Scheduled to see a nutritionist and optometrist, next week. I don't know what's next, after the CT scan. But, I guess, it's better to know and get treatment, than to live in fear of what's going on. I have found out that it's not as bad as I feared. I do have some kidney damage. But, it's not nearly as bad as I feared and the doctors think I will recover some of the lost function by controlling the diabetes and blood pressure. I guess, even better, if my high blood pressure is curable. Where I couldn't really afford much, before. Now, after insurance, it cost nothing to see my primary doctor and $25 to see the specialists. Free would be ideal (LOL). But, definitely affordable. What I found weird was buying the insulin, for the first time. I got sticker shock, when I had to pay $148, out of pocket, for a 33-day supply. Then, I remembered the $100 prescription deductible and saw that the original price was $284. I had hoped that a more reasonable co-pay level would kick in, with later refills. The diabetes educator was surprised, at the price, especially at Walmart. She also asked if I would rather use the pens, instead of vial and syringe. I really would have preferred the more convenient pen. So, she called Walmart, to check on the price difference, with insurance. Apparently, even after I paid that deductible, the vial refills were still going to be $148 out of pocket. But, the pens, which would be a 50-day supply, would only cost $60. So, an additional 17-day supply, for $88 less. I would have thought that the pens would have been the more expensive. I have been reading a lot of articles online about insulin prices and I just don't know how some people make it. Some people are paying hundreds of dollars per month and some can't even afford it. Much worst for Type-1 diabetics who depend on insulin to live. I guess, I am suddenly fortunate?

Oh, anyway, a couple of hours later, after the CT scheduler called, my primary doctor's office called to tell me about the test results and CT scan. Next time, I would rather get THAT call first, because it's not nearly as scary, with an explanation - LOL

[Goddessoflubbock]

I'm glad you are finally getting your health issues treated. You will start feeling so much better.

I'm a Type II diabetic with extreme insulin resistance. I take 2 kinds of insulin totaling 480 units per day. Retail, that's about $40k a year. Luckily I have a Medicare Advantage plan and Extra Help so my annual OOP is about $50.

You need to see an ophthalmologist not an optometrist. They can check your eye health, important for diabetics.

[Gransonec]

I looked up the doctor i'm supposed to be seeing and his info does say he is an Optometrist. I'm supposed to be having a dilated eye exam. I don't know, maybe i'll get sent to an Ophthalmologist, if the exam reveals something.

I'm taking 15 units of Novolog 70/30, twice a day. I really expected the syringes to be larger and painful. But, the ones I got are so small, and the needles so thin and short, that I can barely feel it. It's really not as bad as I thought it would be.

[SLance68]

Call your insurance carrier and ask them what type of insulin they cover at a generic rate. I have United Healthcare of Florida and they cover my Humulin 70/30 at $ 15.00 for a 30 day supply, they use to do Novolin and changed several years ago to Humulin (they are pretty interchangeable). I do purchase it through their mail order service and get 3 month supply for $ 45.00. Insulin syringes are very fine needles and have a coating on them so they really don't hurt. Also cheapest place to get syringes is Walmart and get their brand they are just as good as the BD without the higher price. Also ask your insurance carrier if they cover a certain brand of test strips as generic, mine cover One Touch at the generic rate.

[Goddessoflubbock]

Originally Posted by SLance68

Call your insurance carrier and ask them what type of insulin they cover at a generic rate. I have United Healthcare of Florida and they cover my Humulin 70/30 at $ 15.00 for a 30 day supply, they use to do Novolin and changed several years ago to Humulin (they are pretty interchangeable). I do purchase it through their mail order service and get 3 month supply for $ 45.00. Insulin syringes are very fine needles and have a coating on them so they really don't hurt. Also cheapest place to get syringes is Walmart and get their brand they are just as good as the BD without the higher price. Also ask your insurance carrier if they cover a certain brand of test strips as generic, mine cover One Touch at the generic rate.

Humilin is long acting, Novolog is faster to act and intermediate coverage. If her dr prescribed the Novolog she needs to stick with that.

[SLance68]

Originally Posted by Goddessoflubbock

Humilin is long acting, Novolog is faster to act and intermediate coverage. If her dr prescribed the Novolog she needs to stick with that.

HumuLIN and NovoLIN are the same thing they come in R and N and a mix of 70N/30R - the R is a the fast acting of those and the N is a longer acting - they are not basal types. HumaLOG and NovoLOG are other types of insulin and are used with insulins like Lantus. Been through all of them and I use Humulin 70/30 and Humulin R if it is above a certain level.

[Gransonec]

Apparently, I was practically 'dying' to see a new doctor. It's only been a month, since I started new treatment, and all my latest metabolic panel results are now, solidly, in the normal range. Kidney function, incredibly improved. My first test put my egfr at 59. My latest is at 85. Creatinine level is perfectly normal. "Monster Comeback!" say Mr Shoop, in the movie "Summer School" - LOL I'm taking even less insulin, now. It started at 15 units, twice per day. Now, im taking 10 units, twice per day. At the very least, that 50 day supply of insulin pens has now become a 75 day supply. So, an even bigger money saver than it was going from a vial to the pens. Even good news, on the unmanageable blood pressure. Apparently, it is being caused by a hormonal imbalance. I had been taking 5 meds, one of them twice per day, and they weren't helping much. The doctor dropped the twice per day med and added a drug to block the overproduced hormone and it already seems to be working. Hopefully, i'll be able to drop more of the blood pressure medications. So far, so good.

[lms28023]

Glad you're feeling and doing so much better!

[greeoo]

Thanks God, your problems are finally solved! Health is the most important in our life.

[bontamer]

Yes, health and a family is the most important thing in the world

[nowpoints]

I enjoy reading your path as you improve-I'm another Insulin-dependent Diabetic with extreme Insulin Resistance as well.

Can you make paragraphs in the future to break-up the wording? It was hard for me to read & I don't want to miss anything.

[yellowtones]

Hope you are now fully recovered.