I see Dr. Ortiz, actually his nurse practicioner Holly, who I totally love. I'm Type II. I developed gestational diabetes while pregnant with my son and it never went away : ( I'm doing pump training today at 4:00, so we'll see how it goes. I'm happy to meet someone so close who has BTDT that I can gain some knowledge from. I'm a control freak and this is killing me!!!

Tamara

Lynne, so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for getting back to me. I will keep the endo's name. Doesn't surprise me that you mostly see his staff. I don't know what is up with specialists these day and especially with endos. It takes a referral and 4-5 mos. to get an appt. with the one in Lufkin I mentioned. I'm sure it's the same with Dr. Hood. I can get the referral but don't know if it's necessary right now or not. I'm getting ready to try for this pump again. I did the labs required by Medicare in 2007 and did not pass. I'm a T2 and was making a small bit too much of insulin. I didn't know the score then but have now found out Medicare will only approve a pump for me if I make no more insulin than a T1 diabetic. They don't consider any other health issues. I have several things that are causing me to not have any on-going control of my BG. The main issue is that I'm a 22yr. chronic pain patient and that causes terrible sleep deprevation. The stress from pain and no sleep plays havoc with my BG. Anyway, I can only be approved if I make no insulin or almost no insulin on my C-Peptide test or have the right numbers on a GAD. I am 61 but am now disabled and so that's why I have medicare. It's all I have so I am going to give it another try. I'm so glad you have a MM pump. When I asked for help with these labs, a man from Medtronics called me and that is how I finally figured out the deal with Medicare and the C-Peptide. This man told me how to give it the best shot on that test. He wants me to eat light the night before and then take a fast acting insulin before going in for the blood draw. He wants an 80 BG or lower. He said he's aware of how dangerous this might be for me to do but it's my best shot. Kind of like trying to put lipstick on a gnat. I'll be fine if they draw blood really fast but if they make me wait an hour, I'll probably have to skip it and try another day. Once I start dropping, I continue to drop so it really will be tricky. I tell you all of this in case you ever hear of aother person trying to qualify on this test. I intend to share what I've learned with as many diabetics as possible.
Thanks so much for the information and I have to ask if you miss London? I love Europe so very much. My oldest daughter lived in Belgium for 2-3 years so I made a couple of trips over. Didn't get to go to London but maybe one day I will. My favorite was Italy.
Karla

Hi Pumpnhappy,
I saw you in the TX Group and saw that you live in Beaumont. I live in Newton, a tiny town about 65 mi NE of you (near Jasper). I'm writing to see if you have an Endo in Beaumont and if so, are you happy there? Also, if you use one in Houston instead, would appreciate hearing about either. I lived in Houston nearly 30 yrs and have a daughter there so Houston is always a possibility. I'm lucky that we have a good family doc here. He treats me for all health issues but is trying to get me on a pump and we have talked about Endos. I know there is an office in Beaumont and also in Lufkin which is a possibility for me. However, you can hear so much stuff that is negative about doctors that I'd rather hear from someone who has personal experience if you'd share. Thanks, Karla Sherer

Hi Pumpnhappy. Thank you for your note. It's so nice to know there are people out there with the same difficulties as oneself.
I'm glad the surgery saved your sight. It's likely I will have to have some surgery one day.
Your daughter looks like a cutie!! And yes, we are truly blessed to have them!
Write anytime.
Prudie

hey there! just wanted to stop by and say hello!

Welcome to the TuDiabetes community!

Welcome Pumpnhappy. I also live in Texas. I have had D since 1978. Found this site a few months ago. It is nice to talk with others that live in our world.

Welcome to TuDiabetes, Pumpnhappy! I'm in Texas, too. Glad to have you in our community.

Pumnhappy, here is giving you a warm and friendly welcome to TuDiabetes.com. This is a very neat site/blog that we all use to help and support each other. I hope to see you and your participation often. Please feel free to join any of our Groups and Forums. If I can be of any assistance please feel free to ask. Again, welcome aboard!!