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    • 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
      Greg Felton likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      Before the onslaught of Type 2 Diabetes, I, as a T1D, could get an appointment almost anytime I needed one. Now, I cannot get an appointment within 3 months, which is the time within I must see rhe doctor for Medicare benefits. My doctor cancelled 2 (half ) of my sppointments last year. Caused ma a lot of problems. I live in Florida, a place where modern medicine does not seem to have reached yet.
    • 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
      Greg Felton likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      I routinely see my Endo every three months. At the end of my appointment I schedule the next quarterly meeting date. But if I ever have to reschedule it, then it takes anywhere from two to four weeks to find a time that works for us.
    • 4 hours, 59 minutes ago
      Mike S likes your comment at
      If you were to request the next available appointment with your T1D healthcare provider, when do you estimate the next available appointment would be?
      It all depends on the urgency of my needs. I’ve gotten in the next day before, but those days may be gone! It also depends on who I see. But these days, even the PA is often booked. Of course, cancellations happen, so that can be a factor as well.
    • 5 hours, 15 minutes ago
      Jeff Marvel likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      The beginning of the year is always a bit iffy when you're on Medicare. Even though I've already paid my annual deductible, my pharmacy can't see that, so I must wait until it shows up on my Medicare account before I order new insulin. I always try to have plenty of insulin on hand at the end of December so it's not an issue. The organization I get my pump equipment from has a lot they must do because of Medicare, as well, and that can get time consuming. All-in-all, I'm lucky to have the time, energy and patience to deal with it, and I know up front these time-consuming moments are to be expected. If I wasn't retired, it'd be more of an issue.
    • 16 hours, 25 minutes ago
      Gerald Oefelein likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I selected 6 hours. So far, I have spent 6 weeks trying to get a new pump. I decided to look for a new pump in mid-December as my 770G warranty expired on January 3. I wanted to go hoseless with the Omnipod and the Dexcom 6. I contacted Dexcom and they sent me to the medical distribution company ASPN, and they could do the Omnipod but only with pharmacy part D with the Dexcom 6 sensor on DME My part D pharmacy plan had Omnipod as tier 6. $155.56 co pay and $150/month. The omnypod is not available as DME. I called INSULET the mfgr of omnipod. They told me they only supply via pharmacy plan to get more T2d's to sign up. Verses 100% DME coverage, part D coverage that was a non-starter. I contacted another supply company CCSmed. They could do both Dexcom 6 and tslim x2. Ineeded a Endo visit to get the notes and Rx. I had my Endo visit on Jan 20. Still waiting for CVSmed. Been waiting for 5 weeks now. Just called CCSmed and they got the endo notes and Rx but Medicare wanted to know who paid for my 770G 4 years ago. Fortunately, that was private/company. My new pump should now ship tomorrow. Finally.
    • 20 hours, 13 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Most of the 3-4 hours is way ting on a phone
    • 20 hours, 16 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
    • 20 hours, 58 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
      The resources I use in managing my glucose levels once sick is my own personal experience after living with t1d for 46 years
    • 20 hours, 58 minutes ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Switching to Medicare has created (seemingly) endless hours and day making this transition with all things diabetes related. We’re still in the midst of making this ā€˜delightful’ change. This week we learned that Medicare covers Either CGM stuff OR glucose test strips. Thank goodness that God is sovereign over all these details. He helps me walk through these challenges without despair.
    • 21 hours, 1 minute ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      The last 3 months have been filled with frustrating phone calls now that I switched back to traditional Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan. I have been fighting to get strips authorized in addition to CGM- they did not authorize them because I had no proof that I had a meter!! Crazy making! I had to write an appeal letter in order to get them, but finally got it worked out. I also had some pump replacement issues, trouble getting insulin, etc.
    • 21 hours, 6 minutes ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
    • 21 hours, 6 minutes ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Much too much time! Part of it, I know, is my own fault, for not keeping anxiety at bay when I have to sort out which plan will work best, annually. But it is something I dread, every single year. When I call to get some help understanding, the people are almost always very nice, but I have had times when the information was incorrect or not explained clearly. I usually commiserate with the person on the phone for having such an annoying system, and agreement seems to rule the day. But I never chose to make sorting out insurance management a career!
    • 21 hours, 8 minutes ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I selected 6 hours. So far, I have spent 6 weeks trying to get a new pump. I decided to look for a new pump in mid-December as my 770G warranty expired on January 3. I wanted to go hoseless with the Omnipod and the Dexcom 6. I contacted Dexcom and they sent me to the medical distribution company ASPN, and they could do the Omnipod but only with pharmacy part D with the Dexcom 6 sensor on DME My part D pharmacy plan had Omnipod as tier 6. $155.56 co pay and $150/month. The omnypod is not available as DME. I called INSULET the mfgr of omnipod. They told me they only supply via pharmacy plan to get more T2d's to sign up. Verses 100% DME coverage, part D coverage that was a non-starter. I contacted another supply company CCSmed. They could do both Dexcom 6 and tslim x2. Ineeded a Endo visit to get the notes and Rx. I had my Endo visit on Jan 20. Still waiting for CVSmed. Been waiting for 5 weeks now. Just called CCSmed and they got the endo notes and Rx but Medicare wanted to know who paid for my 770G 4 years ago. Fortunately, that was private/company. My new pump should now ship tomorrow. Finally.
    • 21 hours, 8 minutes ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      The beginning of the year is always a bit iffy when you're on Medicare. Even though I've already paid my annual deductible, my pharmacy can't see that, so I must wait until it shows up on my Medicare account before I order new insulin. I always try to have plenty of insulin on hand at the end of December so it's not an issue. The organization I get my pump equipment from has a lot they must do because of Medicare, as well, and that can get time consuming. All-in-all, I'm lucky to have the time, energy and patience to deal with it, and I know up front these time-consuming moments are to be expected. If I wasn't retired, it'd be more of an issue.
    • 21 hours, 9 minutes ago
      August Rossano likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I said 8+ and the reason, as for so many others, can be summed up in a phrase: transitioning to Medicare.
    • 21 hours, 44 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      I’m a reasonably satisfied MDI user with Lantus and Fiasp. I’ve looked into getting a pump but honestly, until I find one that does everything I want, I’ll probably hold off. My wish list for a pump: 1) no tubes 2) works well with Fiasp 3) controls that allow me to stay at my target of 70-90 mg/dl all night long.
    • 21 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      MDI for the past 60 years and do not see any alternative that I would prefer. The needles for my pens are so thin and sharp that they are painless (a far cry from the lancets I once used). chiefly, I am glad not to have to deal with setting up a pump and. Although I love my libre, I am not good candidate for having devices affixed to me. If my insulin delivery got interrupted they way i have interrupted my cgm service, I would have been in trouble. Furthermore, I have a track record of having both mechanicall and electronic things malfunction. (Seriously, I sometimes act as a beta-tester for technology folks. Maybe I push to many buttons?)
    • 22 hours, 8 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      I've had Tandem x2 and Dexcom since September. Previously on Medtronic for around 15 years. Grew to HATE the sensors and switched before the warranty on my last Medtronic was up. So far, I absolutely LOVE the Tandem and the Dexcom. I'm disappointed, however, in the amount of waste and plastic that this pair creates. Of course there will always be plastic waste from any pumps/sensors, but the amount of non-reusable stuff for insertions is ghastly.
    • 22 hours, 8 minutes ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
      Have your doctor prescribe the syringes with .5 unit increments instead of the 1 unit syringes. Not quite a .1 unit which you are hoping for, but .5 is better than 1 unit increments.
    • 23 hours, 24 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      In your own words, how would you describe the feeling of a severe low?
      Nothing short of terrifying. I often go into seizures, having no idea where I am, who anybody, or even if I’m alive or dead. I’ll feel like I’m falling or hurtling toward something. At home I feel like my house is tilting. Im leaving a lot out but these are some of the scariest things.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Modee likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      Most of Europe has the right idea! Is it a good health system for you overall? The US may be too large to implement a national system, but that doesn't hold states back (as long as there is federal money to help).
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Modee likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I answered "No time," but I live in France, where we have a single provider. I receive a prescription from my doctor and go to the pharmacy monthly to have it filled. (Pump peripherals are provided by a separate supplier.) "Appeals" do not exist here since the doctor will only prescribe medicines that are reimbursed. And no, I have never needed a treatment that wasn't covered.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Modee likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      I said 8+ and the reason, as for so many others, can be summed up in a phrase: transitioning to Medicare.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Modee likes your comment at
      Over the past 3 months, how much time would you estimate you have spent working through T1D prescription-related issues with pharmacies, insurance companies, durable medical equipment distributors, T1D device companies, health care providers, etc.?
      PUMP USERS: Just in case nobody has told you, if you use a pump, Insulin is considered durable medical equipment, which can save a lot of money, even with the new price cap
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    If you have had surgery while wearing a T1D device, were you allowed to keep your devices on during the procedure?

    Home > LC Polls > If you have had surgery while wearing a T1D device, were you allowed to keep your devices on during the procedure?
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    32 Comments

    1. Sahran Holiday

      Hospitalized did all my own insulin doses. They had to use their meters so I always shared my readings and they noted it on my chart.

      Consultation with anesthesiologists always good. We agreed on basal adjustments. Sometimes they don’t want to monitor patient’s blood glucose for some unknown reason and they will pressure you into allowing it to be too high. Don’t let them. Must advocate.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. connie ker

      I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy and want to keep my Freestyle Libre on my arm, but I would guess they will be testing blood. Haven’t asked that question yet. The word DREAD has taken on new meaning for me.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. LizB

      I haven’t had any actual surgery but I did have a colonoscopy 3 years ago and was allowed to keep my pump on. I had a temp basal set and everything went perfectly.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Daniel Bestvater

      Yes I was allowed to wear my pump and cgm during a 4 hour shoulder surgery. The only thing is that they insisted my bg be above 10 (180) before the surgery started. I came to the hospital with a bg of 7 (126) and they promptly gave me iv glucose!!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. William Bennett

      I think this is much less of a problem these days as more T1s have these devices and medical become more familiar with them, especially for day surgeries or procedures like colonoscopy exams. More of an issue for surgery that requires several days of in-patient recovery, in which case it’s a good idea to clear it ahead of time, especially if there’s a staff endocrinology specialist you can put in touch with your own endo (I did that with the last major surgery I had). The biggest problem I’ve had was way back when I was still on MDI and had to spend 3-4 days in the hospital after abdominal surgery. The hospital rules required all medication be administered by staff, and they insisted they were going to treat me with some horrible old-school R/N protocol. I’d recently been switched to the Lantus/Novolog basal/bolus regimen, which was like being released from prison after 20 yrs on R/N, which I loathed, so I had to really dig in my heels. That was about 20 yrs ago though. I think most places no longer do that, but I do see reports of it cropping up. Again, best practice: if it’s a planned surgery, work this stuff out ahead of time!

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Bill Williams

      I had outpatient surgery two days ago. They never asked about my Libre. Since I was only there for about 6 hours, I let them screw up my BG level, then fixed it when I got home.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Kristine Warmecke

      I’ve had a couple surgeries. For my brain surgeries, due to the length of time they were and unknown outcome – I wasn’t allowed to keep my pump of sensor on, but did have good communication with the whole team on the second one. I was on an insulin drip and was changed back over to my pump very smoothly. For my other surgeries the anesthesiologists really helped me advocate to keep my Dexcom and tSlim on. Which is so helpful with the types of surgeries I was having to had done.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Beckett Nelson

      I put yes, but had to advocate for myself—but it was a mix. I’ve had surgery where they allow me to have some control by wearing pump (at 80%) and CGM, and others where they refused to let me wear any of it, including them ripping off my CGM

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Kennard Eltinge

      I’ve two surgeries in the past year. first one I was told that the anesthesiologist required the pump off but left the CGM on. On the second he told me that I could leave both on but turn the pump off. In both the nurses were required to do finger pricks every one-half hour. Both surgeries went smoothly with little BG drama.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Sherolyn Newell

      I had one surgery and I asked my endo about my pump. She said to leave it on, I don’t remember if she said to turn off the basal. I think I left it on. None of the doctors or nurses at the hospital mentioned it at all until after. Then the nurse came in and made me give them all my settings for the chart. It wasn’t a long surgery, but I wasn’t awake enough to check anything until the evening. I guess they were monitoring my BG during surgery. Now I think about it, seems like I should have asked more questions.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. HMW

      I had knee surgery fall 2019 and the anesthesiologist told me she really loved that my 670G system kept my glucose so level. She did 2 BG tests and found the SG accurate too.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Jneticdiabetic

      I work at a hospital. The challenge is while pump and sensor use has become more common among T1Ds it’s still seen infrequently in the general hospital setting, so hard to have staff trained and competent to use such devices. The risk is a patient going low and the staff not knowing that insulin may be still be delivering via the pump or know how to suspend. I believe accidental deaths of this sort were reported elsewhere which prompted a lot of hospitals to change their policies. My site’s current policy is endocrinologist evaluates patient at admission and reviews settings and verifies patient is well enough to operate the pump themselves. All insulin boluses must be based on fingerstick using hospital’s meter. Pump must be removed before patient is sedated and unable to operate it themselves (e.g. surgery). CGMs do not need to be removed. Endocrinologist adjusts blood sugar management orders throughout and clears patient to resume pump once recovered from sedation.
      I have not required surgery while on pump. As others mention, my mom, also a T1D pumper, has been allowed to wear her pump for minor procedures like colonoscopies and a pace maker placement.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Jose Almodovar

      I have had several surgeries over the last 16 years as a T1D. It’s all in the presentation. If you talk to the OR nurse and Anesthesiologist and take the time to explain the benefits and how to access current readings. This will go better.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Stephen Woodward

      I’ve had several procedures with cgm and pump. The key for me has been talking with the surgeon and anesthesiologists before the day of surgery. The biggest challenge is in ore-op when the pre-op nurses don’t know about T1D management. Once I downed some smarties to prep fo anesthesia and the anesthesia nurse tried to cancel surgery. It took the surgeon 20 min to get them to let me in.

      I’ve always had a copy of the national anesthesiologist procedures for T1D mgmt on hand going in (on phone) and done local anesthesia for procedures. The recovery with local is much quicker, safer, under control, and being in range post.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Patricia Dalrymple

      Have had 2 surgeries with TID. Hysterectomy in 2009 was before pump. Did not go well. I passed out coming back from the bathroom and some new interns told me I was probably bleeding internally (wrong-I pass out easily all my life). I said, just get me something to eat. They brought me a bagel and orange juice. I said I needed to take insulin with so many carbs. I said I will use my own insulin pen. They said no and brought a syringe with 12 units of insulin in it. I said they will kill me. They said I had to take it all over the course of the day but didn’t insist that I be killed at that moment (fortunately). I got dressed and told the doctor I was leaving. Skip forward to 2019 with a colonoscopy and no issues. I agree more serious surgery could be an issue. You need an advocate and it needs to be someone who understands your routine. With COVID, I was so afraid of getting sick, not being conscious and no one being allowed in to help me. I agree with the nurse below who said keeping staff trained properly is hard. It is hard for any business these days.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Nevin Bowman

      I’ve had a couple of surgeries, the longest being 1.5hrs. Every time I was allowed to use my pump normally, but was told it would be unhooked if there was a problem.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Amanda Barras

      Yes, but I was sedated but conscious during all 3. 2 were carpel tunnel surgery, 1 was a c-section. Doctors had no problem letting me leave it on. Showed nurse how to view and clear alarms before we got started.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Janis Senungetuk

      In 2019, with cataract surgery, I had already discussed continuing pump and CGM placement with the surgeon. She had no issues with either, but when I arrived for pre-op I had to again get clearance from the Surgery Center and was required to sign additional release/consent forms.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Donna Condi

      When I met with the surgeon and anistiologist they both told me I would be able to wear both the pump and Dexcom but just before going in they had decided that because there would be a lot of cauterizing they didn’t want my equipment to get damaged so I was asked to remove them.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Mark Schweim

      In 2017 I had a flawed Colonoscopy that resulted in a herniated disk in my lower spine that required surgery to correct the resulting Sciatica in my left leg.
      Colonoscopy was done at one place and they said procedure wouldn’t take long so I should leave everything attached with a reduced Basal during the procedure itself.
      A month later, for the back surgery, the Hospital INSISTED I remove the pump and CGM before the surgery, but during the pre-surgery consult the week before, as soon as the surgeon and anesthesiologist found out I use Insulin Pump and CGM, they both told me to leave everything attached and running and the entire surgical staff would have a meeting with me prior to surgery so I could tell the surgical staff how to do any Bolus doses or suspend Insulin on the pump and how to monitor the CGM readings, for which they also insisted I take my cellphone into the Operating Room where they said not even surgical staff are permitted to have such devices because that way, instead of one of them having to hold any device of mine or press any buttons, they could simply listen for my cellphone to verbally announce my CGM reading and trending direction every 5 minutes or so during the procedure.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Donald Cragun

      I had surgery for a kidney stone years ago. I didn’t have any fight keeping my pump on me, but the surgeon put it on top of the surgical theater lights to get it out of the way. That burned out the display and severely weakened the insulin that was still in the pump.

      When I had cataract surgery in January this year, the doctor wanted me to remove my pump (I refused) or lower my dosage to 50% (I refused). I went in to surgery with a blood sugar of 105 and came out of surgery with a blood sugar of 105. When he did my other eye in February he didn’t suggest that I change anything from my normal routine.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Molly Jones

      For all the surgeries I have had in the past four years, the T1D devices have been allowed, but previous to this the surgeries were more major and were not allowed; placement of grids for intrancranial monitoring and placement of responsive neurostimulator.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Patricia Kilwein

      Have had several surgeries. Each had their own requirements. On one surgery it was basil only and nurses would do the rest, what a big fight that turned out to be. Finally I was able to convince the nurse that I’d write everything down for them if I could just do everything myself. Another surgery the anesthesiologist knew all about the system I was on and that made a huge difference!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Sue Martin

      It depended on the type of surgery. I had a couple of outpateint procedures where I was able to keep it on.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Sasha Wooldridge

      I had a couple of lumps removed and they all thought they knew what to do about my BG and insulin. They screwed it all up and then I had to show them my pump/CGM. You would have thought Christmas came early. They didn’t even know what it was before then and allowed me to keep it on because it would be so helpful! šŸ™„

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. ConnieT1D62

      Yes. I advocate for myself by having a discussion with the provider performing the procedure, and educating any adjunct staff on how to read the CGM. If the procedure needs sedation, I get the anesthesiologist onboard and insist I wear my devices. Most of my recent surgeries have been minor routine procedures with local anesthesia.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. M C

      In both cases it was day eye surgery – no major anesthetics (groggy, but awake). Not sure a hospital would be as amenable with any major surgery.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Bonnie Lundblom

      Yes, I was allowed to keep my Tslim pump and my Dexcom on for the 4 surgeries I’ve had over the last few years. It required some talking and teaching with medical staff, MD’s were receptive and knowing I have had excellent A1c’s was a help in convincing them to allow me to keep on both devices.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Beverly Hilliard

      I am scheduled to have a lumbar fusion done on July 13, 2021. I am thankful for this question. I have some time to research so that I can wear my pump and sensor during this surgery.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. T1D5/1971

      For the most recent surgery, the correct answer is both. The CGM remained in place but the pump needed to be moved to a safe distance because of RF fields. I was allowed to refuse general aesthesia and go with a nerve block instead. That allowed me to stay in charge throughout. Not for the faint of heart, however, but I found watching the whole procedure on the video screen fascinating. Clearly, this isn’t a simple yes or no question.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Brandon Denson

      I just recently had a biopsy and I had no issues with wearing my insulin pump or CGM. It actually allowed me to open up conversations on how these two devices work daily to manage my type 1 diabetes.

      I’ve had other procedures and it’s never been a problem to wear my devices as well.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Marie Seymour-Green

      Better than it used to be. It is usually the anesthesiologist who has concerns. Once had to “advocate” for myself when in pre-op before a mastectomy. (Yeah – great time for this; really in the mood!) The anesthesiologist insisted that my OmniPod HAD to be removed and could then be stuck back on after surgery. Eventually he called my Endo, who is the director of the hospital system’s Diabetes/Metabolic Diseases Center and of the Research Center. Guess his concerns were quickly alleviated because there were no more problems after the phone call. Smh.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    If you have had surgery while wearing a T1D device, were you allowed to keep your devices on during the procedure? Cancel reply

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