[Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Eileen Scrivani
etscrivani at verizon.net
Thu Sep 20 00:11:09 UTC 2018
Hi all,
I had called Medtronic a few weeks back since my Paradigm pump will be out of warrantee this coming January. I wanted to start looking at pumps now before the last minute rolled around. Well, the rep from Medtronic never called me back so I called 2 days ago to find out what was going on. I was told that he was probably waiting until the time got closer which of course did me not a bit of good. The 530 model, as talked about already, will be taken off the market on October 26 and it will not be available to any one including current Medtronic patients! I asked the rep what options will be made available to people who are currently using their pumps and who are blind. He said they were “looking into it” and “it was being given high priority”, but I did not believe him and think he was just putting a salesman’s line of talk out there. I’m so ticked at them. The fact that they’ve let it get to the point that they are removing all of their pumps that gave blind patients at least some level of usability with tactile buttons, and some audio feedback in the form of confirmation beeps is an indication that they don’t give a rats behind if we are able to use insulin pumps or not.
I know Veronica is happy with the Omni pod, but honestly I don’t think its the type of pump I want to use with having to use a phone app to read the devices display. I also don’t want to walk around with a large egg shaped lump sticking out off my skin – it concerns me. And, I was for the past 5 years very happy with my Medtronic pump.
So for now, I managed to get a replacement pump since my current pump is starting to crack around the rim where its reservoir goes. Still the replacement, so far as I know right now will not be covered after my warrantee period ends. I’m hoping I’ll be able to still get supplies for it and keep it running for as long as possible. The next battle will be finding out what Medicare will cover on my pump supplies if it is out of warrantee.
I’m so upset at the in availability of insulin pumps that we as blind people can operate. The entire situation sucks for all of us!
Eileen
From: Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 6:54 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Veronica Elsea
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
It's worth exploring everything and deciding what's best for you in the moment. This is why I complain so loudly when there is one meter for the blind, etc. We're all different. After all, when I tried out the OmniPod in 2017, I turned it down and went with the Animas. I admit that part of my 2018 decision was that I felt so burned by that, learning the new pump and then finding out that it was going away. Ultimately, I was so afraid of the loss of independence that I figured I'd go after a pump that gave me something new and different for all my trouble. And I must say, I'm not missing the tubing one little bit. I really like playing with this PDM, or remote. But there's a phase of learning curve and exhaustion for me with any new pump and who knows what I'd decide were I starting a new job.
But for me, I wasn't wild about the 530 because of losing the insulin on board feature. The other thing was that the trainers didn't seem to know it and I was concerned about what would happen if I had a question. Plus all I knew was that it was going away in June. And I personally just don't like Medtronic. So I have no regrets about my decision but frankly, none of these are for the faint of heart. <grin> So I'll be interested in the choices the rest of you make and how things go. After all, the bottom line is that we're looking to be as safe and comfortable as we can be in a very inaccessible world, just trying to maintain good control of diabetes. So congrats everyone for all your efforts. Now I get to go change my Dexcom sensor. Woo hoo! <grin>
Veronica
"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 3:26 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: jamielgurganus at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Bridget,
Yes, I did read your e-mail about the 530G, which I did like. It is small and has just the right amount of buttons to work for us. I am meeting with my educator on Monday to discuss pumps with her. I will consider the 530G, since it does seem easier to use than the Omnipod. I know that Veronica has conquered it, but I have to admit that I am a little hesitant to switch to it right now. I just started a new job on Aug. 27 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and I am busier than ever and have a lot to learn at it. Learning how to master the Omnipod on top of everything else might just push me over the edge! Is your educator positive that it is available to us though? I am going to contact my educator right now and tell her what you just told me. Thanks for checking!
Jamie
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 8:15 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Jamie,
Did my post about the Medtronic 530G not come through? According to Medtronic, if we order the 530G by October 26, 2018, we will still be under warranty for 4 years. So, for now, this is still an option for blind diabetics, at least for the next 4 years. This is my plan. But, obviously, we need to order it soon 😊
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 7:33 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: jamielgurganus at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Veronica,
I received my G6 yesterday, and my son helped me get it installed, inserted and up and running last night. The insertion device is easy to use, except I did have trouble getting the second half of the tape off. I was just pulling the tab the wrong way, since it is the opposite direction than the G5 sensors. Seeing AI read the code quite easily like you said it would before I opened the package. Alex, of course used the camera feature for both the sensor and transmitter codes.
I will be tackling the pump decision when I see my educator this Monday.
Now that my primary insurance is Blue Cross, I can get the Omnipod if that is what I need to get. I'll keep you posted.
Jamie
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 4:21 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Especially since once you're wearing a Dexcom, you can easily share those readings with your doctor and there's no need to bring in stuff from the meter. I have never ever used meter or pump software to look at my trends and such. I usually know what's happening. <grin> Veronica
"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of gary-melconian via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 9:06 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: gary-melconian
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Brigit just like you I care about how accessibl the meter is to use.the software I do agree I can do the same thing in excel creating a spreadsheet of my highs and lows.
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 7:49 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
I care just for the meter itself. If it's accessible and reliable. The software is just fluff, in my opinion, that I can take or leave.
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Andy Langbart via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 9:38 AM
To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Andy Langbart <langbarta at gmail.com>
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Updated Needed Info about Embrace
Bridgit, very important- when you install the Embrace software, you need a special USB cable which is not included with the Embrace supplies.
Also, the toll free support number is:
877-979-5454
Good luck, and feel free to keep in touch if you need any more information.
Regards,
Andy Langbart
516-593-2126
*call any day after 8:30 AM
On 9/17/2018 7:49 PM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk wrote:
> My diabetes clinic doesn't even use the Prodigy software, so, even if
> I wanted to download at the office, it's not an option.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> Jeanette Kutash via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Monday, September 17, 2018 4:52 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Jeanette Kutash <kutash-jm at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Knowledge about Embrace
>
> Andy, I agree with Bridgit. I want to know about how accessible this
> device is to set up and use.
>
> I do my logs in Excel as well.
>
> Jeanette
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Andy Langbart via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Monday, September 17, 2018 3:31 PM
> To: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
> Cc: Andy Langbart
> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Knowledge about Embrace
>
> Bridgit,
>
> I have not started using the Embrace reader yet, but I did do
> extensive research on it before I decided to stop using Prodigy. When
> I was looking into it, I did ask about whether or not it would be
> accessible for someone who is blind or low vision and was told that is
> would be fine. My Embrace software will be set up within the next two
> days and then I can tell you firsthand how it is.
>
> Regards,
>
> Andy
>
>
> On 9/17/2018 9:10 AM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk wrote:
>> Andy,
>>
>> Is Embrace completely accessible even for totally blind people? Can
>> you
> use
>> it without any assistance, including set-up?
>>
>> Bridgit
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
>> Andy Langbart via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2018 9:16 PM
>> To: Greg Wocher via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Andy Langbart <langbarta at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Diabetic with Experience using Prodigy
>>
>> Greg,
>>
>> I am a diabetic and I use Prodigy Voice for a quite a while. After
>> some time, I noticed that the blood sugar levels that I was receiving
>> was not importing into the software. I have had several problems with
>> Prodigy and have now switched to a company called Embrace. They also
>> have talking
> meters
>> and my diabetic supply company delivers their products. I did not set
>> up their software yet, but am planning on doing that in the next
>> couple
> days.
>> Without too many details, just understand that I've had several
>> different people helping me remotely at my computer work with the
>> Prodigy company getting everything set up the right way and finally
> switched companies.
> Keep
>> in touch and I should have an update as to what is going on in the
>> next
> few
>> days.
>>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Andy Langbart
> 516-593-2126
> *Call any day after 8:30AM.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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--
Regards,
Andy Langbart
516-593-2126
*Call any day after 8:30AM.
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