Chronic Health Conditions Discussion and Support

I use the Medtronic insulin pump, using Humalog insulin and generally take pretty good care of myself. Insurance cost is $30 monthly, without insurance it would be $150. My pump supplies cost about $50 monthly and my other prescriptions run about another $60. After 30 years it's starting to take a toll on my body. Started having nueropathy in my feet about 10 years ago and currently take 600mg of Lyrica daily to deal with it. Some times it helps sometimes it dosen't and now I am feeling it in my hands. Besides the burning and sharp stabbing pain in my feet it also affects my balance and how long I can stand.

Along with the nueropathy in my feet I also suffer from autonomic nueropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage every day body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion. It also is related to sexual dysfunction.

About three years ago I started having problems with my eyes and have to go to a retinal specialist. I've had cataract surgery in both eyes and have had to have retinal surgery on the left eye three times. In spite of the three surgeries I am now legally blind in the left eye and have to get injections of avastin in the right eye every three months in an effort to keep my vision in that eye.

Two years ago my then 15yo son was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic as well. That was one of the hardest days in my entire life, I broke down and cried. He is also on the insulin pump and while not taking as good care as he should be, we are working to keep each other honest with our blood sugars and he is improving with his care.