Being an insulin dependent type 1 diabetic I am one of those who certainly hope for a cure one day. Personally I think the drug companies make too much money off of us to really WANT to find a cure. I use an insulin pump, which is great technology and I absolutely love it. It is made by Medtronic, and I would recommend it to anyone considering going on the pump. Also I have the continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which I have yet to start using but will soon.
Now Medtronic has a new device which is called mySentry that will speak wirelessly to your CGM and monitor your glucose levels while you sleep, during the day, and conveniently displays it on a small tabletop device.
For $3000.
That's right. $3000.
Who is this made for? Certainly not me. I can't afford it. The majority of families with children who are type 1 cannot afford that. There are financing options you can do to get your payment down to as low as $50 with no interest.
With all the wireless technology available, I cannot fathom why this device would cost anywhere near $3000. More along the lines of a high end cell phone, certainly less than the pump itself would cost. I hope someone "gets it" because I don't.
I plan on going through my doctor to see exactly how much of this I can get insurance to cover if any. I won't lie, I want one of these, so I am curious to see how much of that $3000 would come out of my pocket.
Blaugust Winner
Blaugust Winner 2014
Monday, January 9, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Unique Opportunities
I work for a great company, at least I think so. Are there things I would change about it? Absolutely. Having said that, working at Dell has afforded me a certain lifestyle and given me the chance to meet many many interesting people...both customers and coworkers. In my six years here, I have worked with some very well-known companies and organizations and it has been one of the highlights of my life to do so.
When my health took a precarious turn last Labor Day weekend with an attack of acute pancreatitis, I was not anticipating how that one week would shape my work life going forward. Upon hearing that I may need to have my gall bladder removed (gall stones were my initial diagnosis in the hospital) my manager decided to relieve me of my customers and make me a "rover" for our 4th quarter. This meant I had zero responsibility and would only be assisting other reps that were on vacation or out sick and needed coverage. Surgery would have meant missed time at work during our busiest time and this was a preemptive strike to insure my accounts would still be buying.
Looking at this from afar, it may look like a total win. For me early on, I was devastated! Customers I had worked with for three years I would probably never speak with again. A job I loved was just snatched away. I felt neutered. My peers were jealous to a degree, I was getting paid in full for literally doing nothing after all. There was somewhat of a mourning period for me over what I had just lost.
As the weeks dragged on and I have had time to really reflect on things, I can look back and say it has been a godsend. I've been able to really relax and catch my breath a bit. Look at what opportunities lay ahead for me at Dell and plan my future with a more unclouded view. Outside of work life has been very good. Mostly as a result of not having the stress associated with high profile customers and carrying a quota.
Getting past my initial reaction, looking inward, and finding it within myself to accept my circumstances took some time. It has been just another part of life's journey. Another event that has helped to shape who I am as a person. I am very big on life experiences shaping who you are. Growing from it, and growing up are still things I am striving to do even at age 41.
I've also taken this time to read a book to help me do my job better. Something I may not have considered before. The Challenger Sale, by Brent Adamson
When my health took a precarious turn last Labor Day weekend with an attack of acute pancreatitis, I was not anticipating how that one week would shape my work life going forward. Upon hearing that I may need to have my gall bladder removed (gall stones were my initial diagnosis in the hospital) my manager decided to relieve me of my customers and make me a "rover" for our 4th quarter. This meant I had zero responsibility and would only be assisting other reps that were on vacation or out sick and needed coverage. Surgery would have meant missed time at work during our busiest time and this was a preemptive strike to insure my accounts would still be buying.
Looking at this from afar, it may look like a total win. For me early on, I was devastated! Customers I had worked with for three years I would probably never speak with again. A job I loved was just snatched away. I felt neutered. My peers were jealous to a degree, I was getting paid in full for literally doing nothing after all. There was somewhat of a mourning period for me over what I had just lost.
As the weeks dragged on and I have had time to really reflect on things, I can look back and say it has been a godsend. I've been able to really relax and catch my breath a bit. Look at what opportunities lay ahead for me at Dell and plan my future with a more unclouded view. Outside of work life has been very good. Mostly as a result of not having the stress associated with high profile customers and carrying a quota.
Getting past my initial reaction, looking inward, and finding it within myself to accept my circumstances took some time. It has been just another part of life's journey. Another event that has helped to shape who I am as a person. I am very big on life experiences shaping who you are. Growing from it, and growing up are still things I am striving to do even at age 41.
I've also taken this time to read a book to help me do my job better. Something I may not have considered before. The Challenger Sale, by Brent Adamson
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Building this Blog
Will be more substance later, still wrestling with layout issues and how I want it to look moreso than what I type in this box for now. I am pretty particular that way. I want things just the way I want them. Even if it something minimal and I may touch once and leave it leaning against the wall like an unplayed bass guitar, it will be leaning there just as I want it to lean.
Wanted to do something like this for a long time. Welcome!
Next entry will be why I chose this title, Echoes from the Abyss, and why I'm doing this blog.
Wanted to do something like this for a long time. Welcome!
Next entry will be why I chose this title, Echoes from the Abyss, and why I'm doing this blog.
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