• Meter

    From Richard Webb@1:116/901 to MIKE ROBERTS on Sun Mar 21 14:20:37 2010
    HI MIke,

    On Sat 2038-Mar-20 23:07, MIKE ROBERTS (1:261/1381) wrote to All:

    Does anyone have a recommendation on a meter? Mine is about shot, no
    back light etc. I have had this one quite a few years and have to
    check my blood sugars 4 times a day. Are there any that are more
    durable, or easy to use. I have used this accucheck now for about 6
    years. Prices used to be higher too I think, but not looking for an expensive top of the line type either. Any ideas would be
    appreciated.

    I"m not sure of the model, but Kathy's acu-check (spelling)
    seems to hold up pretty well, think she got it a year ago.
    SEems we're replacing hers about once every two years these
    days.

    Regards,
    Richard
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  • From Thom LaCosta@1:261/1352 to MIKE ROBERTS on Sun Mar 21 11:00:03 2010
    MIKE ROBERTS wrote in a message to All:

    Does anyone have a recommendation on a meter?


    Nit sure where you get your test strips....but a lot of the places
    like liberty give you a free meter....they are shady though....they want to charge for for the sticker. So, I took them up on a free One Touch Ultra called One Touch, told them that liberty had tried to rake me over the coals...and one touch sent me a free sticker.

    There is SO MUCH profit in the test strips no one should have to pay for the meter. I've seen meters at Walmart for under 20 bucks, and at CVS and Walgreens.

    Re you in the US(I forget) and on Medicare? If so, there are tons of companies
    that will send you alll the supplies for free...since they can
    bill Medicare.

    Of course who knows what will happen when ObamaHealthPunishment kicks in?


    cya,
    thom
    http://www.echolist.net/
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  • From MIKE ROBERTS@1:261/1381 to RICHARD WEBB on Sun Mar 21 17:36:00 2010
    In a Subspace Msg From Richard Webb to Mike Roberts <=-

    HI MIke,

    Hi Richard!

    I"m not sure of the model, but Kathy's acu-check (spelling)
    seems to hold up pretty well, think she got it a year ago.
    SEems we're replacing hers about once every two years these
    days.

    Yeah, the Accu check I had has lasted a long time. The last year or
    so I have been doing the 4x a day checks. the thing has been like a
    tank as I have had it for Years and Years. The original the Doc gave
    me when I was diagnosed. I'll see what I can find out there.

    Thanks!
    Mike


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  • From MIKE ROBERTS@1:261/1381 to THOM LACOSTA on Sun Mar 21 17:37:00 2010
    In a Subspace Msg From Thom Lacosta to Mike Roberts <=-

    Hi Tom...

    Nit sure where you get your test strips....but a lot of the places
    like liberty give you a free meter....they are shady though....they
    want to charge for for the sticker. So, I took them up on a free One

    I get them at the corner drug store.

    There is SO MUCH profit in the test strips no one should have to pay
    for the meter. I've seen meters at Walmart for under 20 bucks, and at
    CVS and Walgreens.

    You know, now that You mention it, my Doc gave me this original one. I
    am wondering if I ask him, if he might actually have some on hand to
    give out, as like You say, the companies probably figure the money is
    in the strips.

    Re you in the US(I forget) and on Medicare? If so, there are tons of companies that will send you alll the supplies for free...since they
    can bill Medicare.

    No No medicare here just yet.

    Of course who knows what will happen when ObamaHealthPunishment kicks
    in?

    Exactly... I just saw some stuff on CNN that makes it look like a done
    deal.. Oh well, it will be like Christmas, every day will be a new
    surprise on just how badly we got whacked! when we find out what really
    is in that thing. But just remember, they know whats best for us. After
    all, they care! Geez talking like that I feel sick already and am glad we
    will all have health care ;-) or will have, after they tax us for it for
    the next 4 years..

    Have a good One!
    Mike

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  • From Thom LaCosta@1:261/1352 to Daryl Stout on Sun Jul 11 04:55:21 2010
    Daryl Stout wrote in a message to Thom Lacosta:

    Hi, Thom...

    Are you on medicare?


    Yes, I am...my Medicaid was removed just before my wife died of a massive heart attack

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

    payment plan. And, just going into the doctor still requires a
    Medicare co-pay.

    Tough....but with the new death-care plan, you won't have to worry about co-pays....they'll simply put all of us old folks out on the ice flows.


    The more often you measure, the more you learn about how your body
    reacts to stuff...and lets you manage the diabetes better.

    I'll just continue testing once or maybe twice a week...the thing
    is, I have to fast all night before testing first thing in the
    morning.

    That's one theory....the other is measure frequently to learn things like
    how long it takes your blood sugar to go down after you eat.

    But, I usually wake up in the night from "nature and a
    nightmare", then I'm hungry, thirsty, or both...as I am now.

    We most likely wake around the same time from similar reasons.


    cya,
    thom k3hrn
    http://www.echolist.net/
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  • From NANCY BACKUS@1:261/1381 to MIKE ROBERTS on Mon Mar 22 15:24:00 2010
    Quoting Mike Roberts to All on 03-20-10 23:07 <=-

    Does anyone have a recommendation on a meter? Mine is about shot, no
    back light etc. I have had this one quite a few years and have to
    check my blood sugars 4 times a day. Are there any that are more
    durable, or easy to use. I have used this accucheck now for about 6
    years. Prices used to be higher too I think, but not looking for an expensive top of the line type either. Any ideas would be appreciated.

    MaryJane is using one of the One Touch Ultra ones. It's been working
    well for her, a few years now. She's only testing once a day usually,
    though. I get to test her a few times a week, when I'm over there to
    get her out for some appointment, so I got some familiarity with it.
    I've seen ads for the ones that the strip is included in the meter,
    those look nice, too... but I have no experience with them.

    You'll probably get better input from others... ;)

    ttyl neb

    ... Junk - Stuff we throw away. Stuff - Junk we keep.

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  • From MIKE ROBERTS@1:261/1381 to NANCY BACKUS on Mon Mar 22 22:48:12 2010
    MaryJane is using one of the One Touch Ultra ones. It's been working
    well for her, a few years now. She's only testing once a day usually, though. I get to test her a few times a week, when I'm over there to

    I called the Doc, he said to stop up this week and he'd give me a
    freestyle lite. I have loved the accu check as it has run like a tank
    for so long now. But he said I would like this as I did not have to just
    get blood from my fingers, which have like callouses from all the
    sticking I do. I test 4 times as I use a sliding scale, and depending on
    what my BS's are just before eating determines my insulin doseage. Since
    he put me on this system like that, My sugars have been doing real well.
    My a1c was 5.3 last time. So he and I were happy with the results, even
    if I hate all that poking, lancets and needles. 8(

    Thanks for the advice, We'll see how this meter he is going to give me
    works out. Thom was right, I guess, they make their money on the strips,
    so here, here is a meter! 8^)

    Have a good One!
    Mike




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  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Fri Jul 2 03:52:00 2010
    Sean...

    You're quite right: there's companies that will do anything to make
    money off of the expense of others.

    I have a Bayer Acensia Contour meter that works with the "no coding needed" test strips. While I'm not diabetic, I'd be most likely to develop Type 2, with
    my age and weight. Right now, I try to test once a week, but wonder if I should
    make that twice a week. Comments??

    Daryl

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  • From Mike Roberts@1:261/1381 to Jeff Snyder on Mon Jul 19 22:29:21 2010
    *** Quoting Jeff Snyder from a message to Thom LaCosta ***

    swabs, and lancets. At one time, we were spending about $350 a month
    in cash, just to purchase her diabetes supplies. Her insurance has
    now mitigated that amount quite a bit.

    Just remember; if you buy cheap, you get what you paid for, and no
    one should cut corners when it comes to our personal health. Good
    health is a gift from God.

    Diabetes can be expensive. I have had my insurance reduced quite a bit as of late, But have good coverage, with a heavy expense out of my pocket each
    month to pay for it. Even with good coverage, It staggers me, the cost of diabetic supplies. I have gone to reusing needles, Nurses say I can't, but
    Doc says go ahead. I have to buy my insulin in 3 month quantities, which is still expensive out of pocket, but compared to the price if I had to pay for it all, it is decent. I am on two types of insulin. Insurance covers the
    major portion, but each one runs over 1000.00 for a 3 month supply. This does not count test strips, syringes etc. If I had no insurance, I could not
    afford it. Even Now, the cost to maintain my insurance is my biggest expense, even more than my mortgage etc. But still... Keep Obamacare away from me.

    You are absolutely right, It is a gift from God, though so is having health problems, it does wonders for keeping You humble and thankful.

    Mike

    ... if a = b and b = c, then we've got a messed up alphabet

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  • From Jeff Snyder@1:345/3777 to Mike Roberts on Tue Jul 20 16:58:00 2010
    Hello Mike. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It still irks me when I consider how much money my daughter still has to pay out of her own pocket for her diabetes supplies, and to address other health issues that she has, even
    though she has health insurance. It is obvious to both of us that they have scammed her, because they are not delivering what the insurance company rep promised her, prior to her signing up with them. Of course, we can't prove anything, because it was just a verbal assurance, with nothing in black and white. But regardless, my daughter is still saving some money by having the insurance; although I don't know exactly how much, because I haven't tallied her monthly health bills in a while.


    On 07/20/10, Jeff Snyder quoted Mike Roberts: Re: Meter.

    You are absolutely right, It is a gift from God, though so is having health problems, it does wonders for keeping You humble and thankful.


    True indeed, Mike. No matter how bad our situation may seem to us, there is always someone in worse condition. As the old saying goes, "I complained because I had no shoes, until I met someone who had no feet". You might be interested in reading an article that I wrote over eleven years ago called
    "Why Doesn't God Heal Me?". It hasn't been updated in a great while, but
    you may still enjoy it. You can access it at:

    /www.endtimeprophecy.net/Articles/healme-1.html


    Take care.



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  • From Thom LaCosta@1:261/1352 to MIKE ROBERTS on Tue Mar 23 09:18:59 2010
    MIKE ROBERTS wrote in a message to NANCY BACKUS:


    Thanks for the advice, We'll see how this meter he is going to give
    me works out. Thom was right, I guess, they make their money on the strips, so here, here is a meter! 8^)

    Glad you got a freebee. One other thing...some states have medical/prescription assistance programs for pre-medicare folks that may pay for test strips. You miight want to check your state for that. Some dru companies also have programs to supply free/reduced cost meds to those that qualify based on income.

    who knows what will happen to these programs now that we have the new and improved USSR healcare Plan.

    cya,
    thom
    http://www.echolist.net/
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  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Thom Lacosta on Mon Jul 12 09:17:00 2010
    Hi, Thom...

    Yes, I am...my Medicaid was removed just before my wife died of a massive heart attack

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

    Thanks...from September, 2006 to September, 2007...I lost my grandmother-in-law, my father, my wife, and the best man at my wedding. Had my brother not survived a freak motorcycle wreck, that would've been 5 deaths in a
    year...and I don't think I could have handled that.

    Tough....but with the new death-care plan, you won't have to worry
    about co-pays....they'll simply put all of us old folks out on the ice flows.

    To these idiots, they feel as if those on disability "don't have a right to exist". They are too blind to see that they themselves will be elderly, if not disabled, one day.

    That's one theory....the other is measure frequently to learn things
    like how long it takes your blood sugar to go down after you eat.

    I usually test after fasting all night. Once, I tested just 2 hours after eating, and that obviously was too soon!! I have been drinking this "clear American" sparkling flavored water to get extra fluid, since I was diagnosed with kidney stones last month (you can get this at Wal-Mart), and I prefer that
    too just bland water. It says "no calories, no sugar, no sodium, and no caffeine"...but I haven't tested after drinking that (I can go through a liter bottle or more of it a day), as I wondered if that would effect the reading.

    Daryl

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  • From Thom LaCosta@1:261/1352 to Daryl Stout on Tue Jul 13 17:23:07 2010
    Daryl Stout wrote in a message to Thom Lacosta:

    wedding. Had my brother not survived a freak motorcycle wreck, that would've been 5 deaths in a year...and I don't think I could have
    handled that.

    Man, I know I couldn't...I still have not recovered from my mom passing away in
    December,

    Tough....but with the new death-care plan, you won't have to worry
    about co-pays....they'll simply put all of us old folks out on the ice flows.

    To these idiots, they feel as if those on disability "don't have
    a right to exist". They are too blind to see that they themselves
    will be elderly, if not disabled, one day.

    It's not only those idiots, it's also the dim-bulbs that voted for the present collection of darwin failures that represent us.

    I've told my daugthers to invite every elected representative we have to my funeral....give them little cards that say "Thanks to you, Dad is here today."


    I usually test after fasting all night. Once, I tested just 2
    hours after eating, and that obviously was too soon!!

    Not really....you need to determiine how long it takes for your sugar to get to
    a normal level, after eating a known amount of carbs. I ran a test and took readings hourly....and determined that in most instances it take 5 to 5.5 hours
    for my blood sugar to get toan acceptable(for a diabetic) level.

    The doc tells me that armed with that number, I know when to eat...since if your sugar level is elevated and you eat carbs...it goes way up.....and stays up.

    I also test before and after I exercise....and when I get frustrated or have an
    injury or infection,...all of the later raise my blood sugar.

    The frustration and tension was one reason I stopped participating in so many Fido Echoes and administration....I felt so much better once the mental barbs disappeared.

    Ah well....

    Take care,

    cya,
    thom
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  • From Thom LaCosta@1:261/1352 to Daryl Stout on Wed Jul 7 12:23:20 2010
    Daryl Stout wrote in a message to Sean Dennis:

    I have a Bayer Acensia Contour meter that works with the "no
    coding needed" test strips. While I'm not diabetic, I'd be most
    likely to develop Type 2, with my age and weight. Right now, I try
    to test once a week, but wonder if I should make that twice a week. Comments??

    Are you on medicare? If so, there are several companies that will supply your strips on a no charge basis.....once you've met the yearly deductable, the strips don't cost you anything.

    If I were evauluating meters/strips I would ask the doctor how many times a day
    I should monitor.....and then, I'd forget the size of the meter, the convenience of no codings and make my choice based on the cost of using the meter.

    Right now, I measure my blood 4 to 8 times a day...and the strips, since I am on medicare, cost me zip.

    Before I was on medicare I used the meter that have the lowest cost per strip.

    The more often you measure, the more you learn about how your body reacts to stuff...and lets you manage the diabetes better.


    cya,
    thom
    http://www.echolist.net/
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  • From Jeff Snyder@1:345/3777 to Thom LaCosta on Fri Jul 2 05:52:00 2010
    On 07/02/10, Jeff Snyder quoted Thom LaCosta: Meter.

    There is SO MUCH profit in the test strips no one should have to pay for the meter. I've seen meters at Walmart for under 20 bucks, and at CVS and Walgreens.


    Hello Thom. While I am not diabetic, my daughter is. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November of 2001 at the age of eleven. I find it totally outrageous, and in fact, immoral, how much they charge for a 100-count box of test strips. I think that it is grossly wrong to profit so much from the misfortunes of others...yet, sadly, so many companies do it.

    My daughter was using the FreeStyle glucose meter for the first eight years or so, and she went through a couple of those, mainly because she dropped one or two on occasion. She is now using a much more sophisticated glucose meter
    which is totally electronic. It uses these little drums that are filled with test strips. I forget the brand name at the moment. Sadly, her insurance only covers one box of test strips a month, so we are forced to pay the full purchase price for the second box; and then there are the syringes, insulin, alcohol swabs, and lancets. At one time, we were spending about $350 a month
    in cash, just to purchase her diabetes supplies. Her insurance has now mitigated that amount quite a bit.

    Just remember; if you buy cheap, you get what you paid for, and no one should cut corners when it comes to our personal health. Good health is a gift from God.


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  • From Jeff Snyder@1:345/3777 to MIKE ROBERTS on Fri Jul 2 06:03:00 2010
    On 07/02/10, Jeff Snyder quoted MIKE ROBERTS: Meter.

    Does anyone have a recommendation on a meter? Mine is about shot, no back light etc. I have had this one quite a few years and have to check my blood sugars 4 times a day. Are there any that are more durable, or easy to use. I have used this accucheck now for about 6 years. Prices used to be higher too I think, but not looking for an expensive top of the line type either. Any ideas would be appreciated.


    Mike, I just checked online, and my daughter is using a glucose meter that's called the Accu-Chek Compact Plus. As I mentioned to Thom, it is totally electronic, and very nice. You can get info and see a picture of it here:

    /us/

    Hope that helps.


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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Jeff Snyder on Thu Jul 1 20:21:06 2010
    Hello, Jeff.

    Friday July 02 2010 at 06:03, you wrote to MIKE ROBERTS:

    Mike, I just checked online, and my daughter is using a glucose meter that's called the Accu-Chek Compact Plus. As I mentioned to Thom, it
    is totally electronic, and very nice. You can get info and see a
    picture of it here:

    That's one of the most expensive meters on the market. Did your daughter's doctor specifically order her to use one of those? I use an Accu-Check Aviva which is "standard issue" with the VA. I, thankfully, don't have to pay anything for my diabetes supplies (but I do pay for my medications and doctor's
    visits) through the VA. My friend has a meter that costs $25 for 50 strips...not sure what make/model it is, but I'll ask. There's a meter I used to have, the Accu-Check Active, which was really cheap on strips (IIRC).

    Because I'm insulin dependant (I take Lantus and Novolog), I can get as many strips as I need. Veterans that are on pills only, on the other hand, get a single bottle of strips per month which I think is kinda pushing it if you want
    to get better control of your diabetes.

    What you were saying about the strips being so expensive is like how companies sell computer printers; the printers are basically a giveaway but the ink is where they get you. I have one printer here that is a great inkjet all-in-one printer but to change the ink, it's $100 a pop. The cartridges are not rebuildable because they have a "kill chip" in them. That little chip fries some of the cartridge's innards so it won't work at all.

    You're quite right: there's companies that will do anything to make money off of the expense of others.

    Later,
    Sean

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  • From Jeff Snyder@1:345/3777 to Sean Dennis on Fri Jul 2 23:12:00 2010
    On 07/02/10, Jeff Snyder quoted Sean Dennis: Meter.

    That's one of the most expensive meters on the market. Did your daughter's



    Actually, she can use any glucose meter that she likes, but after using the FreeStyle for so many years, she switched to the Accu-Check Compact Plus. It may have had something to do with her insurance -- her employer switched providers and health plans -- or it may be that the local SDA Clinic no
    longer carries the FreeStyle. At any rate, she is working, and paid for it
    out of her own money, so that is that. If she could afford it -- which she obviously can't on a minimum wage job -- she'd go for an insulin pump as
    well, instead of taking her daily injections.


    Because I'm insulin dependant (I take Lantus and Novolog), I can get as many strips as I need. Veterans that are on pills only, on the other hand, get a single bottle of strips per month which I think is kinda pushing it if you want to get better control of your diabetes.


    Being a Type 1, my daughter is also insulin dependent. She'd be dead without her injections. My daugther also got screwed with her diabetes supplies.
    When her company switched to a different health plan, she spoke with the new insurance provider's representative, and she was assured that the insurance would cover whatever amount of test strips she needed each month.

    Well, lo and behold. The clinic began to hee haw around about it, and told her that they would make a special case for her, since she has been going there since 2001, and allow her to get one 100-count box of test strips every
    fifteen days. However, the last time she went in, they told her that the insurance only provides for one box a month, which is NOT enough for her to maintain proper control of her diabetes. According to my daughter, she even
    had the clinic contact the insurance honchos in the States, in order to make
    a case for her, but they aren't budging. So, she gets one box of strips
    through her insurance, and the other she has to purchase. So basically, they told her one thing, but are now doing another, now that they have her hooked
    on that insurance plan.

    So yeah, we live in a real rip-off world! :(



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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Jeff Snyder on Fri Jul 2 14:19:26 2010
    Hello, Jeff.

    Friday July 02 2010 at 23:12, you wrote to me:

    So yeah, we live in a real rip-off world! :(

    Wow, I'm sorry to hear that she's getting the shaft on that. You'd think being
    a Type 1 she'd get everything she needs immediately and without question. I have been puzzled for a long time at how insurance companies will pay for useless cosmetic surgery yet when it comes to getting supplies that your very life depends on you don't get anything but heartache.

    I still pay for my care even though I'm with the VA (I pay for every doctor's visit and specialist visit as well as $8 a pop for prescriptions...except for diabetes supplies; I don't pay anything for that) and I don't really have a choice in what diabetic supplies I get unless I purchase them myself. The VA did recently go to the Aviva meter which is a nice little meter, but those strips get really expensive quick. I get six bottles of strips at a time which
    is roughly $300 worth of strips on the local market here.

    Later,
    Sean

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  • From Jeff Snyder@1:345/3777 to Sean Dennis on Sat Jul 3 07:55:00 2010
    Hello again Sean. The real tragedy in my view is that the SDA Clinic is supposed to be a Christian-based clinic; and from our years of dealing with them, I know for a fact that some of the people who work there do take their faith seriously -- from the SDA point-of-view, of course. However, like so
    many other modern Christian institutions, they feel that by giving their
    little 10% to charitable medical cases, they have done their Christian duty
    in the eyes of God. Not! Such people place commercialism before their God-mandated Christian compassion.

    When you say you spend about $300 for six bottles of test strips, I am
    assuming that you mean for six 50-count bottles, which is about what they go for here. I know for a fact that 100-count boxes -- which includes two
    50-count bottles -- goes for just over $100 each. On the other hand, if you
    are saying that you actually pay $300 for six 100-count bottles, you are
    really getting a good deal, and I would be very happy if I were you.

    Insurance companies are all scams as far as I am concerned. I have looked
    into this issue before, and it is a known fact that like any other worldly business, insurance companies are in business to make money. It's all about juggling ratios and percentages. I have read that some insurance companies
    have an unstated practice/policy of accepting new clients who are in good health, and who they feel will rarely get sick. After all, it is from
    healthy people that insurance companies make the most money.

    On the other hand, I have read of insurance companies which deny policies to people who have a long history of health-related issues. That is undoubtedly why they are so strict when it comes to diabetics. Such a long-term illness
    is a money loser for insurance companies. But, regardless of the scam that's involved, my daughter does save money through her current policy with her employer.

    Your policy sounds a bit tricky, just like my daughter's. Some items and services are covered, while others are not. She also pays about $10-$20 per visit, and a small price for the items that are covered, but as I said, the overall scheme of insurance companies is to make money, and lots of it. I
    still feel that they should pay for all of her test strips, as well as the insulin and other medical supplies.



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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Jeff Snyder on Fri Jul 2 21:28:54 2010
    Hello, Jeff.

    Saturday July 03 2010 at 07:55, you wrote to me:

    they have done their Christian duty in the eyes of God. Not! Such
    people place commercialism before their God-mandated Christian
    compassion.

    Absolutely; it's all about the bottom line, Christian or not.

    When you say you spend about $300 for six bottles of test strips, I

    Oh, I don't spend anything. They are provided to me free of charge. My diabetic supplies, such as my meter, strips, syringes, lancets and alcohol pads, are free to me without co-pay. I do pay for my regular doctor's visits, my "specialist" visits, my ER visits and my medication, so it's not completely free.

    But even the co-pays aren't enough; the VA takes my tax return every year to pay for all of the costs, so even though I'm supposed to have "free" health care, it just ain't so.

    Insurance companies are all scams as far as I am concerned. I have
    looked into this issue before, and it is a known fact that like any
    other worldly business, insurance companies are in business to make
    money. It's all about juggling ratios and percentages. I have read
    that some insurance companies have an unstated practice/policy of accepting new clients who are in good health, and who they feel will rarely get sick. After all, it is from healthy people that insurance companies make the most money.

    I used to work for an independant insurance agent who once told me that next to
    the Mafia, insurance was the biggest racket in the US. He should know, he was pulling a full million a year in profits off of his business every year. He was a legit businessman but it's the big bucks in insurance that kept him in the business for so long.

    On the other hand, I have read of insurance companies which deny
    policies to people who have a long history of health-related issues.
    That is undoubtedly why they are so strict when it comes to diabetics. Such a long-term illness is a money loser for insurance companies.
    But, regardless of the scam that's involved, my daughter does save
    money through her current policy with her employer.

    Right now, I am fighting the VA because they said I lied about my 2008 income verification. The VA is in the process of pulling any little dirty trick they can to get rid as many veterans out of the system so they can save money. They've done this for years, but it's particularly rampant here in the Southeast because of the high rate of diabetes. I'm doing better with my personal health, but I have been told to go ahead and let my account be audited
    because I've been in the system for so long and am in rather fragile health that I shouldn't be kicked out of the system.

    This is what happens when you go serve your country and your country decides to
    screw you instead.

    Anyhow, we're quickly getting off-topic for this echo, so we should probably move this conversation to netmail. :)

    Later,
    Sean

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  • From Jeff Snyder@1:345/3777 to Sean Dennis on Sat Jul 3 15:29:00 2010
    On 07/03/10, Jeff Snyder quoted Sean Dennis: Meter.

    Anyhow, we're quickly getting off-topic for this echo, so we should probably move this conversation to netmail. :)


    That's okay. I've pretty much now said all that I have to say on this
    subject. Let me just finish by saying that I'm sorry that you unwittingly became cannon fodder for the US Government. I'm sure you thought you were
    doing the right thing at the time, but...

    We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussions. :)


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  • From MIKE ROBERTS@1:261/1381 to All on Sat Mar 20 23:07:22 2010
    Does anyone have a recommendation on a meter? Mine is about shot, no
    back light etc. I have had this one quite a few years and have to check
    my blood sugars 4 times a day. Are there any that are more durable, or
    easy to use. I have used this accucheck now for about 6 years. Prices
    used to be higher too I think, but not looking for an expensive top of
    the line type either. Any ideas would be appreciated.

    Mike
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  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Thom Lacosta on Thu Jul 8 04:04:00 2010
    Hi, Thom...

    Are you on medicare? If so, there are several companies that will
    supply your strips on a no charge basis.....once you've met the yearly deductable, the strips don't cost you anything.

    Yes, I am...my Medicaid was removed just before my wife died of a massive heart attack, 3 weeks shy of our 4th wedding anniversary in 2007...they took away my SSI (saying I made too much with that and the disability), so I lost the Medicaid part of it.

    If I were evauluating meters/strips I would ask the doctor how many
    times a day I should monitor.....and then, I'd forget the size of the meter, the convenience of no codings and make my choice based on the
    cost of using the meter.

    I'm going back into my PCP in August, mainly to check the triglycerides and cholesterol. The thing is...a diet to keep the cholesterol and the triglycerides in check makes kidney stones...and vice versa. I'd rather deal with a bit higher cholesterol and triglycerides than have the extreme pain of kidney stones!! The "free items" will help...I've yet to see the bills from 4 Emergency Room visits, the surgery, the anesthesiologist, the ambulance, etc. -- they can keep them for all I care. But, not even getting $1000 a month in disability, I'll have to set up a payment plan. And, just going into the doctor
    still requires a Medicare co-pay.

    My late wife was a type 1 diabetic, and I got word yesterday that her Mom was diagnosed of being a type 2 diabetic...and that'd be the type I'd be most likely to develop. I do prefer the strips that require no coding, though...and
    quip that I can write a batchfile, but my programming ends at the digital clock
    on the microwave oven!! <G>

    Right now, I measure my blood 4 to 8 times a day...and the strips,
    since I am on medicare, cost me zip.

    If I was to develop diabetes (not that I'm wanting to), I'd hope it'd be type
    2...I just turned 50 this past spring. I did lose 15 pounds with the kidney stone surgery (lack of eating)...but the worst part there is trying to keep the
    pants from falling down!! <blush!>

    The more often you measure, the more you learn about how your body
    reacts to stuff...and lets you manage the diabetes better.

    I'll just continue testing once or maybe twice a week...the thing is, I have to fast all night before testing first thing in the morning. But, I usually wake up in the night from "nature and a nightmare", then I'm hungry, thirsty, or both...as I am now. But, I'm just answering the BBS mail right now, then going back to bed. We've got a high likelihood of thunderstorms into the weekend, then just a chance of storms into much of next week...so that means little, if any, BBS or computer work.

    Daryl, AE5WX

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