More details!
12 April 2014Ok, a more in depth description, here goes! There is a sensor that we insert under his skin that reads his glucose level (cost $125 each, technically they last 7 days but typically they can be made to last 14+ days with care). Attached to the sensor is a transmitter ($850, technically lasts 6 mths but battery which cannot be replaced can last around 12mths) which wirelessly sends data to Noah's insulin pump &/or receiver ($1000 which is actually rechargeable & no fixed life span. This is what the teachers can use to check without interrupting him and we can keep next to us overnight so we will be alerted to dangerous levels. It will be invaluable for school skiing & other sports days etc). The pump/receiver show trend graphs as the sensor takes a reading every 5 mins. It also gives an indication of the speed at which Noah's glucose is changing (using coloured arrows). When we upload Noah's pump to the online data program, we can then really analyze the data & see what needs changing to help minimized extreme swings and help him have a more stable profile. We believe this should help with some of the behavioral issues we have and will minimize any down time he might have at school. Our Pediatric specialist also can log on to the website to review the data & make recommendations. Overall it will reduce the likelihood of long term complications that we have to now start to look for. Long term it will actually reduce the load on the public health system. I realize there is a lot of jargon in there, plse feel free to ask questions! We are still working behind the scenes to help SCSNZ work on a cure but this will help our quality of life in the meantime. One of the reasons for this now is the increased amount of time Noah now spends away from Matt & I, we are having to rely/trust others with the health of our son. The compatibility with the pump is also only new as well. While we have had many growth spurts in the almost 5 years, we are now faced with activity and brain power usage that we haven't had before, as well as greater amounts of hormones! We still need to physically test his blood sugar (finger/toe prick) the usual amount as this calibrated the cgm, plus to make corrections (give him insulin) we must be certain with his number. It is still only a tool but it is a great one! Thanks for your time reading this xo