Marsha is a 71-year-old Army “brat” who never lived on a base during the time that her father served in the Army. After medical advice to her father to get out of the cold weather, the family moved from Park Forest, Illinois to Barstow, California when she was seven years old. She now lives in Fort Mohave, Arizona with her husband David, and has two daughters. She likes to read the Bible and watch her favorite movies on her new big screen TV, a gift from her husband. This is her story.
Livongo: Can you tell us when you received your diabetes diagnosis?
They diagnosed me in 2006, I think it was. When I found out, I was on the phone with my aunt Amelia, who was the baby of the family. I said to her, “They just told me that I have diabetes and it came out of left field.” She said, “No, it didn’t. Mom was in a diabetic coma when she died.”
So you didn’t know that diabetes ran in the family?
We had a neighbor that lived up the street from us who had diabetes and he lost his leg right above the knee and it would make my Dad so mad hearing these kinds of stories. But he never told me anyone in the family had diabetes. I still have every limb and digit, so I’m happy about that.
What motivates you to take care of yourself?
If I don’t do it, I’m going to start seeing sores and cuts between my toes. I’m doing it so that I have my limbs as long as possible. I have every digit that the good Lord gave me.
How did you decide to join Livongo?
Actually, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which is my secondary insurance, sent me something in the mail about it. I told my husband, “this sounds really neat, I’m going to do it.” So I did (sign up). It was because they sent me the letter, otherwise I wouldn’t have known about it.
What do you like about the Livongo program?
I absolutely love your program. I feel close to the Livongo people that call me. I get a chance to talk to people who know about the problem I have, and they have good suggestions for all of it. If I have a problem, all I have to do is look for the number for Member Support, call and say, hey, this is how I feel about this or this is the situation going on and someone is going to help me through it right then.
You have a wonderful program that can actually help us, instead of just having a doctor that will make us do blood work and then decide if he’s going to give us pills or shots.
Have you ever spoken to a coach?
Yes. I really like talking to Michelle. It’s helpful. She listens very well. I know that there has to be a list of what you cover, but Michelle listens to me. You’ve got answers that I’ve never thought of. That’s what I like about talking to you guys. I really do enjoy talking with Michelle.
What would you say about Livongo to someone who hasn’t heard about the program?
I’d say Livongo is a great thing and you should probably check it out. If one of the coaches makes a recommendation, I am able to talk to the doctor about it to make sure I’m doing things right. That’s why I like it so much.
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the individuals depicted or quoted. Each member’s exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each member. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid.
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