To suppliment all the comments, I think you should look into the infusion sets. The devices both work great and have really nice features. It is the infusion sets that cause tissue damage though and IMHO, make or break the pumps qualifications.
First of all let me say that I love my pump! However, I would caution you not to jump into things too quickly. I was diagnosed when I was 23 and went on a pump three months later. While the pump was the best decision for me, sometimes I feel like I should have waited a bit longer. Just the diagnosis was a lot for me to handle. When I added a medical device that was attached to my body 24/7 I had a fairly difficult time.
You might have a completely different experience from me but I just wanted to add my 2 cents! But like I said, I love my pump. I run a lot and the temporary basal rate is vital to my diabetes management. I am deciding on a new pump as well. I trialed the Animas a few weeks ago. Both minimed and the ping are great pumps they just work differently as far as button pushing, etc. I haven’t made my decision but I have been happy with medtronic. Some insurances make you wait 6 months after diagnosis, but I don’t think BCBS Federal does. Good luck!
Just got the pump today and I was told by my rep that they were waiting for the orders from my endo before they could start training so I’m playing the waiting game now. Hopefully it will be soon though. Good luck with whatever pump you decide to go with. I have heard good things about all the companies out there so just be sure to make the decision that best suits you!
So, interestingly, second endo that I met with today (the endo at the practice who “does” pumps) was less than enthusiastic about me going on the pump. She felt that because I was managing so well on MDIs and had not been on them that long, that my insurance would not even cover the pump. In addition, she was worried about the risk of clogging because I’m on a relatively low dose of insulin still. That said, she agreed with me that learning how to use the pump now, before I got pregnant, was wise. She agreed to submit the paperwork, but warned me that it might not get approved. The minimed people were a bit more optimistic and thought so long as my doctor is willing to say it’s “medically necessary” BCBS will approve me. Don’t know who to believe. Anyone experienced this? It’s all sort of mind-boggling. Part of me just wants to stay on MDIs now…seems easier. I have never had any sort of insurance company battle so don’t really know what to do.
I think that excercising can also be used to justify a pump? Maybe not quite a “medical” but I know that it figured in the writeups for the medical necessity business for both my pump and then the CGM?
Yes, the Medtronic rep agreed with this, also combined with the fact that I am planning a pregnancy. The frustrating part is that my doc was very skeptical that my insurance would approve the pump. But the Medtronic people are more optimistic. They claim that they will work to appeal any denial and that they are usually successful. Don’t know who to believe…
Hey quick question about the omnipod. Have you had any issues with it sticking to you while sweating? I live in Fl and for 6 months it is hot and I like to be out doors most of the time. I had an issue with the minimed falling out all the time when I was sweating.
Quick note about the Revel. The software in the pump and the CGM software are very different than the x22 series of pumps. Most notable is the CGM features in the pump which provides a shorter activation time, less need for calibration and much more accurate BGs and rate of increase and decrease indicators.
Many of the comments about MM refer to the x22 pre version pumps where the software and BGs were much different and less accurate.
Either pump will work fine. The MD should be canned for the comments made and attitude about T1D control and management. I would look for a more T1D aware, open and knowledgable endo or MD.
According to their web site, it is water proof. This may be a new feature though.
Yes, I have had a similar experience. A year ago, I was anxious to get the pump. I went through all the paperwork and tests necessary to obtain a pump and my insurance company turned down the request. At that time, my endo would go along with it because of his belief in patient participation in care, but wasn’t that supportive. Fast forward to today, my kidney function isn’t the best and my A1-c is higher, so the pump is being suggested by my endo. I have an appointment tomorrow with the CDE to get the approval started again, and now have to go through the tests and approval process once again. Right now, I am happy with MDI, and could get along well without a pump.
My choice, if a pump is approved, will be Animas. I like the feature that the meter communicates with the pump, and bolus calls can be made from either the meter or the pump. I also like the feature of the Calorie King book stored in the meter to make carb counting easier for me. I like the Animas colour screen and I think it operates a little easier. Both have on-line based software for monitoring. I have also found the Animas personnel far more cooperative in answering questions and addressing concerns than the Mini-Med. I think the CGM issue is a toss-up. I have heard pro and con comments for both the Medtonic and Dexcom units.
I love Minimed and have pumped 20+ years of my 45 years as a diabetic. Not familiar with the Revel but wear a Paradigm. Am unfamiliar with Animas pumps.
Minimed’s pump allows minute adjustments in basal that has proven important to me.
Compensating for a varied schedule becomes intuitive after time. For example, I was in my kayak from 6p to 8p last night - a fairly aggressive workout for a fairly sedentary man. Adjusted basal to 50% for 8 hours and adjusted bolus for 9pm dinner by 25%. Worked like a charm keeping overnight blood sugar near 120.
Now for their CGM, I didn’t like it at all. It hurt and proved erratic. I had prior good experience with Dexcom so chose to upgrade to a Dexcom 7 a year ago. It doesn’t communicate with my pump but its accuracy and tiny sensor make all the difference for me.
Best of decision making!
Hugh
Further thoughts:
My Minimed Paradigm took a dunk 3 weeks ago. It died! Mimimed replaced it overnight without issue. They have been great. After reading more of your entries, a pump will prove exceptional for your varied and activities. Do it!
Hugh