Not Going Back to Tubed Pump

Diabetes Technology Insulin Pumps
#1

I have been become babied with OmniPod. And after a girl got on top of me in her car and freaked out, then kicked me out of her car, when she saw my Minimed jarred into my stomach, I made up my mind: no more tubing! I only put my OmniPod on my thighs or arms.

My question is, what do you guys do if a pod malfunctions? I simply pull the insulin out of it and then apply a new pod. What if you run out of pods for a day or two? Would I need to shoot up some Lantus? I am not going back to the unsightly tubing.

So I guess I should ask my doctor for a backup plan. Just wondering what you guys do.

Thanks.

#2

You got it exactly right...I carry spare pods (and the insulin vial is in the Omnipod case).

If for some reason the PDM fails or is lost, then I switch to Lantus and Novolog.

I keep Lantus pens in the refrigerator (and carry them with me when I travel). I carry pen cartridges and a pen for fast insulin. I can fill the pods from the pen cartridges if needed.

I had to do this once when the PDM failed....while they shipped me a new one.

#3

I do the exact same thing.

#4

Ditto to what everyone else says.

As for that girl... just say, "you know about Viagra, right? Well this is sex supercharge juice!"

#5

I keep a few insulin pens around in case of total pod/pdm failure. No Lantus, just the short acting stuff. Should be able to get by with a single shot ever couple hours, or maybe even up to 4. Not too sure, but at almost 2 years, I haven't had to test that yet. I keep in touch with Insulet when I have problems or get low on pods. They are great at helping.

If you see that girl again, thank her for helping you switch to a better system :)

#6

I use Lantus and Novolog by pen. I keep both on hand. The lantus lasts years on the refrig. I carry one novolog with me and when it is getting old I put it in the next pump. Never waist good insulin.

#7

The advice you have been given is correct.I used to use Lantus and the Novolog pen, but I learned that I could tuck a regular syringe or two under the inner zipped pocket of the OmniPod case. If the PDM fails, I can still use a meter to test, can calculate what Novolog I need, and can draw it out of the insulin vial that is in the case. This is less hassle and a lot less expensive than having a bunch of Novolog pens around. I have a prescription for Lantus that I will use if the PDM fails. I used to keep a spare one in the refrigerator, but they kept expiring and I had to throw them out. I hate to waste things like that, so now I just have a back-up prescription.

If your PDM fails, you should test every two hours and take short-acting insulin as needed. That includes doing so all during the night, even if you have the Lantus back-up dose going for you. I have been diabetic for 47 years, so I know what I am talking about as far as control is concerned.

In five years, I have only had the PDM fail ONCE, and that was my own fault when I dropped it off a table in a restaurant. OmniPod was great about overnighting me a new meter.

Be sure that you record ALL of your PDM information somewhere and update it as needed. That way, if you have a PDM failure, you will know how to program the new one when it comes in.

I am with you-- no tubed pumps for me. I hope that you will enjoy the OmniPod as much as I do. As for the girl, you are better without her. Most of us who have the Pod have loving, understanding people who don't mind the Pod no matter what degree of intimate contact we may be in. The right girl will have no problem with the Pod.