I did do a saline trial. For me it was helpful to know if I’d even want something connected to me 24 hr a day.
I did saline for the first 2-3 days. I can’t say that it was really helpful, but it let the trainer know that I understood how to give a bolus etc. They checked the memory and saw what I did. BUT a couple times, I gave a bolus of saline and forgot to also inject insulin! So remember to do both 
Regarding the Paradigm VEO…combined w/CGM the pump suspends Basils if you drop below some defined BG level. Sounds like a great feature, but not for this T-1 as CGM failed after 2-years of use. Right now the VEO looks like a UK product, but those of you interested might be able to get it in the U.S.
I didn’t do the saline. I didn’t see a need for it but some people find it helpful.
@ Alisha: I was actually considering that one over the minimed at first. The main reason I didn’t get that one is because I read some feedback about it that if you give a large bolus, the speed of delivery causes pain. I knew that my daughter would have rebelled against it.
I’ve been very happy with my Mimimed. NEVER a problem with delivering insulin too fast with a large bolus. It actually delivers the insulin pretty slowly to insure there is no problem – I think that was bogus information about the speed of delivery.
I’ve also been very happy with their customer service. When I’ve had an occasional problem, they’ve really gone above and beyond to resolve it. The only thing I don’t like is that they use a proprietary connector instead of the standard lugar lock. You can buy cartridges from 50-50 that support the lugar lock so its not really an issue.
@ Mountain Biker: I wasn’t taking about the Minimed, I was referring to the Ping. We actually got the Minimed with the CGM and love it. The only time we have had any issue with pain is when we have used my daughters arms (which are stick thin, but the DME and the MM consultant insist are large enough for sets).
Sorry for the confusion. The other thing I don’t like about the Minimed is that is only uses the Minimed CGM. I think the Dexcom CGM is significantly better, with a small sensor that lasts 7 days rather than 3 days. Dexcom is coming out with their “Gen4” which should be better yet (more accurate). Right now I have two devices in my pocket, the Minimed pump and the Dexcom CGM.
I was thinking about the Dexcom for my daughter, but decided that it was just one more thing for her to carry around. I have heard that it will be integrated with the Omnipod soon… Maybe for the next pump, we may decide to go with that combo.
I have minimed, and am soooo tired of having a tube running out of my body. i will definately be going with omni pod next time. anybody got any feedback on that?
The only complaint that I have seen with the omnipod is that some people find it a little bulky. It seems to work well, and if the tubing is an issue for you, it is a resonable choice to explore. Make sure you take a good look before you commit, so that you will not be put off by the bulkiness. Most people that I know who use it think the tradeoff is reasonable.
I switched to Omnipod after 8 years on a Minimed and have been using the pod for about a year and a half. Loving it.
Melissa, Is the omnipod easy to hide on any body type. I switched from Medtronic to Animus because Animus is lighter and was worried I would not be able to hide something stuck to me. I am a short waisted, not curvy, lean type. Think gymnast stereotype of build. Would it work for me next time the choice for should I stay or should I go with a new pump comes along.
I have seen them in passing. Am i correct in saying that the body of it is like a PDA correct? I am just not too sure about the size of the actual “pod” part that attaches to your body.
Sarah, yes, it accommodates a lot of body types. Especially if you take advantage of wearing it in some of the approved sites like small of the back. I have worn mine there with a pretty tight evening gown. Do you have a couple tubes of lipstick around? It’s about 3/4 the length of a lipstick, 3/4 the thickness of a lipstick, and about the width of 2 lipsticks. Give or take. The PDM is about the same size as two Paradigms maybe or an older model One Touch meter.
@Sarah…keep in mind that Melissa described the size of the current OmniPod. The newer smaller version should be released very soon.
I currently use a Minimed 522 but am considering changing in the not-too-distant future. How does supply cost compare – are the pods more expensive than Minimed reservoirs and infusion sets?
Thanks. I have to wait a few years before I can get another pump but it would be great to not worry about where to stash it while wearing a dress.
I often wear mine on my side. It’s pretty much totally imperceptible there. My usual playcement is in the curve of my back.
The intial cost for the OmniPod and PDM is much less expensive BUT the monthly price is a lot higher. I receive 3 boxes for three months and my out of pocket is $165. My insurance pays 80%