Hi everyone,
I am getting ready to do away with injections and get started on a pump. My choices are: Omnipod and the Minimed Paradigm. I’m asking for anyone’s input on their personal experience with their insulin pump.
Thanks,
Troy
You might check out some of these past discussions.
To pump or not to pump?
Omnipod vs. Minimed
Omnipod review: a mixed bag
Omnipod vs. Medtronic Minimed Pump
Also, go into the groups and poke around. We have groups for users of both systems who swear by and LOVE their pumps. Whichever way you go, best of luck! Lalita wears an Accu-check, I wear a Cozmo, and others love Animas. In my opinion, they’re all wonderful.
Also, I usually point people to this website with pump comparisons. I find it fairly up-to-date.
Troy, almost everybody loves the pump they pick. I use a minimed, and my only complaint is that I waited so long before starting.
I used the OmniPod for several months, and I completely loved it. The ability to be tube-free outweighed any disadvantages. Plus, the insertion process is soooo easy! I had a few problems with the pod erroring, but the Insulet Corporation replaces pods for free when this happens. There is a slight bump with clothing, but not a huge one. I wore mine on my lower abdomen, and I found that most people don’t even notice it, and if they do, a simple explanation usually suffices- and let me tell you, it’s less noticable than having a tube hanging out.
A couple of times, the pump would get hit from above, and it would tear off. That kind of hurts and is a pretty big pain in the butt, but it’s pretty rare- once was because I got hit with a pillow-polo stick in gym class from above, and it pushed down on the site, and the other was because I tripped and caught it with my hand.
The biggest advantage in this pump for me was the no-wires. I am a dancer and very active otherwise, and having to disconnect and reconnect is super-annoying. Plus, the lack of tubing is one less thing to worry about catching. Being hooked up to a tube, to me, is a constant reminder of my diabetes. With the OmniPod, I feel more like a regular teenage girl. It makes dresses easy, too!
Troy:
I’m on Minimed Paradigm 722. I love it! But, then, I never had any other kind. I love mine more because it comes in purple!!!
One caution, make sure they educate you properly. I just went to endo today and he was amazed I didn’t know how to do things on my pump … like dual wave. They told me that I wouldn’t be doing that and so they didn’t train me. My endo blew a gasket and now wants to send me to St. Francis Hospital to get “educated” in the pump and different waves and temporary basals and all that such junk.
Ask questions of not only Medtronic but of your DR and see what he/she wants you to learn.
Lots of luck. I am sure you will enjoy it. Then again, maybe …
Lois La Rose
Milwaukee, WI
I have been on minimed paradign for only two weeks, so far so good
Oh Dave, you poor baby! Sorry to hear your endo was a real caveman a**hol*! Good for you!!
Lois La Rose
Milwaukee, WI
If you haven’t already, we definitely recommend getting the book “Pumping Insulin” by John Walsh. You can purchase it here and a portion goes back to the TuDiabetes website.
I love my minimed. I figure if you have one brand or another you probably like that brand. I know folks with others and they love theirs as well. I don’t think you can go wrong.
I do love my blue pump, it makes my eyes look, ah hazel.
LOL
Rick Phillips
Thanks for all your input and for the links to other discussions. I’m seeing that there are ups and downs with both but isn’t that the same in life.? For me, I think I’m going to go with the Omni Pod, being tubeless with the active life style that I have and being a somewhat new technology in pumping is VERY appealing to me.
Thanks again,
Troy
Troy,
I think you will be VERY happy with the Omnipod. Having no tubes is an awesome feeling. And, there’s nothing to clip to your belt, or anything. Sometimes I forget where it is on my body… and I’ll have to feel around. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine!!!
Troy,
I have been using a minimed for 3 yrs now with no problems. I sure wish it was waterproof though…achem…Animas 
Hi everyone,
I just started on the Omnipod last Friday and so far so good even though its only been 4 days…
Troy
Congrats! Good luck with things and enjoy your new freedom!