I was on MM for 10 years before switching to the Omnipod. Reason number one was the waterproof aspect. When I got my second pump from Minimed they said it would be waterproof and quickly changed that to resistant, putting any risk into my hands. That really frustrated me. I have been happy with Omnipod’s customer support, and like that it sticks to my arm, not on my belt. I am very active, and also like that if something happens to the pod- I can put another on. I don’t need to worry as much about breaking a $5-6000 piece of machinery, the PDM runs around $1000, so its a lot but still more manageable. Before switching I was having issues with my MM getting fractures near the window, and I was pretty careful with it. I felt like Omnipod was more understanding with the financial aspect of dealing with a pump, than MM. The first time I got called by a representative from MM to see how I liked my pump was a month after I switched pumps (this was after 10 years on it). I did have to train myself to pay attention to where the pump is located on my body, but you get used to it, just like everything else with diabetes. And sometimes I have issues with the adhesive on the last day if I have been sweating or in the pool a lot, but I am figuring that out.
I know some people love their MM, so ultimately it is about what works for you.
Cheryl - no, I don’t think I can try different pumps before deciding. Thanks for your feedback about your son, I still haven’t thought out all the impacts of the tubes with clothing yet. I typically wear formal suits and tucked in shirts with ties… I’m meeting with the Medtronics rep to talk about those issues.
Jay - thanks, your comments are timely. I’m still getting quarterly scans since the cancer was so recent, the next PET scan is in late August. I’ll need to make sure I don’t have anything attached on the day of the scan so it doesn’t get wasted. I’m hearing a lot of positive comments on the Animas Ping.
Ginny - I looked at your home page. Triathlon training - go for it! I’ve thought about a triathlon, but haven’t worked up to it yet. I’ve done a couple uphill half marathons (Pikes Peak Ascent), and bike rides, but haven’t worked the swimming into it yet. Good to hear the Omnipod is working for you. Some of the other Omnipod users commented about losing adhesion in the water, it doesn’t sound like that’s a significant issue for you. Also - did you ever try disconnecting the MM for sporting events and reconnecting later? It sounds like the Omnipod makes that a non-issue, but I’m wondering how complicated it gets to disconnect and reconnect the MM.
Fred - I had a great 10K race on Saturday. I wore the Dexcom on my Fuelbelt and carried the Novolog pen in the pouch. It was a workable solution, but I didn’t eat in the morning so I could make sure carbs stayed low and level. This was my first time running as a diabetic. I looked over the hundreds of other runners to see if anyone else was wearing a pump or a Dex… if they were there, they must have hid it well.
read running man thots …we who know the Lord…know that we are held in the palm of HIS HAND…you are a miracle…my son Brandon is 16 …has Downs…and has been type 1 since 9…pump is not covered up here yet…so havent done my homework on it…you are a survivor…just keep your ears open …youll find the one that works 4 you…nice fotos…bless you and yours
UPDATE - Thanks everyone for your inputs. I received my new pump and set everything up on Tuesday. I selected the Animas Ping. Only 4 days on the pump so far, but the belly bruises from shots are going away :-). The daily operation is fairly easy, and my Dex graph is already improving with less high and low spikes. PS - I picked up a few suggestions over the last few weeks that might be worth sharing:
- Skin Tac - this stuff is great, and comes in little packets similar to alcohol pads. I apply it before I insert a new sensor (Dexcom) or cannula (pump), and it improves the adhesion
- Tegaderm - this is also great stuff. It’s a large bandage with a window in the middle that’s just the right size for the Dexcom sensor or insulin pump cannula. My Dexcom patches start to peel off after about day 5, especially since I’m in the gym a lot and usually take 2 showers a day. I went 12 days with my last sensor using the Tegaderm clear bandage (the sensor usually works well beyond the prescribed 7 days if you can keep it from peeling off).
Thanks again to all who commented, pump life is good so far. I’m blessed beyond measure. Other than starting feel like an assimilated Borg (for Star Trek fans), I have the freedom to be just as active as I was before cancer and diabetes. December 2010 will mark 2 year survival date from pancreatic cancer surgery. Not all survive, so I’m reminded daily of God’s grace and mercy, and thankful for my new lease on life!
Bob