How is it going on the Omnipod? I am trying to get switched over in June but my Drs aren't too happy with the Omnipod. They want to stay with the Minimed. They are telling me that the Omnipod is move expensive over time. Why is it more expensive? I really like the idea of NO TUBES. How comfortable is the pod on your lower back when you are in the car driving? Are there places that are uncomfortable to wear the pump? I have read several posts about how much people love the Omnipod. I am just very confused as to why my Drs don't like it.
Gina, just curious . . . how'd your Omnipod test go? I'm thinking of switching to the Omnipod but want to get some comments from other users. On your test, are you using saline and actually doing test boluses with it? Love to hear your comments. Keith
Gina, just curious . . . how'd your Omnipod test go? I'm thinking of switching to the Omnipod but want to get some comments from other users. On your test, are you using saline and actually doing test boluses with it? Love to hear your comments. Keith
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Keith, I know I'm not Gina, but I do use the Omnipod, so I thought I'd pipe in. Actually you get two tests. For the first one, they just send you a demo pod in the mail. It's not functional and you don't have the PDM, but you can adhere it to your body to see if you like the feel of it. Once that is complete and you decide to go ahead with it, they send you the pods (I think a few months supply) and the PDM. They also have a local rep contact you. She will come over and show you how to use it and how to set up your pre-settings on the PDM. During that period, you do a test with saline. So you do actually "bolus" using the PDM, but you are only bolusing saline, so you have to remember to still give yourself a shot of insulin! It's a lot of extra work, but it's only for a couple of days till you get used to the PDM and filling and changing the pod and all. After 3-4 days, the instructor will come over again and help you with your first real pod, filled with insulin, and away you go!!! I highly recommend the Omnipod. I have enjoyed the ease of bolusing and correcting highs and my A1Cs have gone down tremendously!!! Good luck!
Did you get a lot of resistance from the Drs? My Drs really don't want me to switch to the Omnipod. Have you experienced any negatives? It is going to be expensive to make the switch so I want to make sure I know what I am getting into.
Did you get a lot of resistance from the Drs? My Drs really don't want me to switch to the Omnipod. Have you experienced any negatives? It is going to be expensive to make the switch so I want to make sure I know what I am getting into.
Thanks for any info!
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Kecia,
My doctor didn't resist me, but he made sure I knew what I was getting myself into. The only thing he said he didn't like about the Omnipod is that sometime the humalog can get overheated (which actually has never happened to me). But He gave me his blessing to go ahead.
It's hard for me to give you a good description of anything negative because I never used any other pump. I went from injections to the Omnipod, so for me, the transition has been amazing. My control is much better because the pod can bolus in tiny increments and do different basal amounts at different times, which shots couldn't. I can tell you it's extremely frustrating when there is an occlusion because the pump deactivates and beeps continuously until you can change it. That's irritating, but it happens infrequently so all in all it's worth it. But again, this is just my opinion, as a person who has never used a different type of pump.
Stephanie, thanks so much for your response. Glad to know you like the Omnipod. I've used both Minimed and Animas pumps for several years but have been thinking about trying the Omnipod after I saw a demonstration over the weekend. I've been satisfied with my current pump but am thinking about switching and trying something a little different. The main thing I'm a little concerned about is the possibility of pod failure. I've experienced similar issues with the Navigator CGMS and have had to request replacement sensors; several times; I guess Insulet would do the same thing if a pod failed or malfunctioned. The other thing I've noticed is that it seems to take much longer for a bolus to be given with the Omnipod than it does with a conventional piston-type pump. I thought I'd take a closer look at the Omnipod since it'll be another 4 years before I could change pumps again. From comments I've heard from Omnipod users, I've only heard good things about it. BTW, did you use a traditional pump before you got your Omnipod? Thanks again for your comments.
Hi Keith, the Omnipod was the first pump I've ever had. I was very anti-pump for my first 8 years of being T1. The idea of tubing really freaked me out. Thus, Omnipod was perfect for me. There is occasional pump failure. In the year and a half I've used Omnipod, I think I've had only maybe 4-5 pods completely fail. Customer service is great -- if you call, they will send you a replacement. Sometimes there are occlusions in the cannula -- the pod will let you know by beeping uncontrollably until you shut it off with the PDM. I have found that the occlusions come when there are air bubbles in the insulin so I am meticulous about getting all the bubbles out of the syringe before injecting it into the pod. And yes, it does take a while to bolus, but it doesn't really bother me. It does click while it is bolusing and beeps once when it is finished and that sometimes bugs me, but it is reassuring to hear the clicking and the beep because then you know it's working!
I will let you know when I make the complete switcheroo. I have been using MM for 9 yrs and I am having some anxiety about actually filling out the paper work. Even though I completely want the Omni I feel torn! I know I am a weirdo. Anyone else feel like that?
The Onmipod is very good especially if you are a athlete cause you dont have to discontect and it is also alot easier cause you dont have to carry around a meter cause the PDM is the meter