When I started writing this post I had my years mixed up and really thought that in January 2011 I'd be on the hunt for a new pump, but after doing some checking, I realized I have 18 months left before my warranty on Toohey expires. Nonetheless, I'm still already thinking about the pump-related decisions that I'll face in January 2012.
I started pumping in January 2008 and even then I struggled with which pump company I wanted to go with. Minimed had a great sales guy who really pursued me. Omnipod and Animas practically ignored me.
I remember wanting to go with Animas originally for a number of reasons: I liked the color screen and I really liked the pink pump! And I really like the different color infusion sets you can get with Animas. (I'm not willing to shell out for the pretty stickers you can put over the Minimed infusion sets.) Superficial? Maybe. But it all adds up.
I've had a great experience with Minimed. No complaints. Their customer service is excellent, the product is easy to use and I'm overall happy and satisfied.
I'm intrigued by the partnership that Animas and Dexcom have, though. I tried the Minimed CGMS and didn't like it nearly as much as Dexcom. So knowing there's a possibility for an Animas/Dexcom integrated device at some point is enough to sway me over to Animas.
Yet, one of my life philosophies is "if it ain't broke don't fix it" so I'm still on the fence about switching. Of course, on the other hand, there is a lot to be gained by taking risks.
So, while I have some time to think things over I'll be eagerly watching diabetes news for new products. And I suspect that late next year I'll be finding an Animas rep to see if I can take a pump for a test drive. It's good to know your options.
we are in Colorado and had an amazing experience with the Animas Rep - we live in a smaller town 1 hour north of Dnver and he was the only rep willing to come to our home and sit with us and our son - the other guys just wanted to meet at the Dr's office at our next appt. We did have a glitch with one pump alarming that it was not primed but it was replaced - haven't tried a CGM but might some day! Now I am off to change his site!! Good luck - Happy Researching!!
My daughter had the Deltec Cozmo for 3 years and we were able to trade it for the Animas Ping about a year ago. She LOVES her Ping! She is familiar with other pumps as she was a camp counselor at a diabetes camp, and will not even consider switching to another brand. She will be due for another pump at the end of May and wants to get another Animas Ping. The big question is what color to choose :)
Hello there! I am currently using the new Animas PING. I LOVE IT!!! I have been pumping since January 19, 2008 myself. When I was researching what insulin pump I wanted to use. I googled insulin pumps and found a site that compared all of them together. The features for the Animas really fit me and what I was looking for. You may have gotten a bad Rep for them. I have NEVER had a issue with them. I even took advantage this year of their upgrade program. It was sooo easy to upgrade from their 2020 to their PING. Happy searching for your new pump. Just be careful with the whole "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Try not to put yourself in a situation where you are without a pump and waiting for a replacement. It is a risk to consider.