OmniPod
There was the researching, and the chats with the doc,. There was the mental tug-o-war between my daily injection comfort zone and my need for more flexibility, and now, like the quickness of a self-inserting cannula, I am pumping insulin by way of the OmniPod.
For nearly four years now I have been ducking into bathroom stalls, pit-stopping on highway shoulders, and seeking out keen new places to take daily shots. The mind saturated planning and mental mapping was wearing thinner than Trump's hairdo. Today I revel in the notion that I have not taken an injection in over 48 hours. No new bruises for me. No searching for insulin pens and their needles. No wrinkles of injection pain canvassing my skin.
My first day pumping insulin got off to a sloppy start. I blew through two pods right out of the gate. One was not my fault- an occlusion occurred (followed by an obnoxious alarm and urged message of pod removal). The other issue happened when the pod was adhered to my upper thigh. I was sitting down during attachment and the adhesive started to give under the pressure of walking around afterwards. A hot shower combined with overstressed adhesive finished off that pod in no time.
Third pod is a charm. I freed it from the packaging, along with the filling syringe, and plunged 215 units of Novolog into the guts of the compact body. Guided by the wireless handheld PDM (personal diabetes manager), the pod self-primed, filtering out any air bubbles, and asked me to place the new pod on my desired infusion locale. I stood up this time, leaving the skin un-taut, and plunked it on my upper thigh. The cannula automatically inserted with a rapid click. I flinched, but not from pain. Basal insulin infusion followed suit, and off I went.
Now I am in the process of fine-tuning my insulin to carb ratio, basal rates, correction rate, all the stuff that makes pumping insulin so effective and individually molded. There is great potential for me on this new pumping path. Onward- to see what I can make of it.
Oh Scott how fun! I seriously considered OmniPod, too. I'll be following your progress closely!
Right on- I will be reporting about the good, the bad, and the wireless! Next step is to give customer service a ring and see how they get the job done.
Scott,
I really appreciate hearing about your experience with your pump. My doctor has been offering me one for the past couple of months. I am a type 2 but use Humalog and Lantus. Do you use only the Novolog? You are always so honest and upfront. I will really be interested in hearing how this is workiong out for you.
My aim is to get out as much feedback as possible on this new pump as I know there are many in your shoes that are in decision making mode. Before the OmniPod I was taking Lantus and Novolog as part of my multiple injecion routine. Now, the pod is filled with Novolog and that takes the place of the "long acting Lantus" and continues the effects of the "rapid acting Novolog". I have not used Humalog but I have been assured that Humalog/Novolog/Apidra are equally successful in pumping.
Congratulations Scott. Welcome to "Modern Diabetes 101." I've had diabetes for 49 years and have used insulin pumps for the last 14 of those years. This last year I started on the Omnipod.
What an improvement! I love not having tubing and the remote(the PDM)is wonderful, as I can carry it in my purse, on my belt, leave it in the bathroom when going to bed, etc.,
Having a pump is so much easier than multiple injections and makes life & diabetes so much more flexible.
Again, congratulations Scott. Enjoy your Omnipod.
You hit it on the head. Flexibility is crucial. Thanks for the warm sentiment, I appreciate it. I'm well on my way to making the most out of my pumping experience!
I know it's hard to say in general terms, but I'm wondering how the major insurance companies are treating pumps from a coverage standpoint? I've been a T2 for almost 3 years. Went on Lantus in Nov and have now added Novolog this past week. I love the pens, but also love 'gadgets'. I'm not trying be flip about the pump just being a gadget, I realize it's importance. I would not like the other style of pump with tubes and stuff, but would be very interested in the OmniPod at some point. Will be following your progress Scott.
Corey
Corey, I will be posting my insurance experience when I get a little more info dealing with them... stay tuned
I used the OmniPod for about 4 months, but after every other pump had a occlusion or the pump just stop working I switched to medmein. Then when I decided to switch to med med, omnipod wouldn' refund the money back to my insurance company. Then in turn the insurance company wouldn't pay for another pump until they got there money back. I don't want to put down the company and there customer service, I just don't want anyone to go threw what I had to go threw
i'm mom to 2yr old who has been trying to use omnipod.he is having similar problems.we have been using it for 6 wks and we're almost ready to send it back if things don't improve soon.
i,ll be watching your progress and comparing it with my 2 yr old son's.he just started using the omnipod in may 08.
I am going to begin pump therapy in November and am supposed to use the Accu Check Spirit. Today while walking at the JDRF walk in Cleveland I tried the Omni Pod. WOW!!! There was hardly any pain and boy does it seem easy to use. My Dr has not recommended this pump and I am really not sure why?? Can anyone give me some pros or cons about either of the pumps?? I am newly diagnosed Type 1- 6 months in and very confused- please help. Thanks!
I am going to begin pump therapy in November and am supposed to use the Accu Check Spirit. Today while walking at the JDRF walk in Cleveland I tried the Omni Pod. WOW!!! There was hardly any pain and boy does it seem easy to use. My Dr has not recommended this pump and I am really not sure why?? Can anyone give me some pros or cons about either of the pumps?? I am newly diagnosed Type 1- 6 months in and very confused- please help. Thanks!
Your doc may not have recommended the OmniPod because it is still a relatively new pump. He is likely more comfortable with other brands because of their standing reputations. What is important though, is that YOU decide how you pump insulin. Your doc won't be wearing it, and can easily learn about whichever one you choose. I can't comment on the Accu-Chek Spirit because I have never heard of it, but will say the OmniPod has been great for me. I have also heard good things from Minimed, Cozmo, and Animas pump wearers. It boils down to what features you most desire.
Ive been taking multiplle daily injections of lantus & humalog for aprox 12 years and was wondering if the out of pocket expense for the POD is significantly more than multi daily inj.?
No question, pumping is inherently more costly than daily injections but that doesn't mean it is out of reach. Check out
"Out of Pocket Pumping"
I have used the MiniMed for 14 years, My OmniPod shipped yesterday. I look forward to comparing "notes". I first found out about Insulet and the OmniPod while researching for a school paper. After seeing the online demo and reading about it, I HAD to have it. I got the demo Pod and loved it, I wore it on my left side just under and back of the armpit (as far as I could reach). I never knew I had it on, I fell in love. My Endo is very happy with the results she has gotten from 8 of 9 patients that have used it. One refused to change where he wore it and his kids kept knocking it off.
I go to training next Thursday, I will try to report back after wearing a few pods.
The insurance question-depending on your insurance, if you have a pump it needs to be 4+yrs old and no warranty left, BC/BS is paying 100% for my OmniPOd since I have met my deductible for the year but Insulet customer service will check your insurance and call you with what is covered before sending the pump.