Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Devildog on January 7, 2013 at 9:37am

Well, good news for a change! I just met with my new Endo and she was literally amazed at what I knew! She said most patients don't even know what a I:C or ISF is! I met with the CDE 1st for an hour and a half, and she said there was nothing more to teach me that I didn't already know and that she would recommend that the Dr. skip her office requirement of 1 year with no missed visits and go ahead and order a pump for me. I have to go back March 4th to meet with the trainer and get my new pump. I wanted to go with the Omnipod as my 1st choice, but she said she has had very bad luck with them, whether it be bad pods, or non-adhesion. She said she had a few patients try them, and the longest they lasted on them was 4 months, so she does not recommend it. Her 1st choice is the MiniMed, but I told her I needed something to use in and around the water, and asked if she would recommend the Anamas. She said she like the pump, but warned that several patients have had water related failures and that although they claim it is waterproof, she thinks it is more water resistant. She is really pushing the minimed because her office is on that system for patients to upload data. In the end, she said that she would order the Anamas for me though, and gave me a few days to think it over and call with a decision. I have seen waterproof cases for the minimed, but I don't have any 1st hand real world knowledge on how effective they are. Are they really good enough to count on doing 75 on a jet ski, or standing in waist high water all day?

I know I have asked a lot of you folks in a short period of time, but I would appreciate any thought, tips, or hints to help me decide. Thanks!

Gary

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stemwinder on January 7, 2013 at 7:49pm

We have enjoyed every minute of our chats with you. Sorry we can't make that decision for you. You have done your homework I'm sure you will make the best decision for you.

As for doing 75 on a jet ski I don't know about that one, I guess it would work if well secured, I would be hesistant to submerge any pump for a long period even if it is waterproof. There are ways around these things. I wear my pump in my shirt pocket everyday. No one says you have to wear it on your belt.

Gary

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Devildog on January 9, 2013 at 7:03am

I decided to give the Omnipod a demo. I have been wearing it now for 3 days and so far no issues at all. The Saline Trial is being delivered on Friday and I will be wearing that for a few weeks to test it in the real world. They are sending a rep to my house to train me on it and make sure I understand it. Luckily, I will be getting to trial the newer smaller version too!

I reached out to Animas and as of now, I have not heard back from them on getting a demo or trial unit.

As far as the jet ski goes - I have a Mustang Survival vest that has pockets that are secure both inside and out, so if I do decide on the Ping, I will have a good place to put it. I do worry a bit about all of the bouncing and rough riding, but we will have to see about that once I talk to the rep. With the Omnipod that will not be as large a concern, but will still have room for the PDM in a waterproof case. The ski has watertight storage on it for my other "stuff" that I always carry. I will more than likely put together a second kit for dedicated use on the boat / ski. Never hurts to be too prepared.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by DianaS on January 8, 2013 at 11:05am

Gary, I wear Animas and in the past I wore Medtronic. My two cents if you are frequently in the water I would not want a pump that wasn't water proof. Yes, if there's a crack your pump will fry but you have more options if you start out with a water proof pump. Just inspect your pump for obvious cracks first and have a back up plan for insulin if your pump malfunctions.

On the negative side I also would be concerned about how you plan to secure the pump to your body during high speed events like water skiing, jet skiing etc. The last thing you want is a $6,000 pump at the bottom of the lake if you go one way and your pump goes another. It could easily shear off at the tubing if you weren't careful about how you secured it to you. Also some people go low during water activities and need to suspend or disconnect anyway so if you like Medtronic features better then it may not be a barrier anyway.

Regarding downloading Animas has Diasend which you can use at home and bring in print outs that your endo wants. Or your endo can set that up their office too. My endo has all the software for most meters and pumps at the office not just Medtronic.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by AnnaPS on January 8, 2013 at 12:52am

I have type 1 and I am wearing pump. As I am, as you, very active outdoor and moving around a lot during the day the pump is a big help. Because I can change the insulin rate after my spontaneous actions. Just changing and I can be more active or less active than I planned. This make life much more flexible as Diabetic. I love my pump.Easy to wear it when I have underwear with integrated pocket.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page