Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kim on April 7, 2012 at 7:15am

I have had my minimed for almost 4 years and have never had a pump failure. It is a tubed pump, so you would have to determine the best way to deal with the tubing.

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Permalink Reply by jrtpup on April 7, 2012 at 7:23am

I love my Ping, but it's a very personal choice. Here is a chart comparing pumps that will give you an overview of their specs.

I think the only way to really chooses what's right for you is to put your hands on each one you're considering. My endo's office had them all, so though I was already pretty much decided it was useful handling them all first.

With any pump, there's a learning curve, and in the end it's well worth it!

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on April 7, 2012 at 7:36am

I have a MiniMed pump and have been very happy with it. The screen is a little bit "old school" but it's very solid. I studied martial arts and have had a couple of bike wipeouts that the pump survived fine. 3.5 years into the 4 year warranty, it failed last summer but it was at the end of a 14 mile run that started at 87 degrees and was probably in the low 90s by the time we were done? I was drenched, including the pump. I got a "button error" message, called MiniMed (freaking out, of course, it was Saturday of 3 day holiday weekend...) and they said "we'll get your new pump in the mail ASAP...". I took it home, dried it out, still nothing. I left it in the sun to dry it more, nothing. Then I put it in the freezer, so I didn't have to hear the beeping, took it out the next morning (we were partying...) and it worked! I was too gun shy to try it ("Man fixes pump in freezer, ends up dead...") but it impressed me that it at least seemed to work?

It kind of reminds me of a Hiwatt guitar amp, really sturdy and simple but does exactly what I want it to do and does it very well. I've read lots of Omnipod issues "every time I change a pod my BG goes through the roof..." and also quite a few people mentioning "I got my waterproof Animas wet and fried it!" posts about those. The Animas Ping does have a much snazzier display though.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Wittman on April 7, 2012 at 8:59am

Acidrock,

I couldn't help but notice your comment about your pump and its damage during exercise on a very hot day: ..."14 mile run that started at 87 degrees and was probably in the low 90s by the time we were done? I was drenched, including the pump. "

Of all my years in working as a theater/stage technician, perspiration is a big problem for wireless microphone transmitters worn by actors. Warning, this might be TMI, but what we did was to take a non-lubricated condom and encase the transmitter pack inside when we strapped the transmitter to the actor. the latex condom stretched enough to get around the microphone transmitter pack and provided an open end for antennas and micro wire connections to the microphone itself. I would think it would work to protect a pump as well. Note, be sure the condom chosen is of the non-lubricated variety.

Just a thought. If you were to try it, please let me know the result.

Brian Wittman

Jisy

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on April 7, 2012 at 9:07am

That's a good idea although, since the MM has the CGM in it, I keep it handy to keep an eye on things when I'm running? It would also certainly liven up the conversations along the trail? What I've started doing is putting into a ziploc bag which works ok but maybe your solution would keep it more secure?

I should call MM and see if they dx'ed the sucker as I'm signed up for another season of running this year and, if spring is any indication, it's likely to be hot again!

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Permalink Reply by Brian Wittman on April 7, 2012 at 9:41am

I forgot to mention that small rubber band can be used to seal the open end, if necessary. that will sufficiently keep moisture out. Good luck. I hope it works for you and generates some good stares and conversations too!

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Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on April 9, 2012 at 5:05am

Wow, this condom idea is a great one!! I too use a plastic baggie, along with a spibelt (I enclose my pump in a plastic baggie and then store my pump in a water-resistant spibelt that I got at my local running store). I too run outside during the summer and tend to get very, very sweaty. Not to mention the times I have gotten stuck in the rain. I will give the non-lubed condom thing a try!!

Acidrock - please let us know what minimed finds out regarding your old pump. I am curious.

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Permalink Reply by Brian on April 9, 2012 at 4:57pm

I would be interested in knowing how the condom cover works on your pump as well. Perhaps it, too, will generate conversation.

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Permalink Reply by jeffri kay on April 11, 2012 at 5:20am

i use a ziplock baggy

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Permalink Reply by jeffri kay on April 16, 2012 at 11:51am

in retrospect i feel that i need to clarify my statement here. i actually put my insulin pump in a ziplock baggy during exercise. my thinking is that it protects it from sweat and i can read the screen too.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Wittman on April 7, 2012 at 8:47am

I have an Animas Ping. This has been a wonderful pump for me. It has a variety of infusion set options that include steel or teflon canula, different lengths of tubes and being available from various suppliers. I like the colour screen for my old eyes. I like the various fail-safe procedures built into the machine so that boluses are not accidentally delivered. I like the ease of inserting their infusion sets. (Insertion techniques very with different sets.) The Animas tracking software has been very easy to use and has very good reports. The meter communicates with the pump, so all the pump bolus functions can be done by the meter only. This makes it nice to hide the pump under clothing if necessary. Batteries seem to last about a month, which, I think is pretty good. This pump is waterproof and has taken several bumps without fail. I find it to be reliable and durable. There is a myriad of accessories available for it. The Animas customer service and pump training have been superb.

As others have said,it is necessary for you to decide which pump will be correct for your needs. The Animas came to me highly recommended by both a friend and a relative. In my case, the Animas representative seemed very interested in helping me get a pump and my experience from the Minimed people wasn't so good. It is all a matter of looking at what was out there and what will fit your needs. Be sure you have a comfort level with a pump before you choose it. Once you get it, it is pretty difficult to change brands under most insurance terms.

I am very happy with the Animas Ping. Good luck in your choice. Please keep us posted as to what you choose.

Brian Wittman

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Permalink Reply by olu Oog on April 16, 2012 at 9:25am

My dexcom rep just wrote me this morning that they approved my 1st pump and she is sending one; an Animas Ping was my choice. She asked me questions like size of Infusion set and if i want 3 months order of infusion and reservoir. Since i havent had one before it was difficult to provide answers to those questions.
What is your experience as an old time user?

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