Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lorraine on January 15, 2011 at 8:28am

Not often at all. When we have had them, the batteries were low, yet the reminder had not alerted yet.

Permalink Reply by Ron Doyle on January 15, 2011 at 9:03am

I've been on Omnnipod since late summer and haven't had a PDM failure; however, pod failure is a different story.

I did have a problem with batteries going dead within a week. These were batteries from Costco and cheap. I got the Energizers and they are lasting about 3+ weeks. Thats about all I can tell you about the PDM.

Permalink Reply by Janet Ballone on January 15, 2011 at 8:41pm

Use Energizer batteries and ALWAYS turn on your PDM BEFORE inserting test strip!! I was getting constant errors which resulted in resetting the time, date, etc. When this occurs the PDM automatically resets to military time which changed the times of my preset boluses. I spoke with an Insulet rep and we were on the phone for over a half hour. He talked me through fixing it and told me about the test strip. He said if it malfunctions again they'll send me a new PDM overnight but so far so good.

If you talk to a rep who doesn't satisfy your questions, ask to talk to another rep or a supervisor. Good Luck.

Permalink Reply by David on January 16, 2011 at 5:39am

Thanks, Janet

I've heard of the Energizer battery thing before but it seemed like those related to problems with the PDM turning off and on, a problem I'm not having. Are you saying that you were getting PDM errors where it tells you to remove the pod (and you have to stick the paper clip in the back to reset it and you then have to reset the date and time)? That's what I'm getting. I suppose I could just try the Energizer batteries to see. the 1st error happened with the batteries that came with the pod, the second one after I changed and was using Walgreens alkaline. What could it hurt to try the Energizer? When it comes to making sure I do everything right to avoid problems I've read about, I'm about ready to try anything to keep everything working right!

I was thinking of calling a rep. I met him at an OmniPod event back in Sept. I was the only one who showed up so I think he would remember me!

Permalink Reply by Janet Ballone on January 16, 2011 at 2:22pm

LOL re: you were the only one who showed up.... sad and funny at the same time. David, do you call Insulet every time you get an error message??? My rep told me after 4-5 times they'll send a new PDM and replace the pods. My PDM errors never told me to stick the paper clip in the back but I did that once a couple of years ago with the assistance of a rep on the phone. My error messages automatically disables the pod and tells me to remove it. When I say "OK" the date and time comes up for me to change, then it takes about 4 hours to reset and give me the set boluses. I have a feeling you just have a faulty PDM but you must call Insulet every time it happens. I think you just need to call them and tell them you need a new one.

Permalink Reply by David on January 16, 2011 at 3:11pm

Believe me, I call every time I get the error message. My error message sounds the same as yours, everything is disabled. I asked if it means there's something wrong with the PDM if it keeps doing it. Customer Service told me that it's OK as long as it resets when you stick the paper clip in. they said it was a "glitch" when this happens. I said it's getting to be an expensive glitch. Last failure was right after I changed pods. The error doesn't tell me to stick the paper clip in, customer service does. I'm not sure what rep to call. I went to a local OmniPod event in the Burlington VT area where I am but I go to Dartmouth hospital in NH and that's a different rep. I think I'll call the rep who was at the event and see what he says.

Permalink Reply by Janet Ballone on January 16, 2011 at 8:46pm

I call Insulet @ 1-800-591-3455 which is the number on the back of your PDM. They've always been extremely helpful and knowledgable. I don't know what rep you're talking to but call the number I gave you and don't hang up until you get satisfaction. We pay a fortune for this whether it's through insurance or out of pocket and they do not want to lose customers. I can't imagine them not replacing your pdm and pods if you keep reporting the errors!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Lorraine on January 16, 2011 at 8:26am

I have never turned on the PDM before inserting a test strip and it has yet to cause a problem after almost 4 years. Interesting how we have different experiences.

Permalink Reply by Janet Ballone on January 16, 2011 at 8:49pm

I was told if I get one more error they'll immediately replace my PDM. They are sending me all the pods that failed due to PDM failures in my next shipment. I guess it's just like any other mechanical device.... some are perfect, others are lemons.

Permalink Reply by Schmutz on January 16, 2011 at 7:21am

Hi David...I've been on OminPod for about 9 months and I don't believe I've had any errors other than alerts for low battery or status alerts when it can't read my Pod. What type of errors are you receiving?

Permalink Reply by David on January 16, 2011 at 11:10am

Hi Schmutz

Just says "PDM error" and to remove the pod. There's a long string of numbers underneath and it's been the same ones each time. Customer Service said they know what some of the error numbers mean (what caused the error) but this string, they don't know what caused the error.

Permalink Reply by Janet Ballone on January 16, 2011 at 2:04pm

Then if they don't know what caused the error and it continues they'll have to send you a new PDM.

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