I've been delivering insulin full time via the Omnipod for 2 weeks. What do I like about it? It is very fast to get one filled and inserted. There are no tubes to snag when I'm working in the garden or garage (notorious places for me to snag the tubing). In and out of the shower, changing clothes and generally rushing around seems more carefree.
The PDM (remote control) has a lot of data readily available and the screen is large and colorful. It takes a lot of button-pushing to get anything done. For anyone who text messages the button pushing can go very fast. The only notably tedious button pushing is changing basal rates. The pump has to be suspended or temporary basal rate cancelled before changes can be made.
The ease of insertion gives me more areas to attach a pod. I can reach places that I couldn't with tubing, and places where tubing would get in the way. But since I'm not used to these previously-unused areas I tend to bang the pod into things and get it caught on clothing. I pulled a catheter out of my skin when I caught the pod on my arm on a door frame as I rushed by. the pod was only 1 day old. If I have a tubed infusion set pull out I can replace the set without replacing the tubing or reservoir or insulin.
The 3 1/3 day absolute cutoff for placing a new pod is personally frustrating. I typically run an infusion set+reservoir 4 days, occasionally 5 days.
I also managed to forget the PDM a few times. The first time necessitated going back to get it since I was headed out of town. The next time the pod was alarming me that it was time to change and kept beeping me since I didn't have the PDM to push the okay button. The third time on a bicycle ride I didn't have the option of extending the ride (couldn't extend the temporary basal) or stop for lunch (couldn't bolus).
Overall I am pleased with the experience. I think many people will find the benefits to outweigh the drawbacks. I'm at a neutral place presently, leaning to favor my MinMed Paradigm (I'm presently wearing it without insulin for CGMS data). I'm going to stay with the Omnipod until I use up my supply of pods and reconsider my preferences in another 3 weeks.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Nutritional cleansing- what's it all about?
CLEANSING CONFERENCE! Come to the meeting June 18, 2009 to learn more about nutritional cleansing. I will be reviewing history, internet lore and research on this topic. It will start at 6 pm. Location is 1500 East Second Street, #402. I look forward to seeing you there. Please e-mail me to confirm your seat; seating is limited.
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