Pick a pump, any pump!

[koblenz]

Need help picking a pump. I am T1 Dx about 7 months ago. Last week my Endo CDE told me to start shopping around and let them know which model I would like. (I think they are testing me to see if I do my homework) They both believe I would be a great candidate. Got the books "Smart Pumping" and "Pumping Insulin" and am currently reading.

Lots of folks post some really good information on the various pumps. The three I have narrowed it down to are:

- Deltec Cosmo
- Animas IR1200
- Paradigm 512

Quick Facts: Currently on 10u Novolog and 7u of Lantus a day. Got the books "Smart Pumping" and "Pumping Insulin" and am currently reading. Have read all the manufacturers web sites and specs. Because I am soooo insulin sensative, my Endo thinks the pump would be a good idea, because I can make much finer adjustments than with MDI.

So here is my question: What made you select the model you did? Is there some feature (of which I am not 100% informed on just what all of them are yet) that one had that drove you toward that model?

Right now, I am leaning toware the Animas; mainly because of the small basel adjustments and all the good posts about it.

I am also thinking about the Paradigm 512. The rep come to my house and showed me pictures and obligitory marketing material on some new "constant BS monitor" that you can wear (looked a little smaller than the pump) and it will transmit BS readings to your pump like every 3 minutes. They say it will be out in about 12 to 18 months, but I am not holding my breath.

So there is my story, in all its splendor.

BTW... if any other folks are looking for a new one, I have done a LOT of leg work and if you have any questions, send me a PM or E. I am not the most experienced or knowledgeable yet, but one day...

[soremom]

koblenz, I just started on the Animas IR1200 about two weeks ago. So far I am loving it. I was on the MM508 before this.

I went with the Animas because of the basal rates, like you said, I liked the look of it better than the Cozmo, that is was waterproof (with a toddler that I have to go in the water with, it will be nice), the are based out of my home state, and with the customer service I got before purchasing the pump and what I have heard of them.

Let us know which pump you decide on. It is a hard decision to make and I think you always wonder "did I make the right one", but you will. Any more questions, just ask.

Kim

[Dewey]

Like Kim, I have both the Deltec (which was covered by Cigna) and an Animas (which I'm purchasing out of pocket) IR-1200. I really like the features of both, but the battery life on the Animas is far better. With either the Deltec or the Animas, you have the freedom to choose any luer lock infusion set you'd like.

While the Minimed 512 has some similar features, there are some limitations. The 512 I had (prior to my switch to the Deltec and Animas) got only 3 weeks battery life on average, and with the use of the blood monitor (I never used the remote) the battery only lasted 1 week. :eek: Minimed may have tweaked that problem, but it's expensive enough for pump supplies without having to constantly purchase batteries.

Another limitation was the choice of infusion sets. Prior to their release of the Polyfin bent needle sets (in the states), they only offered cannula sets (Silhouette, Sof-Set and Quick-Set). Although this is not applicable to all, some people have cannula allergies or just don't do as well with the teflon variety of sets. For me, that was a major issue, as my sugars seem more stable on the needle type sets. (That was another reason I switched).

Truly the best advice I can offer is to research as much as possible. Doing things like asking questions and reading message boards (like this one) really helps in deciding. Visiting sites that show pump comparisons is of great help, and calling pump companies to ask questions is also a great way to aid in making your decision.

Good luck with your endeavor and please don't hesitate to post or ask. Hope this helps some.

(p.s. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me or e-mail me, and I'll gladly help.) :)

[Shalyndria]

Well I think that all pumps are wonderful regardless of the brand, and in the end it all comes down to a personal choice based on an individual's requirements.

When first choosing my pump my final decision came down to the 512 and the Cozmo. I chose the 512 over the Cozmo for two reasons:
1. The shape of the 512 appealed to me whereas the cozmo was too curvy and akward,
2. I liked how Medtronics seems to be leading the way in pump technology, and the opportunity to upgrade within my warranty to the newest in technology appealed to me.

I have had no problems with my pump; unlike Dewey's experience I get an average of 5 weeks battery life (without the meter) and my 512 uses AAA batteries, which are cheap anyway. I have heard from some current users of the Link meter that they are getting an average of a month battery time, which is pretty good.
The 512 does have a proprietary connection with the infusion sets, which can be a drawback for some ppl. I have a slight allergy to the teflon sets and would some day like to try the bent needle sets but it's not a big enough issue to make me any less happy with my pump. And that's more of a problem for me now only because the polyfin's aren't available in Canada.

You could try making a list of the features that are most important to you in general, such as the lower basal rate, to help you in your decision. Check out the pump support groups in your area as well (your physician should be able to help you find one); networking with real ppl who use a variety of pumps and can tell you the pro's and con's of each is a great resource. Talk to the reps of each company; when I first met with my rep from Medtronics of Canada he brought not only the 512 but the other pumps currently on the market as well. Holding each and playing with the features and buttons was a great help for me in making my decision. It was also a great indicator to me that he wanted to help me make as informed a decision as possible.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Shy

[koblenz]

Update....

Saw my CDE today and we agreed that the Animas IR1200 would work best for me. Mostly due to my insulin sensativity.

I have submitted the paperwork to Animas, and the battle with the Insurance Company begins. They estimated it would take between 3 and 8 weeks to actually get it (assuming it gets approved).

More to come....

[soremom]

koblenz, glad to hear things are moving along. Hopefully it won't take long for approval. When they submitted my paperwork to the insurance company, it took about a week for approval. Which really surprised me.

I think you will like the Animas, the more I play with mine and learn on the functions it does, I am glad with my choice. I have gone swimming with it and have had no problems which was wonderful. Didn't have to play catch up with me bgs afterwards. Let us know how it goes and Good Luck.

Kim

[notme]

Good luck koblenz, I hope you hear from your insurance soon and get on a pump as quick as possible. It has been 100% positive for me.

Nancy

[koblenz]

Another update.... (including an obligatory rant)

Turns out that my insurance company has me in a "special" catagory ("HMO Capitated"; what ever that means??? I am still trying to find out...) and they only have contracts with MiniMed and Deltec for pumps. They DENIED the Animas. :mad:

It figures the brand I chose is the ONE they don't have a contract for. I am not too upset... I had mentally prepared myself for some serious ups and downs in this process. It is just annoying.

So after some lengthy discussions with my Endo and CDE, we are going to try for the Deltec. They said we could still try for the Animas, but it would be EXTREMELY difficult to get approved and would most likely take a considerable amount of time and effort.

While they agreed the Animas would be a better fit for me to "perfect" my basal rates, they are confident the Deltec (or MiniMed) would work fine as well.

So, let the paperwork games begin ... AGAIN! :rolleyes:

[gettingby]

koblenz,
I am so sorry that the Animas was not approved by your ins. co.:(
I may be starting a pump after the first of the year. After 20 years of shots, the thought really does scare me. I have been given alot of support here(thanks Dew!!!!!!!! You are the BEST !!!!!!!). Hopefully everything will work out for the best for you. Keep us informed.
Cin:)

[Dewey]

Originally posted by gettingby
I have been given alot of support here thanks Dew!!!!!!!!
Why thank you, Cin! :D

Originally posted by koblenz
and they only have contracts with MiniMed and Deltec for pumps. They DENIED the Animas. I'm really sorry, koblenz. I think it's wrong that the insurance company kind of "dictates" what pump you are allowed to get. That seems to be one of numerous issues with our Health Care System...always someone putting limitations on something. :mad: :(
On a lighter note, there are still two other choices available, so there's still some light at the end of the tunnel. The Deltec Cozmonitor is pretty nifty, too...I just downloaded and personalized my pump last night, and was able to print a logbook of sugars and trends (highs and lows were color-coded). Sorry things didn't initially work out, but we'll hope for success this time around! :)

[koblenz]

Thanks Cin and Dew. :D

My CDE has a warm fuzzy (no rude comments gang!) that it will go through this time (fingers crossed).

No worries however. I was expecting it to take an act of congress to get one (any one) approved, and if it is any less of a chore than that, then Woooo Hooooo!

I am still excited; like a kid before Christmas. I had actually chosen the Deltec as my favorite initially, but opted for the Animas because of the basal rate. I think I will really like the options and programability of the Deltec; but then I am a computer nerd!

[SunniD]

Well Koblenz any 'act of congress' that gets you a pump is a good one.<smile> Hope you're keeping a daily journal of all of this.
Trials and tribulations of getting a pump. Any pump is better
than no pump Koblenz!!

There is a good pump comparison on the Diabetes Mall.

Hang in there-I'm hoping it will happen for you.

SunniD

[Brent44a]

Koblenz, In my research for selecting a pump I called my insurance company several times. I'm not sure the people I talked to ever understood what I was asking or even why I was asking it. To me it seemed simple, what do I need to do to get my pump approved and which pump would they approve. I did not get an answer but I now know several people in the "claims" department and several more in the "benefits" departments. At times I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing between the two. I believe that once I receive the pump I will be able to reference the intial claim as a segway to get to the right person for the pump supplies. Anyway, follow the 11th Commandment and good things will come your way (11th Cmdmt = Thou shalt "hangeth in there"). Regards, Brent

[Shalyndria]

Originally posted by koblenz
My CDE has a warm fuzzy that it will go through this time.
You should be thanking me for my restraint right now, koblenz. After all, it's not everyday that someone opens a door like that and walks right into it!!! ;) :whistling

I totally agree with SunniD - any pump is better than none. And the Cozmo is a great pump (or so I've heard - it was also my second choice after my 512). I'm a big fan of the Freestyle brand of meters, and from what Dewey's said the meter that hooks up to the Cozmo is pretty cool.
Also, I doubt that 1/4 of a Unit is going to make or break your desire to perfect basals.

Good luck and do keep us updated on your progress!
Shy

[rzrbks]

Shalyndria

You should be thanking me for my restraint right now, koblenz. After all, it's not everyday that someone opens a door like that and walks right into it!!! ;) :whistling


Butters, she's right, many of us are proud of her restraint.

When my CDE was pushing so hard for me to go on a pump, like you, I did Bazillions of hours of research and talking to people and like you I was ready to go with the Cosmo---decided not to---still on MDIand I'll stay there.


The point of this ramble is that you do what ya gotta do to get/keep control over them B/Gs.

[koblenz]

News flash.. beep, beep, beep....

After calling the insurance company (Cigna), the pump company (Deltec), and Gentiva ... it looks like I will be approved. They got the approval authorization from my medical group (UC Davis) and Deltec is waiting for confirmation on how they will get paid. WOOOO HOOOOO.

HOWEVER, I will not get to excited until it is in my hot little hands. In theory, it could be here as soon as this Friday. (fingers crossed) They are going to start me out with the "Comfort" infusion sets, 2 ea 31" sets and 2 each 42" sets, 2 boxes of resivours, dressing, etc... they listed off a whole bunch of stuff they are sending along.

:topic:
What I have learned that may be of use to others:
1. Obtaining an authorization for a pump with Cigna is NO FUN!
2. Calling all parties involved (insurance, auth dept, etc) each and every day helped to "grease the wheels". I know there are several people at several of these companies that are sick of me, but I DON'T CARE! I never got nasty, but I made it clear I was going to bug them until the day they died if I didn't hear something soon. If nothing else, they knew I was serious and would not "just go away".
3. My CDE and Endo kick a@%! They really went the extra mile for me. Two disapprovals and they kept filling out paperwork, re-submitting, and putting the presure on.
4. In California, for people with Cigna insurance, Deltec and MiniMed are "authorized" contracted suppliers. You can still get other brands, but it is very difficult and takes a lot of effort.

[Dewey]

News flash.. beep, beep, beep....

After calling the insurance company (Cigna), the pump company (Deltec), and Gentiva ... it looks like I will be approved. They got the approval authorization from my medical group (UC Davis) and Deltec is waiting for confirmation on how they will get paid. WOOOO HOOOOO.

HOWEVER, I will not get to excited until it is in my hot little hands. In theory, it could be here as soon as this Friday. (fingers crossed) They are going to start me out with the "Comfort" infusion sets, 2 ea 31" sets and 2 each 42" sets, 2 boxes of resivours, dressing, etc... they listed off a whole bunch of stuff they are sending along.

That's AWESOME News, Koblenz! :thumbsup: Congratulations!! I also know what you mean about not getting over-excited until you have the pump in your hands (I'm that way myself...lol). I hope you get it as an early Christmas present! ;) It often takes alot of persistence to get what you need, so I'm really glad to hear that it paid off! It's really cool of you to share your experiences with others, so they know what to expect when in the market for a new pump (or an upgrade). Congrats again! Please keep us posted on your progress! ;)

[gettingby]

Congrats Butters !!!!!!!! I knew things would work out for you. Hopefully if the new endo wants me to go on a pump, I won't have any probs. I hear that the guy I'm gonna see is one of the best in my area.
Cin :)

[koblenz]

Update:
Just got the call, my pump has shipped and is scheduled for delivery on Thursday, 2 Dec 04.

:thumbsup:

[Dewey]

Update:
Just got the call, my pump has shipped and is scheduled for delivery on Thursday, 2 Dec 04.

:thumbsup:Awesome, Koblenz! It IS coming as an early Christmas gift - COOL! :thumbsup: Hope ya get started on it very soon. (just a heads up, DO NOT let your clinic charge ANY office fees for the training! It's supposed to be all-included (my clinic tried that on me, and later reversed the charges). Congrats again! You'll have to keep us updated on your progress and start date! :)

[notme]

Congrats Koblenz, It has been a long time coming for you. Keep us all up to date on your training and start up day!!!!

[Eri's mom]

Congrats Koblenz!!! Yours arrives today...Eri's does tomorrow!!!
We USED to have Cigna...oh man, did they need TONS of kicks in the butt to get things rolling. Even had to argue w/ them about an emergency visit to an endo up north while on vacation when Eri had a seizure and had to be seen.

Good luck w/ your pump!!! Let us know how it works out for you!!!

[notme]

Is it here yet??? Is it here yet???? Wow this is like Christmas.....LOL :thumbsup:

[koblenz]

Ooooo, ooooo, it's here, it's here! Yippee! :thumbsup:

I want to go out and start shopping for fashion pump accessories RIGHT NOW. :)

No word on training date yet, I will call today. They sure did send a load of **** along in the box. 3 months of supplies, software, Cosmonitor tester, etc. Only thing not included is the IR download attachment... but I already had one of those.

I feel like I just won the lottery or something!

Thanks to everyone for your support and kind words over the past several months. Next stops, training and then start day!

OK, now lets send out positive vibes so Eri's pump gets here safe and sound!

[Eri's mom]

IT'S HERE!!! A day early!!! They sent the 515!!! A bunch of supplies, the computer link, everything...now just reading up on it(OMGOSH)...and going through more of the accessories!!!

It IS like Christmas!!!...and her CDE won't be in until MONDAY!!! UGH!!! At least it gives us time to read up on EVERYTHING and learn as much as possible b/f we get there!!! Total happiness here!!!

[nantomsuethom]

YEA!!

Robin, Have you played with the virtual pump online? I was actually playing on it today.

It definately helps to read up on it before training. I was so confused when I was reading the manual but then everything made sense when Becky did our training. If I didn't read before training, I think the training would have confused me.

Did you get an appointment with Becky for Monday?

Good luck!!

[Eri's mom]

Hi Nancy :)
I'm getting ready to play w/ it online in a few minutes...have been reading those manuals(good LORD!!!)...and want to see what it's all about virtually..lol.
No, didn't get an appointment w/ Becky for Monday...she's out of the office until then :( Will call her first thing Monday morning and take care of that though!!! We can't wait...the more Eri see's it, the more she wants to use it!!! Now, just to get her to read up on it. She, of course, went through the supplies catalog first...trying to decide which case she wants, amongst other things. She's so **** picky on top of it!!!
Oh, I did call mini med and I only got the voice mail for Merina, but asked her to call regarding the Pump educator they said they would be sending out. I pray she calls back today or tomorrow w/ some info. I will stress putting a rush on it w/ this impending move.
Time for me to go "play" w/ the pump online!!!
:)

God bless...

[Dewey]

~To Both Robin and Koblenz~

I'm so excited and happy for both of you!!! I can't say it enough:

http://www.bgreetings.com/ecards/everyday_cards/congratulations/16.gif

Congrats to both of you! Please keep us all posted on updates and start dates! Here's wishing you both the very best with your new pumps, and if you every have any questions, I'd be glad to help in any way I can. :)
:thumbsup:

[Eri's mom]

TY Dewey!!! :)

You'd swear that it was me who this is for...I'm like counting down until I get a set date to start w/ everything!!!

Eri was even more excited when her friends found out...they are so psyched for her!!! She's just a little apprehensive about ppl asking about it...right now, she takes her BG in the restroom in the clinic so nobody knows...maybe she'll open up more w/ the pump :)

[gettingby]

Update:
Just got the call, my pump has shipped and is scheduled for delivery on Thursday, 2 Dec 04.

:thumbsup:
MARVELOUS NEWS BUTTERS !!!!!![/

[koblenz]

My training session and hookup are scheduled for this Thursday (9 Dec 04)! Woooo Hoooo! No saline, no goin' to the hospital!

[Brent44a]

That's great. Let us know how it goes.

[gettingby]

Way to go koblenz !!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: . Just remember to pay close attention. I may need pointers and advice in the near future. :D GOOD LUCK ON THURSDAY

[Eri's mom]

That's AWESOME koblenz!!!
Let us know how it all goes!!! :) :thumbsup:

[koblenz]

Thanks gang. I hope Eri's goes well too!

Cin, if you want, I will hook up the web cam and you can listen in! HA! I talked with the trainer last night for some time and she seems like a nice and well informed person.

She also mentioned that she spoke with "the" John Walsh in person about a month ago at a conference, and said that he will have a new version of his "Pumping Insulin" book coming out next year. I guess he is changing some of his recommendations. For instance he is changing his idea of the "1800" rule to "2000". Pretty interesting stuff. I will try and pump (a pun, ha ha ha) her for information on her conversation when she comes over to train me.

:thumbsup:

[Dewey]

Congrats on the training date, Koblenz! :thumbsup: We are ALL excited for ya! I also have my old CD from the previous revision of Deltec I had Cin, if ya want I can send it to ya. :thumbsup:

[gettingby]

Thanks gang. I hope Eri's goes well too!

Cin, if you want, I will hook up the web cam and you can listen in! HA! I talked with the trainer last night for some time and she seems like a nice and well informed person.

She also mentioned that she spoke with "the" John Walsh in person about a month ago at a conference, and said that he will have a new version of his "Pumping Insulin" book coming out next year. I guess he is changing some of his recommendations. For instance he is changing his idea of the "1800" rule to "2000". Pretty interesting stuff. I will try and pump (a pun, ha ha ha) her for information on her conversation when she comes over to train me.

:thumbsup:
Oh web cam !!!!! Sounds interesting. :- LOL J/K koblenz. Thanks and let us know what you find out about the new book.

[Dewey]

Oh web cam !!!!! Sounds interesting. :- LOL J/K koblenz. Thanks and let us know what you find out about the new book. Oh, you better watch out, Koblenz!! LOL :- You might just start getting requests for online shows lol!

I may need pointers and advice in the near future. That's what we're All Here for! Or, did you want one on one training from Koblenz (just kidding and giving ya a hard time, Cin! Ya know I love ya! ;) ), LOL! :-
Good luck Thursday, Kolenz. We'll be rootin' for ya! :)

[gettingby]

Oh, you better watch out, Koblenz!! LOL :- You might just start getting requests for online shows lol!

That's what we're All Here for! Or, did you want one on one training from Koblenz (just kidding and giving ya a hard time, Cin! Ya know I love ya! ;) ), LOL! :-
Good luck Thursday, Kolenz. We'll be rootin' for ya! :)
Hey Dew. You know it's the :- in me coming out. LOL. The kidding doesn't bother me. That's how I know ya love me. :D

[koblenz]

I am officially hooked up!

Spent 3 hours with the trainer and will start my basal rate tonight a 9:00 PM (have to wait for my Lantus to ware off). Everything went smooth as a baby's bottom. "Installing" my first infustion set was WAY easier than I thought it would be; didn't even hurt.

Thanks to one and all again!

[notme]

Welcome to the collective koblenz!

[gettingby]

Way to go koblenz. Alright!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope that only good things come for you with this change. I know you can do it. ;) Keep us updated on the progress. :D