The OmniPod Experience - Page 9

Cyborg · #**121** (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 06:59 PM

Got mine today. It is smaller than I had thought, but I sure wouldn't want to sit on it or roll over on it while sleeping. Has anyone dislodged the cannula by doing so? If so, how do you know when the cannula gets dislodged?

JasonJayhawk · #**122** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 06:44 AM

From what I can tell, the clear little window on the end of it (that sort of looks like a magnifying glass) is the "window" in to where the canula can be seen. But it's still hard to tell.

I wish the postcard on which it was velcroed to gave the size of the PDM.

Jibbi · #**123** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 07:03 AM

I've not dislodged mine, but I've not been on it that long either. My understanding is that none of the pumps warn by alarm that they've dislodged, its just that in the omnipod case, you don't have the infusion set hanging there to give obvious indication of a dislodge?? I actually asked this of Omnipod and they gave the "unfortunately" statement, but suggested that a wet sensation and/or stronger smell of insulin would be a sign of dislodging - mainly the wet sensation though. I can tell you that I gave up on being cautious with the pod. I've bumped it, rolled on it, slept on it, etc. with no issues yet. Sleeping on it was a "getting used to" thing for sure, and I'm a tosser & turner. Is it safe to say that other pumps take some getting used to for sleeping with?

Alice · #**124** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 07:35 AM

I received mine yesterday. I too, was surprised at the small size of this device. Loaded with insulin, it would only weigh 1.2 oz., so it wouldn't be very heavy.

I had pictured it to be about the size of my computer mouse...so was happily surprised.

I'm happy with MDI and having a "good relationship" with my Lantus currently. If that should change, I'd probably go with the OmniPod. I really think there would be fewer problems without the tubing and the inserts...

I am going to assume that all the "sleeping" issues were tested out prior to going on the market. All pumps require some getting used to at bedtime, I don't think this one is much different. Most of my pump friends say they roll all over their pumps and don't think about them. I'm sure this is the same deal...

Overall, I'm happy with the sample size. Of course, the adhesive will be larger.

Jibbi · #**125** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 08:36 AM

Yes you can see the canula insert through the window, but this is assuming the pod is positioned to enable such viewing. When I wear it on my lower back, as I have it now, it is impossible to view.

I just measured the PDM - it is 2.5"W x 4.25"L x .875"D. The screen is 1.75" x 1.75". Don't let anyone fool you, it's larger than a cell phone for sure. I would like to see Insulet come up with a more sophisticated looking PDM. The functionality of it is great, but I've had someone ask if it was a Firefly which I think is a style of cell phone for kids.

The adhesive on the pod adds about a 1/4" along the whole perimeter.

JasonJayhawk · #**126** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 10:22 AM

Thanks for the info, Jibbi.

After FAXing my paperwork in last Tuesday, yesterday I received a letter (dated Wednesday, the day following when I submitted my paperwork) indicating that they were awaiting a response from my insurance company.

Today, I received a phone call telling me that my insurance company said, "No" and that it has to be appealed with a third-party company that works for my insurance company. They'll make the decision in "an average of 3-4 weeks."

Perhaps my Type 1 diabetes isn't bad enough!

I'm impressed with how quickly they got started on talking to my insurance company. I'm officially in the "land of waiting" for the appeal now. When I checked my insurance company's requirements, the only thing I haven't done was a formal diabetes education class, something that I think I could teach at this point in my life. (grumble, grumble)

notme · #**127** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 04:47 PM

I recieved my sample pod today. It is about the size I expected (maybe a little thicker). I attached it to me (I had sticky velcro so stuck that to me and with the velcro on the sample pod).

I put the pod on my lower stomach like I usually wear my pump. I had my levis on, so that was a good indicator for me. The pod did stick out a little and you could see a bump under my levis. Not quite as much as I thought there would be, but still there. What I didn't care for was standing at the kitchen counter, it bumped against the counter while I was working. A bit annoying, but it would not have dislodged.

If the pod was higher (high stomach) you probably would not have seen it as much as long as your shirt was not skin tight. I can see this as a plus for guys as they tend to wear their shirts looser than women.

The pod would NOT go on my backside at all. It would stick out under my pants. Nor would I be able to wear it on my upper leg like I have my canula now. It definitely shows on my leg.

The plus I see is you could hide it easier if needed for dressing up. But, if you had the pod placed and then decided to dress up with a tigher dress or pants, you would have to remove that pod and put on a new on in a place that wouldn't show. My pump is a pain no matter what except, I would not have to move a canula. I would just have to figure out how to hide the entire pump. Either way, dressing up is a pain for women with pumps. I just let the dan g thing show now. At least there is no mystery bump.

All in all, I think the Omnipod may work very well for some people. It isn't for me yet. If they could make the pod thinner and bigger, it would be better than the "fat" pod. The thickness on all pumps has always been my issue.

JediSkipdogg · #**128** (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 06:46 PM

Nancy, I have to totally agree with you. I tried placing it in different areas on my body but with tape today. I found I had to stay further away from the belt line as the belt would actually push it out of place. The same when I tested it in my car with a seat belt.

It doesn't show as much as I thought it would for a guy, unless I put on a dress shirt, but it definitely did give me less locations to comfortably use.

And like you said, it may work for some, for me, it doesn't.

JasonJayhawk · #**129** (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 07:59 PM

Received notification that my insurance company has approved the Omnipod and has faxed details of approval to Insulet Corp.

Now the ball is back in Insulet Corp's court to contact me about the deal.... tick, tock.

I'm worried, though -- maybe they've only approved the PDM and not the pods, or just a limited supply of pods. We'll see!

JasonJayhawk · #**130** (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 11:41 AM

Insulet called me this afternoon to inform me about coverage. I'll be receiving the PDM and boxes of Omnipods in 5-7 days via DHL Ground delivery!

A pump trainer will be contacting me within the next day or two.

This will be my first experience with a pump. I test 10 times a day, and can inject up to 10 times a day, too, which hasn't bothered me (A1c's are always below 5.8% thus far), so this will become an experiment to determine if I feel "more free" on a pump.

My b-day is tomorrow, too. What a great surprise!

Dewey · #**131** (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonJayhawk

Insulet called me this afternoon to inform me about coverage. I'll be receiving the PDM and boxes of Omnipods in 5-7 days via DHL Ground delivery!

A pump trainer will be contacting me within the next day or two.

This will be my first experience with a pump. I test 10 times a day, and can inject up to 10 times a day, too, which hasn't bothered me (A1c's are always below 5.8% thus far), so this will become an experiment to determine if I feel "more free" on a pump.

My b-day is tomorrow, too. What a great surprise!

Jason, this is Awesome news!

I bet you're excited & can't wait to start! That is an excellent birthday present, by the way!

The first pump I got was a few days after my birthday, so I know just how you feel. Please keep us posted on ALL the details! Glad you're getting the OmniPod & here's hoping you like it & do well with it!

palefacegirl03 · #**132** (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 11:57 AM

That's really cool. So glad it came through.

notme · #**133** (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 01:06 PM

Wow Jason! A pancreas for your Birthday. Way to go!

I can't wait to hear how it goes for you. It sounds like you are doing all the right things and hopefully, your OmniPod will just make it that much easier.

Congratulations!

Boston · #**134** (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 09:04 AM

Hey...I am new, but just read this whole thread, and saw that some of you who had sample pumps got ones with velcro? The sample I had was exactly like the real one except it had no canula. It had the adhesive, etc. and there was a virtual pump CD that was the same size and shape as the PDM would be so that was cool b/c I could hold the CD and see what it would fit in (of course the PDM is thicker than a CD, but you get the point). Maybe I got a different one somehow? Anyway, just wanted to add that in...I am hoping to get on the omnipod in the next few weeks depending on insurance. Oh, and it is confirmed that the integration with the Dexcom CGM will be in mid-2009 (they will have testing before that, but we the general public should have it then). Happy Saturday!

Funnygrl · #**135** (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston

Hey...I am new, but just read this whole thread, and saw that some of you who had sample pumps got ones with velcro? The sample I had was exactly like the real one except it had no canula. It had the adhesive, etc. and there was a virtual pump CD that was the same size and shape as the PDM would be so that was cool b/c I could hold the CD and see what it would fit in (of course the PDM is thicker than a CD, but you get the point). Maybe I got a different one somehow? Anyway, just wanted to add that in...I am hoping to get on the omnipod in the next few weeks depending on insurance. Oh, and it is confirmed that the integration with the Dexcom CGM will be in mid-2009 (they will have testing before that, but we the general public should have it then). Happy Saturday!

How did you order your's? this is what I was hoping I would get.