[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. 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.

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!

[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!

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.
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.

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!!!

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!!!

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.