What pump to use?

[sunflower4]

I have been told by my doctor that the best thing for me to do is go on the insulin pump. I have new worries about it helping me alot but I can not make up my mind which pump to use.:unsure: I thought of the minimed cause anyone that I have talked to says thats what they use, but my nurse told me to research the pumps more before choosing. I have read some of your blogs and was wondering what do you mean by real-time? How has your experience been with Cozmore? Any advise is totally welcome!:unsure:

[karen1976]

Hi Sunflower, I'm looking at pumps right now, also. (we've recently got coverage... yay!).

I know a few people who are on the animas (animascorp.com) and are really happy with it. Apparently their customer service has been exceptional -- and to me, that's also really important.

I was also looking at the minimed, as recommended by a doctor... still not 100% on which I'll decide, but I'll keep you posted.

If anyone has any feedback on any of these, please share. Thanks a bunch! (and good luck to you on your decision!)<br><br>Post edited by: karen1976, at: 2008/09/02 21:16

[Vytautas]

Hello sunflower and welcome to the forums,

First I will adress the issue of "Real Time". The new pumps with an aditional fee will be provided with special glucose monitoring systems, but that will require another seperate infusions (at any given time if you want to use it you will have to have 2 of them). As the name suggest it keeps checking your glucose levels in blood real time at regular intervals (5 minutes I think).

As for the pumps: most of the times the pump manufacturer should give you a trial period. Ask their representatives for details. See which fits you best, as for customer support: it will mainly depend on where you live. Some areas have better coverage, others worse.

Personally I use Accu-Check Spirit. Dana IIS isn't too bad either, but it has a slighly greater "bug" rating. More people had problems (but good support). One thing you should note: there is a possibility that you cannot use the 90deg infusions and need to use those that are 45deg in your body (accu-check spirit infusions of this kind are called Tender-Link). So if you get occlusions with several pumps (or the very first) try the "tender-link" http://static.accu-chek.de/accuchek/de/img/produkte_welt/infusionssets/tenderlink/tenderlink_large.jpg It helped me...

Hope you get through with your pump. Both of you

[Blair]

Sunflower4 I won't say more than "welcome the forum" and "I hope you will enjoy it here" - because Vytautas (and Karen) have said it all.

Don't worry dear, it will be OK. Life is stronger than anything else on this planet and you will find that with the adjustments made, you will go on enjoying it as you did before