New 2 Insulin Pumpin' - Love the Pod

by Sara Boyer
(Roseboro, NC USA)

The OmniPod is my first pump, and have only had it for two weeks, so my opinion may not count for much! As I told my OmniPod educator, so far, I absolutely love the OmniPod.

First, and foremost, I have better control of my blood glucose levels than I have had in YEARS! Before the pump with 112 units of insulin each day, my numbers were still running in the 400 range. Almost immediately, my numbers dropped to a much more acceptable level of around 150, which is my target number. On four or five occasions, I have gone over 200, but that was when I had to guess the number of carbs I was going to or had consumed.

I have also been able to cut my daily insulin dose down to no more than 52 units a day. Insertion of the cannula is painless and I even forget that I have the little "pod" attached to me! For me, I think the best part is the convenience. It seemed I NEVER had my insulin pen or the little "screw-on" needle with me when I needed it. I don't know why it was so hard for me, but I just could not get it all together!

I love the fact that I just change out my "pod" every three days and the rest is done with with the hand-held PDM. Of course, I have not been on the system long enough to run into any real problems, so that may change my whole perspective. But, I feel confident that if I do run into any problems, I will just pick up the phone and dial my educator and he will be able to direct me to someone who can handle my problem. Going on the pump was my idea, rather than my doc's, so that may have something to do with the positive experience I have had.

I had researched all the systems out there and it just seemed that the OmniPod was more in-line with what I wanted out of a system. Next week, next month or next year, I may decide that I never want to see my OmniPod again, but for right now, it could not be pried from my white-knuckled hands! Also, a big plus for me is that I have GREAT insurance and EVERYTHING has been paid 100%! Thank God for my great employer and wonderful benefits!