Omnipod

jopar

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,222
Be interesting to see what you think of it..

Must admit I'm not keen on them at all, even though I can see the advantage of no tubing, but the price is a bulker item attached to you...
 

jopar

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,222
Here's a link http://www.myomnipod.com/

The Omipod has been available in the USA for several years, but has only got it's licence in Europe this year..

As I said I personally don't like it, too bulky for me and would cause problems at night, as I sleep on my front so would have to sleep on it?

It's been available in America for quite a while now, I first saw it when I started my pump research 2006/7 and I didn't like it then, and after using the traditional pump can't see myself being converted..

You do need the PDM remote to use it, as this does all the needle insertion, settings etc for the pump, and that is bulky as well to carry around, and if you happen to forget your PDM then it will continue to deliver your basal but you can't change the settings, and you can only carry out a basic bolus... Which may leave you a bit stuck..
 

Dollyrocker

Well-Known Member
Messages
223
Wow, that looks really interesting. I got invited to a seminar on this pump in London next week, maybe I will go after all.

How did you manage to get one?
 

jopar

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,222
When I looked at them, the americans weren't given them a favourable reviews a lot who could ditched them returning back to a standard pump. And there still not a great take up on them in America..

It seems that the start up is cheaper than the traditional pump, but the on going costs are more expensive in the long run!

Sadly I hate to say scribble isn't the first in the country, there are several user who took part in the inital trail of them for NHS/PCT purposes I'm sure that John from INPUT might have given a users review on them!

As how to get one, In theory if your consultant have agreed to pump therapy then as this is now included on the Accepted Insulin Pump list for the NHS, then under the NICE guideline you have a legal right to choice this one.. But alas as always PCT's can see this different so you might have to fight them for your legal right to chose!
 

iHs

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,595
Hi

When I first started looking at pumps in 2004, seeing the Omnipod website got me going and I thought I must get one of those ......... but, after meeting up with other pump users at an Input meeting, I could see another side that I didn't realise and that was the size of the 'pod' and the difficulty I would probably have with going to bed and laying on something about the height of a matchbox so I came away from the meeting a bit deflated and thought that I would just sit on the fence for a while and wait for pumps to get a bit smaller which hasn't really happened as yet but is destined.

I'm pleased for the people who get a pump whichever one they choose but for those who want to sit on the fence for a while longer and would like the idea of a 'patch pump', then hang on for Cellnovo. It will knock spots off the Omnipod in lots of ways. I took part in some research for the pump a few weeks ago and was gob smacked at what I saw.
 

scribble

Member
Messages
5
I love the "wireless" aspect of the pod. Didn't like the wire, wasn't sure where to put it!

The pod may be matchbox size but i'm not worried about it being seen under clothes etc and hopefully it will be comfy to wear in bed - i sleep on my sides so tummy should be ok

pod is now an option on the NHS they didn't have a demo to show me
 

happydays

Member
Messages
8
Hi,

How is it going on the Omipod. I have my first pump session on Wednesday and I need to decide which pump I would like. I'm not sure if my clinic will even entertain the idea of letting me try this pump. Did you get your pump on the NHS and are you attending a London Clinic, as all I keep hearing is most of the people using these pumps are in London.

Look forward to hearing that all is going well with you on this type of pump.
 

Petey

Member
Messages
17
Hi,

I had a three day trial on the OmniPod last week, with a saline filled pod. Write up is here:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=17202.

I'm in the southeast but not in London. While my lead SDN made the funding application - so she's on side at least - I'm still waiting for the PCT to come back. I think this is the worst part, waiting for the decision!

Pete.
 

malibu0509

Member
Messages
7
Hi,

I am interested in the omnipod and am in the south east also. I just wondered where abouts you are to see if its the same PCT. I live in West Sussex, also my GP keeps trying to put me off pumps saying they are only for people with excellent control. In your post you mention yo wnt to improve your control so I just wondered what you had been told to expect, will it help you improve things? Thanks
Lucy
 

Petey

Member
Messages
17
Hi Lucy,

I live in Horsham and I'm treated by the SDN team at (Name of Hospital removed) . Make sure you don't get your Hospital Trust confused with your PCT when researching this stuff. The team at (Name removed) have essentially stopped treating me until I start on a pump, as nothing we're doing on MDI seems to make any difference now, hence my steadily declining control and general health.

I sincerely hope pump therapy will show an improvement, once the initial adjustments and learning curve are out of the way that is. If not, I'm screwed! As for pump suitability, that's really down to meeting the NICE clinical guidelines; key criteria being either:

1. HbA1c remaining greater than 8.5 despite closely managed MDI therapy, or
2. Where attempts to maintain target HbA1c levels result in debilitating hypos (consistently), or
3. In general terms, where treatment by others means proves impractical or ineffective

If you think you meet any of the above criteria than you are entitled to request treatment by pump therapy. This will be far easier with your care team's support though, so if you're not getting this you should request a referral to a specialist endocrinologist or diabetologist. You might also consider changing GP.

You should know that the first thing a diabetes specialist will want to see is that you're sufficiently aware of your illness to manage pump therapy. That means your carb counting and dosing skills should be strong, as should your general knowledge of influencing factors (diet, exercise, illness) when managing your treatment.

Hope that helps!

Pete.
 

Petey

Member
Messages
17
Got word today that my funding for the OmniPod has been approved. Fantastic news for me and hopefully a shred of encouragement for others in a similar boat. I can't wait to get started. Once that's done I'll be starting my CGM campaign, though I reckon that'll be a far tougher nut to crack!