Hi,
Your situation and your thoughts almost exactly match mine.
I too have a Libre and i am waiting for my first pump.
Like you i have done LOTS of online searches and like you i have spoken to a number of people on this forum.
I also got my choices down to the Omnipod and the t:slim X2.
Many people on these forum pages will tell you that everyone's circumstances are different and you must make up your own mind.
I decided that i would go for the t:Slim X2.
These are my reasons:
- I take a LOT of insulin each day (about 150 units)
I was told that when i switch to using a pump, that the amount of insulin that i would need would be approx 33% less, so that would mean that i would only need about 100 units per day.
The Omnipod only hold 200 units max, whereas the t:slim can hold up to 300 units.
If i chose the Omnipod, i would have to change it every 2 days, which would mean that it would be prohibitively expensive for my CCG to fund.
- Although i love the idea of a patch pump, i also REALLY love the idea that the software on the t:slim can be updated just by connecting it to the internet using my computer. This has GOT to be better than waiting 4 years for another pump.
Patch pumps are a bit different i suppose. There is the possibility that the software in an OmniPod could be updated in the next "Batch" that you are sent, but i don't know if that is what is going to happen.
- The t:slim has the Basal IQ software (as i am sure you already know) and in Q1 of 2020, the Control IQ software "may" be available in the UK. As you already mentioned, the t:slim connects to the Dexcom G6 sensor, which from all the reviews i have seen is an EXCELLENT sensor (better than a MiaoMiao/Libre combo according to reviews).
However, as you know, the G6 is £159 a month - self funded.
At the moment, i am using a MiaoMiao (£150 one off purchase) and NHS Libre sensors
However.... Dexcom has indicated in their annual financial review that the Dexcom G7 sensor is on the horizon for late 2020 and it looks a bit like a thick Libre sensor. It is more accurate and .... they are going to be marketing it at a reduced price compare to the G6 "to come in line with other products on the market".
I think that this is a clear reference to the Libre.
IF Dexcom can get the price of the G7 to that of the Libre, then i would imagine that the NHS would consider funding it.
Please note: this is my own personal conjecture
- I have already decided that if the t:Slim "fits" really well with me, then i will trial it for 3 months or so, on its own, then i will be finding some way to fund the G6.
There are others who have found ways to extend the life of the sensors and the Transmitter, meaning that although they are NOT using the annual plan, they still manage to get their costs down to about £100 a month.
I am probably too lazy to go to that much trouble and will probably go for the annual plan.
- It just looks and feels really NICE.
My CCG did not originally offer the t:slim as one of their pumps.
By continuous gentle persuasion and sending them lots of links to articles online and YouTube videos from people who have got a t:slim and LOVE IT, they eventually gave in, and now i am getting my t:slim in November and i simply can't wait.
All of these reasons, (and more), are MY personal reasons for wanting a t:slim.
Your circumstances may be different, and i wish you all the best of luck with your choice.
Hopefully someone else will give you the reasons why they chose the Omnipod (just to mess with your head - LOL).