tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post8538793926227287108..comments2024-01-10T11:06:35.664-08:00Comments on Sweetly Voiced: First Impressions: The New Omnipod UST400Melissa Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747902932015381590noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-55454373038507367542015-10-05T09:29:34.253-07:002015-10-05T09:29:34.253-07:00Neil, did anyone ever get back with you on this? I...Neil, did anyone ever get back with you on this? I am brand new to the pump arena; This 30% Pod failure rate is very concerning.Michael Eugene Shanerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01074078090568606675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-9299512571260560842015-06-23T22:07:04.584-07:002015-06-23T22:07:04.584-07:00Are there still issues with the Pod failure rate? ...Are there still issues with the Pod failure rate? Got my Pod recently and reading the comments above gives me some hesitation to switch from Medtronic.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14422838159449912670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-14837626020096696722015-03-04T09:13:53.031-08:002015-03-04T09:13:53.031-08:00I'm a former omnipod user. A very good idea th...I'm a former omnipod user. A very good idea that was so poorly executed. While doing a blood check the monitor interrupted and ruined the test by telling me I need to do a blood check after changing pods. This is one of many bad programming choices they made. Now let's talk about their billing department. I don't know how many calls I had to make before I finally gave up. They would not Bill my primary insurance (Medicare) even after I told them I know they will deny the claim but my secondary insurance (blue shield) won't pay until you've billed the primary.I even filled out a form requesting they do this. Someone in their billing department decided that blue shield would do the same as Medicare and decided to just charge me the full amount. I have a CGM from Dexcom who did what I requested and billed Medicare and now blue shield is paying for my CGM sensors.I make this point to show that omnipod's billing department is obviously incorrect about blue shield's coverage policy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04859920590741044740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-44304465120808575262015-01-07T11:30:58.626-08:002015-01-07T11:30:58.626-08:00Kristine 8 years. Since August 2013 the first type...Kristine 8 years. Since August 2013 the first type of diabetes. Since December 2013 Christina uses omnipod ust-200 pods.<br />omnipod - our first insulin pump. We also have the experience of the compensation Lantus + Novorapid. Now we can not imagine my life without omnipod. We bought omnipod ust-400, after the pods will end ust-200 (February 2015) move on ust-400. It is a pity that omnipod not sold in Ukraine, we have to buy everything in the United States.<br />Vitaliy,<br />father of Christine<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10474396016436757396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-80183832367543202692014-03-27T15:01:59.459-07:002014-03-27T15:01:59.459-07:00I started with the Omnipod system because I assume...I started with the Omnipod system because I assumed tubeless was the way to go. I had read reviews about a 30% failure rate on the pods so I called the company and asked about it. She assured the that the failure problems were fixed with the new pods. Keep in mind folks, you only have 45 DAYS to return the system for a refund. Coincidentally....or not,, the pods worked fine until about 60 days later. Then, here's the shocker, I experienced a 30% failure rate EVERY MONTH. I also sat on hold for hours. Everytime I spoke to a person, they said they would reimburse me for the lost insulin (so I sent them the info they requested) but they refused to refund the pump cost. They also said I would receive a call from a manager (which I requested). Well, no shocker here, either. I never got reimbursed nor did I get a phone call. So now I have contacted the Food and Drug Administration and the Boston Better Business Bureau, which is a powerless entity, unfortunately. I then contacted an attorney (friend of a friend) who said to send them a certified letter with a deadline for reimbursement. I got no response again. Now I am going through the Attorney General's office for Ohio and Massachusetts to get assistance. If you want to go through all of this to get reimbursed after they lie to you, then go ahead and go with Omnipod. If you are going through this too, I strongly suggest you contact the Food and Drug Administration so they have data to go after Omnipod. Otherwise, they will keep lying and making money while your blood sugars skyrocket!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06792971816666899285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-42771941292590676502014-03-04T20:23:48.453-08:002014-03-04T20:23:48.453-08:00Wow, these comments are pretty scary. I am in the...Wow, these comments are pretty scary. I am in the beginning stages of getting the Omnipod, but now I'm wondering if I should. Their customer service sounds horrific....how do they justify that? They're screwing around with people's lives here. Might have to cancel......Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145425824434221869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-75149236867157243262014-01-26T02:36:24.501-08:002014-01-26T02:36:24.501-08:00Ditto on the experience w/ pod failures. My son wa...Ditto on the experience w/ pod failures. My son was on old pod since August 12. We switched over to new pod around 10/1/13. Since then have had what seems like a very high pod alarm rate - I'd say 20-25% failure rate. Almost always occurs about 12 hours after putting it on, for no apparent reason. Often in the middle of the night. We rarely had an issue with the old pods - and never an alarm for no apparent reason - the rare failure was due to him bumping it on the playground or something like that. No problem getting the pods replaced - Insulet always quickly sends out a replacement - but they are never able to give any feedback on "why", just "we'll have our engineers look at it when you send it in". Very frustrating & makes me want to dump the whole system when it happens, but we're soldiering on for now. Hopefully it is just a manufacturing issue and they will figure this out. Dannohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18159314350070586422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-79400624466399776642014-01-21T13:40:18.536-08:002014-01-21T13:40:18.536-08:00I just ordered my Omnipod yesterday due to the tub...I just ordered my Omnipod yesterday due to the tubeless feature. I kept catching my tube on doorknobs and dressers. A 22mo old did not help either :) I had a lot of issues with my Medtronic pump so I hope the Omnipod is better. Thanks for all the posts here.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13684782477521546080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-10431793721023770142014-01-12T07:08:54.772-08:002014-01-12T07:08:54.772-08:00When I swim, I noticed that putting the pod on my ...When I swim, I noticed that putting the pod on my butt, instead of leg, arm or back helped. More meat there. I assume your baby is slim. Regardless of where she places the pod, you do have to squeeze the muscle/fat up and push down on the top (I do it hard) when it's in insertion mode. That helped me alot on the old pod.<br />For swimming, drastic changed in temperature against the pod can cause it to fail. Similar to taking a hot bath with it on. Having her "cool it down" first may help. Try standing in the swim shower with the spray against the pod and slowly drop the temp. Sounds goofy and time consuming, but is technically viable.<br />The problem is that they work best at room temp.Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03087134991929536343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-87063314193925722402014-01-10T17:42:21.676-08:002014-01-10T17:42:21.676-08:00My daughter, 13, is having the same frustrating pr...My daughter, 13, is having the same frustrating problem of the new pods frequently deactivating or occluding and getting high blood sugars and the frustration of having to change pods way too often. If anyone has heard any "tips" to prevent this issue, please share!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12887304396346547109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-34861100541889147142014-01-10T17:39:39.337-08:002014-01-10T17:39:39.337-08:00I am thrilled to find this blog..so helpful! Also...I am thrilled to find this blog..so helpful! Also, so affirming in that my daughter (13) who has been pumping with Omnipod for at least four years and who switched to the 400 in August, has had the exact same problem with pods deactivating and occluding regularly. So frustrating for her (and her parents!). She chose the Omnipod bc she is a swimmer and did not want to have to take the pump on and off when she does this several days/week. She also chose it because she was afraid she would get tangled up in the tubing of the other pods while she slept (not so sure this is as legit a reason!). The past five months have been filled with many more high blood sugars, the screeching alarm sounds, etc, than her previous 3 1/2 years. The only thing I got from the Insulet folks when I expressed concern was that she really needed to "squeeze the fat" at her insertion point when she changed her pod. This has not seemed to help. If anyone has learned any other "tricks" which eliminate these new pods deactivating frequently, please share. Thank you all for your thoughts and best to you.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12887304396346547109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-11934208526032732952014-01-04T08:04:38.314-08:002014-01-04T08:04:38.314-08:00I've been diabetic for 30 years and started pu...I've been diabetic for 30 years and started pumping 7 years ago with the wired DexCom, which was okay until my baby daughter, at the time, started pulling it off. <br /><br />I then moved to the OmniPod, 6 years ago to get rid of the wires. Same occlusion and error issues as others and I work around computers all day. Rarely had an occlusion with the DexCom.<br /><br />Because of the failure percentage, I had my prescription changed to replace the pod every 1-2 days, rather than 3, so you get more boxes (6 instead of 4).<br /><br />Against recommendations from Insulet and my endocrinologist, my husband found a way to get all the insulin back out the pod, after a failure. Don't believe that mess about the insulin not being as viable at room temperature and the 3 day thing.<br />Calling Insulet...you pretty much have to act crazy, not rational. This is my routine when I call them to get immediate service, unfortunately, but it is fun.<br />I started the new OmniPod this morning, so we'll see how that goes. It would have been nice if they included a feature to copy a food from the food library to your favorites and increased the expiration days.<br />In all, use wired for minimal errors and an arm or thigh band. Otherwise, use the problematic pods, but get your prescription changed (1-2 days) so that you can make it thru the month. I ended up with 6 more boxes after my prescription ended by doing this and still changing out every 80 hours and getting my remaining 20-40 units out.Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03087134991929536343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-39707207990822387642013-12-17T22:53:59.779-08:002013-12-17T22:53:59.779-08:00Seems like the majority of us like the wireless fe...Seems like the majority of us like the wireless feature but are so frustrated with the quality of the pods. I am using the new system (my old PDM suddenly quit work...after warranty expired). Took me 6 weeks to get the new system and I was stuck with 4 boxes of old pods. Seems new pod failures run in serial numbers. I usually experience 2-3 pod failures (sometimes more) per box. Few are occlusions and most are pod errors. I immediately call for replacements. They say they'll ship them with my next order but I've learned they don't, so I insist on immediate replacement. I'm 3 years away from Medicare and have learned that Medicare does NOT cover the Omnipod; so guess it will be a tubed-system for me. Overall my satisfaction with the Omnipod is running around 40%. Agree that return calls are rare and wait times are horrific! I sometimes get so frustrated that I leave the Omnipod and use several injections per day. Everyone, but me, in my pump support group uses tubed systems and they love theirs. Am seriously thinking of changing since I'll have to in 3 years anyway. PDM userhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10149055884588629780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-33518380472104300962013-12-13T17:11:02.947-08:002013-12-13T17:11:02.947-08:00Hello All, these are quite a few comments here, th...Hello All, these are quite a few comments here, thanks very much. I have been diabetic for 20 years and have exclusively been using the insulin pens. When I first learned about this pump, this was actually also the first time I considered trying out a pump. I was initially impressed by the features "they" say this pump has and was willing to take on the high cost that I would have to come up with out of pocket, since my employer's health plans are all high deductible plans. So I thought well, if a box of 10 pods lasts for about one month, this would be $245 per month to pay out of pocket and $2,900 per year. Reading all these stories about the non-working pods, I say "no" to this as the estimated cost now quickly goes above and beyond the $2,900 for the pods only. I would have considered trading in the by the health insurer fully paid insulin pens (only $25 co-pay for a 3-months period) with this new devise if the reviews were more promising, but I really don't want to take on the risk of fronting that much money for a product for which I may not even receive help when needed.<br />These reviews are really an eye opener which helped me decide against this product. I see many of the bloggers had experience with other pumps, so is there any good pump that can be recommended to me?<br />It is just so disappointing to realize that no serious investments are done to improve any of the products that are in the market, especially since Diabetes is affecting so many people today. At least I can be assured that with pens I am in control of my bg and not my pump.<br /><br />Good luck to everybody! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18219214898945266751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-68697107652391221352013-12-03T08:43:01.422-08:002013-12-03T08:43:01.422-08:00I am an adult onset T1D who has been with Medtroni...I am an adult onset T1D who has been with Medtronic for the last 4 years. Mom of 3 young kids, first grade teacher, and active outdoor person, I started looking at omnipod. Sick of my pump tubing getting tangled, kinked, and caught on anything and everything, I was about to make the leap to Omnipod. Now I am extremely hesitant. The rep I spoke with yesterday was fabulous, but is he my go-to for issues, especially if the official customer service is moot? Also, he did say there is a 45 day return policy-is this long enough to know if it is the system for me? Would love your thoughts?Ms. Forgetfulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18289130018919895671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-23287640587310570702013-11-22T10:59:05.189-08:002013-11-22T10:59:05.189-08:00My friend is a college student who depends on the ...My friend is a college student who depends on the OmniPod to control his diabetes. His OmniPod started malfunctioning 5 weeks ago, and he ended up in the hospital with DKA. We were assured that a new pump would be shipped within 24 hours. IT STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED, 5 WEEKS LATER. He is now it the hospital AGAIN with DKA. We have called at least 5 times, not to mention the times his doctor has called, and nothing has been done. Needless to say, we have been very displeased with the service we have received from the OmniPod company.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02191774517530368867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-79553956548596693422013-11-19T11:03:12.528-08:002013-11-19T11:03:12.528-08:00I have had the exact same experience. My old pods...I have had the exact same experience. My old pods were reliable and the new ones are beeping so often that it is alarming. Customer service is very unhelpful and seemingly unaware that not being to rely on this system is stressful and scary. My a1c has gone up since I started using. About 40% of the new pods have malfunctioned and had to be replaced. Nickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06432197591634340148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-3529904399004262792013-11-10T16:32:51.524-08:002013-11-10T16:32:51.524-08:00I live in New England and have not had any problem...I live in New England and have not had any problems with customer service. I called on a Saturday, about help with co pilot and was called back on Monday morning when the techs were in. It turns out the icon was on my homescreen and I didn't think to look there! My rep from insulet emails me back immedialtely and when I called to change my order I had less than 1 minute of wait time to talk to a rep. I think the insulet service is very good.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00036478939106907876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-64303290572967556052013-11-09T18:48:06.027-08:002013-11-09T18:48:06.027-08:00I have to say I am surprised at so many negative c...I have to say I am surprised at so many negative comments here, and I feel for the frustration of the people making these comments. However, we started our four year old daughter on the new Pod four months ago after almost a year of MDI. It has been SO LIBERATING! We have had maybe 6 pod failures, and we have had a couple come off - and she swims every week (we have not used "IV Prep" and have no swimming related problems). After doing a test-fit with a number of pumps, we knew we had to at least give the pod a try since she reacted so well to it. We did get some push-back from one of our endo-nurses and we are so glad now that we were insistent on trying it. If it seems right for you or your child, I would encourage you to go for it.<br />We have not dealt with Insulet directly, but have received great service from our local reps. Admittedly we have not used another pump- but, based on the experience of our family, I would wholeheartedly recommend trying it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12602372527058285908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-65742290682405116492013-11-07T13:29:41.813-08:002013-11-07T13:29:41.813-08:00Thank you so much for your reply. We did meet with...Thank you so much for your reply. We did meet with a person who explained and showed us each pump and my husband even put two different ones in to wear on him during the day and see how it feels. He really likes the OmniPod and thinks that one will be the best for our son, but after reading all the problems and the nurse showing it to us said the same, I am really not sold on it. It should make life easier and not more stressful by all the time thinking if it is working or not... NCFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08590210294321015686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-28701174586246295232013-11-07T07:05:21.208-08:002013-11-07T07:05:21.208-08:00That's such a personal decision. If you wait f...That's such a personal decision. If you wait for this pod to come out in a new iteration, I should warn you that the gen 1 pod lasted from 2003 to 2010. The new pods were designed in 2010 and didn't come to market for two more years. You are unlikely to see any major design changes any time soon.<br /><br />That being said, every pump comes with risks. Every pump comes with detractors and people who rave about it. My suggestion is to meet with a rep and get a feel for the device and discuss your concerns. I like the system. I know plenty of people who love each of the pumps out there and plenty of people who have had issues with each pump on the market. I can't predict what your experience will be. All things considered, this is a good pump for a kiddo (but then again, I think all pumps are great for kiddos...with the exception of the touchscreen tslim). Best of luck in your decision making. I always feel a great deal of anxiety leaping into a new pumping system. You're not alone.Melissa Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06747902932015381590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-74271248082063606062013-11-06T19:14:37.095-08:002013-11-06T19:14:37.095-08:00I have a five year old who was just diagnosed abou...I have a five year old who was just diagnosed about a month ago and we were just looking into pumps. We really like the fact that it is wireless and easy to insert, which will make it much easier with a five year old! However, I am reading all these bad reviews and not sure now if this is the way to go...maybe I should wait with the pump and see if they will fix their pod problems??? It is a commitment for 4 years and I don't want to rush into making a decision on one that is not the best for him since we will get stuck with it for a while...please advise!NCFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08590210294321015686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-62979664896042064642013-10-14T16:20:05.083-07:002013-10-14T16:20:05.083-07:00I to have been an omnipod user for at least 5 year...I to have been an omnipod user for at least 5 years. Received new meter and pods about 2 weeks ago and have had nothing but problems with pods. No point in calling because you will be on hold forever, and if you leave a message, no on will ever return call. If I continue to have problems will go back to injections as much as I hate to. If I can go back to old pod would do so.<br />jmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13317799109484063349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-48227390724878913702013-10-08T15:13:11.831-07:002013-10-08T15:13:11.831-07:00Oh good times. I'm a 23 year old guy who was o...Oh good times. I'm a 23 year old guy who was on the Medtronic pump for over 10 years. In August I started the new OmniPod system for the "tubeless feature" and auto-insertion with the 6mm cannula. <br />Here's the thing: the system works wonderfully if the pod doesn't alarm. I received 40 pods, 4 boxes, with my starter kit, and so far, 12 of them have failed (that's over one box!). Two of them were occlusions (one can usually tell - it HURTS), but the other 10 alarms were during normal activity or right after a bolus. <br />There were a few times where I would change my pod and then an hour later have to change it AGAIN. Of course then my blood sugar would end up high. Not to mention how much insulin I have wasted. So that's my first issue. The other issue with it is I can only wear a pod for three-ish days, instead of 4. I was told by Insulet that after 72 hours, insulin at body temperature would be far less potent. I thought hmmm I'm not so sure that's true. For ONE more day?<br />I'm hoping to not have as many alarms with my next shipment of pods (and the remaining 8 with my starter kit). If all these alarms happen with my next shipment, I will strongly consider going back to Medtronic, even though I don't want to. <br />It will work out one way or another!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09186661209076029663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605058834859215403.post-38817725201561834652013-10-07T11:07:35.157-07:002013-10-07T11:07:35.157-07:00i'v been on the omnipod for a month now i need...i'v been on the omnipod for a month now i need to find something to go over the pod so it won't fall off. i been having problems with the pod after taking a shower and it get's loose and don't deliver my insulin good and i don't want to waste the insulin that i allready put in there. i need like second skin clear sticker to put over it can you help me with that.my email add is mbennett003@twcny.rr.com.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com