Diabetes

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Well I made my decision...I decided to go with the Animas. My doctor ordered it today so I hope in about 2 weeks I'll be on my new pump. I must be honest and say I probably didn't really give Medtronic a fair shot. I kind of heard similar stories that Kitty Love stated. I know Julie that you love your MiniMed pump and I'm glad it has worked for you. But the rep I spoke with was not helpful at all. She didn't call when she said she would but rather days later, wasn't willing to do a one-on-one with me to see the pump...instead she called me to go to an information event that wasn't even to see the pump (I think it was for carb counting) that was not even close to my home and I didn't like the fact that she trash talked the Animas and said hers was superior and raved about the continuous glucose monitoring which wasn't even something I was considering not to mention not covered by insurance. The Animas rep was quick to respond to me, did a one-on-one with me and did not say anything negative about MiniMed but rather encouraged me to see it and make up my mind after that. I really liked that. I also liked how the Animas had a more modern look to it and had a really easy to use menu and the screen was great - it looked more like a cell phone rather than a medical device which makes it look more discreet. I really liked my Disetronic and wish I could have stayed with them but unfortunately it wasn't an option. I think either pump would have been a good choice as having a pump is great. I guess essentially they all do the same thing and I think they all offer 24 hour customer service and will send you a new pump next day if there is a malfunction. Animas will also send you a backup if you go on vacation which I liked or if it is a weekend they will have a rep drive over a backup if necessary. He also said that they are coming out with a new pump I believe next year and offer current users an upgrade which is cost effecient since they know the insurance plan will not pay for another one until the 4 years is up - something like $300 to trade in your old one and get the latest new one (this price was just an example, not set in stone). So I guess I based my choice on the customer service I received from my rep, not to say that other reps aren't great but I wasn't impressed with the one I spoke with, and with the asthetics and functionality of the Animas. I liked the look and how easy it was to use. The only thing I didn't like which Medtronic has is the 300 unit cartridge but I think I can get used to that change easily. So I'm anxiously awaiting my new pump. I will follow up with you all and let you know if I like it. It will be a change from my D-tron pump to the new Animas but I think it will be a good change - just will take some time to get used to. Wish me luck!

Michelle: First of all congrats! I know you'll be happy. The smaller cartridge isnt so bad, and not hard to get used to. I like being back to the larger one with the Cozmo, but now I have to change batteries more often. So you gain something and lose something, but no big deal.

The reps I think are very different place to place. The MM rep here, I did not like. The first one I had was fine, the new people dont want to take me off their calling list. So I do think it is place to place and person to person.

Too bad the new Disetronic/Roche deal didnt turn out to be anything great. The Spirit pump literature convinced me the new pump was just awful. I never did get to try a Disetronic, wanted one, but didnt get to do it. Their rep made my doctor mad because she went over and told them to sign the papers for my new pump (and they were not planning on ordering me a new pump). Oh well.

You take care, and keep us posted ok?

That is great news, Michelle! I know you will love pumping. I have heard the Animas is the only pump easy to read and it is the smallest too I think. I'm surprised they are already planning to come out with a new model, since the one you are getting is still pretty new.

I think those bad reps should be fired. You probably don't care at this point, but I bet if you called Minimed and told them or wrote to them, she would be fired. I guess there are just not enough people willing to do that job. They do change pretty frequently. The one I have now is really the best one my area has ever had. Every time she sees me she has something to dig out of her bag or the truck of her car for me. Samples of new sets or a sample of a skin to put on my pump. I also love her personality - very positive and sunny. I guess I should enjoy her while I have her, because I know pump rep is not a stable job. She helped me get my 522 quickly as soon as I wanted it, and at no out-of-pocket cost to me by steering me to a third party supplier who gives rebates when you turn in your used pump to them.

Let us know how it all goes!

Julie: They may have something new in the works along the lines of a 300 unit cartridge, and the 2020 is really identical to their other pumps except for th new screen.

That's why I decided to change, because they didnt offer much new stuff.

I'll bet other people feel the same way.

Thanks for your thoughts and support. Yeah, reps will definitely vary and it is unfortunate that some aren't as good as others because it really can make a difference. I work in marketing so it's important that a customer have a good experience otherwise it can change people's minds. My rep that I had for Disetronic was great. I think she does now work for MiniMed but unfortunately she wasn't one I got to talk to. But had she been, it may have been a different outcome. Who knows. Funny thing is I'm in southern California close to the MedTronic headquarters so you'd think they'd be more available. Oh well. I agree with Julie that being on a pump is the best thing and I would never go back to doing shots. I think all pumps out there are going to do what they intend to do and all of us on one are fortunate to be on one. I will let you all know what I think of the Animas once I get it. I can't wait. Oh and yeah, I thought it was odd too that Animas is already coming out with a new pump since I think the 2020 just came out this summer but he said they were but he couldn't give me any details. Maybe since they are owned by Johnson & Johnson they have more resources to do come up with newer stuff. Not really sure.

When I was going on my first pump back in 2002, it was the Disetronic rep who totally turned me off. He dissed Minimed no end and talked too much, repeating the same things over and over. That was when I narrowed my options down to Animas and Minimed!

Soon my daughter will be picking her pump. she is doing all the getting to know about them first up, which i think is a good plan, so she can be prepared for when she does get it. i do hope everything goes smoothly for her.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
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