- When filling a new Pod, you do not have to put in a full 200 units. No one mentioned this to me, and I did not stop doing so until I realized I was going through my Humalog bottles like crazy. Just put in what you typically use in 3 days plus about 10 units.
- After you fill the Pod and it primes itself, I like to use a Q-Tip to gently absorb any insulin that has leaked out into the window area. If you leave the moisture in there, it can make the site swollen and uncomfortable later.
- There are some back up supplies you should always carry: 2 spare Pods, vial of insulin, backup insulins (I carry one Humalog and one Lantus pen), pen needles or syringes, alcohol or prep wipes, glucose tablets, a spare lancet. Of course you always need your main squeeze (the PDM), finger poker, and test strips. I keep all of this in a clear makeup case that I bought at Target, with my Medical ID card from Omnipod visible.
- I have found that using alcohol wipes to prep the site preferable to the "IV Prep" wipes recommended by my doctor. The Pod is much stickier with alcohol.
- I have been successful wearing the Pod on my...abdomen (avoiding the ribs and not within 2 inches of the belly button), upper arms (facing downward on tricep), lower back (can be difficult with jeans).
- I cannot seem to find a viable site on my thighs. My CDE said to choose a site where you can "pinch an inch" of fat, and it seems to be a useful rule.
Those are the tricks I've learned so far! I'd l
ove to hear any ideas from you, or any questions on your mind.
A Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
6 comments:
My 13 year old daughter just switched to the omni pod and I really appreciate these suggestions.
Hi, I'm Kayla and I just started my blog Queen Bee-Tes. I'm on the OmniPod also and I'm having the same problem as you! The number of defective pods I've had means that I run out of insulin before the 90 day period ends and of course, the insurance company gives you a hard time about it. It's so frustrating! It's not like you can anticipate a defective Pod and there's no way to get the insulin back out! What did you decide to do? I'm trying to be more conscientious of my insulin use..but we'll see how that works out. Keep me updated on what happens!
Thanks for the heads-up!
I'm looking at the Omni-Pod & the Animas 20/20. I need to know the pro's and cons of both!
k2
I'm on the OmniPod too and I would love to send you pics of my supply bag. My CDE and doctor had me send them pics so they could use them to train new patients. I'm glad I found your blog. It's so nice not feeling alone!! If you'd like to see them, email me at karin.bowman@sbcglobal.net
Karin Bowman
Thank you for the helpful information!! The omnipod arrived at my door step! I am excited but a tad bit nervous. I am blogging my experience also! I am glad I found you:) I was getting alittle worried...
If I have a defective pod, I get the insulin out the same way I put it in. Using the syringe. It's room temperature, but so it the vial I'd use too, so it doesn't matter.
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