omnipod tips & tricks

I was clearly a little peeved in my last post...luckily I was able to pick up my Humalog Rx just in time to fill up a new Pod.  It seems funny to me that the insurance company can take issue with me needing more insulin...this is NOT a drug you can abuse!  I'll have to discuss it at my upcoming CDE appointment.I wanted to put together a little list for new OmniPod users, with some tips that I have acquired from my own experience and from scouring the internet.

• 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!

woes

I didn't realize how much I like being on the OmniPod until someone talked about taking it away...

About 2 weeks ago, my Humalog supply is winding down to about 100 units in the last bottle, and I call CVS for a refill. I receive a call that I cannot refill it until March 11, because it was a 90 day supply for 50 units per day. I explain to the Pharmacist that although I only use about 35 units/day, there is waste involved with my pump (pod failures, leftover insulin after 3 days of pod use). I try to get my CDE to help out with no luck, and have to purchase a bottle out of pocket for $94 (yikes!).

I was pissed, but figured I would just have to be really careful/lucky with my pricey bottle of H until March 11. Of course I had 3 pod failures within the span of this last bottle (much more than usual), a total of 450 units wasted...almost half the bottle.

I'm down to the last dribbles again now, very glad to see March 11th roll around. I called in the refill last night, and am told again that my insurance isn't going to authorize the refill, it's too early! I tell the Pharmacist (same one I spoke to last time) that I was told I could refill it on March 11. He then says, "Oh, I'm sorry, that was just an estimate." Uhhhg!! We then get into a lengthy chat about why I'm running so low, and I describe the pods and failures and leftovers to him. He says he will try to talk to Aetna today, but they might not authorize it or tell me I need to use another pump. F*** THAT!

I was (and am) extremely upset about this, and am more than ready to punch Aetna (and maybe my CDE?) in the face. I guess I will find out what they have to say this afternoon.