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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Minimed Minilink--My Order is in!

I did it! Today I put in my order for the Medtronic Minimed Minilink REAL-Time Transmitter and upgraded my 712 to 722. I have to say, in the blog that got erased by a blogger error; I discussed my hesitance to buy this thing. I could have ordered it a week ago, but I didn’t. I really can’t explain what was happening in my head, but I suspect I wasn’t sure I deserve to have it (really, that is not a self-loathing statement, it is just a fact, everyone and everything can seem to be a higher priority than me-- I am working on this).

I was put off ordering for three days because I couldn’t order with a live person on the phone; it had to be an internet order. I think that is stupid. I am spending $2,000 up front and I can’t talk to a human about my purchase? BUT today a woman at Medtronic answered my call and she was delightful. She helped me figure out a BUNCH of stuff regarding my account and she got me to a person who could tell me how to do the order online and gave me some tips for moving the process through the doctors, etc. Customer service is important to me, especially with an investment like this.

So, I have to be honest. I haven’t researched this thing as extensively as one would think. I am buying a lot on faith and really good marketing. Seriously, the transmitter is tiny, the claims are good and I get to stay with a company I have been relatively happy with. Haven’t heard many negative comments, except from other manufacturers, but since it only lasts for one year, I figure if it doesn't live up to expectations, I can trade up for a new technology in a year. Perhaps the Johnson & Johnson Animas CGM/Pump, which is in trial right now, will be the next superstar.

I had a REALLY bad morning with my daughter. She was high all night; started high, gave an adjustment, came down a little at 2 a.m., so I thought she was ok. High again at 7 a.m. It was time to change the ((((((DREADED INFUSION SET)))))))!!


My kid is the sweetest, most loving child, but this morning I wanted to toss her out the window. She screams, squirms, wiggles, cries, sniffles, goes to the potty, sobs and hides under the coffee table when it is time to change her infusion set. The drama is all surrounding anticipation, she hate the sound of the inserter click and has very little to do with the actual experience. It took 45 minutes to get the thing on her and then I got a call from school that she was high post-breakfast. I was confident we had a good site, so I had her correct again, even though the pump said 0.0. She was great the rest of the day. You know, I kept my cool for 42 minutes; loving, caring, compassionate, but the last three minutes were where the window became a serious option for resolution. If anyone has really good advice for dealing with a 6 year-old and changing infusion sets peacefully, without threats of “no TV every again!” and emotional breakdowns, I would love to hear!

Photo from www.minimed.com (and I only wish that was my belly!)

6 comments:

Drea said...

Congrats on your upgrade, you will be happy!! In Canada we still have the first generation transmitters, so I look forward to reading how it goes for you!

I could not imangine chasing around a child to change an infusion set - have you ever pulled it out during the process? You are an amazing mother!

All the best with the minilink! (and I am feeling a little better today, went to the Dr and she told me it could last upwards of 6 weeks! HA!)

Anonymous said...

I have an 8 year old who is the same way, only with him, it is about the pain. We now do site changes at night when he is asleep. He goes to bed at 8, and within 1-2 hours is in a very deep sleep. If I am carefull (and warm the alcohol wipe first) he will only sort of wake up. Much easier.

Also we tried the Sure T set for the same reason - much less insertion pain. Tried it for a few months but & BG seemed less controlled, so stopped that. Maybe you would have better luck.

Anonymous said...

What about using EMLA? If you put it on an hour before the site change, your daughter won't feel a thing.

Wendy Morgan said...

Good suggestion, we've tried EMLA, but she has issues around anticipating the insertion, more than actually feeling it. She doesn't really think it hurts, but hewr drama is centered around the process.

My husband made a good point, that she expresses very littel drama around anything about her diabetes, but this particular situation every three days is her time to vent. So given that, I will NOT throw her out the window and try to be more patient.

I have tried doing the set while she is asleep (or just waking up) and that has been easier.

Thanks for the advice folks!

Unknown said...

I will give this technique a try and see what happens, otherwise I just kind of ignore the bubble after other t:slim users told me not to worry about it. Thanks for sharing Scott's video.

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Jonathan Cather said...

Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
Diabetes Specialist