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!)