I started pump therapy in Feb. of 99 and was delighted with my pump. Disetronic actually gives you 2 pumps so that you have a back up. Well, here we are 4 years later and I am back on shots. I am looking for information to give me options as I want to resume pumping.

Pump #1 will not work because it needs a technical inspection. Pump #2 will not work as it is a battery eater and goes through a set of batteries in less than a month. Disetronc sent me a letter stating that you are not supposed to shower or swim with the pump, a huge selling point was that they were water tight, and that pumps have been reported to be battery eaters. As far as I can tell, Disetronic has suspended their pumps until the problems are taken care of. This means that I can not get new pumps from them. BUT at almost $6,000 a pop, I dont think the insurance will let me go with another company. Anyone know anything about this?

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Mindy :o)

Hi Mindy
I looked at one of their sites and I think you can get a new replacement for the pump or change to another brand .Take a look at this link and read all of the sections starting with the one at the top of the page. http://www.disetronic-usa.com/htronletter.htm
After you read this I think there is a way for you to get a new pump. I hope from someone else like MiniMed. Let me know what you find out. I know the FDA has told them to stop using and stop selling the pump of that specified model due to defects. I was going to choose to go with this one too. But the sales people and the remote control of the Medtronics 508 was too tempting to me. So I got it instead. My GP uses the same pump mentioned in this article too. Anyway let me know how well you do in getting this taken care of.
Don http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Again
I just read the complete letter of information. It states that they will help you get another pump from another manufactuer if your health care provider supports it. So you can go to the MiniMsd pump if you would like to. Great News.
Don http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

Thanks so much Don. I called Disetronic first, then the insurance company, then Mini Med. They are trying to set me up with a new pump called a Paradigm 512. I dont know anything about it but it looks like I might be back to pumping soon. I guess it was one of those things where you never know if you don't ask. Let's hope its a smooth transition. Thanks for all of your help

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Mindy :o)

Hi Again
The 512 is a little smaller than the 508 which I have. It handles about 180 units of insulin per syringe full. Mine will allow me to load 300 units of insulin in it. I use a bit more Insulin per 3 days. The 512 is also supposed to be more water resistant than any of their other pumps. And it is also the smallest one they make, I believe. It is a neat pump. I would have switched to it if I did not need so much more insulin per setup. I am so very happy for you that this could over all be a blessing. Even though you had to go off of the pump for a little while, You are getting a good pump and a proven company as well. Great News! Let us know when you get back to pumping.
Don http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/grad.gif