blaah. So I went to my endo to talk about getting the Minimed Guardian and he agreed and told me to request the info package on it and send him the forms to fill out. He also told me about the iPro 2 and to get an info package on it, which is new and patients can now buy..which would be better for what I want anyways.
So I called the product information line, got through and got to a woman who was about to tell me all about the iPro 2 when a client walked in so I had to go. I tried to call later, but their office was already closed.
So I called back on Friday since I got off work early and talked to his guy who took all my info....name, mailing address, phone number, email..and then asked if I wanted the info packages mailed or e-mailed. I asked for e-mail and he said I should get it soon.
It is now Tuesday and still nothing. So I called this morning and got this woman who has NO idea what I’m talking about and tells me I can fill out a form online to request the info. I told her I wanted two packages, and the iPro2 isn't an option for the online request, and re-explain that I called on Friday and was told I’d get an e-mail package in a few hours...which never showed up. She insisted I use the online form, I told her again that one of the packages I wanted wasn't offered on the online form. She put on hold to find out if she could even take my info to send me a package and what the iPro 2 even was (the last two people I spoke to had known about it).
She came back, took all my info..told me she had no idea what the iPro 2 was, but she'd send the Guardian package by e-mail and then send me another e-mail with the iPro2 information once she got an answer from someone.
That was at 830am..it's now 130pm and I STILL haven't received either package she told me she'd send. I did the online form for the Guardian anyways, and plan on calling again to see about the iPro2 package when I get home.
oo..so the form i sent in...i got a reply...an info pack about their PUMP w/ the CGM attached.
fuuuuudge.
Facepalm....
Lame! I hope it gets straightened out soon. Sounds frustrating. =-/
yeah. at least now i have the local sales rep's contact though. i left her a voicemail explaining i sent the form requesting the guardian alone, not their pump & cgm combo and that the form was my 3rd attempt to get product info. hopefully she calls back soon and gives me the right information. compared to the service i had from Animas...Medtronic sucks! With Animas, everything was easy and quick.
i am BEYOND confused.
the guardian CGM...is not actually a CGM or part of the CGM system at all? the sales rep just told me that the guardian is NOT a cgm, it just talks to the sensor to give you real time results...but again, isn't part of the CGM system...wtf?
pretty much medtronic is no use to me and I can do everything through the clinic in town apparently (re: iPro 2..which is actually where i buy the sensors but they have the machine...which isn't what i've been told by my doc OR medtronic the first two times I called)..so i'm going to avoid them at all costs.
hold up a sec.
the guardian is part of a CGM system of 3 main things:
The actual cgm sensor goes under your skin.
then there is a battery/transmitter that goes on the cgm sensor, the small part that is sticking out from your skin.
then the guardian, a very pump looking thing, is the data collector/reciever/alarmer unit that needs to be less than 4 feet away for it to pick up the transmitter signal. the paradigm pumps have the guardian software and signal reciever built in. the guardian is just the reciever for people who don't have a pump but want to use the minimed cgm. I actually have an extra one (long story) PM me and I'll send it to you if you want it.
I know how ya feel, customer service never helps, my advice, talk to a friend or family member that uses the product and they'll give ya more info than any computer or worker can.
I agree! Their customer service sucks! I own a paradigm so ive been a medtronic user for 6 years but have never really needed their assistance til recently. I need a new pump because ive damaged mine and the warranty is up. Well im trying to find out all i can about my options. Animas has been great and they totally understand that i have a choice to make and want to get me all the information they can. Medtronic on the other hand is pissed that i would even consider another pump or company. Anyways enough of my drama! I just wanted to say i totally agree with you! Good luck getting what you need.
[quote user="Joe"]
hold up a sec.
the guardian is part of a CGM system of 3 main things:
The actual cgm sensor goes under your skin.
then there is a battery/transmitter that goes on the cgm sensor, the small part that is sticking out from your skin.
then the guardian, a very pump looking thing, is the data collector/reciever/alarmer unit that needs to be less than 4 feet away for it to pick up the transmitter signal. the paradigm pumps have the guardian software and signal reciever built in. the guardian is just the reciever for people who don't have a pump but want to use the minimed cgm. I actually have an extra one (long story) PM me and I'll send it to you if you want it.
[/quote]
well i knew it was just the reciever, but she was saying that it wasn't even part of the CGM system. as in..to use the CGM and get real-time results I didn't need it..which contradicts all the information on their website. haha.
sigh. i really didn't WANT the guardian, i want the iPro...cuz i don't need real-time results, just need to find a pattern.
the clinic called me back and it's gonna be another month before they have the iPro set-up there to start using on patients, so i'm on the waiting list.
[quote user="Stephanie Martin"]
I agree! Their customer service sucks! I own a paradigm so ive been a medtronic user for 6 years but have never really needed their assistance til recently. I need a new pump because ive damaged mine and the warranty is up. Well im trying to find out all i can about my options. Animas has been great and they totally understand that i have a choice to make and want to get me all the information they can. Medtronic on the other hand is pissed that i would even consider another pump or company. Anyways enough of my drama! I just wanted to say i totally agree with you! Good luck getting what you need.
[/quote]
Animas is GREAT for customer service. i don't think i have a single complaint about my experience with Animas during my saline trial or my actual insulin trial. i didn't keep it and returned it just before the 3month trial was up, but they were still great even when i called about getting my refund! (the ping itself was a great system..the method was just not for me so i went back to MDI)