BD recalls test strips

Thanks for posting the recall letter. 🙂 I'd like to reiterate my thoughts on the subject. The
letter states that the lots mentioned are the ones causing the problems. In fact, none of the strips
that BD has ever furnished (including those not referenced in the recall and those handpicked as
suitable replacements) are any good.

FWIW, I have returned to them a 3 month supply for a refund, which they have indicated is on its
way to me.

If anyone is comfortable with an improvement from 80% failure to 20% failure, so be it. 20% waste on
something like this is unacceptable, in my book. I have also found that the strips that do actually
give readings do not give what I consider to be accurate, or at least are not comparable to the way
I feel or to my other meters.

I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade to 512 or 712 pump to discuss your options
before wasting a portion of your money on that part of the package.

Randy

In misc.health.diabetes Mack said:

copy of letter received from BD:

Quoted message said:

January 29, 2004

Quoted message said:

Re: Important Product Recall

Quoted message said:

Dear Valued Customer,

Quoted message said:

This letter is to inform you that test strips from certain lots of BD Test Strips may produce an
increased frequency of E-3 messages when used during blood glucose testing. The E-3 message is a
protective feature of the meter that appears during a test to indicate issues with the application
of a blood sample or with the test strip. It is important to note that this issue does not cause
erroneous test results as no test result is shown on the meter's screen when the E-3 message is
displayed. To maintain the highest product quality standards and to ensure your continued
satisfaction, BD is performing this voluntary product recall and is replacing strips from all
affected lots. This letter defines the affected lots and the process for product replacement.

Quoted message said:

Replacement Process: BD requires that you follow these steps to determine if you need to replace
any test strip product.

Quoted message said:

1. Please locate the lot number on your BD Test Strip vial or box: just below the Code number on
the vial and on the side of the box.

Quoted message said:

2. Compare your test strip lot numbers to the following list: Affected BD Test Strip Lot Numbers
2064322 3064016 3064090 3064156 3064279 2064333 3064018 3064104 3064167 3071009 2071311 3064030
3064107 3064170 3071153 2078294 3064069 3064118 3064182 3078128 2120336 3064076 3064121 3064188
3092028 3057009 3064079 3064125 3064237 3106007 3064013 3064083 3064132 3064145

Quoted message said:

3. If you "do not" have any BD test strip vials or boxes with the above lot numbers there is no
need to contact BD on the matter. You are welcome to call us at 1-866-556-8123 should you have
any questions about your BD products.

Quoted message said:

4. If you "do" have BD Test Strip vials or boxes with the above lot numbers we would like to
replace them at no cost to you. Please call us toll free at 1-866-556-8123 (Monday through
Friday, 8 am - midnight EST, and Saturday and Sunday between 8 am - 8 pm EST) so we can quickly
send replacement test strips to you.

Quoted message said:

While waiting to receive your replacement product you can continue to use your BD Test Strips.
However, you may obtain a higher rate of E-3 messages instead of a test result. Your replacement
product will correct this issue. If you continue to use test strips from the affected strip lots,
ensure that you have an adequate supply with you.

Quoted message said:

We Apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your continued support of BD products.

Quoted message said:

Sincerely,

Quoted message said:

W. Marshall President BD Medical, Diabetes Care

Quoted message said:

Mack Type 1 since 1975 alt-support-diabetes.orgalt-support-diabetes.orgOpen ↗ insulin-pumpers.orginsulin-pumpers.orgOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a
world filled with strife and terrorism.

Quoted message said:

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the
President, or that we are to stand by the President
right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile,
but is morally treasonable to the American public."

Quoted message said:

...Theodore Roosevelt

in misc.health.diabetes Randy Sigman said:

Quoted message said:

I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade to
512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before wasting a
portion=20 of your money on that part of the package.=20

Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
everyone's having that surprise) that the= bd meter sucks, I
called minimed to ask about returing the meter for credit.=
Was told that first, the bd meter is bd's responsibility,
and more = importantly, that minimed provides the meter at
no additional charge as part of the = package. So much for
refunds. And it occured to me that it's still needed to =
download the pump to the computer, at least with the data
cable minimed sent me that = connects to the test strip port
(with great difficulty).

Peter

Peter W. Rowe said:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in misc.health.diabetes

Randy Sigman said:

Quoted message said:

I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade to
512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before wasting a
portion of your money on that part of the package.

Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
everyone's having that surprise) that the bd meter sucks,
I called minimed to ask about returing the meter for
credit. Was told that first, the bd meter is bd's
responsibility, and more importantly, that minimed
provides the meter at no additional charge as part of the
package. So much for refunds. And it occured to me that
it's still needed to download the pump to the computer, at
least with the data cable minimed sent me that connects to
the test strip port (with great difficulty).

Peter

Hi Peter, and welcome to misc.health.diabetes (that's where
I'm reading you from).

Minimed's gotten such bad reviews here in recent months I
finally settled on the Animas. My IR1000 is sitting in its
box right beside me, I have to wait 2 weeks for my
training :-(

Crappy customer service, billing years after a purchase,
false waterproof claims and the problems others have had
with the meter made my mind up while I was battling the
insurance company.

Animas (distributed by AutoControl Medical in Canada) threw
in an upgrade to an IR1200 to seal the deal.

Now if I could just get *on* the freakin' thing! I've been
waiting over 10 months. I'm getting itchy-[censored]!

Vicki

In misc.health.diabetes Peter W. Rowe said:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in misc.health.diabetes
Randy Sigman <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade to
512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before wasting a
portion of your money on that part of the package.

Quoted message said:

Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
everyone's having that surprise) that the bd meter sucks,
I called minimed to ask about returing the meter for
credit. Was told that first, the bd meter is bd's
responsibility, and more importantly, that minimed
provides the meter at no additional charge as part of the
package. So much for refunds. And it occured to me that
it's still needed to download the pump to the computer, at
least with the data cable minimed sent me that connects to
the test strip port (with great difficulty).

Hi Peter,

That the meter is BD's responsibility is not something that
we can really argue. That it came as part of a package,
however, is. In fact, I was told quite the opposite of what
you were told. I was told that the reason for the cost of
the upgrade was largely because of the purchase that Minimed
must make to the outside 3rd party (BD) for the meter. When
I told them I wanted to return the entire upgrade, they said
NO, you bought it, you own it. This, I thought, was reason
for me to never consider purchasing product from them again.
I took my concerns up to a higher level, and was eventually
given a refund, and allowed to keep the goods.

I never got any data cable from Minimed. I use my Glucometer
Elite, for which I purchased a data cable. If I want to use
the bolus wizard, I can simply enter the BG value obtained.
It saves on the pump battery too. 🙂

If you're interested in the email address of the party that
ultimately helped me out, let me know, and I'll dig it up
and post it.

Best,

Randy

Hi Everyone:

I've written letters to BD, Medtronic, and the Food and Drug
Administration complaining about the lousy experience that I
have had with BD's meter. BD has sent me replacement strips
on two occassions and this last occassion, they sent me a
new meter. I set up the meter with the time and date, stuck
a strip in, and using control solution, obtained 5 E-3 error
messages in a row. The 6th strip gave me a reading of 92. So
I opened a brand new control solution bottle and proceeded
to obtain 7 error messages in a row before I obtained a 128
reading. I thought, give it the full treatment, stuck a new
strip in, and got a blood sample. First strip was an E-3,
stuck a new strip in and it read low. Took the new strips,
new meter, and put it in the box along with the previous
meter and strips and wrote BD a letter detailing what I
personally thought of their crappy meter, and the fact that
I had gone back to my old meter. I don't need Medtronics
little wizard. I don't need BD's crappy little meter. And am
quite satisfied using my old meter. Having been involved in
Diabetes Camping for many years, I have had oportunities to
try many different meters. Almost all of them do a pretty
credible job of measuring blood glucose. Medtronic reallly
screwed up badly picking BD to build a meter to go with the
Paradym meter. They can deny all responsibility for this
crummy glucose meter, but in the end they will be painted
with the same brush. Becton Dickinson responded to my email
complaint and explanation that I was returning to them both
crummy meters. Their rep called me up on the phone. They
didn't make excuses. Appologized for my troubles, and
assured me that when they fixed the problems that they were
having, would be happy to send me a new meter and strips.
Too bad Medtronic wasn't as upfront as BD. BTW, I'm also
using a Paradym 712 pump and a Lifescan Ultra Smart meter.
The combination is working well for me. You have to do what
you have to do to take care of yourself.

Take care all, Bob

"Randy Sigman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In misc.health.diabetes Peter W. Rowe

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in
misc.health.diabetes Randy Sigman
<[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>
>I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade
>to 512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before
>wasting a portion of your money on that part of the
>package.

Quoted message said:

Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
everyone's having that surprise) that

the bd

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

meter sucks, I called minimed to ask about returing the
meter for

credit. Was

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

told that first, the bd meter is bd's responsibility,
and more

importantly, that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

minimed provides the meter at no additional charge as
part of the

package. So

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

much for refunds. And it occured to me that it's still
needed to

download the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

pump to the computer, at least with the data cable
minimed sent me that

connects

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to the test strip port (with great difficulty).

Hi Peter,

That the meter is BD's responsibility is not something
that we can really

argue.

Quoted message said:

That it came as part of a package, however, is. In fact, I
was told quite

the

Quoted message said:

opposite of what you were told. I was told that the reason
for the cost of

the

Quoted message said:

upgrade was largely because of the purchase that Minimed
must make to the

outside

Quoted message said:

3rd party (BD) for the meter. When I told them I wanted to
return the

entire

Quoted message said:

upgrade, they said NO, you bought it, you own it. This, I
thought, was

reason

Quoted message said:

for me to never consider purchasing product from them
again. I took my

concerns

Quoted message said:

up to a higher level, and was eventually given a refund,
and allowed to

keep the

Quoted message said:

goods.

I never got any data cable from Minimed. I use my
Glucometer Elite, for

which

Quoted message said:

I purchased a data cable. If I want to use the bolus
wizard, I can simply

enter

Quoted message said:

the BG value obtained. It saves on the pump battery too.
🙂

If you're interested in the email address of the party
that ultimately

helped

Quoted message said:

me out, let me know, and I'll dig it up and post it.

Best,

Randy

abc said:

Having been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years, I
have had oportunities to try many different meters.

I use the Ultra Smart BUT I find the Precision Xtra's
lighting feature EXTREMELY valuable when I'm in a tent in
the pitch dark.

how about complaining to the higher ups at
Medtronic/MiniMed? I could care less about BD, but I've got
a vested interest in MiniMed doing the right thing. ('Course
all this will be moot soon, as they will be coming out with
their 515 in less than a year if all goes well and that will
use the Guardian technology). So don't sweat the BD BS.

dave

abc said:

Hi Everyone:

I've written letters to BD, Medtronic, and the Food and
Drug Administration complaining about the lousy experience
that I have had with BD's meter. BD has sent me
replacement strips on two occassions and this last
occassion, they sent me a new meter. I set up the meter
with the time and date, stuck a strip in, and using
control solution, obtained 5 E-3 error messages in a row.
The 6th strip gave me a reading of 92. So I opened a brand
new control solution bottle and proceeded to obtain 7
error messages in a row before I obtained a 128 reading. I
thought, give it the full treatment, stuck a new strip in,
and got a blood sample. First strip was an E-3, stuck a
new strip in and it read low. Took the new strips, new
meter, and put it in the box along with the previous meter
and strips and wrote BD a letter detailing what I
personally thought of their crappy meter, and the fact
that I had gone back to my old meter. I don't need
Medtronics little wizard. I don't need BD's crappy little
meter. And am quite satisfied using my old meter. Having
been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years, I have
had oportunities to try many different meters. Almost all
of them do a pretty credible job of measuring blood
glucose. Medtronic reallly screwed up badly picking BD to
build a meter to go with the Paradym meter. They can deny
all responsibility for this crummy glucose meter, but in
the end they will be painted with the same brush. Becton
Dickinson responded to my email complaint and explanation
that I was returning to them both crummy meters. Their rep
called me up on the phone. They didn't make excuses.
Appologized for my troubles, and assured me that when they
fixed the problems that they were having, would be happy
to send me a new meter and strips. Too bad Medtronic
wasn't as upfront as BD. BTW, I'm also using a Paradym 712
pump and a Lifescan Ultra Smart meter. The combination is
working well for me. You have to do what you have to do to
take care of yourself.

Take care all, Bob

"Randy Sigman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In misc.health.diabetes Peter W. Rowe

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in misc.health.diabetes
Randy Sigman <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

>>I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade
>>to 512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before
>>wasting a portion of your money on that part of the
>>package.

Quoted message said:

Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
everyone's having that surprise) that

the bd

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

meter sucks, I called minimed to ask about returing the
meter for

credit. Was

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

told that first, the bd meter is bd's responsibility,
and more

importantly, that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

minimed provides the meter at no additional charge as
part of the

package. So

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

much for refunds. And it occured to me that it's still
needed to

download the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

pump to the computer, at least with the data cable
minimed sent me that

connects

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to the test strip port (with great difficulty).

Hi Peter,

That the meter is BD's responsibility is not something
that we can really

argue.

Quoted message said:

That it came as part of a package, however, is. In fact, I
was told quite

the

Quoted message said:

opposite of what you were told. I was told that the reason
for the cost of

the

Quoted message said:

upgrade was largely because of the purchase that Minimed
must make to the

outside

Quoted message said:

3rd party (BD) for the meter. When I told them I wanted to
return the

entire

Quoted message said:

upgrade, they said NO, you bought it, you own it. This, I
thought, was

reason

Quoted message said:

for me to never consider purchasing product from them
again. I took my

concerns

Quoted message said:

up to a higher level, and was eventually given a refund,
and allowed to

keep the

Quoted message said:

goods.

I never got any data cable from Minimed. I use my
Glucometer Elite, for

which

Quoted message said:

I purchased a data cable. If I want to use the bolus
wizard, I can simply

enter

Quoted message said:

the BG value obtained. It saves on the pump battery too.
🙂

If you're interested in the email address of the party
that ultimately

helped

Quoted message said:

me out, let me know, and I'll dig it up and post it.

Best,

Randy

aren't you trading accuracy for a light?? Earlier Precision
meters were the absolute WORST meters on the market at one
time. around '93-'95, IIRC. Did they play catch up with the
market leader?

dave

Marshall said:

abc said:

Having been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years,
I have had oportunities to try many different meters.

I use the Ultra Smart BUT I find the Precision Xtra's
lighting feature EXTREMELY valuable when I'm in a tent in
the pitch dark.

In misc.health.diabetes abc said:

Hi Everyone:

Quoted message said:

I've written letters to BD, Medtronic, and the Food and
Drug Administration complaining about the lousy experience
that I have had with BD's meter. BD has sent me
replacement strips on two occassions and this last
occassion, they sent me a new meter. I set up the meter
with the time and date, stuck a strip in, and using
control solution, obtained 5 E-3 error messages in a row.
The 6th strip gave me a reading of 92. So I opened a brand
new control solution bottle and proceeded to obtain 7
error messages in a row before I obtained a 128 reading. I
thought, give it the full treatment, stuck a new strip in,
and got a blood sample. First strip was an E-3, stuck a
new strip in and it read low. Took the new strips, new
meter, and put it in the box along with the previous meter
and strips and wrote BD a letter detailing what I
personally thought of their crappy meter, and the fact
that I had gone back to my old meter. I don't need
Medtronics little wizard. I don't need BD's crappy little
meter. And am quite satisfied using my old meter. Having
been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years, I have
had oportunities to try many different meters. Almost all
of them do a pretty credible job of measuring blood
glucose. Medtronic reallly screwed up badly picking BD to
build a meter to go with the Paradym meter. They can deny
all responsibility for this crummy glucose meter, but in
the end they will be painted with the same brush.

I've told them that, but they aren't interested in hearing
it. When they're existing customer base starts migrating to
the competition, they might begin to wonder what is wrong,
but I doubt even that will raise a flag.

Quoted message said:

Becton Dickinson responded to my email complaint and
explanation that I was returning to them both crummy
meters. Their rep called me up on the phone. They didn't
make excuses. Appologized for my troubles, and assured me
that when they fixed the problems that they were having,
would be happy to send me a new meter and strips. Too bad
Medtronic wasn't as upfront as BD.

My experience with BD wasn't as pleasant. They insisted that
their product was fixed, and that there was nothing left for
them to do.

BWahahahaha.

Randy

In misc.health.diabetes Bay Area Dave said:

how about complaining to the higher ups at
Medtronic/MiniMed? I could care less about BD, but I've
got a vested interest in MiniMed doing the right thing.
('Course all this will be moot soon, as they will be
coming out with their 515 in less than a year if all goes
well and that will use the Guardian technology). So don't
sweat the BD BS.

You might want to reconsider your "vested interest"
position. You and your wife may both currently have their
product, but nothing is forcing you to "renew" your
commitment to them. Additionally, whatever the 515 might
have to offer, the service level, bad attitudes, and
snottiness of their staff detracts from my future
considerations of their offerings.

Randy

Quoted message said:

abc wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi Everyone:

I've written letters to BD, Medtronic, and the Food and
Drug Administration complaining about the lousy
experience that I have had with BD's meter. BD has sent
me replacement strips on two occassions and this last
occassion, they sent me a new meter. I set up the meter
with the time and date, stuck a strip in, and using
control solution, obtained 5 E-3 error messages in a row.
The 6th strip gave me a reading of 92. So I opened a
brand new control solution bottle and proceeded to obtain
7 error messages in a row before I obtained a 128
reading. I thought, give it the full treatment, stuck a
new strip in, and got a blood sample. First strip was an
E-3, stuck a new strip in and it read low. Took the new
strips, new meter, and put it in the box along with the
previous meter and strips and wrote BD a letter detailing
what I personally thought of their crappy meter, and the
fact that I had gone back to my old meter. I don't need
Medtronics little wizard. I don't need BD's crappy little
meter. And am quite satisfied using my old meter. Having
been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years, I have
had oportunities to try many different meters. Almost all
of them do a pretty credible job of measuring blood
glucose. Medtronic reallly screwed up badly picking BD to
build a meter to go with the Paradym meter. They can deny
all responsibility for this crummy glucose meter, but in
the end they will be painted with the same brush. Becton
Dickinson responded to my email complaint and explanation
that I was returning to them both crummy meters. Their
rep called me up on the phone. They didn't make excuses.
Appologized for my troubles, and assured me that when
they fixed the problems that they were having, would be
happy to send me a new meter and strips. Too bad
Medtronic wasn't as upfront as BD. BTW, I'm also using a
Paradym 712 pump and a Lifescan Ultra Smart meter. The
combination is working well for me. You have to do what
you have to do to take care of yourself.

Take care all, Bob

"Randy Sigman" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In misc.health.diabetes Peter W. Rowe
<[email hidden]> wrote:

>On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in
>misc.health.diabetes Randy Sigman
><[email hidden]> wrote:

>>>I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade
>>>to 512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before
>>>wasting a portion of your money on that part of the
>>>package.

>Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
>surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
>everyone's having that surprise) that

the bd

Quoted message said:

>meter sucks, I called minimed to ask about returing the
>meter for

credit. Was

Quoted message said:

>told that first, the bd meter is bd's responsibility,
>and more

importantly, that

Quoted message said:

>minimed provides the meter at no additional charge as
>part of the

package. So

Quoted message said:

>much for refunds. And it occured to me that it's still
>needed to

download the

Quoted message said:

>pump to the computer, at least with the data cable
>minimed sent me that

connects

Quoted message said:

>to the test strip port (with great difficulty).

Hi Peter,

That the meter is BD's responsibility is not something
that we can really

argue.

Quoted message said:

That it came as part of a package, however, is. In fact,
I was told quite

the

Quoted message said:

opposite of what you were told. I was told that the
reason for the cost of

the

Quoted message said:

upgrade was largely because of the purchase that Minimed
must make to the

outside

Quoted message said:

3rd party (BD) for the meter. When I told them I wanted
to return the

entire

Quoted message said:

upgrade, they said NO, you bought it, you own it. This, I
thought, was

reason

Quoted message said:

for me to never consider purchasing product from them
again. I took my

concerns

Quoted message said:

up to a higher level, and was eventually given a refund,
and allowed to

keep the

Quoted message said:

goods.

I never got any data cable from Minimed. I use my
Glucometer Elite, for

which

Quoted message said:

I purchased a data cable. If I want to use the bolus
wizard, I can simply

enter

Quoted message said:

the BG value obtained. It saves on the pump battery
too. 🙂

If you're interested in the email address of the party
that ultimately

helped

Quoted message said:

me out, let me know, and I'll dig it up and post it.

Best,

Randy

When my pharmacist sold me Ultra Strips for my Ultra Smart
meter I did a test. I used Ultra Smart strips, a Precision
Xtra machine and the Ultra strips. All results were pretty
much within the same range, though I still do not understand
why he keeps selling me the Ultra Strips, instead of the
Ultra Smart Strips.

Is there a difference?

Bay Area Dave said:

aren't you trading accuracy for a light?? Earlier
Precision meters were the absolute WORST meters on the
market at one time. around '93-'95, IIRC. Did they play
catch up with the market leader?

dave

Marshall said:

abc said:

Having been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years,
I have had oportunities to try many different meters.

I use the Ultra Smart BUT I find the Precision Xtra's
lighting feature EXTREMELY valuable when I'm in a tent in
the pitch dark.

--
homepage.mac.commkatzmanOpen ↗

Randy Sigman said:

In misc.health.diabetes Bay Area Dave <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

how about complaining to the higher ups at
Medtronic/MiniMed? I could care less about BD, but I've
got a vested interest in MiniMed doing the right thing.
('Course all this will be moot soon, as they will be
coming out with their 515 in less than a year if all goes
well and that will use the Guardian technology). So don't
sweat the BD BS.

You might want to reconsider your "vested interest"
position. You and your wife may both currently have their
product, but nothing is forcing you to "renew" your
commitment to them. Additionally, whatever the 515 might
have to offer, the service level, bad attitudes, and
snottiness of their staff detracts from my future
considerations of their offerings.

Randy

That depend on insurance. If their pumps are not
malfunctioning and the warranties have run out, the
insurance may choose not to cover the cost of switching to
another pump. You'd have to read the policy.

Mack©«®» Type 1 since 1975 alt-support-alt-support-Open ↗
diabetes.org insulin-pumpers.orginsulin-pumpers.orgOpen ↗

In tribute to the United States of America and the State of
Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with
strife and terrorism.

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the
President, or that we are to stand by the President
right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile,
but is morally treasonable to the American public."

...Theodore Roosevelt

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

abc wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi Everyone:

I've written letters to BD, Medtronic, and the Food and
Drug Administration complaining about the lousy
experience that I have had with BD's meter. BD has sent
me replacement strips on two occassions and this last
occassion, they sent me a new meter. I set up the meter
with the time and date, stuck a strip in, and using
control solution, obtained 5 E-3 error messages in a
row. The 6th strip gave me a reading of 92. So I opened
a brand new control solution bottle and proceeded to
obtain 7 error messages in a row before I obtained a 128
reading. I thought, give it the full treatment, stuck a
new strip in, and got a blood sample. First strip was an
E-3, stuck a new strip in and it read low. Took the new
strips, new meter, and put it in the box along with the
previous meter and strips and wrote BD a letter
detailing what I personally thought of their crappy
meter, and the fact that I had gone back to my old
meter. I don't need Medtronics little wizard. I don't
need BD's crappy little meter. And am quite satisfied
using my old meter. Having been involved in Diabetes
Camping for many years, I have had oportunities to try
many different meters. Almost all of them do a pretty
credible job of measuring blood glucose. Medtronic
reallly screwed up badly picking BD to build a meter to
go with the Paradym meter. They can deny all
responsibility for this crummy glucose meter, but in the
end they will be painted with the same brush. Becton
Dickinson responded to my email complaint and
explanation that I was returning to them both crummy
meters. Their rep called me up on the phone. They didn't
make excuses. Appologized for my troubles, and assured
me that when they fixed the problems that they were
having, would be happy to send me a new meter and
strips. Too bad Medtronic wasn't as upfront as BD. BTW,
I'm also using a Paradym 712 pump and a Lifescan Ultra
Smart meter. The combination is working well for me. You
have to do what you have to do to take care of yourself.

Take care all, Bob

"Randy Sigman" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

>In misc.health.diabetes Peter W. Rowe
><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in
>>misc.health.diabetes Randy Sigman
>><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>>>I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade
>>>>to 512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before
>>>>wasting a portion of your money on that part of the
>>>>package.
>
>>Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
>>surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
>>everyone's having that surprise) that

the bd

>>meter sucks, I called minimed to ask about returing the
>>meter for

credit. Was

>>told that first, the bd meter is bd's responsibility,
>>and more

importantly, that

>>minimed provides the meter at no additional charge as
>>part of the

package. So

>>much for refunds. And it occured to me that it's still
>>needed to

download the

>>pump to the computer, at least with the data cable
>>minimed sent me that

connects

>>to the test strip port (with great difficulty).
>
>Hi Peter,
>
>That the meter is BD's responsibility is not something
>that we can really

argue.

>That it came as part of a package, however, is. In fact,
>I was told quite

the

>opposite of what you were told. I was told that the
>reason for the cost of

the

>upgrade was largely because of the purchase that Minimed
>must make to the

outside

>3rd party (BD) for the meter. When I told them I wanted
>to return the

entire

>upgrade, they said NO, you bought it, you own it. This,
>I thought, was

reason

>for me to never consider purchasing product from them
>again. I took my

concerns

>up to a higher level, and was eventually given a refund,
>and allowed to

keep the

>goods.
>
>I never got any data cable from Minimed. I use my
>Glucometer Elite, for

which

>I purchased a data cable. If I want to use the bolus
>wizard, I can simply

enter

>the BG value obtained. It saves on the pump battery
>too. 🙂
>
>If you're interested in the email address of the party
>that ultimately

helped

>me out, let me know, and I'll dig it up and post it.
>
>Best,
>
>Randy
>

We will evaluate the other meters on the market, that's for
sure. I was looking over the Cozmo the other day. My doctor
has NEVER prescribed it and it looks pretty weird. Also, the
boluses are given to fast for my taste. What else is
available in the US that infuses boluses at no more than 2
units per minute? Anything??

dave

Randy Sigman said:

In misc.health.diabetes Bay Area Dave

Quoted message said:

how about complaining to the higher ups at
Medtronic/MiniMed? I could care less about BD, but I've
got a vested interest in MiniMed doing the right thing.
('Course all this will be moot soon, as they will be
coming out with their 515 in less than a year if all goes
well and that will use the Guardian technology). So don't
sweat the BD BS.

You might want to reconsider your "vested interest"
position. You and your wife may both currently have their
product, but nothing is forcing you to "renew" your
commitment to them. Additionally, whatever the 515 might
have to offer, the service level, bad attitudes, and
snottiness of their staff detracts from my future
considerations of their offerings.

Randy

Quoted message said:

abc wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi Everyone:

I've written letters to BD, Medtronic, and the Food and
Drug Administration complaining about the lousy
experience that I have had with BD's meter. BD has sent
me replacement strips on two occassions and this last
occassion, they sent me a new meter. I set up the meter
with the time and date, stuck a strip in, and using
control solution, obtained 5 E-3 error messages in a row.
The 6th strip gave me a reading of 92. So I opened a
brand new control solution bottle and proceeded to obtain
7 error messages in a row before I obtained a 128
reading. I thought, give it the full treatment, stuck a
new strip in, and got a blood sample. First strip was an
E-3, stuck a new strip in and it read low. Took the new
strips, new meter, and put it in the box along with the
previous meter and strips and wrote BD a letter detailing
what I personally thought of their crappy meter, and the
fact that I had gone back to my old meter. I don't need
Medtronics little wizard. I don't need BD's crappy little
meter. And am quite satisfied using my old meter. Having
been involved in Diabetes Camping for many years, I have
had oportunities to try many different meters. Almost all
of them do a pretty credible job of measuring blood
glucose. Medtronic reallly screwed up badly picking BD to
build a meter to go with the Paradym meter. They can deny
all responsibility for this crummy glucose meter, but in
the end they will be painted with the same brush. Becton
Dickinson responded to my email complaint and explanation
that I was returning to them both crummy meters. Their
rep called me up on the phone. They didn't make excuses.
Appologized for my troubles, and assured me that when
they fixed the problems that they were having, would be
happy to send me a new meter and strips. Too bad
Medtronic wasn't as upfront as BD. BTW, I'm also using a
Paradym 712 pump and a Lifescan Ultra Smart meter. The
combination is working well for me. You have to do what
you have to do to take care of yourself.

Take care all, Bob

"Randy Sigman" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

>In misc.health.diabetes Peter W. Rowe
><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>
>>On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 18:00:50 GMT, in
>>misc.health.diabetes Randy Sigman
>><[email hidden]> wrote:
>
>>>>I would strongly advise anyone considering an upgrade
>>>>to 512 or 712 pump to discuss your options before
>>>>wasting a portion of your money on that part of the
>>>>package.
>
>>Having just bought a 712, and having discovered (big
>>surprise to me, but apparently, reading the groups,
>>everyone's having that surprise) that

the bd

>>meter sucks, I called minimed to ask about returing the
>>meter for

credit. Was

>>told that first, the bd meter is bd's responsibility,
>>and more

importantly, that

>>minimed provides the meter at no additional charge as
>>part of the

package. So

>>much for refunds. And it occured to me that it's still
>>needed to

download the

>>pump to the computer, at least with the data cable
>>minimed sent me that

connects

>>to the test strip port (with great difficulty).
>
>Hi Peter,
>
>That the meter is BD's responsibility is not something
>that we can really

argue.

>That it came as part of a package, however, is. In fact,
>I was told quite

the

>opposite of what you were told. I was told that the
>reason for the cost of

the

>upgrade was largely because of the purchase that Minimed
>must make to the

outside

>3rd party (BD) for the meter. When I told them I wanted
>to return the

entire

>upgrade, they said NO, you bought it, you own it. This,
>I thought, was

reason

>for me to never consider purchasing product from them
>again. I took my

concerns

>up to a higher level, and was eventually given a refund,
>and allowed to

keep the

>goods.
>
>I never got any data cable from Minimed. I use my
>Glucometer Elite, for

which

>I purchased a data cable. If I want to use the bolus
>wizard, I can simply

enter

>the BG value obtained. It saves on the pump battery
>too. 🙂
>
>If you're interested in the email address of the party
>that ultimately

helped

>me out, let me know, and I'll dig it up and post it.
>
>Best,
>
>Randy
>

packaging. you can use ultra strips in the ultrasmart meter.

Marshall wrote:

All results were pretty much within the same range, though I

Quoted message said:

still do not understand why he keeps selling me the Ultra
Strips, instead of the Ultra Smart Strips.

Is there a difference?

Bay Area Dave <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

We will evaluate the other meters on the market, that's
for sure. I was looking over the Cozmo the other day. My
doctor has NEVER prescribed it and it looks pretty weird.
Also, the boluses are given to fast for my taste. What
else is available in the US that infuses boluses at no
more than 2 units per minute? Anything??

I bailed on MiniMed and, in fact, chose the Cozmo. My endo
currently recommends those two as her preferred choices,
although she will sign off on any pump you want. I've had it
for a few months now and am quite happy.

The extended bolus increments in 15 minute granularity. That
may go some way to addressing your bolus speed concern. I
don't know the dose granularity off the top of my head, but
I'm sure you can get it from Deltec.

--
-------
Charly Coughran [email hidden]

Charly Coughran said:

Bay Area Dave wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

We will evaluate the other meters on the market, that's
for sure. I was looking over the Cozmo the other day. My
doctor has NEVER prescribed it and it looks pretty weird.
Also, the boluses are given to fast for my taste. What
else is available in the US that infuses boluses at no
more than 2 units per minute? Anything??

Quoted message said:

I bailed on MiniMed and, in fact, chose the Cozmo. My endo
currently recommends those two as her preferred choices,
although she will sign off on any pump you want. I've had
it for a few months now and am quite happy.

<snip>

wow! 🙂

what will biggs think about this MM revolt?

snip the above (and i'm guessing that you will), but...

what made you decide against the Animas pump?

all ears, bill t1 since '57, ex MiniMed for 10 years

thanks for the info Charly. Yes, 15 minute intervals would
resolve my concern over fast infusion rates. The MiniMed
pumps can extend boluses in 30 minute increments. How do you
like the programming of the Cozmo? Is it straightforward?

dave

Charly Coughran said:

Bay Area Dave <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

We will evaluate the other meters on the market, that's
for sure. I was looking over the Cozmo the other day. My
doctor has NEVER prescribed it and it looks pretty weird.
Also, the boluses are given to fast for my taste. What
else is available in the US that infuses boluses at no
more than 2 units per minute? Anything??

I bailed on MiniMed and, in fact, chose the Cozmo. My endo
currently recommends those two as her preferred choices,
although she will sign off on any pump you want. I've had
it for a few months now and am quite happy.

The extended bolus increments in 15 minute granularity.
That may go some way to addressing your bolus speed
concern. I don't know the dose granularity off the top of
my head, but I'm sure you can get it from Deltec.

willbill <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Charly Coughran said:

Bay Area Dave wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

We will evaluate the other meters on the market, that's
for sure. I was looking over the Cozmo the other day. My
doctor has NEVER prescribed it and it looks pretty
weird. Also, the boluses are given to fast for my taste.
What else is available in the US that infuses boluses at
no more than 2 units per minute? Anything??

Quoted message said:

I bailed on MiniMed and, in fact, chose the Cozmo. My
endo currently recommends those two as her preferred
choices, although she will sign off on any pump you want.
I've had it for a few months now and am quite happy.

<snip>

wow! 🙂

what will biggs think about this MM revolt?

snip the above (and i'm guessing that you will), but...

what made you decide against the Animas pump?

all ears, bill t1 since '57, ex MiniMed for 10 years

Prejudice mostly. I first encountered Animas at a booth at
TCOYD when they were brand new. The rep behind the counter
was blowing smoke like a diesel with no rings and dirty
injectors. Pure [censored]. Year or so later I listened to a
woman for an hour after a pumpers club meeting complain
about how horrible she thought the programming was after
switching from her MiniMed. I looked at it when I had a
meeting with my DE to decide and it dropped off the list
pretty quickly. I forget what specific items in the
comparison chart turned me off. The DE had one of every
pump and a nice chart she had made. The decision between
the MiniMed and the Cozmo was very difficult, but I finally
decided I'd take the chance rather than deal with the
Medtronic/MiniMed customer service any more given the
direction they were going. I do miss the clicking.

--
-------
Charly Coughran [email hidden]

oh, I just remembered why I said the Cozmo looked "weird".
It's the conical cap where the tubing comes out of the pump.
It looks overly large in the picture on their website.

dave

Charly Coughran said:

willbill <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Charly Coughran said:

Bay Area Dave wrote:

Quoted message said:

>We will evaluate the other meters on the market, that's
>for sure. I was looking over the Cozmo the other day. My
>doctor has NEVER prescribed it and it looks pretty
>weird. Also, the boluses are given to fast for my taste.
>What else is available in the US that infuses boluses at
>no more than 2 units per minute? Anything??

Quoted message said:

I bailed on MiniMed and, in fact, chose the Cozmo. My
endo currently recommends those two as her preferred
choices, although she will sign off on any pump you want.
I've had it for a few months now and am quite happy.

<snip>

wow! 🙂

what will biggs think about this MM revolt?

snip the above (and i'm guessing that you will), but...

what made you decide against the Animas pump?

all ears, bill t1 since '57, ex MiniMed for 10 years

Prejudice mostly. I first encountered Animas at a booth at
TCOYD when they were brand new. The rep behind the counter
was blowing smoke like a diesel with no rings and dirty
injectors. Pure [censored]. Year or so later I listened to a
woman for an hour after a pumpers club meeting complain
about how horrible she thought the programming was after
switching from her MiniMed. I looked at it when I had a
meeting with my DE to decide and it dropped off the list
pretty quickly. I forget what specific items in the
comparison chart turned me off. The DE had one of every
pump and a nice chart she had made. The decision between
the MiniMed and the Cozmo was very difficult, but I
finally decided I'd take the chance rather than deal with
the Medtronic/MiniMed customer service any more given the
direction they were going. I do miss the clicking.