Michelle, I got a Tslim in January 2021, and the first time I had to do a site change on my own (Autosoft 90), I absolutely used your video to get through it. 😂😂😂 I had training from Tandem and my clinic, but your video was like having an experienced friend next to me to make sure I didn’t forget anything.
@@MichelleLord I’m so glad you were!! I was diagnosed as an adult, and your channel was a great source of information on how to manage things. I’m very grateful to have found it, and I hope to thank you someday, if our paths ever cross.
I never thought of placing the anchor adhesive OVER the tubing letting it do its natural coil! that has been my biggest challenge for me is to have the 2nd part in a comfortable position without feeling the tube wanting to curl. Going to try this on my next infusion site. Thank you!
Pretty similar. 32, Type 1 for 20 years in March, and had Medtronic pumps for many years until I got my Tslim x2 3 days ago. I do miss just being able to pop a new lithium AAA battery in my pump once a month but I am happy with the Tslim so far. In range went from 78% to 92%. I felt the same about the trusteel and have been using them for a couple years now and love them.
For those not convinced about the Tru-Steel infusion sets, just try them a few times. The upside outweighs any downsides (especially scarring). Btw, do any of you use the lights of your iPad and iPhone to change your cartridge/infusion set in the middle of the night? How many of you recognize that your cartridge is almost out and change the cartridge before going to bed? How many of you are like me and would rather not waste the insulin in the cartridge (even if it’s a tiny amount). and just deal with the annoying beeps and waking (sometimes) in the middle of the night? I know it’s probably better to get a good night’s sleep, but for some reason, I haven’t developed that discipline of dealing with it before going to bed. What’s wrong with me? 🙃
Wenn meine Pumpe nur noch 45 Einheiten im Reservoir anzeigt wird gewechselt. Ich ziehe das Insulin mit der Spritze aus dem alten Resovoir, fülle die Spritze mit Insulin aus dem Fläschchen auf und somit ist kein Insulin verschwendet. Hab noch keinen Nachteil feststellen können. Niemals wechsle ich nachts oder im Halbschlaf, das geht garantiert schief. Man sieht ja nicht wo Luftblasen im Schlauch sind. Und Luft im Schlauch bedeutet Unterversorgung mit Insulin.
I tried one steel site when I was on the Medtronic and swell up and had a hard lump on my stomach for months who would have thought I have a mettle allergy I didn't know now I use the auto soft 90 works better for me
Great presentation! Very helpful! Just switching to tru steel for the same reason. I used this infusion set in the past with the Medtronic System. Now I have Tandem which is an awesome pump! Never go back. Thank you again. You are a wonderful instructor!
Thank you for those tips. My son who is 9 is about to go on his pump for the first time later this month. I’m a little nervous about it because it’s something new and different, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you again and wishing you and your family a healthy and happy life ❤
Hi Michelle, I started with the AutoSoft XC set because I was new to the pump and that is what the Tandem rep recommended. After a few days of high readings, I ask my diabetic educator for help. She said because I have had abdominal surgeries (scar tissue below the skin) we should check for bent cannulas. Yep, that was it! She had some TruSteel samples and that solved the problem. Thank you for your channel.
Interesting! I’m having the same problem. Have had multiple stomach surgeries and scaring. Wonder if that could be my problem? I have the mobi not the tslim
I have scarring due to lupus and now I’m having troubles with bent cannulas. Does the true steel hurt? I’m so sensitive because of the lupus and I’m always in pain and don’t want pain from diabetes too.
Hi Michelle great video thank you for sharing. I'm opting out of the Medtronic 670-G for the t:slim after reading peoples experiencing less alarms that drive me up the wall. Last night was awakened at 3:20 AM check blood sugar. I did and it was 113. So looking forward to something new and evidentially proven to be a good product. Tom
I've been a type 1 for almost 60 years. Diagnosed when I was 7. My Dr. wants me to start on the TSlim. I'm wary of this technology, and I guess I'm "old school" because I'm not atthis works You did a great job explaining and demonstrating.
Good explanation! This video popped up on my UA-cam feed as I was changing my cartridge and inserting my Tru-Steel cannula, so it was nice to see you go through your steps as I was doing mine (at 3:30 a.m.! 😕). (Our pump paths are almost identical, except that I discovered the benefits of using the Tru-Steel infusion set (Sure-T) when I was using a Medtronic pump.). The only suggestion I would add is to make sure the tubing of the anchor portion of the infusion set is pointing strait down so that if I stand up and my pump is not in my pocket or hooked to my underwear, it is less likely to pull off the anchor. Btw, I completely agree with you about the need for the anchor - although the anchor part seems at first to be extra, unnecessary plastic, and double the unsightliness, you only have to use it a few times to come to appreciate the anchor’s value. Blessings to you, Momma.
@@MichelleLord Maybe it was all normal, but from the video it seemed like there was a bit of blood under the site?? I could see something dark! Sometimes it happened to me, and I immediately change them again, I wouldn't want any insulin in a blood vessel :(
I get lots of bad cannula as well. Sometimes I use the true steel. I don't expel the air from the syringe, I just flick it so the bubbles rise to the plunger and fill. The bubbles stay back from the needle so it won't go into the cartridge anyway.
We have a similar background. I just turned 32, have been a t1d for 18 years and have been on a pump for 15 years, had Roche’s, Medtronic’s and then back to the beginning of 2019 I switched to T:slim. I have been having problems with the autosoft 90 too and the other day I had the chance to try the TruSteel too and despite being totally terrified by the fact there’s an actual needle inside of me, I am considering switching to it as I noticed my bg is way better and more stable with this. I then was looking for a video because nobody explained me how to remove that needle from my belly and it kinda hurt when I did although I tried my best to take it out without inclining it too much (if that makes any sense). I guess I’ll have to look for some remove wipes too in order to remove it without too much trouble😅
Ok this is crazy because I was going to ask if you could do this very video :) I just started the true steel and wondered how exactly you did the site with out the huge loop in the middle. I knew you looped it differently. Thank you :)
I’m getting my T slim in sept (U.K. NHS) and I’m really concerned about bent canulas so I’ve been seriously considering going for the tru steel. This is a great help in making that decision and I’ll definitely refer back to it later
I personally would not be on a pump without the tru-steel as I had so many high blood sugars because of bent cannulas when I started out with the soft cannulas. Within a few months of using a pump, I started using tru-steel. You won't regret using tru-steel.
Those little tabs that stickup after inserting the TruSteel are a bit painful when catch on clothing or brush against something even rolling over while asleep it has woke me up. I now tape those little tabs down to try and avoid that. I also switched from Medtronic with CGM and their programming. With the G6 and Tandem pump, A1C has reduced by a full point. Good video, Just switched to TruSteel a month ago
Hi. I am back on the pump, this time the Tandem IQ. Having been on the Medtronic pump for 35 years and all the blocking scar tissue , only the TruSteel works for me.
I find if I hold the little butterfly things when I'm taking it off as I gently pull the sticky off going around the entire thing it helps keep the needle only coming straight up. I hold the little butterfly clips keeping it straight up
Thank you thank you Michelle. Your so clear love it. I will try again to use my true steel infusion set again hopefully no pain this time. Thanks 🙏 again. 🙋♀️😉
As someone on manual injection for many years before switching to a pump 5 years ago, I can promise you will have better control with the pump. With the Tandem pump, the Control IQ software and the CGM link, my control has NEVER been close to what it is now. The highs never get as high, the lows are easier to manage, and the ability to micro-dose frequently has made me much more careful doing manual corrections after a large meal (or an unwise food choice). No more "oh no, I'm going high, better take big injection!" 🙂 To put it simply, as one of my friends told me when he was convincing me to switch to the pump, it will change your life!
@@billthompson9092 fair enough! The only thing that's currently keeping me from getting a pump is the size - I don't want to attach that many large things to my body. I'll give it a few years and let the technology develop before I get a pump :)
Hi Michelle, Thank You for taking the time to make these awesome videos . My job is very fiscal, so my question is, would truesteel cause discomfort when twisting, bending, etc?
Do others change their infusion site independent of the cartridge? I generally fill a cartridge all the way, which means I will usually change the infusion set at least once per cartridge. When the cartridge runs out it is usually out of sequence with needing a site change, so I then change the cartridge without a site change. It is a bit of a hassle filling the cannula since the highest "fill" setting is 1 unit, meaning I have to go through the load sequence twice to fill the short tube and steel cannula itself. I have also noticed that some (not all) infusion sites with the tru-steel will last more than 3 days without irritation or degradation of insulin effectiveness. Call me a bad (or lazy!) T1D, but I've gone 5 days+ on a site many times. It works for me, and anything I can do to minimize the intrusiveness of this condition on my active life is a win for me.
I am confused with the 1-unit fill setting you are talking about. Are you having the fill issues because you change your infusion site without changing the cartridge? p.s. I accidentally filled my cartridge with way more insulin than normal so I just kept my infusion site in and used up all of the insulin. It lasted at least 5 days.
@@anitastokar98 It’s just an inconvenience to fill the tru-steel independent of the full cartridge/tubing change when I do a site change on its own. You can dial in a precise cannula fill on the Tandem for everything less than 1 unit, but nothing larger than that. The tru-steel takes somewhere between 1 and 2 units, so I have to run it through the fill cannula sequence twice. This is all done before it is inserted, so I can see droplets at the end of the needle/cannula before I give it the plunge. I can’t be the only one who does that and finds it a bit more tedious than it needs to be with unnecessary button presses. First world problem I know!
Interesting video about inserting a steel cannula and it didn’t take very long at all. I’ve had a Medtronic pump for 20 years and it’s so familiar yet here’s an opportunity to change systems coming up. Decision time. Stay with Medtronic or start over with Tandem. I’ve viewed several Tandem videos of those who were former Medtronic uses. So far, I still cannot find any of Tandem users who changed to Medtronic. Still looking. How did you decide if I may ask? Did you do a video on the switch? Thank you.
We just tried the tru-steel today because my sons been having lots of flow block issues with the autosoft 90. Unfortunately he's just way too lean for the tru-steel. Teenage boy, skinny as a rake. We were using a Medtronic before and their equivalent to the autosoft 90 seems more reliable. Bit frustrating.
Hi Michelle, I am getting a pump next month and am super excited/nervous! Your videos helped make the decision on which one to go with, so thank you for continuing to make them even though you are a new momma! I was wondering if you could do a video on what you do when you still have a few hours left on your pump session but you’re going to be gone all day and it’ll expire while you’re away from home(at work, at a concert, running errands etc.)? Do you end the session early and waste what’s left in your pump or do you take care of changing everything out in the go?? I would love some pointers on how to handle that. Thanks Michelle!
Hey!! You are so welcome! And this is a great question! I always make sure my pump is ready to go for the day before I leave the house. I would rather not be in a situation where I have to change my pump site on-the-go. If I have insulin left in my pump, I extract it from the old cartridge with a syringe and transfer it to my new cartridge. This is definitely not recommended by healthcare professionals or by Tandem, but I cannot bring myself to waste insulin when I'm so privileged to have access to it. This is something you can chat with your pump trainer about, although they will probably tell you not to do this lol
Does it bother you when sleeping or laying in the sofa when you place it on the sides? I find it a little bit bothering with the autosoft at the end of the 2nd day when I place it at the sides of my thighs or arms. Super nice to see you 🥰
Looping the tubing and putting it under the anchor pad doesn't make the tubing kink? My son will be getting the tslim very soon and i think we will try that for him. Your videos are always so informative and easy to understand. Tslim should hire you as a rep!!!
wow, you are brave - multiple daily injections seem so much easier and give more freedom - I don't think I could cope with something permanently attached to me
Two shots of basal insulin per day. Levemir or Lantus. 3-4-5-6 shots of bolus fast acting insulin per day. My insulin pump holds 300 units of insulin. Lasts about 5 days. One more laborious pump insertion compared to 35 simpler syringe injections. Easier? Yes it is a little, very little, extra burden having the pump attached to your body 24 hours a day. Compared to nothing attached with daily injections. Back in the 1980s seatbelt laws were passed and everyone began using seat belts when driving. It was more inconvenient and difficult putting on seatbelts at first. Today, its nothing at all to put on a seatbelt when getting in a car. And that is about what wearing a pump 24 hours a day is like after you do it awhile. Now I will agree if you are wearing a tool belt all day long, having the pump on you would be difficult. Or if you wrestle bears all day long, wearing a pump would be difficult. But for most average folks, freedom is the same. Or not diminished enough to matter. The main benefit of the pump is the ability to vary basal insulin for every hour of the day. Basal insulins such as Tresiba, Levemir, Lantus, cannot adjust hour by hour. They give a steady amount of coverage for 12-18-24 hours. No hour by hour variation. The pump allows you to customize the basal insulin for every hour of the day. The dawn phenomenon occurs during the night before dawn. Blood sugars can skyrocket higher. A pump will allow you to increase basal insulin for this phenomenon. The basal insulin injections cannot increase by one unit per hour for the 4-8 AM time period. Or decrease by half unit for the 12-3 AM time period. Or increase by 0.75 units per hour for the 12-5 PM time period.
I've been on a pump about 5 months and found it so much more freeing! It does get frustrating sometimes being attached but honestly, wouldn't go back. I found the libre helped me get used to having something constantly attached (I wanted to be better about management but was not gonna finger prick, so my only option lol)
I have days where I hate being attached to the pump, but most of the time that doesn't bother me. Pumps are not for everyone, and that's totally ok! You have to do what works best for you ❤
I've read online comments by pump users somewhere that they'll take a break from their pumps now and then and do manual injections for a few days. I've never thought of that but it's nice to know it's an option, especially if by chance something were to happen to my pump. Just an FYI to share with you...
Hi there. Please tell me about your metal pump clip and share where you got it. I’ve been using the metal one that came with it. I strap it on my bra. It’s getting worn out! Thanks so much.
@@anitastokar98 I got a box of TruSteel infusion sets to try. I’ll work up the nerve eventually. (I bet you can guess my profession was never a phlebotomist. 😃)
@@lunadawnlynn Haha. I don't look when I have to have blood drawn. I would literally pass out. No kidding! Have you ever injected insulin with a syringe? Same feeling. No real pain
@@anitastokar98 I’ll get to it soon. I still have the 30s to try, in nearly two years I’ve only ever used the Autosoft 90 & XC. The 30s are even scary looking, so I haven’t opened that box yet either. 😕
Hi I have been using Medtronic infusion set for nearly 6years now. I always have used my abdomen area and I’ve noticed that I’ve gain weight around my lower tummy area ever since. Just wanna know if this has happened to you or Anyone else? If so have you changed the area?
When filling the cartridge I first draw the air out of the cartridge before filling the syringe with insulin. Then fill the syringe and keep the needle in the insulin vial. Holding the vial and syringe in one hand, I tap the syringe to get out the bubbles. Then fill the syringe to the desired number of units. Thus no wasted insulin squirting who knows where. You still haven't convinced me to try the tru steel infusion set though. : ) !!
I also extract the air in the cartidge before filling up my cartridge with insulin. I could never remember the steps to fill my cannula the way I was taught so I just started doing it the way you and I do it. So much simpler IMHO. I also keep the cartridge upright the whole time until I put the new infusion set in as I don't want to risk any air bubbles getting into the tubing.
Hey Michelle! I tried to message you on Instagram, but was unable to find your account. I'm completely new to the pump and was curious what length of tubing do you prefer? The longer or shorter? Also why? Please help me out 😅
I’ll have had T1D 50 years in September. Been pumping 20 years. Up until 3 months ago,,used was all Medtronic. At first, I chose the Auto Soft 90, but when I read others rave about the Tru Steel. The instructions say to pinch your skin when inserting, but I didn’t see you do that. Is it necessary to pinch? With the tape and holding the cannula, pinching skin makes insertion difficult.
I did pinch my skin, and usually do, but maybe you can't see it from the angle I showed in the video. I think the only reason to pinch the skin is to ensure you have enough fat for the needle to go in. I don't see why it would be necessary to do though. I would say just say do what works best for you!
Yes I have, but with the Autosoft (will try the TruSteel soon). Feel free to check out the video I did on that :) .... ua-cam.com/video/ngd85kCjtNs/v-deo.html
I use it on my arms and other areas besides my stomach. It works although my lower back and sometimes my hips cause the insulin to not be quite as effective. My arms work fine. Everyone may have different outcomes.
Do you use the glass insulin vials or pen cartridges to fill your cartridge? The vials require air to be injected and the cartridges do not. It has to do with the pressure gradient created in the glass vial when drawing insulin out.
Totally get that! If it’s working for you great! I like pumps because I can get more specific with dosing. Lots of parents can also get their kids Dexcom results right on their phone. As well as being able to lower your long acting when exercising or sick.
"Put it in with authority." 😂 I like the way you phrased that.
😂😂😂
Michelle, I got a Tslim in January 2021, and the first time I had to do a site change on my own (Autosoft 90), I absolutely used your video to get through it. 😂😂😂 I had training from Tandem and my clinic, but your video was like having an experienced friend next to me to make sure I didn’t forget anything.
Haha that's amazing! I'm glad I could be there with you for your first site change on your own 🤗
@@MichelleLord I’m so glad you were!! I was diagnosed as an adult, and your channel was a great source of information on how to manage things. I’m very grateful to have found it, and I hope to thank you someday, if our paths ever cross.
I never thought of placing the anchor adhesive OVER the tubing letting it do its natural coil! that has been my biggest challenge for me is to have the 2nd part in a comfortable position without feeling the tube wanting to curl. Going to try this on my next infusion site. Thank you!
I am not a diabetic but I really enjoy watching site changes I find it satisfying and want to learn more about type 1 diabetes
Pretty similar. 32, Type 1 for 20 years in March, and had Medtronic pumps for many years until I got my Tslim x2 3 days ago. I do miss just being able to pop a new lithium AAA battery in my pump once a month but I am happy with the Tslim so far. In range went from 78% to 92%. I felt the same about the trusteel and have been using them for a couple years now and love them.
For those not convinced about the Tru-Steel infusion sets, just try them a few times. The upside outweighs any downsides (especially scarring). Btw, do any of you use the lights of your iPad and iPhone to change your cartridge/infusion set in the middle of the night? How many of you recognize that your cartridge is almost out and change the cartridge before going to bed? How many of you are like me and would rather not waste the insulin in the cartridge (even if it’s a tiny amount). and just deal with the annoying beeps and waking (sometimes) in the middle of the night? I know it’s probably better to get a good night’s sleep, but for some reason, I haven’t developed that discipline of dealing with it before going to bed. What’s wrong with me? 🙃
Wenn meine Pumpe nur noch 45 Einheiten im Reservoir anzeigt wird gewechselt. Ich ziehe das Insulin mit der Spritze aus dem alten Resovoir, fülle die Spritze mit Insulin aus dem Fläschchen auf und somit ist kein Insulin verschwendet. Hab noch keinen Nachteil feststellen können. Niemals wechsle ich nachts oder im Halbschlaf, das geht garantiert schief. Man sieht ja nicht wo Luftblasen im Schlauch sind. Und Luft im Schlauch bedeutet Unterversorgung mit Insulin.
I tried one steel site when I was on the Medtronic and swell up and had a hard lump on my stomach for months who would have thought I have a mettle allergy I didn't know now I use the auto soft 90 works better for me
@@susanneh.67danke
Great presentation! Very helpful! Just switching to tru steel for the same reason. I used this infusion set in the past with the Medtronic System. Now I have Tandem which is an awesome pump! Never go back. Thank you again. You are a wonderful instructor!
Thank you for those tips. My son who is 9 is about to go on his pump for the first time later this month. I’m a little nervous about it because it’s something new and different, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you again and wishing you and your family a healthy and happy life ❤
Hi Michelle, I started with the AutoSoft XC set because I was new to the pump and that is what the Tandem rep recommended. After a few days of high readings, I ask my diabetic educator for help. She said because I have had abdominal surgeries (scar tissue below the skin) we should check for bent cannulas. Yep, that was it! She had some TruSteel samples and that solved the problem. Thank you for your channel.
Interesting! I’m having the same problem. Have had multiple stomach surgeries and scaring. Wonder if that could be my problem? I have the mobi not the tslim
I have scarring due to lupus and now I’m having troubles with bent cannulas. Does the true steel hurt? I’m so sensitive because of the lupus and I’m always in pain and don’t want pain from diabetes too.
Just got my Trusteel infusion sets today. The bend canulas are a pain!! So many good tips!
I just started t slim x2 on may 1st. I watched your video today to do my set change. Thank you for sharing
Hi Michelle great video thank you for sharing. I'm opting out of the Medtronic 670-G for the t:slim after reading peoples experiencing less alarms that drive me up the wall. Last night was awakened at 3:20 AM check blood sugar. I did and it was 113. So looking forward to something new and evidentially proven to be a good product. Tom
I've been a type 1 for almost 60 years. Diagnosed when I was 7. My Dr. wants me to start on the TSlim. I'm wary of this technology, and I guess I'm "old school" because I'm not atthis works
You did a great job explaining and demonstrating.
I like the true steel as well. Also found using the verisoft 30 worked well; providing one is not afraid of inserting a long needle.
Good explanation! This video popped up on my UA-cam feed as I was changing my cartridge and inserting my Tru-Steel cannula, so it was nice to see you go through your steps as I was doing mine (at 3:30 a.m.! 😕). (Our pump paths are almost identical, except that I discovered the benefits of using the Tru-Steel infusion set (Sure-T) when I was using a Medtronic pump.). The only suggestion I would add is to make sure the tubing of the anchor portion of the infusion set is pointing strait down so that if I stand up and my pump is not in my pocket or hooked to my underwear, it is less likely to pull off the anchor. Btw, I completely agree with you about the need for the anchor - although the anchor part seems at first to be extra, unnecessary plastic, and double the unsightliness, you only have to use it a few times to come to appreciate the anchor’s value. Blessings to you, Momma.
Thanks so much for the extra tip, Steve!! I will have to try this out next time.
And a 3:30 am site change - yikes☹!!
@@MichelleLord Maybe it was all normal, but from the video it seemed like there was a bit of blood under the site?? I could see something dark! Sometimes it happened to me, and I immediately change them again, I wouldn't want any insulin in a blood vessel :(
I get lots of bad cannula as well. Sometimes I use the true steel. I don't expel the air from the syringe, I just flick it so the bubbles rise to the plunger and fill. The bubbles stay back from the needle so it won't go into the cartridge anyway.
Great video!! I just started using the TruSteel and my last 2 sites gave me occlusion errors 😭😭😭 and ideas why or tips to avoid them? Thank you!!!
We have a similar background. I just turned 32, have been a t1d for 18 years and have been on a pump for 15 years, had Roche’s, Medtronic’s and then back to the beginning of 2019 I switched to T:slim.
I have been having problems with the autosoft 90 too and the other day I had the chance to try the TruSteel too and despite being totally terrified by the fact there’s an actual needle inside of me, I am considering switching to it as I noticed my bg is way better and more stable with this.
I then was looking for a video because nobody explained me how to remove that needle from my belly and it kinda hurt when I did although I tried my best to take it out without inclining it too much (if that makes any sense). I guess I’ll have to look for some remove wipes too in order to remove it without too much trouble😅
Ok this is crazy because I was going to ask if you could do this very video :) I just started the true steel and wondered how exactly you did the site with out the huge loop in the middle. I knew you looped it differently. Thank you :)
Haha perfect!! I have been meaning to do this video for a long time, so I'm glad it came out at a good time for you 💕
I’m getting my T slim in sept (U.K. NHS) and I’m really concerned about bent canulas so I’ve been seriously considering going for the tru steel. This is a great help in making that decision and I’ll definitely refer back to it later
I personally would not be on a pump without the tru-steel as I had so many high blood sugars because of bent cannulas when I started out with the soft cannulas. Within a few months of using a pump, I started using tru-steel. You won't regret using tru-steel.
Those little tabs that stickup after inserting the TruSteel are a bit painful when catch on clothing or brush against something even rolling over while asleep it has woke me up. I now tape those little tabs down to try and avoid that. I also switched from Medtronic with CGM and their programming. With the G6 and Tandem pump, A1C has reduced by a full point. Good video, Just switched to TruSteel a month ago
Hi. I am back on the pump, this time the Tandem IQ. Having been on the Medtronic pump for 35 years and all the blocking scar tissue , only the TruSteel works for me.
I find if I hold the little butterfly things when I'm taking it off as I gently pull the sticky off going around the entire thing it helps keep the needle only coming straight up. I hold the little butterfly clips keeping it straight up
Thank you thank you Michelle. Your so clear love it. I will try again to use my true steel infusion set again hopefully no pain this time. Thanks 🙏 again. 🙋♀️😉
thank you! very helpful!
I am on manual injection. I feel I have netter control that way than with a pump :)
As someone on manual injection for many years before switching to a pump 5 years ago, I can promise you will have better control with the pump. With the Tandem pump, the Control IQ software and the CGM link, my control has NEVER been close to what it is now. The highs never get as high, the lows are easier to manage, and the ability to micro-dose frequently has made me much more careful doing manual corrections after a large meal (or an unwise food choice). No more "oh no, I'm going high, better take big injection!" 🙂
To put it simply, as one of my friends told me when he was convincing me to switch to the pump, it will change your life!
@@billthompson9092 fair enough! The only thing that's currently keeping me from getting a pump is the size - I don't want to attach that many large things to my body. I'll give it a few years and let the technology develop before I get a pump :)
Hi Michelle, Thank You for taking the time to make these awesome videos . My job is very fiscal, so my question is, would truesteel cause discomfort when twisting, bending, etc?
this video helped me out so much ❤️, thank you
Do others change their infusion site independent of the cartridge? I generally fill a cartridge all the way, which means I will usually change the infusion set at least once per cartridge. When the cartridge runs out it is usually out of sequence with needing a site change, so I then change the cartridge without a site change. It is a bit of a hassle filling the cannula since the highest "fill" setting is 1 unit, meaning I have to go through the load sequence twice to fill the short tube and steel cannula itself. I have also noticed that some (not all) infusion sites with the tru-steel will last more than 3 days without irritation or degradation of insulin effectiveness. Call me a bad (or lazy!) T1D, but I've gone 5 days+ on a site many times. It works for me, and anything I can do to minimize the intrusiveness of this condition on my active life is a win for me.
I am confused with the 1-unit fill setting you are talking about. Are you having the fill issues because you change your infusion site without changing the cartridge? p.s. I accidentally filled my cartridge with way more insulin than normal so I just kept my infusion site in and used up all of the insulin. It lasted at least 5 days.
@@anitastokar98 It’s just an inconvenience to fill the tru-steel independent of the full cartridge/tubing change when I do a site change on its own. You can dial in a precise cannula fill on the Tandem for everything less than 1 unit, but nothing larger than that. The tru-steel takes somewhere between 1 and 2 units, so I have to run it through the fill cannula sequence twice. This is all done before it is inserted, so I can see droplets at the end of the needle/cannula before I give it the plunge. I can’t be the only one who does that and finds it a bit more tedious than it needs to be with unnecessary button presses. First world problem I know!
Look at the nice bracelet !!! Did you make it yourself?? It looks cool!!! I want to see it with closer angle
I put a clear iv tape over my site and that keeps it on for the two days for me. I use skin tac for my dexcom though.
I do exactly the same thing---tape on my infusion site and skin-tac on my cgm
Also, which needle do you prefer for the tru steel, 6 or 8mm? Sorry for so many questions!
Interesting video about inserting a steel cannula and it didn’t take very long at all.
I’ve had a Medtronic pump for 20 years and it’s so familiar yet here’s an opportunity to change systems coming up.
Decision time. Stay with Medtronic or start over with Tandem. I’ve viewed several Tandem videos of those who were former Medtronic uses. So far, I still cannot find any of Tandem users who changed to Medtronic. Still looking. How did you decide if I may ask? Did you do a video on the switch?
Thank you.
We just tried the tru-steel today because my sons been having lots of flow block issues with the autosoft 90. Unfortunately he's just way too lean for the tru-steel. Teenage boy, skinny as a rake. We were using a Medtronic before and their equivalent to the autosoft 90 seems more reliable. Bit frustrating.
Don't they have 6mm version like Medtronic has? That shouldn't be too long for anybody.
Hi Michelle, I am getting a pump next month and am super excited/nervous! Your videos helped make the decision on which one to go with, so thank you for continuing to make them even though you are a new momma! I was wondering if you could do a video on what you do when you still have a few hours left on your pump session but you’re going to be gone all day and it’ll expire while you’re away from home(at work, at a concert, running errands etc.)? Do you end the session early and waste what’s left in your pump or do you take care of changing everything out in the go?? I would love some pointers on how to handle that. Thanks Michelle!
Hey!! You are so welcome! And this is a great question! I always make sure my pump is ready to go for the day before I leave the house. I would rather not be in a situation where I have to change my pump site on-the-go. If I have insulin left in my pump, I extract it from the old cartridge with a syringe and transfer it to my new cartridge. This is definitely not recommended by healthcare professionals or by Tandem, but I cannot bring myself to waste insulin when I'm so privileged to have access to it. This is something you can chat with your pump trainer about, although they will probably tell you not to do this lol
Thank you so much! This is so helpful and great info to have! Take and please keep making amazing videos!
Does it bother you when sleeping or laying in the sofa when you place it on the sides? I find it a little bit bothering with the autosoft at the end of the 2nd day when I place it at the sides of my thighs or arms.
Super nice to see you 🥰
It sometimes does! It depends on the site location and how I'm lying. I'll usually just adjust my position to avoid the site.
Eden narration is essential to these video lol
Haha she seemed to think she was an essential part to the video 😛
Great video. Do you have a video showing how you applied the clip to your pump. Did u use any extra glue or anything?
Yes I do! And no extra glue :) ua-cam.com/video/5KFCCT49Lcc/v-deo.html
How many days do you leave it in? I’m coming from the plastic tubing to this.
Looping the tubing and putting it under the anchor pad doesn't make the tubing kink? My son will be getting the tslim very soon and i think we will try that for him. Your videos are always so informative and easy to understand. Tslim should hire you as a rep!!!
Does the needled for the fill come with your supplies? Or something extra you buy?
And it seems that the TruSteel is the same as Sure-T from MedTronic - I'll confirm next week when switch to them next week.
wow, you are brave - multiple daily injections seem so much easier and give more freedom - I don't think I could cope with something permanently attached to me
Two shots of basal insulin per day. Levemir or Lantus. 3-4-5-6 shots of bolus fast acting insulin per day. My insulin pump holds 300 units of insulin. Lasts about 5 days. One more laborious pump insertion compared to 35 simpler syringe injections. Easier?
Yes it is a little, very little, extra burden having the pump attached to your body 24 hours a day. Compared to nothing attached with daily injections. Back in the 1980s seatbelt laws were passed and everyone began using seat belts when driving. It was more inconvenient and difficult putting on seatbelts at first. Today, its nothing at all to put on a seatbelt when getting in a car. And that is about what wearing a pump 24 hours a day is like after you do it awhile. Now I will agree if you are wearing a tool belt all day long, having the pump on you would be difficult. Or if you wrestle bears all day long, wearing a pump would be difficult. But for most average folks, freedom is the same. Or not diminished enough to matter.
The main benefit of the pump is the ability to vary basal insulin for every hour of the day. Basal insulins such as Tresiba, Levemir, Lantus, cannot adjust hour by hour. They give a steady amount of coverage for 12-18-24 hours. No hour by hour variation. The pump allows you to customize the basal insulin for every hour of the day. The dawn phenomenon occurs during the night before dawn. Blood sugars can skyrocket higher. A pump will allow you to increase basal insulin for this phenomenon. The basal insulin injections cannot increase by one unit per hour for the 4-8 AM time period. Or decrease by half unit for the 12-3 AM time period. Or increase by 0.75 units per hour for the 12-5 PM time period.
I've been on a pump about 5 months and found it so much more freeing! It does get frustrating sometimes being attached but honestly, wouldn't go back. I found the libre helped me get used to having something constantly attached (I wanted to be better about management but was not gonna finger prick, so my only option lol)
@@katiebrooker1437 same here. I find i can do sports and have random meals and snacks without problems so i think it gives much more freedom.
I have days where I hate being attached to the pump, but most of the time that doesn't bother me. Pumps are not for everyone, and that's totally ok! You have to do what works best for you ❤
I've read online comments by pump users somewhere that they'll take a break from their pumps now and then and do manual injections for a few days. I've never thought of that but it's nice to know it's an option, especially if by chance something were to happen to my pump. Just an FYI to share with you...
How do you deal with sweat and constant movement. My xc90 keeps peeling off. And I’m tired of it.
Thank you 😊
Thank you!
Hi there. Please tell me about your metal pump clip and share where you got it. I’ve been using the metal one that came with it. I strap it on my bra. It’s getting worn out! Thanks so much.
I use this set but the stick isn’t good for me 😢
You brave soul. Not sure I could use an infusion set without an insertion device. 😕
I literally just tap it in. I put the (short, thin) needle next to my skin and just tap it in lightly. It goes in so easily.
@@anitastokar98 I got a box of TruSteel infusion sets to try. I’ll work up the nerve eventually. (I bet you can guess my profession was never a phlebotomist. 😃)
@@lunadawnlynn Haha. I don't look when I have to have blood drawn. I would literally pass out. No kidding! Have you ever injected insulin with a syringe? Same feeling. No real pain
@@anitastokar98 I’ll get to it soon. I still have the 30s to try, in nearly two years I’ve only ever used the Autosoft 90 & XC. The 30s are even scary looking, so I haven’t opened that box yet either. 😕
Hi I have been using Medtronic infusion set for nearly 6years now. I always have used my abdomen area and I’ve noticed that I’ve gain weight around my lower tummy area ever since. Just wanna know if this has happened to you or Anyone else? If so have you changed the area?
When filling the cartridge I first draw the air out of the cartridge before filling the syringe with insulin. Then fill the syringe and keep the needle in the insulin vial. Holding the vial and syringe in one hand, I tap the syringe to get out the bubbles. Then fill the syringe to the desired number of units. Thus no wasted insulin squirting who knows where. You still haven't convinced me to try the tru steel infusion set though. : ) !!
Ahhh great tip!! Thank you so much for sharing :)
I also extract the air in the cartidge before filling up my cartridge with insulin. I could never remember the steps to fill my cannula the way I was taught so I just started doing it the way you and I do it. So much simpler IMHO. I also keep the cartridge upright the whole time until I put the new infusion set in as I don't want to risk any air bubbles getting into the tubing.
That clip you have on the back.... I dont have that with mine. Did you buy that seperately on your own? I need one.
Oh goodness never mind lol just had to keep listening. I love the coiled wire idea gonna try it out today. Thanks!
How often do u change the pump site
I'm confused. I don't see in the G6 manual that arm sites are allowed, even 2 years later.
Hey Michelle...don' t you check airbubbles in the pump hose during filling the set?? Greetings, Suse
I don't! But I probably should!
Hey Michelle! I tried to message you on Instagram, but was unable to find your account. I'm completely new to the pump and was curious what length of tubing do you prefer? The longer or shorter? Also why? Please help me out 😅
I’ll have had T1D 50 years in September. Been pumping 20 years. Up until 3 months ago,,used was all Medtronic. At first, I chose the Auto Soft 90, but when I read others rave about the Tru Steel. The instructions say to pinch your skin when inserting, but I didn’t see you do that. Is it necessary to pinch? With the tape and holding the cannula, pinching skin makes insertion difficult.
I did pinch my skin, and usually do, but maybe you can't see it from the angle I showed in the video. I think the only reason to pinch the skin is to ensure you have enough fat for the needle to go in. I don't see why it would be necessary to do though. I would say just say do what works best for you!
Does the needle it that site stay in the skin?
I just received a few Tru Steel samples and I was wondering if you change it every 2 days or 3?
2 or 3 days!
Also, I upgraded the pump software allowing my iPhone to give boluses. 😀
Wow! I saw this while I was abiut to change my pump 😶
about
No way! What a coincidence 😛
What is the clip link?
Hi Miichelle! Have you ever tried to place it on your arms or tights? I'd be curious to know if it works there or not :D
Yes I have, but with the Autosoft (will try the TruSteel soon). Feel free to check out the video I did on that :) .... ua-cam.com/video/ngd85kCjtNs/v-deo.html
I use it on my arms and other areas besides my stomach. It works although my lower back and sometimes my hips cause the insulin to not be quite as effective. My arms work fine. Everyone may have different outcomes.
why do you put air in? i’ve never done that 😬 also top with sharps cut off the sharp bit so you don’t fill up container with tubing
Do you use the glass insulin vials or pen cartridges to fill your cartridge? The vials require air to be injected and the cartridges do not. It has to do with the pressure gradient created in the glass vial when drawing insulin out.
@@MichelleLord ahh ok, I use pen cartridges :)
Looking for the link for pump clip
I found it. Thank you. Been using the case that came with pump but think i will like this better .
Hi Michelle so u like the truestile better then the oderdosofe
I do!! I prefer TruSteel now :)
"Love handle situation". Ha Ha Ho Ho
I think that is better, the Opioid 5
Is your Endocrinologist also a T1D/ are most endocrinologists T1D
I've had 4 endos in my time with T1D and none have had T1D. I only know of one that also has T1D, but I'm sure there are quite a few!
Ugghh that reservoir change process just looks atrocious. It's the biggest hold up for ne in switching from Medtronic.
Bookmark 5:17
Am I the only diabetic who hates technology! I feel old school way is more reliable.
By the way I was diagnosed less than a year ago!
The old school way is necessary to master first before using pumps. That’s why it’s more reliable for a new user.
Totally get that! If it’s working for you great! I like pumps because I can get more specific with dosing. Lots of parents can also get their kids Dexcom results right on their phone. As well as being able to lower your long acting when exercising or sick.