Anyone else having a hard time seeing the cannula through that little window on the new system? They finally colored the cannula (supposedly) but the window is tiny an the inside is dark. I find it virtually impossible to see it. I thought it was a bit tough on the old system, but didn't find it as difficult as the new ones.
Just put on a new one (my fourth of the new system) and the insertion didn't sound quite right. I *think* it's inserted, but I can't see it distinctly. (Checked by blood, it's 102. I'll check it closely to see what happens.)
This is a huge design flaw!
Anyone have this same problem? Or have any suggestions?
There's been some discussion about the insertion mechanism not retracting properly. I know it happened a lot with my first shipment of new pods. Infusion through the cannula was never a problem, but now if the insertion/retraction doesn't sound right, I flick the pod with my finger until it clicks back.
As for being able to see the cannula, yeah, almost impossible with the new pods. I never found it all that necessary in the first place though, so it doesn't bother me much now.
I couldn't see it with the old pods and I can't with the new ones. I don't check, I just say "yes" to the question. I've never had an insertion problem with either the old or the new (around 20 new pods now).
I guess its your "perspective" on the matter. As the diabetic using the pod, I can see how it would be difficult to view the cannula. As the mother of a four year old diabetic, I am able to see it with no difficulty at all (well sometimes I need a flashlight to assist me if the light is not great in the room I am in with her). It does provide me with some comfort to be able to see that the cannula appears to be inserted correctly, so I can understand why it would be frustrating for you that you can't.
It's more a vision issue; my wife can't see it either, not even with a flashlight and a magnifying glass. We're both about 50, short sighted and wear multi-focal contact lens because of our worsening near vision.
The new blue ones may be better, we haven't tried.
I think part of the problem is that the correctly inserted cannula is not easy to distinguish from the rest of the plastic in the pod window. Quite probably if it was bent up and not inserted it would be much more obvious.
jBowler - Sorry that I forgot to included in my original response that my daughter just went onto the omnipod system, so all I know about are the new ones with the blue cannula. Another T1D mom I know whose daughter just went on the pod (the mom is in her late 40’s and has trouble seeing things close up) is able to pull out her reading glasses (with the aide a flashlight and see the blue cannula. So there might be hope that your wife will be able to see it when you start with the new ones.
I admit that I dont actually look at the window to see the blue cannula. I DO check my blood more often post-change just to make sure everything is OK. As long as numbers are good, its safe to assume that cannula is inserted correctly.
I use a flashlight, but then again, I'm looking into that window on someone else's body, so it's probably quite a bit easier for me to get a good angle on the window to look into it. I'm sure that makes a huge difference. You'd have to be a contortionist to see into the window on yourself, depending on where you put it.
I could see the canula on the old pods if I tried real hard. Impossible on the new pods with the black surround on the infusion area. Seems like Insulet tried but failed on this topic. Hopefully they are fully aware of their poor decision on this.
I use the flashlight on my cell. Never had a problem seeing it inserted all the way. The trick is to put the light on the top of the pod, not into the little window itself. With the blue cannula back lit, it is actually pretty easy to see it inserted.
I have the old system and can never see it so I just confirm and check sugars , what I read on the new one I was hopeful I would be able to see it but sounds like I will have to still just keep confirming when the new system comes here , oh well must get used to change for better or worse
I've been on Pods for over 6 years and never even bother trying to see if it's inserted. The couple of times they haven't inserted right the insertion didn't feel right either. I can see the cannula through the new window, but unless I use a mirror I can't get in position to see where I wear them, On occasion I've used my iPhone to take a picture and I can see clearly then. Andy
Its terrible to try to see anything in that little hole. On the top of the pod when it enjects theres a pink dot that pops up on the top inside of the pod, I just use that, and pray it did go in, LOL
I'll add that checking the cannula is not the only thing I've mellowed on.
I don't stand in front of the mirror any more and carefully place the pod just so on the back of my arm any more (or thigh, or "luv handle", etc.).
These days, the whole routine is far easier and relaxed. I change every 2 days early morning, after showering. Sitting on the bed, propped against pillows, I fill a new pod, then just slap the thing on and activate it (after sterilizing the area with some 91% isopropol).
