Now to wait till the 17th for pump training. Biggest thing I need to get familiar with is just filling the cartridge, versus reservoir on Medtronic. Its super cool looking. Can’t wait to start using it.
Hi,
I just signed up because I saw your post. I have been type 1 for 30+ years. Started using a pump back in 2006. I just switched from a Medtronic Paradigm 723 to the Tslim with the Dexcom G4. Like many other users, replacing the cartridge is taking some getting used to. With the Medtronic pump I could just about fill a reservoir and change an infusion set in just a couple of minutes. The process for filling a cartridge with the Tslim does require a few more steps, add to that the separate syringe needed for filling the cartridge, and it does seem (at least for the first couple of cartridge replacements) that the process is overly complicated. However, I have now been through 3 cartridge replacements and I don’t think I need the manual any more. The Tslim does take a little longer to fill the tubing than the Medtronic pump, but it doesn’t bother me much.
The best part about the Tslim for me, is the pump screen versus the Medtronic. It is bright and easy to read. The touch screen is responsive and easy to use. The Medtronic was like an old LCD watch. The plastic screen on the Medtronic would easily scratch making it even more difficult to read. I also had issues with the buttons on the Medtronic pumps. My last 723 was a warranty replacement because of the button issues.
Don’t get me wrong, I still think the Medtronic pump was a fine pump, and I certainly was not easy on it. I just think Medtronic has waited too long to incorporate more technology into their insulin pumps.
Good luck with the Tslim. Hopefully the Tslim will prove to be a sturdy pump for both of us. Not sure if you are using it with a Dexcom CGM. This is my first experience with CGM and I am really enjoying it so far (except for the first sensor insertion, Ouch!). Keep us informed of your progress with the Tslim.
Hi, Thanks for your reply. No I don’t use CGM. I’ve tried it in the past and absolutely hated it. Seemed like it was always alarming, and luckily my blood glucose is relatively stable, so it wasn’t worth the aggravation to TRY and get that approved too, and spend money on something I know I don’t really like, and really won’t use. I agree Medtronic is a decent pump, no complaints with it, and their customer service has always been really good, but I agree, they aren’t keeping up much with technology. I compare it with old flip phones versus and iPhone or Samsung. I’m really liking the ease of reading the screen. I am on the computer so much, my poor eyes need something easier to see. Hoping this is a good experience for both of us. Def keep me posted too on how it is coming along for you as well.
Awesome! That is so exciting! I have an appointment with my CDE today and plan on asking about a pump, specifically the t slim. That thing just looks so COOL!
How did your appointment go? Are you going to get a pump?
Yes! CDE said she thinks I’m a good candidate. Going to get the ball rolling on Monday. Woo hoo!!
the medtronic cgm is like that but the dexcom cgm is not
Hi Aaron10. are you referring to my dislike of the CGM? Yes I’ve heard Dexcom is better, but I still personally don’t feel a lot of need for it for myself. I know some really like the extra sense of security, or for those whose blood sugar may be up and down. For me personally, I’ve just found there is more hype about CGM, then what I perceived the benefits of being when I’ve used it. Glad some people really find it helpful, but about the only way I’d use it would be is if I were to get pregnant again, which that is NOT going to happen.
Jtenneson, that is great about getting your pump. That was the best decision I think I’ve ever made. I just regret not doing it much sooner. Be patient with it, it can sometimes take a little bit of time to get basal rates adjusted, and just a learning curve with set up and use of a pump, but I think you will be glad you made the choice.
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Hi, @kitkat2. Yes, I was refering to your cgm experience. I was trying to say that what you expressed was similar to my experience. I was through with it. It didn’t live up to the hype. It was more trouble than it was worth. It did help to avoid lows. And I was also trying to say that the dexcom experience was that it was not a bother, it wasn’t something I had to take care of at all. More than that it was something that worked for me that served me and met needs I hadn’t identified.
I’ve heard good things about Dexcom, but unfortunately I’ve just been turned off the whole cgm experience. It was an added cost I just wasn’t sure I was willing to commit to. I may feel different if I had a lot of frequent lows or if I was younger and wanted to have another baby. Nearly 21 years ago, it would have come in handy. But that is one thing Im not doing again. I’d never say never to trying it again, but if I tried it again, I want to be sure I’m going to be committed to it. It’s a lot of money for something that just sits in a closet collecting dust.
Good luck tomorrow, @kitkat2! Let me know how your first day with the tslim goes. I heard from Edgepark Medical today (I will be getting the pump through them) and the cost is more reasonable for me than I was thinking. They said I could have it in hand in as little as 2 weeks!!
Awesome. Glad to hear it. I was pleasantly surprised with Edgepark. I’ve heard some negative things about them just in passing, but after 4 years with Liberty and their useless customer service and never being able to speak to someone easily I was ready to go to about any other provider out there. I have been so far very happy with Edgepark. They really got the request in fast and was approved in no time. I would say as long as all your paperwork is in order, and one thing I can say about these DME providers they do seem to make sure its all in order before submitting it, I’d say 2 weeks or less is reasonable. Both of my pumps I got the auth’s super fast with.
Will definitely let you know how it goes tomorrow. Excited to FINALLY get to use it.
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Yes, I use Edgepark for my Dexcom stuff. No complaints here! At least not yet, knock on wood! 
Just got back from pump training. My trainer was awesome and so far so good. There are a few more steps with filling the cartridge versus filling a reservoir with my Minimed, but I think if tSlim is your first pump and you have no prior comparison you wont find it bad. I think once I get used to the new routine, it really wont be bad at all. Just did a correction bolus from my late lunch on my tSlim. I found reading the user guide, and also watching a few videos on cartridge changes a bit helpful as it gave me some idea what to expect, of course their may be some slight difference depending if the video is of an earlier model tSlim or a newer model. So excited to FINALLY be using it.
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So, I’m now about 3 and half hours into pumping with my new tSlim. LOL and I have to keep reminding myself even though I’ve been pumping for a while, this is a new system and new set-up and it will take some tweaking. Changed out my infusion site cause my numbers just kinda are creeping upwards, just to make sure it is working ok. Im not used to using the inserter or Inset infusion sites as I always manually inserted my QuickSets. Seems like the site was ok, cannula wasn’t bent or anything, but we’ll see. I’ve had trouble even with QuickSet in my upper abdomen in the past. So it might just be location. Might try a temp basal increase see if that produces some results. Overall I’m liking it very much, hahaha just have to remind myself my Medtronic was a learning curve and so this will be too.
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I wish they would release this pump in Europe… I honestly don’t see what’s keeping them not to do it. The market is as ready as it can be.
That would be great if you were able to get it in Europe. That always seems to be the case, something hits approval in Europe first, and the US is lagging behind, or it gets approved in the US and those in other countries are left waiting. So crazy.
After having to change my infusion site, which I always seem to have issues with infusion sites in my upper abdomen, it’s going so smoothly now. Getting really good numbers on my T slim.
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