Hey, new here! I have a question about the T-slim . We used to use omnipod for his diabetes(4 year old) he was diagnosed when he was 1 years old, we never had an issue with his pods or changing them. But our insurance decided to change us to the T-slim, he was doing great on it . I was using these on his for almost a year no issue . The last week he was complaining about his leg hurting , I went to change the site and when I took it off puss came flooding out, I thought maybe it was fluke so I put a new one on him and his levels wouldn’t go down, so I thought maybe the new site wasn’t working properly so I went to Change it and the same thing puss was in the cannula site…. I am worried that maybe he is becoming allergic to the cannula ? Or has anyone had this issue?
Hi @Angeline, welcome to the forum!
That sounds pretty serious. The cannula material is supposed to be biologically inert (Teflon, I believe), but anything you poke through your skin will prompt an immune response—inflammation—which is why we’re supposed to change these things after 3 days max. I have heard of people having an allergic reaction to the adhesives used in insets and CGMs, though that usually turns up right away, not after months of using them with no issue. So this is puzzling! I’m not a medical dr, but pus seems more like an infection than an allergic reaction. I assume you’re doing the usual things around using an alcohol swab to clean the insertion site, clean hands, all that. Was the new site far removed from the previous infected one? I’d try that, if not. The other thing that occurs to me is around unclipping the tubing for bathing and the like. The box of sets includes a little plug-clip you can attach to prevent any chance of creepy-crawlies getting in there when the tube is detached. I’ve never actually used 'em—I always shower rather than tub-bathe—but that would eliminate one possible source if you haven’t been using them.
Meanwhile, I would definitely contact Tandem clinical support—they’re T1s themselves, so are v. familiar with what we deal with, and I’ve found them very helpful.
If there’s pus there’s an infection. These types of infections can worsen and spread quickly, so if warm compress and manual drainage doesn’t vastly improve the site, or if he’s feeling at all sick, he needs to go to the doctor for antibiotics and perhaps an incision drainage. You should keep a close eye on those sites to make sure they fully resolved. How close was the new infusion set placed to that infected site? If it was close by that could be why that one had pus too, but I’m concerned that there’s an infection that’s spreading under the skin. Moving forward, you may want to try cleansing the area with Hibiclens instead of just using an alcohol swab to prep
This is a late response, apologies. I realize the problem may now be resolved and yet it certainly did sound very serious. Infection, not allergic reaction. As mentioned in other posts this sort of infection requires a Culture, antibiotics, and close monitoring. My (now adult) son has had CGM site infections despite being very careful. I agree with others in any case such as this that T Slim needs to be contacted (or any other manufacturer) with a serious issue like this. Also, must must must be diligent with vigorous cleaning of the site b4 inserting. Again hoping this is resolved and answers received the TSlim.
I’ve had this problem before. Totally agree about the seriousness. There are antibiotics that can be given by injection that I’ve had to use for skin infections before. To prevent it, I am trying out putting a hydrocolloid bandage on my old pump site. I got some cheap ones on Amazon that can be cut into small pieces to cover the site. They also make very small ones meant for acne that I might try in the future for convenience, though it’s a lot more expensive
It’s likely you are allergic to adhesive. That adhesive works down into your skin along the cannula. Then cause inflammation which is a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you put a dab of neosporin right at the spot you are putting the insertion needle, it will block the adhesive from getting in and also kill any bacteria that is already on your skin. It also makes for less scarring.
You need to use a very small drop so it doesn’t prevent the tape from sticking to your skin. Tiny tiny right in the center. You can also just put that on the end of the needle before you puncture your skin.
Do not try this on your cgm though. The neosporin can get on the wire and ruin the sensor.