I have been T1D for 15+ have use multi pumps; now with tandem. 2.5yrs have had multi pump failures for transmit, loading errors. looking to see if anyone else is having these problems
1 Like
Hi @sgt, welcome to the forum!
I’ve been using a Tslim for about the same amount of time. When you say “failures for transmit” I assume you’re talking about Bluetooth drop outs? If so, that’s an annoyance for me too. I wear my sensor on my upper arm and Bt dropouts most often happen over night when I’m sleeping on the sensor side with the sensor against the mattress. I use G6 but I think the principle is the same: it’s not super-strong signal and your body being in the way can be enough of an obstruction to stop the signal. I’ve gotten to where, when I heard that single beep alert I just grab my pump and stick it directly against the sensor, then go back to sleep.
Re “loading errors,” can you be more specific? The one problem I’ve had is with the reservoir-filling process. Seems like 8 x out of 10 the syringe doesn’t want to compress unless I get the needle exactly on the perfect spot on the reservoir. Super annoying, but after repositioning it a couple of times it works. I gather the Mobi reservoir fill process is a lot simpler but I’m still 3 years off from pump replacement.
All that said, I’m way happier with this pump than I was with the Medtronic ones I had for a decade or so. As always YDMD.
I have found that it is better to slip the needle one the edge of the white spot angled a bit towards the center. Look at the needle depth when it won’t let you push the insulin in and when it will. In my the needle will not go in as far on a failure than on success. Once in a while it will go completely in, that has worked as well.
I gave up the center of the port long ago.
I hope this is helpful.
The official line is that it doesn’t matter if you don’t hit the “sweet spot” but I struggle with the same issue (plunger won’t depress) with off-center insertion too.
1 Like
It’s how deep the needle is that’s the key. If this doesn’t make sense I will try to take pictures tomorrow. I will attempt a failure and the a successful depth.
after filling reservoir and insert it let the pump fill you see droplets: proceed let the pump recognize insulin when you are to proceed to it tells you, you need more than 50u even though just put 290u in reservoir. 3rd tandem pump and i just tried 9x still failure… :.(
First I am concern that Tandem did not determine the failure cause on the other 2 pumps, and informed you.
One thing that causes load failure is the small O ring on the cartridge staying in the pump. If you look at the base of a new cartridge you can see it in a recess. Using a light look into the cartridge slot to see if an O ring has been retained. The ones on my cartridges are clear, would be nice if they were dayglow yellow.
I think it’s on a silver colored post. A fairly small long shaft screwdriver is probably the tool to use to lift it off the post. I don’t know if this is your problem. Now that I know about it it will probably happen to me.
You should check with Tandem if a Tandem trainer is coming to your area and make an appointment. The one I had was very, very good.
I wish I could offer more help, but this is all I’ve got.
1 Like
One thing are you waiting for the pump to recognize the cartridge before priming the tubing.
This Tandem video might be more clear.
1 Like
Promises made and promises kept.
Cartridge read for filling and photo shoot.I don’t usually use the mini vicegrips to fill. I just needed a way to hold the cartridge upright while I took the pictures.
Photo showing the needle not allowed to go in far enough. The plunger will not depress. Push the plunger too hard and the needle will bend.
Edit- that is far as the needle will go. Push harder and it will bend.
Photo show the correct length of needle exposed that will allow the plunger to be depressed filling the cartridge with insulin.
1 Like