Any advice for manually inserting Quick-sets?

[RLK]

I recently switched from Silhouettes to Quick-Sets. I love the inserter (a big part of why I switched) and the short sets are the perfect length- no more pain every time I bump the set. However, I recognize that I'm dependent on that inserter device, but know that sooner or later I will need to do a manual insertion. What if I leave the inserter at home or it breaks?
I manually inserted Sils for years, but I've read lots of horror stories about kinked Quick-sets. So, what advice can you give me for manually inserting a Quick-Set successfully?

On a related note, I've emailed Minimed to see if they plan to offer a set similar to the Unomedical Inset (with the disposable inserter) and emailed Unomedical to see if they plan to offer a Paradigm-compatible Inset. No word from either yet. Anyone else know anything?

Thanks for your help!

Becky
T1 since 1998
Pumping since 1999

[kgm0612]

Becky...........I am dependent on the inserter also and carry a "back-up" inserter in my tote bag for those "just-in-case days".

I went on the pump last December and was never taught by the pump trainer how to manually insert an infusion set. I've been told by friends on the different boards that I belong to that you just "slap it on", but I've yet to try it. You would think Mini Med would have a video section on their website showing how to manually insert.........I've looked but couldn't find anything.

Karen

[camjen1]

Hi Becky,

I insert my Quick Sets manually and rarely have had a kinked cannula. I accidentally threw my serter away and had to manually insert for 3 years now.

What I do is put the tip of the needle in and then I actually twist it side to side until I feel a slight pop and then it slides right in. I also sometimes get the tip of the needle in and I tap the top of it with my finger as if I were hammering a nail in a wall. Both of these methods work for me but might not work for others.:)

[spike]

I manually inserted Sils for years, but I've read lots of horror stories about kinked Quick-sets. So, what advice can you give me for manually inserting a Quick-Set successfully?


Thanks for your help!

Becky
T1 since 1998
Pumping since 1999


Pinch your skin just a bit, and insert QUICKLY.

[RLK]

Thanks for your helpful suggestions everyone!
I guess I just need to bite the bullet and try it, though I admit to being nervous about the "quickly" part. I was definitely one of those "slow-and-steady" types when I was inserting Sils manually.

[spike]

Thanks for your helpful suggestions everyone!
I guess I just need to bite the bullet and try it, though I admit to being nervous about the "quickly" part. I was definitely one of those "slow-and-steady" types when I was inserting Sils manually.

When you insert slowly, the skin can deform around the needle, causing the potential for the cannula to not fully seat.

[poodlebone]

I used the Serter for the first 6 months or so. I started having problems with kinked cannulas and decided to try inserting manually. I stood up, pinched up some skin and just slapped it in. It was like giving an injection with my old Humalog pen, straight in, very quick. I still had problems with the kinked cannulas and inserting manually or with the Serter made no difference. I was using the 9mm Quick-Sets, got some samples of the 6mm and still had problems.

I switched to Sils in January and used that Serter for the first couple of months, then started to do it manually. I insert them manually all the time now, both the original 17mm cannulas and the newer, shorter 13mm ones.

[spike]

. I insert them manually all the time now, both the original 17mm cannulas and the newer, shorter 13mm ones.

<g> Liz, you are one tough cookie!!

[RLK]

I switched to Sils in January and used that Serter for the first couple of months, then started to do it manually. I insert them manually all the time now, both the original 17mm cannulas and the newer, shorter 13mm ones.

I think that the Sil-serter is evil! I could never seem to hold it steady and was terrified of it wiggling while I was inserting or try to disconnect it from the set. I never really used it more than a handful of times. At least the Quick-serter is nice and stable against my skin.

How do you like the short Sils? I read somewhere that only the cannula is shorter, but the insertion needle is still 17mm long, and that it contributed to kinking problems.

[poper77]

I am having similar problems inserting with the quick sets. I currently use the Silhouettes with insertion device, so minimed sent me samples and for some reason when trying to manually insert the quickset it didn't want to go in...I am one of those slow insertion people, even when I was on the multiple injections regime I always gave my shots slowly. When the nurse set me up, we did a manual insertion of the silhouette and it was horribly painful (and too close to muscle) and I had a mini-anxiety attack afterwards:vollkomme . I have ordered the insertion tool for the quick sets and more samples to see if they hurt less... but I too am screwed if I have to do it manually

[spike]

I have ordered the insertion tool for the quick sets and more samples to see if they hurt less... but I too am screwed if I have to do it manually

Have you considered trying the Sure-T's? They are much easier to insert than a cannula and I find them very comfortable (I can't tolerate the Sils). I used to use the QS until they kept kinking up on me this year.

[poper77]

I was also sent sure-t's as a sample, but haven't mustered up the confidence to try inserting them....I am a chicken!:frown:

[spike]

I was also sent sure-t's as a sample, but haven't mustered up the confidence to try inserting them....I am a chicken!:frown:
Trust me, the reality is BETTER than the anticipation. They are SO easy to insert. They were made primarily for children, actually. That's why there is no long tubing option.

[butterflykisses]

I threw away my inserter too!!! Of course I realized it was gone, it was time to change out the set. So...I just looked at the instructions that come in the box. I actually rather do it manually. I hate the way one side of the serter relaeases, but not the other, and sometimes it just doesn't want to release. Anyway, I insert them manually all the time now, and actually prefer it. The one thing you need to watch, whether inserting it slow or fast, is that it actually goes all the way in. Sometimes the skin will indent with the needle instead of actually penetrating all the way. If you remove the needle with the cannula not fully inserted, it will kink. I pinch up the skin and can usually see that the needle is completely in. Then I give it an extra push to make sure the adhesive around the cannula is fixed to the skin, smooth the adhesive down and then remove the needle. I can't say that I haven't had problems with the sets kinking, but I had problems with inserting even WITH the serter.

[poodlebone]

I think that the Sil-serter is evil! I could never seem to hold it steady and was terrified of it wiggling while I was inserting or try to disconnect it from the set. I never really used it more than a handful of times. At least the Quick-serter is nice and stable against my skin.

How do you like the short Sils? I read somewhere that only the cannula is shorter, but the insertion needle is still 17mm long, and that it contributed to kinking problems.

I was scared to death of the Sil-Serter when I first saw it but the thought of manual insertion scared me even more. That device definitely looks like it was made by aliens to use for probing the humans they kidnap. I started manual insertion because the Serter really only works well on less flabby areas, so I couldn't use it on my lower abdomen.

I think that you've got the shorter Sil info backwards. The cannula is actually the same length but more of it is in the hub, not going under your skin. The needle is shorter. I have not had a Sil (long or short) kink yet. I have had to remove a couple when I picked a bad spot for insertion and hit something I shouldn't have but that's user error.

[poodlebone]

I was also sent sure-t's as a sample, but haven't mustered up the confidence to try inserting them....I am a chicken!:frown:
Oh, they're super easy. You won't believe how tiny the needle is!

[poodlebone]

<g> Liz, you are one tough cookie!!
When my CDE first told me to switch to the Sils, she said she would have to show me how to insert them manually. She said that once I received them from MM I should call her to set up a training appointment. When I got them, I saw that MM had also sent the serter so I asked the CDE why I couldn't just use that. She said she didn't think it was reliable and hurt more than a manual insertion, but if I wanted to try then go ahead. I did try the serter, with my eyes closed once I got it pressed against my skin. It really didn't hurt and was very fast. I kept using it on my leaner areas but ran into problems when using my lower abdomen - it was going in too deep no matter how I held it. I finally decided to try it manually and it took me 3 tries the first time. Now it's a breeze. The only thing that freaks me out is when the needle first punctures the skin. I swear I can hear it make a little "pop" sound.

[notme]

I am one of the people that told KGM how to insert the Quick-set manually. I did not have my quickset inserter one day and had to do the manual application. I didn't have any instructions so I just tried to imitate the action of the inserter. It really was very easy. I put the blue needle part between my fingers and my fingers would serve as the part that pushes the tape against your skin. One quick slap (like the inserter) and it was on. Not much to it really.

[poodlebone]

I am one of the people that told KGM how to insert the Quick-set manually. I did not have my quickset inserter one day and had to do the manual application. I didn't have any instructions so I just tried to imitate the action of the inserter. It really was very easy. I put the blue needle part between my fingers and my fingers would serve as the part that pushes the tape against your skin. One quick slap (like the inserter) and it was on. Not much to it really.
That's exactly how I did it. I did also pinch up some skin with the hand not holding the Serter. But a fast, slapping motion gets it in easily and pain free.

[am1977]

:eek:.. Sorry, the thought of having to insert any set manually really kind of scares me :afraid:. I haven't gotten to the point where I really have had to do this... Frankly, I don't think I would be able to :dontknow:.

[poper77]

I just tried a sure-t (i had a sample) I have to say the needle is smaller and less taunting. I tried to get it in my stomache and the **** thing didn't want to go in. I think i only partially went in, it was hurting a lot so i tried to use a quick, more forcefull push to get it in, and it wouldn't go:secruity: . Since it was primed and ready to go, i tried it on my upper leg/thigh area (i have more fat there) and it went in no problem and I didn't feel a thing!! I am thinking my stomache is just resistant to have infusion sets in it.....

[poodlebone]

I just tried a sure-t (i had a sample) I have to say the needle is smaller and less taunting. I tried to get it in my stomache and the **** thing didn't want to go in. I think i only partially went in, it was hurting a lot so i tried to use a quick, more forcefull push to get it in, and it wouldn't go:secruity: . Since it was primed and ready to go, i tried it on my upper leg/thigh area (i have more fat there) and it went in no problem and I didn't feel a thing!! I am thinking my stomache is just resistant to have infusion sets in it.....

The nice thing about Sure-T's is that if it hurts, you can pull it out and put it somewhere else since it has a metal needle. You'll have to use extra tape to keep it in place but it's much better than wasting a set. The last two Sure-Ts that I used I moved a couple of times each. First one I had on my upper butt and was having high numbers so I kept moving it. Finally decided that area just doesn't work for me at all. Put a new one in my lower belly, it hurt so I moved it and it still hurt, so I moved it again and it was fine. I just used some Hypafix tape to hold it down when I moved it. Hypafix is just like the adhesive used in infusion sets so it's flexible, soft & breathes.

[June91]

:eek:.. Sorry, the thought of having to insert any set manually really kind of scares me :afraid:. I haven't gotten to the point where I really have had to do this... Frankly, I don't think I would be able to :dontknow:.
You haven't lived till you've inserted manually - where's your sense of adventure? :dancing2:

On a more serious note, I never ever had an inserter and am really adept at manual now. Quicksets are the best, but because cannulas tend to kink, try not pinching or insert standing up, then your skin is stretched a bit more.

[am1977]

[QUOTE=June91]You haven't lived till you've inserted manually - where's your sense of adventure? :dancing2:

/QUOTE]

Hmmm, I don't know :dontknow:... still looking for it :captain:...

I know one day I maybe forced to do it manually... like if I forget the serter, but I'm hoping I don't have that experience soon.:ahhhhh:

[RLK]

On a related note, I've emailed Minimed to see if they plan to offer a set similar to the Unomedical Inset (with the disposable inserter) and emailed Unomedical to see if they plan to offer a Paradigm-compatible Inset. No word from either yet. Anyone else know anything?

I have received replies from both companies. Unomedical said that, to their current knowledge, the insetTM will not be made with a Paradigm connector. (Bummer- I really liked the Inset concept.) Medtronic's response was a little more entertaining: "We'll think about it. But have you thought about buying another Quick-serter?"

Yes, I could buy another one....I could buy a lot of things with $25. All of this infusion set stuff has me thinking, do I want a MM Paradigm for my next pump, or do I need to look more closely at an Animas pump next time ? I like my MM pump a great deal, but I don't think that I like this proprietary connection stuff.

Anyone else consider this when selecting a pump?

[jeggeman31]

The only way I was trained by my trainer was to insert manually. I asked hed what that thing was (the inserter) she said it was the old way to do things, and I have been sticking my self every 2 days for the last year! I don't even know how to use an inserter!

[Cyborg]

[QUOTE=June91]You haven't lived till you've inserted manually - where's your sense of adventure? :dancing2:

/QUOTE]

Hmmm, I don't know :dontknow:... still looking for it :captain:...

I know one day I maybe forced to do it manually... like if I forget the serter, but I'm hoping I don't have that experience soon.:ahhhhh:

The Insets come with a disposable inserter for each infusion set. I'm like you, I have enough adventure in my life!

[butterflykisses]

I have received replies from both companies. Unomedical said that, to their current knowledge, the insetTM will not be made with a Paradigm connector. (Bummer- I really liked the Inset concept.) Medtronic's response was a little more entertaining: "We'll think about it. But have you thought about buying another Quick-serter?"

Yes, I could buy another one....I could buy a lot of things with $25. All of this infusion set stuff has me thinking, do I want a MM Paradigm for my next pump, or do I need to look more closely at an Animas pump next time ? I like my MM pump a great deal, but I don't think that I like this proprietary connection stuff.

Anyone else consider this when selecting a pump?
I'm seriously considering going with another pump company with the proprietary connection being at the top of list. Right now I use a 508 and, knock on wood, it's working fine. But sooner or later, hopefully later, I'm going to need a new pump. I have plenty of options right now but am afraid I'll be limited in the future as to what sets I can use if I go with MM again. I've already had a hard time with the QS and Sils, and not one time was I told there were other options when calling customer service. I learned on my own through a brochure and then from people here. I guess we'll see when the time comes. I know one thing, last time I wasn't even aware there were other pump companies besides Minimed! I know better now and will definitely way all the pros and cons of all available. I'm anxious to find out more about the Accu-Chek Spirit.

[spike]

"We'll think about it. But have you thought about buying another Quick-serter?"

?
MM sent me a Quick Serta and a Sil Serta without charge. I didn't even have to ask...I was discussing infusion problems with their tech support people (clinical services dept) when they offered these items. I don't understand why other customers don't get them for free

[spike]

I'm seriously considering going with another pump company with the proprietary connection being at the top of list.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess you haven't tried the Sure-T's. In fact you couldn't have tried them if you don't yet have a Paradigm. Best sets I've used (I've tried them all; even 3rd party). My wife uses the Sure-T's too, and loves them. I see no reason to not use a Paradigm, based on what sets are available to fit them. I think that type of thinking is based on the past, when there were fewer options. and like I mentioned already, there are other types of sets available from 3rd parties.

[butterflykisses]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess you haven't tried the Sure-T's. In fact you couldn't have tried them if you don't yet have a Paradigm. Best sets I've used (I've tried them all; even 3rd party). My wife uses the Sure-T's too, and loves them. I see no reason to not use a Paradigm, based on what sets are available to fit them. I think that type of thinking is based on the past, when there were fewer options. and like I mentioned already, there are other types of sets available from 3rd parties.
I have noticed that you have had lots of positive interactions with minimed, I have not had the same experiences. I have called about the QS and their constant failure. Even the sils, although better, I've had frequent problems with kinking. NEVER did anyone mention an alternative! NEVER! When i complained about the QS they sent me a few samples of the sils. When I called about the sils, they had no suggestions or solutions...except maybe my body needs a break. Now I know there are different sets out there...but i also know there are different pumps too. I haven't made a decision yet, hopefully I won't have to decided anytime soon.

[RLK]

MM sent me a Quick Serta and a Sil Serta without charge. I didn't even have to ask...I was discussing infusion problems with their tech support people (clinical services dept) when they offered these items. I don't understand why other customers don't get them for free

I called once to ask about samples of the Quick-sets. They wanted to charge me something like $5 apiece! Fortunately, my nurse practioner at my clinic was able to hook me up with some trial sets. No, the $5 a set wouldn't break me, but the suggestion didn't do much to foster good will either.

[spike]

I called once to ask about samples of the Quick-sets. They wanted to charge me something like $5 apiece!

I have no explanation for the disparity in service that some MM customers recount in on-line forums. I've been a customer since 1996 and my wife since 1998 and we've had excellent overall service from the clinical services department (the 24 hour hot line). My only complaints with them have been regarding some billing snafus and the infamous reneging of the 511's watertightness rating.

Let me also mention that one set that was not offered to me during my first complaint this year about kinking QS, was the Sure-T(they offered the Sils and inserters during that first of 3 "kinked cannula" calls). I found out about the ST from someone in a forum. Then I called MM to inquire, and they offered to send me 4 free samples, just like they have always done with other samples and inserters. I wish I knew how to respond to those who have not gotten free items. It makes no sense to me, but by the same token, I can only relate what my and my wife's experience with MM has been. I fully believe everyone who has recounted a negative experience, too. :)

[RLK]

I have had excellent service when I called with pump issues (for example, a cracked reservoir window) and when they've worked to get me 100% coverage of my pump from my insurance company. I did go through a rash of billing issues with regards to supplies a couple of years ago, and of course the set issue. It seems like customer service is hit or miss with Minimed, which is a bummer because they make an excellent pump IMHO.