[spike]

Just installed my first Sil. What an intimidatingly long needle! I ALMOST neglected to remove the needle cover...that would have been undoubtably a VERY painful mistake! I'm not convinced this is going to be my "go to" set, as I've been using Quick Sets since I got the 515 a year ago and Soft Sets for the prior 8 years.

I'll post again no later than a couple of days, regarding comfort. My quick sets almost never hurt in the least.

[duck]

The Unomedical "Comfort" set's needle is about 1" long, probably a little longer. The first time I had to use one, I was ready to cry, and I thought I was used to needles. I guess the MiniMed "serter" for their sofsets spoiled me.

Anyway, I like this set a lot better than the sofsets...They stick better, they require less maintenance (no tape). But they seem to leave an ugly little scar much longer than the sofsets ever did. Oh, and it takes about ten minutes start to finish to change these out, sofsets always took me at least 15 minutes or so.

Anyway...Keep us posted on how the Sil works out for you.

[spike]

Originally Posted by duck

The Unomedical "Comfort" set's needle is about 1" long, probably a little longer. The first time I had to use one, I was ready to cry, and I thought I was used to needles. I guess the MiniMed "serter" for their sofsets spoiled me.

Anyway, I like this set a lot better than the sofsets...They stick better, they require less maintenance (no tape). But they seem to leave an ugly little scar much longer than the sofsets ever did. Oh, and it takes about ten minutes start to finish to change these out, sofsets always took me at least 15 minutes or so.

Anyway...Keep us posted on how the Sil works out for you.

Speaking of set changing time, I usually do a set change in around 4 minutes. That's with the Quick Set and Paradigm pump.

I'll look for scarring with this Sil. Thanks for pointing out that possible complication.

[lelggren]

I have been using my quicksets ever since I was first on the pump, and I have never inserted it without the quickserter. I think that I too would be intimidated by inserting one manually. Although, I may have to one day because I've gotten to learn more, through my job, about the different sets that are available. My curiousity just might make me try one.....tears or not....lol Please do update us on how you like the silhouette. I hope they are great for you!

[spike]

Originally Posted by lelggren

I have been using my quicksets ever since I was first on the pump, and I have never inserted it without the quickserter. I think that I too would be intimidated by inserting one manually. Although, I may have to one day because I've gotten to learn more, through my job, about the different sets that are available. My curiousity just might make me try one.....tears or not....lol Please do update us on how you like the silhouette. I hope they are great for you!

It's only been in about 30 minutes and I already don't like it! When I touch it, it stings a bit. Quick Sets are totally painless for me. If I don't have repeated episodes of bent cannulas, I'll stick with the QS. I'll give this until tomorrow and if it hurts, I'll follow my own advice of removing a painful set. It doesn't hurt unless I gently touch the insertion area. I can mash on a QS with tremendous pressure and not feel a thing.

[spike]

Originally Posted by spike

Just installed my first Sil. What an intimidatingly long needle! I ALMOST neglected to remove the needle cover...that would have been undoubtably a VERY painful mistake! I'm not convinced this is going to be my "go to" set, as I've been using Quick Sets since I got the 515 a year ago and Soft Sets for the prior 8 years.

I'll post again no later than a couple of days, regarding comfort. My quick sets almost never hurt in the least.

I just pulled out the Sil set. I couldn't stand it anymore. It bothered me just like the old bent needles I tried years ago when I started pumping. I'm back to the Quick Sets. I'm in awe of anyone who finds the Sil bearable!

[CptHowdy]

Originally Posted by spike

I just pulled out the Sil set. I couldn't stand it anymore. It bothered me just like the old bent needles I tried years ago when I started pumping. I'm back to the Quick Sets. I'm in awe of anyone who finds the Sil bearable!

It's strange what we learn to tolerate. When I first got the MM715 Medtronics was "backlogged"(?) on everything but the Sils which is what they sent. The Rep told me I could order which ever set I wanted in the future as there should be no supply problem. Here it is a year or so later and I still order the Sils,,can't imagine using anything else.

It is a long needle, but after 15 years as a Paramedic and inserting garden hose size cannulas into folks it doesn't look so big. Regardless I guess it's payback time for me

[am1977]

I wince just thinking about the Silhouettes . I did not find them comfortable at all and the needle to insert the cannula was so long. Kind of scary! .

Quicksets are much better for me- and they don't hurt as much when time comes to change sites

[chumtochatwith]

Well, I have been pumping for about a month now. I started with the silhouette infusion sets and have found them quite comfortable. You have to remember that the needle doesn't all go into your flesh, just the first inch or so. I had a few problems with scar tissue at first but I think that I have gotten that all figured out. I just feel more comfortable having a flexible canula in me that doesn't go in too deep and can move with me.
Hope that you find one that you like!
Chumtochatwith

[spike]

Originally Posted by CptHowdy

It's strange what we learn to tolerate. When I first got the MM715 Medtronics was "backlogged"(?) on everything but the Sils which is what they sent. The Rep told me I could order which ever set I wanted in the future as there should be no supply problem. Here it is a year or so later and I still order the Sils,,can't imagine using anything else.

It is a long needle, but after 15 years as a Paramedic and inserting garden hose size cannulas into folks it doesn't look so big. Regardless I guess it's payback time for me

It's not so much the visual, as the RESULT. The darn thing got sore and burned right away. I left it in a few hours and then realized it wasn't going to become comfortable by waiting. The QS, like the SS, are totally painless for me. Again, I'm in awe of anyone who can tolerate wearing a Sil.

[RobB]

I've been using the SIL for about a year now. When I started using it, the inserter was available so I didn't mind it. The key is to make sure you select the angle correctly. I used the SoftSet before the SIL and I don't think the SIL is any more uncomfortable. With the SoftSet, I had to apply additional tape to get it to stay, especially on hot sweaty days. No problem with the SIL. That being said, I had then and still have problems with BG right after I make the insertion and reservoir changes. Some times it takes 4 hours or so before my BG starts to level off. For example, this AM my BG was 77. I changed the pump and had breakfast. I bolused for the breakfast (about 35 grams) using the bolus wizard on my MM 712. 2 1/2 hours later my BG was 277! I corrected and 2 hours later it was 188.

[CptHowdy]

Originally Posted by spike

What an intimidatingly long needle! I ALMOST neglected to remove the needle cover...

You'll only do that once!! The last batch I received from MM have a grey cover on the needle in lieu of the clear. Makes it a little easier to remember.