I got my latest shipment of Tandem supplies and instead of receiving their Autosoft 30, which has an automatic inserter, I got small boxes of something called Varisoft, which is a manual insertion.
I feel a tad embarassed to admit that I have never had a manual insertion infusion set in my 10+ years on a Tandem pump. It is nice that these Varisoft sets take up so much less space but I didn’t even know that manual infusion was a thing.
I looked up a youtube video on how to use it and it looks pretty straightforward.
The feature of this manual insertion (and the reason for the products Vari name) is that you can adjust the insertion angle - the auto inserter just puts it in at a 30 degree angle. I don’t know how to adjust the angle as I’ve never done manual insertion.
Just as an fyi - I found out that “Tandem is experiencing a nationwide supply shortage [of auto infusion sets]. Adapthealth hs not been provided with an estimated restock date at this time.”
Time to learn how to use a manual infusion set! It can’t be that hard …
I have only used manual insertion sets (for ~35 years). The variable angle just means you can choose the angle between the insertion needle/cannula and the surface of your skin. This allows you to aim for the subcutaneous fat layer and avoid muscle. I don’t have that much subcutaneous fat so I choose a ~30° angle, give or take 5°. This is the same as what you’d be used to with the Autosoft30. If I feel pain after gentle pressure from the insertion needle, I choose a different site without so many nerve endings near the surface. Some people use ice to numb the site before insertion or a numbing treatment like antiseptic spray with lidocaine, but I just go for it. You’ll be an expert in no time!
I have used the Varisoft (should be VariSting, maybe or Veri Painful, but soft sounds so nice) and found it great for areas with less fat or muscle like the upper abdomen just below my man boobs. The angled insertion means less jerking of the cannula when you press down on it while you are wearing it. The needle and cannula are longer than the 90 degree ones. Works for me as well as the 90 degree ones, but I only wear mine for two days. Only hesitation was how to estimate the angle. Somebody recommended the angle an airplane lands on a runway. Must not be critical since I have never had a failed insertion.
But what kind of supplier just substitutes these for what you had ordered!
I order from CCS medical and thy have a notice that the order may be filled with a different type set. I use XC 90s and the ones I was sent and now using are AutoSoft 90s which for some reason are more difficult to disconnect/reconnect for a shower. I have a box of XCs now because I called and requested XC instead of AutoSoft. The woman I spoke with was familiar with the issue.
This sounds a lot like my OP5 insertion set. Before OP5 i was on a manual Medtronic and as I am VERY lean, i always had a very hard time inserting. With the auto insertion, it is soooo much easier. However, my only problem is that sometimes when I remove it, I find that the location is all bloody
@daisymae I’m pretty sure the “bloodiness” depends on where its inserted, vice the device, taking into account the depth the needle/cannula occupies. Some of us have more surface level veins/arteries than others, so the opportunity of having “bleeder” is higher. Also, the degree of stress on the needle/cannula has an impact (think of how active we are and placement of the device). Also, whether we use any product (like Tegaderm, etc) whether over or under a device to help adhesion or help stabilize the cannula (less movement) or prevent “tunneling” (think of it as back pressure of introduced insulin). I’m sure there many other factors. Of course none of this is intended to say we should be less active, that defeats the purpose; but may help inform where we “plug ourselves in!” Speaking of which, are you still swimming regularly? Swimming is great exercise!
Sadly no. Doing a lot of walking though. The swimming became too painful on my back post surgery, and as much as I love to swim, I had to put a halt on it. Also, a lot has changed significantly in my life, and I have had to make some rather major adaptions (my father is very old and very ill and requires round the clock care. It has been very very sad for me and my family. But I spend time with him almost every day. He seems to not realize I am there with him, but deep down, I know that part of him knows.) Thanks for asking.
Hopefully someone who’s been using the Varisoft for a while can chime in. If it were me, I’d stick with the recommended insertion angle until I got a feel for it.
As some have mentioned about the “sting or painfulness” of insertion, I use an ice cube to numb the area before doing the insertion. No more sting and jab away.
@bostrav59 I have some of the sets you wanted if you want to trade.
I am just trying one now - first insertion didn’t go as well as auto insert (how do you determine how far you stick the needle in?) but I figure I should learn it. And I’ve got an endo appointment in a few weeks so they can coach me too.
I prefer more the TruSteel which is the infusion set in short supply, and is manual, easy to go in at a 90°angle. I have tried the Autosoft 90 That has the auto insertion but I had a few bent tubes.
so I have switched to Varisoft which felt a bit cumbersome at first but after a few months it’s routine, I stay in the abdomen. It’s just one easy push not much after 40+ years injecting.
I like using TagGuard to add extra protection, I have to manually cut a circle to slip on top.
