Tandem T-Slim X2: a sudden rise in Occlusion Alarms

[RobertJ]

I've been using the Tandem T-Slim X2 since June 2024. Most of that time, it's been good. I've had amazing spells of control, such as two weeks with an average time in range of 90%.

In the last few months, it's, gone wrong. I get mystery highs on day three of my sets and the dreaded Occlusion Alarm.

Today was the single worst experience I've had with the pump. I woke up with 12 units to go and bolused to have breakfast. Then, I changed the set. On the train to work, I noticed my readings shoot up. Walking to the office, it reached 16.8mmol/L and the Occlusion Alarm went off.

I carry a spare set in my bag to I changed the set again. I put it in my side and it hurt as it went in. I gave three units because it was 17.1mmol/L. The Occlusion Alarm went off before the dose was complete.

Then I left work and changed the set again when I got home. I put it so far around my back, I couldn't even see it as I inserted it. The Occlusion Alarm went off when I tried to dose.

Then I changed the set again and put it in my stomach area and it hurt a little bit as it went in but no Occlusion Alarm has gone off, and my readings went down to 5.1mmol/L. It still hurts a bit now but I'm leaving it alone because it's working.

I normally put the cannula in my stomach area where I can see it. I am happy to put it further back but, sadly, when I did that today the Occlusion Alarm went off.

How do you get on with site rotations? Does anyone try their arm? I never have but I'm open to anything that will work.

 

[sninge]

I had exactly the same when I first went on the tslim, ( Nov 22 ) it drove me mad, ive been pumping nearly 20 yrs so knew what I was doing but several times when I called air liquid they kept trying to blame user error, eventually I spoke to someone who appreciated it wasn't right and they sent me a replacement pump and the occlusions stopped ( well almost as I still get them if I forget to change sets on time! ) So I would call Tandem and read them your occlusion record that the pump stores and suggest you need a replacement.

 

[EllieM]

So I would call Tandem and read them your occlusion record that the pump stores and suggest you need a replacement.

That's what I would do too.

How do you get on with site rotations? Does anyone try their arm? I never have but I'm open to anything that will work.

As far as site rotations, you are braver than me, I just use my stomach and occasional thighs.

Do you have back up pens to use when the pump is playing up? I've only ever had a couple of occlusion alarms, cured by dekinking my tubing, though I did get a replacement pump earlier this year when the old one had charging and connection issues.

Good luck.

 

[RobertJ]

I have been trying to put the cannula more into my back than stomach but it's not working. I just changed my set and got another occlusion alarm as soon as I tried to dose. So that's the fifth occlusion alarm in two days.

I've lost all confidence.

 

[Hopeful34]

To test if it's a faulty pump, I'd disconnect the pump from my body, and try to dose to see if it still gave an occlusion alarm. You'd need to give the corresponding amount of insulin by pen if the pump does dose ok.

 

[EllieM]

I have been trying to put the cannula more into my back than stomach but it's not working. I just changed my set and got another occlusion alarm as soon as I tried to dose. So that's the fifth occlusion alarm in two days.

I've lost all confidence.

While agree with @Hopeful34 's suggestion I also think you should ring the tandem helpline now. They will probably have a particular sequence of steps/tests they need you to go through before they agree to send you a new pump so you might as well get started on it.