Any Fellow Pumpers Like Needle Infusion Sets?

[Dewey]

Hi Everyone,

Just curious if there are any fellow pumpers who like the needle type infusion sets (i.e. Rapid D, Contact, Polyfin)? If so, are there specific reasons you like it better than a cannula?

[David]

I occasionally use Rapid-Ds, I can't say I like them better than cannula-type sets (I usually use Quicksets), but they do have a few advantages.
Absorption is more dependable. You don't get kinked needles like you sometimes get with cannulas. Needles are less likely to clog than cannulas. If you're allergic to teflon, a needle may be all you can use (unless you're allergic to the metal needle too). The needle is thinner and shorter than a cannula's introducer needle, about the same as an insulin syringe needle. They're less expensive than cannula sets and if you're in a real financial pinch, needle sets can be reused (not something I'd recommend, but it's possible). I've never heard of anyone successfully reusing cannula sets.
You didn't ask for cons, but I'm more likely to feel a needle, especially if it's in an area that bends, like my abs. I prefer to use Rapids in my thighs or arms.
David

[Shalyndria]

I haven't ever used the needles-type sets, although the Polyfins are going to be available soon for the Paradigms (or so I've heard) and I'm going to try them. Just because I have to try everything :)

Just a quick :topic: note...
David, I have talked to people who've reused the cannula sets (I talked Kat into trying it lol and I think she did). The trick is getting the tape to stick again :rolleyes:

Shy

[Katjic]

Yes I did reuse my set lol (only once), and I don't think I will ever do that again. It is posible yes, and you have to tape the set again, but I don't think its worth the trouble. It is very hard to put the introducer needle back into the cannula and it's also very risky you damage it and not even know it.

As for the needle based infusion sets, I don't think I would like to try them. How could you bee confortable wearing a needle inside you?? I mean cannula is flexible at least, but the needle??:confused:

Shy, let me know what you think about it ok??:p

[David]

"I've never heard of anyone successfully reusing cannula sets."
Well, I guess I'll be changing my story then. How'd it go Kat?
I don't bother trying to get the tape to restick, I smooth it as much as I can and put some IV3000 tape over it. I cut a hole in the IV3000 for the tubing to get out. Some Mastisol would make the old tape stick tho.
Putting the intro-needle back thru the cannula without tearing it is critical and I suppose a used cannula would be weakened and more likely to kink.
David

[Shalyndria]

Originally posted by Katjic
Shy, let me know what you think about it ok??:p
Will do Kat, I think I probably owe you one :D

David,
I've considered trying IV3000 beneath and on top of my sets. Anything I should know?

Shy

[David]

Shy, I've never used IV3000 beneath a set, so can't think of much to say. I know that some use it beneath because of allergy to or sticking problems with their set's own tape. I think you can put the needle thru the IV2000, no hole needed there.
Re the IV3000 on top: make sure the hole you cut is large enough to accomodate your disconnect, otherwise you'll have to pull back the tape. Fold the tape over to cut the hole. Read the tape's directions and practice a couple times so you're comfortable applying it too.
David

[Shalyndria]

David,
Ironically enough, not long after posting my previous thread, my site (changed today) actually lifted!! First time that's ever happened :eek: Luckily enough the cannula stayed in. But I was forced to tape my set down (fortunately I work in a health centre-so many supplies at my disposal ;) ) with a product called "Op-site" (a transparent polyurethane wound dressing). I even folded and cut :) It's working beautifully. And the LPN gave me a roll of the stuff so I don't have to buy it :D

OK sorry for going off topic guys.
Shy

[Dewey]

Surprisingly, the needles never bother me. I've been using the Disetronic Rapid D sets (10mm), and really love them. I also like the bent needle, but not the Contact (tape issues). They really don't hurt and I often forget that the set's in, unless I've hit a bad spot. For the times I do hit a bad area, I just remove it and re-insert in another location.

I've re-inserted the introducer needle into cannulas when needed a few times (so I wouldn't waste a set after hitting a sore spot), but like Kat said, it can be risky and the absorption might get affected.

One interesting thing I have found is that since I have been using only the needle type sets, my blood sugars have stayed even more level and I've required less insulin - Yea!! :D

Shy, please let us know when you try the bent needle set (If you want to try it sooner than they release it, and can get a hold of a bent needle set for a 508, you can use the bottom half of the bent needle QR set, and the top half of a Paradigm QR Sof-Set - just make sure they are both QR - just an idea)... ;)

Thanks everyone for all the input! It's cool to hear other's experiences! :D

[Shalyndria]

OK I may have to rethink this...

You say 10 mm Dewey?!? Whoa now I have no problem injecting with a needle that length, but having one in place eeek :eek: I'm not too sure about that! I can't find the length of the polyfin sets darn it but if they're that long well I just don't know.

Shy

[Dewey]

Hey Shy

The Rapid D sets I use come in 6,8 and 10mm (and I use the 10mm).
But, if I remember correctly (it's been a little while since I've used them), the Bent Needle sets are less invasive than the Silhouettes. They are angled, so it is almost like using a Silhouette but leaving a (smaller gauge) needle in place. I hope this helps and sorry if I scared you... :(
I've also been interested in checking out the Inset you posted about in the other thread, but didn't see them available yet. Those look pretty neat, and I'm always up for trying something new! :D

[Shalyndria]

The Rapid D's are 90 degrees and not angled sets like the Polyfin, right? Boy I would love to be able to try one of those. Do you know, Dewey, if there's a risk of tunneling with the non-angled metal sets like there is with my Quick's? I tend to prefer my Silhouette's for predictabilty of absorption over my Quick's for that reason.

I'm going to call Medtronics of Canada this week and find out 1) What lengths the Polyfin needle is measured at and 2) Whether it's available for the Paradigm in Canada as of yet. Then I'll probably give it a go ;) as long as the needle isn't too long. Angled insertion or not, I don't think I have enough sub-q adipose tissue for 10 mm of needle. Yikes.
Hmmm though, I wonder if a needle set would be uncomfortable in my breast...

Anything else I can ask for anyone when I call Minimed?

Thanks for the words of encouragement Dewey :)
Shy

[Dewey]

Hi Shy,

Sorry I haven't replied in a few days. This is chemo week for a family member I'm caring for, so we spend a lot of time at the hospital.

Truthfully, I'm not sure if there is as much risk of tunneling with the Rapid-D sets, but it may vary from user to user. I've never really experienced that and have had fewer highs on both the Rapid D's and Polyfin. Though the Polyfin are longer, they seem to do really well with absorption and seem to last longer than cannulas. On the Disetronic website, there's some decent info. about the needle and cannula lengths: Disetronic Sets (http://www.disetronic.com/disetronic.asp?menuId=4&languageId=2)

Hope this helps. From the looks of it, the Classic needle is shorter than the Tender (a.k.a. Silhouette), but they are both even longer than I realized! :eek:

Please let us know if Medtronic have the Polyfins available or are planning to release them. Last year (when I was still on the Paradigm), I asked Minimed (in the US) to carry them, but never saw them released. :(

[Shalyndria]

Hey, no problem Dewey. Life calls :) Hope your family member is holding out with teeth bared ;)

Unfortunately (as I'm sure you're aware) my 512 won't take any infusion sets except for minimed's. A slight irritant, as it might have been handy to try the Disetronic sets. Oh well, c'est la vie!

I haven't called Medtronics yet oops :rolleyes: man I hate being two hours behind the game lol. I'll try to give them a call tomorrow. Another opportunity for free stuff hehe.
Oh, it says in the American newsletter that minimed publishes, that the Polyfin sets are already available for Paradigms (in the US).

Shy

[Dewey]

Oh, it says in the American newsletter that minimed publishes, that the Polyfin sets are already available for Paradigms (in the US).

Thanks for the info. on the newsletter. I was surprised to see that Polyfins are now available for the Paradigms, as I was only checking their online store for updates (and not the newsletters). :rolleyes:
Oddly, the online store doesn't show that they are available yet. :confused:
Anyhow, it's good to see that they've finally been released, and hopefully Canada will have them available soon as well. :)

We are getting through the cancer pretty well so far, and he only has about 5 more chemo treatments to go. Yea! :D We go to the doctor tomorrow for another checkup, x-rays and CT scans to see how well it has been working. Thanks so much for your kind wishes, and I'll pass them along to him. :)
Good luck tomorrow with Medtronics. :) Here's hoping you'll get some more free stuff, too...lol ;) Thanks again for the info.