Yet another pump question

[nonnymouse]

Thank you people for being so patient and helpful to me.

My husband asked how often you have to clean, and HOW do you clean your pump? He is thinking of getting the Minimed one.

Also, how often do you have to change your infusion sets?

Once again, thanks so much :)

Susan

[Alaska]

Depends on how fast ya go through the insulin. Mine usually lasts 4 days before I run low in insulin and have to change the set out.
How often do I clean it??
I'm suppose to clean it? :D

Dave

[Shalyndria]

Hi Susan :) I'm glad we can be of some help to you; keep those questions coming!

I think my pump is self-cleaning (kinda like my oven but without the thousand degree temp :p ). I only ever really have to wipe the display screen clean of finger prints, although occasionally I will give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth if I remove the clip, or blow on recessed parts to remove any fuzzies or accumulated whatever. As far as I'm aware, today's pumps don't require any of that type of regular maintenance.
I have the minimed myself (paradigm 512) and I love it!

I think that changing of sites is a YMMV thing; I can only wear mine for about two days (three if I'm lucky) before the site breaks down and insulin absorption decreases. I believe that most infusion set suppliers recommend wearing a set between 48 and 72 hours, but I know of people who can go longer than that. In the end it's a 'per body' thing.

Sounds like things are progressing well for your husband, Susan. Good luck and keep us posted!

Shy

[dpav]

Hello
I have had my pump for about three years and I have not really had to do any real cleaning of the pump. But Mini Med has sent with the pump a small brush that I can use to clean the screw drive threads with. That is all I have ever done. Except like Shy, I have cleaned the screen from finger prints on occasion.

As far as changing the site; I, like Shy, have had a need to change after 2 days of use due to lack of absorption of insulin. Sometimes I get 3 days with it. But I have been a little frustrated with the absorption problem, which is rare and a bit new.

All of the work needed to run and use the pump is really quite easy to do. Just put it on and forget your diabetic, as far as the steady upkeep is concerned.
I hope this is helpful a little.
Don

[nonnymouse]

You've all been very helpful yet again. Thank you so much!

My husband's doc must've learned about pumps in the stone age, because they are definitely much easier to use from what you've told me ;)

As I've said, my husband hasn't been to the new doc yet because he has to see the regular doc when the doc gets back from vacation in early July, but you better believe I'm going to make an appt with the new endo ASAP after that! :)

[overclock]

I had an idea one day.

I got some nasty scratches on my pump screen. I started to cry. Then I thought, "I could put one of those LCD screen covers for the digital cameras on my pump screen. That would prevent the scratches." DUH! I haven't done it yet. I just moved and have yet to find the plastic films. I have some for a PDA screen that will work wonderfully. That would also cut down on the fingerprints and key scratches.

As for cleaning the pump itself, I just run mine thru the dishwasher every couple of months to keep it nice and shiny.
JUST KIDDING! Relax.

I will clean my pump by simply running an alcohol pad over it every year or so. My pump stays pretty clean because I wear it in my pants pocket. I had a friend sew some large buttonholes in the inside of the pocket so I can just run the tube underneath my clothing. Very nice.

[TonyAlmeida]

I have a minimed Paradigm 712 ....

There's no cleaning to it. You wipe the finger prints off the LCD screen. That's about it. My battery lasts about 2 months before changing - but I do not use the wireless blood glucose tester which chews up the battery quickly. (Would like to use it so I wouldn't have to punch in the BG numbers on the pump all the time .... but alas, my insurance does not cover BD LOGIC test strips ..... just ACCU-**** ... er ... Chek).

Wouldn't advise showering or swimming with it on - the 712s are water proof but not water tight. For the length of time you shower - the disconnect won't hurt you.

I also try not to get the infusion site wet ..... the adhesive will sometimes let go as it dries out and you'll have to reinforce it using stretch-roll tape.

I run mine 3 days - then. At 4 pm, I change sites. Then I have 2 full days, the 3rd day I change at 4pm - right before dinner so that when I bolus for a full meal, I can see if the site is going to fail.

A few words about MiniMed - ever since their QuickSet fiasco - their tech support has been very VERY nice on the phone since the FDA paid them a visit .....

A few words about the Quickset Mfg. in Mexico .... seems to be a lot of bent inducer needles/cannulas in the sealed packages/boxes again. If you get any, don't try to straighten them and use them (their base is usually cracked) .... call MiniMed right away - they're trying to track down the production problem and willl send you 2 new QuickSets for each one that was bent in manufacturing.