How often change infusion set

[CrazyGramma]

Just wondering how often people change their infusion set. I force myself to change every sunday. Coming from someone who, back in the old days, used to use the same syringe until it was dull, I think I'm doing pretty good. No?

[xMenace]

Every three days, four if I'm venturous.

[Coppernob]

Every three days for me too. I have programmed myself to do that because I was led to believe there is a greater chance of infection if you leave it in for longer periods.

[belyro]

I usually leave mine in for 4-5 days.

[fgummett]

Usually every 3 days, as that matches when my insulin needs refilling anyway... I use about 100u/day. Depending on how well the site is working I have gone as long as 6 days (to save money) but this can sometimes lead to poor absorption and it generally takes longer for that site to heal.

[kgm0612]

Usually every 3 days, but if the site is comfortable and I have insulin left, I'll go 4.

Karen

[RLK]

2.5-3 days for me, sooner if its looking irritated, infected, or plain not working well. I'm taking no chances with infected sites or the development of scar tissue!

[Subby]

2-3 days. They are usually getting a bit troublesome by the end of the 3rd day, so it's not something that is really optional. Even if they seemed ok, I agree with RLK that the apparent risk of nasty infections are sufficient motivation to not go beyond 4 at the most.

You asked, so I'll reply that 7 days seems excessive to me! My reaction is that this may be asking for complications more than a blunt needle, this thing is stuck in you 24/7. Then again you have been pumping 20 years so I assume you have not run into problems?

If I were you, I would do some real research on the actual risks if a site was to actually go septic in a nasty way, seeing as you are so far out of the "convention". Then again, I'm not you. :)

[Mich]

3 days. I have my alarm set for 3 anyway. Every now and then I get busy and it's 4 days.

I change it immediately if it feels tender.

Twice in two years, I've been surpised by the low insulin alarm and realized I've gone longer than that! Never longer than 4.5 or 5 days though.

[Gordonm]

Every 4 days. My resevoir lasts 4 1/2 to 5 days.

[milfordj]

Twice a week, generally every Wed & Sun -- that helps me remember.

[RobiJo]

Usually twice a week. Occasionally longer, but usually when I start seeing unexplained higher numbers or the site starts getting a bit tender.

[CrazyGramma]

Wow, I am not in the norm. I appreciate the challenge Subby. I have a little trouble now and again with compliance. I have always gone 5 -7 days. Interesting - I have really good skin I suspect because I have only had 1 super hideous abcess many years ago. You are correct that they need to be avoided as it was extremely painful and required surgical intervention and I still have an indent at the location on my thigh. As my mission is life currently is to improve control I suspect I am going to see some indicators that I should change more often.

[CrazyGramma]

Just an update folks - have noticed with my intense analysis that I need to change my tube as bg's look like they get wonky for no good reason after 4 days. Drat.

[shabbie]

i change the cannula after three full days, although lately its looking a bit red so perhaps on the third day might be better for me.

my cartridge i only fill with 2ml which lasts me around 7 days.

i never re-use my cartridge or tubing.

[condensr]

2-4 days here. Usually 3. After 3, the site is usually getting a little sensitive, and the stink of the insulin (from the tubing itself) is unbearable to me. Yes, I have a cursedly sensitive nose..

[CrazyGramma]

Interesting, my daughter tells me that insulin stinks.

[Subby]

Ooh yep it does, I find it stinks if I have some kind of spill. To smell it from the tubing.... that is a very sensitive nose, you should become one of those professional "smellers" of perfumes and such, condensr.

[UpNorth]

About every 2-2.5 days. That's when my insulin runs out anyways, so might aswell change it all then instead of just leaving the site for another day and just refill :T

[kazza]

I usually change every 3-4 days but due to $ issues as of late have found the Cleo set to be good to go for a week. The comfort doesn't do so well for that long...

[mooredge]

Every 3-4 days for me. Also, I would recommend the Cleo infusion set too. I recently switched to that from the Silhouette style that went in at an angle. One huge advantage of the Cleo is that since it goes straight in, the canula doesn't have to be as large as the angled type, thus decreasing the amount of scar tissue buildup.

[Jan B]

Every 3 days. But I only change the tubing when changing the reservoir, which lasts me about 9 days. I wonder if I should change the tubing more often . . . I have quite a collection.

[notme]

I have started making myself change every three days by putting less insulin in the reservoir. I have pushed it to five days and after the fourth day, my numbers start to go way up. So.....less insulin in the reservoir is a good way to force me to change it. I hate changing a good site.

And YES, insulin stinks.