IV3000question.

[tygr1]

Hi all. I've been pumping for about 9 years now. I started with and continue to use the quicksets and the quickserter from Medtronics.

My question is; where does the IV3000 actually go? I've never recieved any instruction regarding this as they didn't exist when I started pumping.

I would think that if they are designed to go over the top of my setups they would have a hole in the center just like the other adhesives packaged with the infusion set. :confused:

I have also found that they work QUITE well when placed UNDER the infusion set. Sort of a base, if you will, for the infusion set and the adhesive that covers it. I simply inject the quickset right through it. It works really well at helping everything to stick and stay in place. It also is much easier to remove than the other adhesives are when stuck to my skin directly.

Am I crazy? Ok, maybe that's a given, but please help me out here.

[tygr1]

Ok, found an old thread that explains it (NOT). Some people use it under and some use it over their infusion sets.

[fairyblood]

You can also sandwich the set between two iv 3000. I have to say I used IV 3000 12 years ago when I started pumping but I no longer feel the need to use them.

Just figure out what works best for you.

One trick to cutting a good hole in the center is to fold it in half twice and then cut the center in a curve. When you unfold it it should be in the center and a decent circle. :) I find cutting conservative to start helps, you can always cut more.

[tygr1]

Thanks fairyblood. I guess they cAN be used either way, no matter what the intent.

I swear I didn't think they were around 10-12 years ago.

[fairyblood]

IV 3000 was around back then. I remember using it with the sof-set before they even made the quickset. The sof-set didn't have the built in adhesive that more modern sets now have. You had to use something to keep the set in place.

[notme]

I actually cut a small circle (quarter sized) and put the IV3000 under my set. I do this because the set will pull the skin up into the little donut area around the canula and cause scar tissue on my skin. This little round patch not only helps hold the set tighter, but it also stops my skin from being sucked up into this little donut area. Sounds gross doesn't it?

It really works for me. Someone told me about this years ago and I have tried it both ways. the only time I put it on the outside is if I am swimming and need extra hold.

[sarahspins]

I've used IV3000 since I started pumping (2002).. but I think I prefer the Opsite Flexifix tape now.. it seems to be stronger and sticks better... I don't under-tape my sets so I'm not too concerned about sterility. I use this stuff over the "front" end of my Inset 30's to keep the tape stuck, as well as around the edges of my Dexcom sensors to keep that tape from peeling up.

I liked Tegaderm HP for a long time, but I don't know if it's because I ordered a different type last time, or if they've changed it entirely, but it doesn't stick to me for anything anymore.

[SCC]

Funny, I use Tegaderm HP and it's really difficult to get those things OFF when I do a site change! I even use the TacAway to try to get under and edge somewhere to get a start.

The IV3000 were not sticking for me. Weird body chemistry or something. :cool:

[Subby]

Tegarderm HPs still going strong for me. In fact, if a set fails or I want to take it before three days, getting it off is really, really hard. After 3 full days it gets doable. It also does a good job of waxing my chest sometimes... outch, but I guess it kills 2 birds with one stone seeing I need the hair short for sets anyway ;).

I have a whole one underneath, then I have a half with a hole cut out for set on top (but definitely sandwiching the cannula (on the slanted sils), that's the main purpose of the top one for me). This system works fantastically for me. I still need to not get it very wet, or the plastic tends to get rigid, for which I have a few daily tricks.

[Subby]

I actually cut a small circle (quarter sized) and put the IV3000 under my set. I do this because the set will pull the skin up into the little donut area around the canula and cause scar tissue on my skin. This little round patch not only helps hold the set tighter, but it also stops my skin from being sucked up into this little donut area. Sounds gross doesn't it?

It really works for me. Someone told me about this years ago and I have tried it both ways. the only time I put it on the outside is if I am swimming and need extra hold.

What set is that with Nancy? Something like a quickset I take it? With quicksets I did notice a kind of suction effect where the body of the set sat against my skin... never considered it in terms of causing more scar tissue. Makes sense. Thanks for mentioning your trick.

[fairyblood]

I have had the sucked in part with a quick-set become a ring of infection when I left it on for to long. My body is really sensitive though. I scar really easily and I get infections really easily. I never thought that a tape could work as a barrier for sucked in problem but it makes sense.