Pump is not working out as planned....

[Cielo]

It’s a week now that Adam has been on the pump and he’s encountered three situations where he’s had his sugars skyrocket out of the blue.

1. Day 2 – He would bolus but his body would seemingly not absorb the insulin, resulting in high readings.

2. Day 5 – There was an air bubble in the tubing causing Adam to not get the proper dosages of insulin b/c his insulin would shoot up out of nowhere.

3. Day 5/Day 6 – Adam changed his site on the morning of Day 5. He ate lunch and everything went well. He then ate dinner and his sugars shot up to the 300s. He took three corrections during that night b/c he couldn’t get his sugars down. In the morning of Day 6, his sugars were really low. After a late breakfast he changed his site b/c it’d been really sore since the night before (Day 5) and was uncomfortable. Note that the site before was perfect, no pain, no discomfort. With the painful site, boluses were felt with searing and burning sensations. When he pulled the cannula out, it was bloody. We think that he wasn’t receiving insulin with this painful site resulting in his highest BG reading in about 5-6 years (it was 400).

Adam is a very careful and cautious diabetic so these readings are freaking us out. We understand that it takes awhile to get used to the pump and make the changes in order to get ones sugars just where they need to be. But we’ve SEEN these great readings and we’ve SEEN that his sugars have been stabilized. It’s these problems that pop up out of nowhere that are causing these crazy readings. If these problems are just a part of being on the pump, maybe the pump isn’t for Adam. He is starting to really worry and these readings are scary….he’s thinking maybe he should get back on MDI. He feels that he had better control then…he wasn’t able to control his DP but he never had the really high readings.

So please, any advice would be appreciated….To pump or not to pump???

[ricardo]

It’s a week now that Adam has been on the pump and he’s encountered three situations where he’s had his sugars skyrocket out of the blue.

1. Day 2 – He would bolus but his body would seemingly not absorb the insulin, resulting in high readings.

2. Day 5 – There was an air bubble in the tubing causing Adam to not get the proper dosages of insulin b/c his insulin would shoot up out of nowhere.

3. Day 5/Day 6 – Adam changed his site on the morning of Day 5. He ate lunch and everything went well. He then ate dinner and his sugars shot up to the 300s. He took three corrections during that night b/c he couldn’t get his sugars down. In the morning of Day 6, his sugars were really low. After a late breakfast he changed his site b/c it’d been really sore since the night before (Day 5) and was uncomfortable. Note that the site before was perfect, no pain, no discomfort. With the painful site, boluses were felt with searing and burning sensations. When he pulled the cannula out, it was bloody. We think that he wasn’t receiving insulin with this painful site resulting in his highest BG reading in about 5-6 years (it was 400).

Adam is a very careful and cautious diabetic so these readings are freaking us out. We understand that it takes awhile to get used to the pump and make the changes in order to get ones sugars just where they need to be. But we’ve SEEN these great readings and we’ve SEEN that his sugars have been stabilized. It’s these problems that pop up out of nowhere that are causing these crazy readings. If these problems are just a part of being on the pump, maybe the pump isn’t for Adam. He is starting to really worry and these readings are scary….he’s thinking maybe he should get back on MDI. He feels that he had better control then…he wasn’t able to control his DP but he never had the really high readings.

So please, any advice would be appreciated….To pump or not to pump???


Number one: get ahold of his endo and explain what's going on.

Number two: You probably didn't get him a MiniMed pump, right? The other pumps will cause burning during bolusing due to too-fast infusion rates.

Don't be so quick to give up on pumping. Explain all your concerns ASAP to Adam's doc. Something you guys are doing is going awry; find out what it is and FIX it; don't just GIVE UP.

You should be taught how to properly purge the line and reservoir so that air bubbles are of no consequence. It's not all that difficult, once you are shown how.

I'm not gonna try to diagnosis what's wrong...

[duck]

There is a learning curve, yes. And some people do not do well on a pump, let's get that out on the table now. But from what I read about Adam here, he is not typical of those who do not do well on a pump.

Now, is Adam really thin? I'm not, so I can pick nice, comfy insertion sites at will since I can "pinch and inch" in a lot of places. :whistling And I was just thinking today that for whatever reason, I am much more comfortable with certain sites than I was when I first starting pumping...I don't know if I am just better at inserting (but how do you get better?) or if my nerves are dead (I very much doubt that), but that's my observation.

When I started pumping, I seemed to kink my insertion sets a lot--That would lead to highs. I also seemed to have air bubbles get caught a lot in the quick disconnect, and that would lead to highs. I've learned to eyeball the entire length of my tubing to make sure there are no air bubbles.

Don't give up yet. Have your "backup" insulin ready at all times in case the pump seems to be not working correctly, but I am a firm believer that the pump is the best treatment method out there for Type 1's.

[Cielo]

Yea, we're not ready to give up yet....we want to be on the pump until Adam is comfortable with it and has given it a REAL try. And I know that it's only been a week so we have to learn as we go. But Duck, your post reminded me of something else...the cannula when it was pulled out was bent at the tip...does that make a difference?

[duck]

Yea, we're not ready to give up yet....we want to be on the pump until Adam is comfortable with it and has given it a REAL try. And I know that it's only been a week so we have to learn as we go. But Duck, your post reminded me of something else...the cannula when it was pulled out was bent at the tip...does that make a difference?

Yup. That's kinda what I meant by (I don't know if) I am better at inserting now...Initially, I was bending, kinking insertion sets at least twice a month. I seem to recall initially it was not a problem, but after a day sugars would rise slowly, etc. Also, initially, I often would remove a "bad" set, examine it and notice *something* lodged into the canula--I don't get that as much anymore.

What kind of "inserter" do you use with the Animas?

[Dewey]

Yea, we're not ready to give up yet....we want to be on the pump until Adam is comfortable with it and has given it a REAL try. And I know that it's only been a week so we have to learn as we go. But Duck, your post reminded me of something else...the cannula when it was pulled out was bent at the tip...does that make a difference?
Hi Cielo, and sorry to hear Adam's having some trouble. :( The bent tip of the cannula is just as Duck had described (kinked). It will result in high readings and such, and unfortunately, No pumps are able to detect that kind of problem (whereas they can detect occlusions in the line and such). Another possibility might be to ask Adam's endo about trying the untethered regimen. If he's had success on Lantus before, and can do a 75% Lantus/25% pump ratio, his body won't be solely dependent on the basal insulin that he currently receives from the pump. The down side is that if the pump's not working properly, he may not know it until he goes to bolus for a meal, etc. This is something I'm going to ask my endo about trying, as I want to fine tune sugars as much as possible, and can only do so well with the pump alone. I sure hope things get better, and please hang in there. As Duck said, there is a learning curve. If Adam hasn't already, perhaps trying the slower delivery might help. Some users have had that issue with the Animas (I know I have), whereas with the Deltec, delivery settings can be changed from a time frame of over one to five minutes worth. :thumbsup: Sure hope this helps and hope Adam gets adjusted soon.

[am1977]

Ultimately, the decision to pump or not, is really a personal decision. I've had more than my share of frustrations with pumping (even chosen to take an extended break from the pump) , but I have chosen to stick with it...and I'm relatively happy with that decision.

I think there is definitely a period of adjustment...one needs to find the right basal rate, the right CHO to insulin ratio, the right infusion set, etc. However, once you figure this out...the pump can be an excellent tool in managing diabetes. It allows us diabetics more flexibility and freedom than shots do and that's something I really value. As far as the pump, it definitely isn't a cure-all. I think I had thought that orginally and when I saw that I still had highs and lows...I was very disappointed. The truth is Adam will most likely still see those issues and, unlike shots, trying to find the problem isn't so straightforward. Those bouncing blood sugar readings can result from anything from carb counting errors to problems with infusion sets/sites. You need to be a bit of a detective sometimes to get to the bottom of things. That's another thing that can be frustrating. Not to mention, that there is a fair amount of work involved with pumping. Many pumpers have increased the amount of blood sugar tests they do a day. Also, there's planning involved with managing pump supplies, rotating infusion sites, etc, etc, etc. I would even venture to say that it's more involved than injections.

Like others suggested, the best thing to do would be to continue working with Adam's doctor and diabetes team. You will figure things out :) . If he does decide to return to injections, that's ok too. You have to do what works for you.

Good luck ;)

[Belinda]

as the others have mentioned it takes some time and getting use to. I kink my cannulas on occasion. I have also gone to bed with a 112 and woke up with a 350 where "somehow" their was an occlusion, but since I was asleep I don't get up to check......in the daytime I check more frequently and can catch when this happens....doesn't happen much but it still happens.

Just don't give up!!!!

[Cielo]

If Adam hasn't already, perhaps trying the slower delivery might help. Some users have had that issue with the Animas (I know I have), whereas with the Deltec, delivery settings can be changed from a time frame of over one to five minutes worth. :thumbsup: Sure hope this helps and hope Adam gets adjusted soon.

Dewey, He changed his setting to deliver his insulin slow after reading one of your posts. That helps most of the time. It was really just that one bad site that caused the burning. Thanks for the support and ideas....we'll keep on trucking.

[jeggeman31]

Just wondering what pump does he have ?

[Cielo]

Animas 1250, he uses the Comfort infusion set b/c he's pretty lean, not much fat anywhere.

[jeggeman31]

Animas 1250, he uses the Comfort infusion set b/c he's pretty lean, not much fat anywhere.

Thanks Cielo. I was just wondering, as I go to the ENDO today to talk to him about the pump.

[Cielo]

That's awesome, congratulations! The Animas 1250 is really an awesome pump and the support team behind it is great. They're really supportive and they are always there. Very quick response time. I hope it works out for you!!!!

[Amanda_Jo22]

Cielo,

Congrats on the new pump. I remember when I first started pumping...it was very frusterating! It took me a good month, maybe even two, to really feel completely comfortable. Sorry about the frusterations...it WILL get easier!

A bent cannula is definatly the reason why he couldn't absorb the insulin. You might want to try the insets. You can get the cannula in a smaller size. The nice thing about the insets is the inserter. It makes the insertion much much easier. I use to have several bent cannulas when I used the quick set but I've never had a bent cannula with the inset. You're pump should have come with a sample...you could at least give it a whirl and see how it goes.

Best of luck to you and Adam! I know this time can be really frusterating. Hang in there!

[dixiepixie64]

Cielo, I don't have much to add other than what everyone else has already said...there is a learning curve with pumping. For me, it was about 3-4 weeks before I got my basals and the infusion sites right. You two hang in there and stay in communication with your medical team. I firmly believe it is worth the extra effort and aggravation at the beginning because once you get the hang of it, the results are worth it! Better control and so much more convenient to name a few. :)

[Cielo]

Yea, I don't think we'll be giving up yet. It's too soon and we haven't had a real try with the pump yet. I'm worried that if Adam gets off the pump now and goes back to MDI...we may never get back on the pump. And I do think the pump is best from what I've read on this forum. I do think that it is best to be proactive while on the pump. Adam checks his blood about 10 times a day, if not more. And I think that if there is any discomfort at the site we need to really watch those sugars and if they go up or down for no reason at all we should really think about changing that site out ASAP. Thanks for all of yalls help. We'll just keep on monitoring and talking to his trainer and doctor about what's going on.

[Cielo]

How do you keep air bubbles from getting into the tubing??!?! We keep getting bubbles in there and they're jacking up Adam's BG readings.

[Oradev]

Well, it's day 7 and another problem came about! I ate my normal lunch today at 1:00, and at 2:00 I just decided to check my tubing out. Well, behold, ANOTHER FREAKIN AIR BUBBLE!!!! During my last cartridge fill, I followed all the directions (room temp, make sure all bubbles are out of the cartridge) and this still is happening!!! I don't what else to do. I'm not going to sit here everyday and worry about if I'm absorbing insuling through my site or if my tubing has a problem. It's just not worth it. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[koblenz]

Keep the faith brother and sister! I have only been at this for a few months as well and it is getting easier.

I am on the comfort sets as well; also thin and only use abdomen for the moment. I have not had a bent cannula yet. I only do manual insertion, no automatic inserter. I know the angle of insertion can have a big affect. I actually go in closer to 20 degrees. Maybe this will help??? It did take me a few weeks before I got comfortable with insertion. Those first 8 or 10 I put in, I was a nervous wreck wondering if I did it correctly. I was testing like every hour for the first month or so.

As far as bubbles... I can't say. I have a deltec and I follow the same process as you describe and I have had zero bubbles to date. I know the Animas is a little different so I can't comment. Sorry!

Sounds to me, like you might want to go see your endo/CDE/Pump Trainer and let them know all the problems. It may be something as simple as technique or it could indeed be a more serious issue.

I am hoping (and betting) that in a few weeks, you will be praising the virtues of pumping along with the rest of us!

[ricardo]

Well, it's day 7 and another problem came about! I ate my normal lunch today at 1:00, and at 2:00 I just decided to check my tubing out. Well, behold, ANOTHER FREAKIN AIR BUBBLE!!!! During my last cartridge fill, I followed all the directions (room temp, make sure all bubbles are out of the cartridge) and this still is happening!!! I don't what else to do. I'm not going to sit here everyday and worry about if I'm absorbing insuling through my site or if my tubing has a problem. It's just not worth it. :mad: :mad: :mad:

How big of a "bubble" are you talking about anyway? I've pumped for a decade and haven't been impacted by any bubbles yet. Are you sure you aren't just unhappy with pumping and this is your "excuse" to give it up? some people just have a "thing" against pumping and will conjur up all sorts of roadblocks to continuing the therapy. It's a shame, but if that's how you feel, don't let anyone talk you out of your position. I'd appreciate it if you didn't badmouth pumping to other diabetics who might benefit greatly from pumping. Thank you.

Ricardo

[ricardo]

I'd say 2 inches long each time, around 2 units.



Well, Congratulations!!!!!



This paragraph is great. Yeah, Ricado, I dreamed up my 300 blood sugar today as well as my 400 blood sugar. Come to think of it, I also dreamed up having diabetes!! Please, somebody pinch me so this dream will end.



I've been thrilled to get on the pump, BUT, have been experiencing alot of problems. Never did I say, DO NOT PUMP, or MDI IS BETTER. Yes, I've been experiencing many problems, but that's just me!!!!! That's why I come to the forum, to find help and to sometimes vent! Nobody ever said this was going to be easy, I'm just going to have to try harder.


Here's a quote from your previous post:" I'm not going to sit here everyday and worry about if I'm absorbing insuling through my site or if my tubing has a problem. It's just not worth it"

If I misunderstood you that you were NOT indicating you are giving up on pumping I'M SO SORRY!

You need some additional training from a pump trainer to eliminate 2 inch long "bubbles". You are doing something WRONG. No question.

I never said you "dreamed" up your 300 bg. What I said was that you have a negative attitude. Am I wrong? If so, again I APOLOGIZE! :)

Your comment about congratulating me was condescending; I had posted that information for you to know that what YOU are experiencing is atypical. Try a little less anger and a bit more problem solving to resolve your difficulties. Pumpers don't usually get 2 inch long bubbles in their tubing. Some newbies might the first couple of times, but after that, no.

Good luck, and I hope you find the source of your problems.

Ricardo

[am1977]

Hey one and all...

Let's not start bickering again....PLEASE? :o . Can't we all just agree to disagree about some things? Can't we all just get along :p ...I know we can.

As far as air bubbles go...I'm not sure if that's really the problem (though who am I to say). Adam, you are probably always going to encouter bubbles when dealing with the pump, but it's just trying to avoid the big ones that are important. If they are the size of a two unit bolus of insulin, then yeah, that's too big. If you are seeing champagne sized ones then that's ok. Do you think it has anything to do with your priming technique, resevoir, or infusion set? It may be worth while to call your pump trainer and set up an appointment and have her watch how you prime your pump.

I know it's frustrating, but once you get past this stage, things should get better...

both of you hang in there! ;)

[Dewey]

Throughout the years I've pumped, I've experienced my fair share of bubbles. Sometimes, when I've initially primed a set, I've actually seen insulin go back up into the tubing...I've also had bubble(s) come down the line after the set has been in for a while. Often, what I find helpful to do, is to disconnect and prime the tubing some more to remove the bubble(s)...

I also agree with Am. Please everyone keep in mind that it's really easy to misinterpret what is being "said" over the web.

Here's hoping things look up for you Adam, and hope these tidbits help you along the way. Sorry you were having a bad day.....let's just say it was the extended version of Friday the 13th. ;)

[Oradev]

Pumpers don't usually get 2 inch long bubbles in their tubing. Some newbies might the first couple of times, but after that, no.

Ricardo

Ricardo, I think I would consider myself a newbie considering i've only been on the pump for a week now. And you fired at me first, I was just defending myself. If I offended you, I'm sorry. I don't come here for fights, I come here for answers....

[camjen1]

I don't think its the bubbles at all interfering with the delivery. I have bubbles all the time and even though I try my darnest I still get a few. I think because your basal is still not set right you are going to experience higher sugars for awhile. I think it took about 3 1/2 weeks to get my basals squared.

I think once you get used to it and get your basals done pat you will come back to this thread and laugh.

[ricardo]

Ricardo, I think I would consider myself a newbie considering i've only been on the pump for a week now. And you fired at me first, I was just defending myself. If I offended you, I'm sorry. I don't come here for fights, I come here for answers....

Then what's the argument? :) I SAID that newbies would be the ones to have trouble with bubbles; not veteran pumpers. That translates to DON'T GIVE UP ON PUMPING! :) Bubbles are not a recurring problem. It's just a problem for those who are NEW to the whole process of drawing up insulin in a reservoir and purging the tubing. YOU'LL GET USED TO IT. I'm very pro-pumping, because it deserves it as it's the best course of treatment for many diabetics.

You'll get the hang of it--TRUST ME. <G>

Cheers! Ricardo

[camjen1]

Then what's the argument? :) I SAID that newbies would be the ones to have trouble with bubbles; not veteran pumpers. That translates to DON'T GIVE UP ON PUMPING! :) Bubbles are not a recurring problem. It's just a problem for those who are NEW to the whole process of drawing up insulin in a reservoir and purging the tubing. YOU'LL GET USED TO IT. I'm very pro-pumping, because it deserves it as it's the best course of treatment for many diabetics.

You'll get the hang of it--TRUST ME. <G>

Cheers! Ricardo


Uh I consider myself a Veteran but I still have problems with air bubbles. I disagree with you totally when you say its a newbie problem. Like I stated before I try my darnest to get every bubble out but every once in awhile the bubbles will be there. It also happens alot when I go to lock in the reservoir to the infusion set.

[duck]

I forget: What's the rule of thumb for air in the tube? It's something like 1 inch=5 units or something? Does anyone know what I am talking about?

[koblenz]

Oh, yeah... I don't remember either. Hang on....OK.

43" tube
Prime with 17 units

... so that is like 0.40 units per inch by my math. Anyone know how much you prime in shorter tube lengths... so I can check my math?

[camjen1]

I forget: What's the rule of thumb for air in the tube? It's something like 1 inch=5 units or something? Does anyone know what I am talking about?


Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmm NOPE LOL

Are you talking about for every bubble that is an inch big is equal to losing 5 units? If so that is a pretty big darn bubble.

[ricardo]

Uh I consider myself a Veteran but I still have problems with air bubbles. I disagree with you totally when you say its a newbie problem. Like I stated before I try my darnest to get every bubble out but every once in awhile the bubbles will be there. It also happens alot when I go to lock in the reservoir to the infusion set.

Your comments REALLY, REALLY surprise me. The reservoirs for the Paradigm's pretty much eliminate bubbles if filled properly. You should give Medtronics a call to have them go over the procedure with you.

[duck]

Oh, yeah... I don't remember either. Hang on....OK.

43" tube
Prime with 17 units

... so that is like 0.40 units per inch by my math. Anyone know how much you prime in shorter tube lengths... so I can check my math?

Duh. Forgive my stoopidity, I guess I could have done that too. LOL. :D


Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmm NOPE LOL

Are you talking about for every bubble that is an inch big is equal to losing 5 units? If so that is a pretty big darn bubble.


Yeah, it's just a "rule of thumb"--Hopefully, none of us get that big of a bubble ever.

[camjen1]

Oh, yeah... I don't remember either. Hang on....OK.

43" tube
Prime with 17 units

... so that is like 0.40 units per inch by my math. Anyone know how much you prime in shorter tube lengths... so I can check my math?

Wait a minute, am I not getting something here. I thought when priming your not going to have the exact amount every time. Fixed priming is when you are going to have the set amount. :confused: Or are you just averaging waht you prime to come up with the 0.40?

[koblenz]

Wait a minute, am I not getting something here. I thought when priming your not going to have the exact amount every time. Fixed priming is when you are going to have the set amount. :confused: Or are you just averaging waht you prime to come up with the 0.40?
A little bit of both. The documentation that comes in the box with the sets says 17 units... at least that is what I remember right now... I am at work and don't have access to the little booklet.

You are also correct, that it is NEVER exactly 17... as some can squeeze in before you hit the prime button, and the fact that I let a few drops leak out to make sure I get ALL the bubbles out. I never consider my tubing primed only by the counter on the pump, I always do it visually.

But on average, with my 43" tubing, it starts to drip out the end somewhere around the 17 unit mark. I usually let it go to 19, then stop, then check for air bubbles. This may not be the correct procedure, but it hasn't failed me yet.

[ricardo]

A little bit of both. The documentation that comes in the box with the sets says 17 units... at least that is what I remember right now... I am at work and don't have access to the little booklet.

You are also correct, that it is NEVER exactly 17... as some can squeeze in before you hit the prime button, and the fact that I let a few drops leak out to make sure I get ALL the bubbles out. I never consider my tubing primed only by the counter on the pump, I always do it visually.

But on average, with my 43" tubing, it starts to drip out the end somewhere around the 17 unit mark. I usually let it go to 19, then stop, then check for air bubbles. This may not be the correct procedure, but it hasn't failed me yet.

You beat me to the punch! I was gonna get back on here and mention to the person who said 2 inches equals 2 units that that is incorrect. You got it right on.

[ricardo]

Wait a minute, am I not getting something here. I thought when priming your not going to have the exact amount every time. Fixed priming is when you are going to have the set amount. :confused: Or are you just averaging waht you prime to come up with the 0.40?

There is an EXACT amount that fills 43" tubing. Of course the user must prime a bit more to have some come out the set. I prime manually and then use the pump the prime ABOUT 15-22 units. I'm not fussy about how much as long as 4 drops come out the set.

[camjen1]

A little bit of both. The documentation that comes in the box with the sets says 17 units... at least that is what I remember right now... I am at work and don't have access to the little booklet.

You are also correct, that it is NEVER exactly 17... as some can squeeze in before you hit the prime button, and the fact that I let a few drops leak out to make sure I get ALL the bubbles out. I never consider my tubing primed only by the counter on the pump, I always do it visually.

But on average, with my 43" tubing, it starts to drip out the end somewhere around the 17 unit mark. I usually let it go to 19, then stop, then check for air bubbles. This may not be the correct procedure, but it hasn't failed me yet.

I was never aware of an exact prime used with the set. I do mine visually also but the drips start coming at between 9 and 11. I usually let it drip a bit still after the first drip but mine never has gone over 12 units priming. What pump are you using?

[koblenz]

What pump are you using?
I got me a spankin' new, 6-month old Deltec Cozmo. I use the Comfort infusion sets (Angled). 17mm cannula, 43" tube.

I tried the shorter tubing lengths for a while, but too short for me. ;)

[camjen1]

I got me a spankin' new, 6-month old Deltec Cozmo. I use the Comfort infusion sets (Angled). 17mm cannula, 43" tube.

I tried the shorter tubing lengths for a while, but too short for me. ;)


:eek: 17mm. I guess you can say I am attached to my 9mm.

[Oradev]

I got me a spankin' new, 6-month old Deltec Cozmo. I use the Comfort infusion sets (Angled). 17mm cannula, 43" tube.

I tried the shorter tubing lengths for a while, but too short for me. ;)

I use the 31" tubing right now. What didn't you like about the shorter one?

[koblenz]

I use the 31" tubing right now. What didn't you like about the shorter one?
Well, I'm fairly tall, 6' 3". So when getting dressed and setting the pump down on the bed or dresser; I would always yank the pump off the bed or dresser with the shorter tube. With the longer tube, I rarely yank it off the surface I have it set on.

Also, I find it a bit more comfortable sleeping. I just tuck the pump under my pillow, and the longer tube makes that possible; with some extra left over for tossing and turning.

The shorter tube was nice when it came time to tuck the excess into your pants, but I will trade that off for the convenience of dressing and sleeping. My choice.

[ricardo]

I don't think its the bubbles at all interfering with the delivery. I have bubbles all the time and even though I try my darnest I still get a few. I think because your basal is still not set right you are going to experience higher sugars for awhile. I think it took about 3 1/2 weeks to get my basals squared.

I think once you get used to it and get your basals done pat you will come back to this thread and laugh.

After thinking more about YOUR comments, I started thinking by "bubbles" you probably meant TINY, barely visible bubbles that don't impact delivery? I sometimes will see a few very small bubbles that wouldn't amount to even 1/20th of a unit. Those can be ignored, as can all other small amounts of bubbles now and then. Which I'm confident you know as well as I do...
-Ricardo

[camjen1]

After thinking more about YOUR comments, I started thinking by "bubbles" you probably meant TINY, barely visible bubbles that don't impact delivery? I sometimes will see a few very small bubbles that wouldn't amount to even 1/20th of a unit. Those can be ignored, as can all other small amounts of bubbles now and then. Which I'm confident you know as well as I do...
-Ricardo


Yep, they are tiny, the size of a pen head. I thought that he was concerned about these lil bubbles but I guess his are much bigger.:)

[duck]

I use the 31" tubing right now. What didn't you like about the shorter one?
I can't "drop my drawers" with shorter tubing. Ahem!

:whistling

[camjen1]

I can't "drop my drawers" with shorter tubing. Ahem!

:whistling

Never knew you could have your medicine and birth control all in one huh?

[Amanda_Jo22]

Ah I hate air bubbles! What works for me is that I will fill the reservoir the night before a site change (I like to change in the morning). I let the reservoir sit over night. Then I tap on the reservoir in the morning...usually any loose air bubbbles will rise to the top if they haven't already. Also with the Animas reservoirs, I hold them upside down and hold them up to a light...sometimes bubbles like to gather under that black rubber thing towards the top and are hard to see.
Good luck!

[duck]

My pump trainer pointed out to us that unlike 1/2 cc syringes, the reservoirs for pumps do not seem to like to lose their bubbles, that tapping the reservoir did not typically dislodge the bubbles--Therefore, I tap my reservoir as I get ready against the edge of my desk or against a coffe mug until the vast majority of bubbles are ready to be cleared. Amanda_Jo's suggestion works well for me too, but I am too forgetful typically to prepare a day ahead, hee hee.

[koblenz]

I can't "drop my drawers" with shorter tubing. Ahem!

:whistling
EXACTLY... I just didn't want to go there! But you led, so I'll follow! ;)

[duck]

EXACTLY... I just didn't want to go there! But you led, so I'll follow! ;)

I have no shame...

:eek:

[gettingby]

I have no shame...

:eek:
NO kidding !!!!!!! LOL ;) :D

[Oradev]

Ah I hate air bubbles! What works for me is that I will fill the reservoir the night before a site change (I like to change in the morning). I let the reservoir sit over night. Then I tap on the reservoir in the morning...usually any loose air bubbbles will rise to the top if they haven't already. Also with the Animas reservoirs, I hold them upside down and hold them up to a light...sometimes bubbles like to gather under that black rubber thing towards the top and are hard to see.
Good luck!

Do you just prime these air bubbles out?

[duck]

From experience, I prep much more carefully...I still use the MiniMed 508 (but hopefully not much longer), so here is what duck does:

Inject equal amount of air into vial.
Withdraw insulin.
Turn reservoir up so needle is pointed up.
Tap something with reservoir REAL hard, numerous times.
Eyeball reservoir for bubbles, should mostly be at the top.
Tap some more (typically, on the desk or a nice, heavy mug).
Reinsert reservoir needle into vial, inject until all the air is out.
Remove needle, check reservoir for bubbles. If any, repeat above procedures.
Attach tubing, try to fill slowly and carefully, watching for any bubbles.
Inspect length of tubing, then prime.

I have an extra, BRIGHT lamp in my office to help me out. My wife tells me it takes less effort to land the President in Iraq than what I put up with to get an insertion set ready. :D

[Cielo]

I think we had a couple problems that were causing the high sugars.

One - Adam's still not comfortable with changing his sites, that will come with practice. But that resulted in kinked cannulas which doesn't allow all of the insulin to be delivered.

Two - The trainer taught us to get the air bubbles out by lightly flicking it with her fingertip. After reading Duck's post, I can see that this flicking is worthless. We have to beat the **** out of it to get the bubbles out!!!!

Sweet, thanks Duck! :stupid:

[ricardo]

Do you just prime these air bubbles out?


get rid of them at the source. Tame bubbles by tapping the vertically held reservoir with your fingernail or object to drive the bubbles to the top while holding slight pressure on the plunger to expel bubbles into the tubing. Continue to press the plunger to push insulin into the tubing until there are no bubbles coming out of the reservoir. Continue to prime using the pump's priming feature to be sure insulin has filled the tubing and cannula.

[dixiepixie64]

I don't know what the Animas reservoir sets look like, but for the Minimed ones, I draw up about twenty units more insulin into the reservoir than I intend to leave in there, then I leave the insulin bottle attached to the apparatus while I whap the bubbles up to the top with something durable like a pen or a kitchen table knife. You've got to rap it pretty hard to get 'em all sometimes like the others said. Anyway, once they are all collected at the top, I depress the plunger which is still on the reservoir and put the twenty units and all that air into my insulin vial. Then the reservoir is bubble free.

I also use an extremely bright reading light to check my tubing while priming.

[ricardo]

I don't know what the Animas reservoir sets look like, but for the Minimed ones, I draw up about twenty units more insulin into the reservoir than I intend to leave in there, then I leave the insulin bottle attached to the apparatus while I whap the bubbles up to the top with something durable like a pen or a kitchen table knife. You've got to rap it pretty hard to get 'em all sometimes like the others said. Anyway, once they are all collected at the top, I depress the plunger which is still on the reservoir and put the twenty units and all that air into my insulin vial. Then the reservoir is bubble free.

I also use an extremely bright reading light to check my tubing while priming.


Good points. I completely forgot to mention that I remove 99% of the bubbles when the reservoir is attached to the insulin bottle! I tap the bubbles to the top, push them back into the bottle and re-draw more insulin. At that point, the reservoir seldom has ANY bubbles left. Maybe a couple of stray TINY bubbles clinging to the sides...

[daddyo]

You may have bad resevroires and they are leaking air. try filling the reservoir with insulin and remove from bottle and remove filling needle. gently push on the plunger and see if any insulin comes out of the reservoir anywere at all. if it does then the reservoirs are bad. Don't push hard just gently. Try it it may help.

[camjen1]

Does anyone ever notice when you lock in the reservoir, you can get quite a big air bubble?

[ricardo]

Does anyone ever notice when you lock in the reservoir, you can get quite a big air bubble?

NO, but hold the pump vertically and tap the side of the pump as you prime to resolve your problem.

[archimeech]

The only bubbles you should ever have in your resevoir or infusion line are the pesky little "champagne" bubbles that just stick to the sides. You need to remove all of the others just as Ricardo and others have suggested. It's very imprtant that there are no bubbles in the line. Otherwise, you're not getting any insulin.

[Oradev]

Ok, so here's what I narrowed it down to. I am currently using the comfort site. On wednesday, i was having problems so I changed it out. I took my lunch bolus and everything went fine. Then dinner came, I bolused and two hours later had a blood sugar of 230. The very next day, I ate the exact same lunch and two hours later my sugar was 220. For dinner, my sugar was 92 before, and was 340 two hours later!!! So I changed the site, took a correction with a syringe and woke up with a 79 blood sugar this morning. Now, why would I be able to keep my basals steady but have my sugars skyrocket whenever I take a bolus? Also, ALL, I repeat ALL of my insertion sites seem to be sore for some reason. Today, I ate breakfast and two hours later my sugar was 224. Do you guys think this could be the insulin? It's a brand new vial. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Cielo]

Yea why does he have two different reactions to the exact same lunch. On the day he changed his site his sugars were normal after lunch. On the day after he changed his site his sugars shot up after having the exact same lunch. It seems to be a pattern with Adam. The first day of the site seems to be OK but the longer the site stays in, the more his sugar goes up and the more sore it gets and the more problems. Why is this???

[duck]

****it.

Okay, back to square one: Do you have your basals figured out, and HOW do you know this?

[Oradev]

****it.

Okay, back to square one: Do you have your basals figured out, and HOW do you know this?

my fasting rates are all good.

[Oradev]

****it.

Okay, back to square one: Do you have your basals figured out, and HOW do you know this?

It seems as though I have the problems when I bolus.

[Oradev]

****it.

Okay, back to square one: Do you have your basals figured out, and HOW do you know this?

I've done some basil tests (fasted) and everything stayed realtively flat. Maybe a 20 - 25 point fluctuation but that's it.

[dixiepixie64]

Adam and Diana,
Well I am of no help because this has never happened to me. I did not want you guys to the rest of us pumpers were ignoring you....

What does your medical team think of this? Have you discussed it with them? I know you must be frustrated and I hope you get a solution soon. :(

[Cielo]

Adam and Diana,
Well I am of no help because this has never happened to me. I did not want you guys to the rest of us pumpers were ignoring you....

What does your medical team think of this? Have you discussed it with them? I know you must be frustrated and I hope you get a solution soon. :(

Well his doctor has admitted that Adam is having a lot more problems than he should be. And we've arranged for his trainer to come tomorrow at 2:30 to go over things again, perhaps the Comfort infusion set isn't right for Adam (tho he's really lean so it'd appear to be the right one) or maybe he's putting it in at the wrong angle. But they just keep saying to hang in there.

[duck]

I'm just double-checking the basal testing technique:

So, you eat your "last" meal at about noon, bolus same time. At 4 PM (four hours later) you check your sugars and they are 125 (good). So in half an hour, you test again. Then another half hour after that, and half hour after that, for as long as you can hold out (try for at least six hours after your last meal). All those readings were good?

[ricardo]

Yea why does he have two different reactions to the exact same lunch. On the day he changed his site his sugars were normal after lunch. On the day after he changed his site his sugars shot up after having the exact same lunch. It seems to be a pattern with Adam. The first day of the site seems to be OK but the longer the site stays in, the more his sugar goes up and the more sore it gets and the more problems. Why is this???

If he is sore, the sets are probably not the right type for him. Talk over this issue with the pump mfgr's hotline. Have them send samples to you overnight of their other types of sets. I, for one don't get along with sets with angled cannulas. I use the type that goes straight in. I get very sore from the type your son is using.

Ricardo

[duck]

What's "weird" to me is that if his basals are good, his boluses should be good...I can't get my head wrapped around this one.

I wonder what would happen if you used the pump only for basals and injected for blouses: if that stabilized your post-meal sugars, I would say there is some issue with bolusing we haven't ID'd yet.

But... :confused:

[duck]

If he is sore, the sets are probably not the right type for him. Talk over this issue with the pump mfgr's hotline. Have them send samples to you overnight of their other types of sets. I, for one don't get along with sets with angled cannulas. I use the type that goes straight in. I get very sore from the type your son is using.


lol, Dave: Oradev is her hunny, not her son. :D

[Cielo]

If he is sore, the sets are probably not the right type for him. Talk over this issue with the pump mfgr's hotline. Have them send samples to you overnight of their other types of sets. I, for one don't get along with sets with angled cannulas. I use the type that goes straight in. I get very sore from the type your son is using.

Ricardo

We went with the angled cannulas b/c he has essentially NO body fat. He is all muscle....would the type that go straight in still work??

PS - I must break the news to you...he is not my son...he is my boyfriend and has doomed me to a life or wet willies, tickling and insults. Somebody help me.

[Oradev]

If he is sore, the sets are probably not the right type for him. Talk over this issue with the pump mfgr's hotline. Have them send samples to you overnight of their other types of sets. I, for one don't get along with sets with angled cannulas. I use the type that goes straight in. I get very sore from the type your son is using.

Ricardo

The pump trainer is coming tomorrow and i'm going to try the ones that go straight in.

[Cielo]

What's "weird" to me is that if his basals are good, his boluses should be good...I can't get my head wrapped around this one.

I wonder what would happen if you used the pump only for basals and injected for blouses: if that stabilized your post-meal sugars, I would say there is some issue with bolusing we haven't ID'd yet.

But... :confused:

it seems the boluses don't work at all. I mean, his basals are fine. And then when it's time to eat, he boluses...but they don't work and his sugars skyrocket. One time he had to take THREE corrections to get his sugar down at all! And last night he had to take a shot to get his sugar down cuz the pump sure as heck wasn't doing it. He's NEVER in the 300s and he had a reading of FOUR HUNDRED last week and his reading last night after a dinner of a sandwich was 340. We ate the sandwiches for dinner b/c we KNOW the carb amount and it's always worked in the past so it was a good way to test the pump...and it FAILED MISERABLY.

[Oradev]

What's "weird" to me is that if his basals are good, his boluses should be good...I can't get my head wrapped around this one.

I wonder what would happen if you used the pump only for basals and injected for blouses: if that stabilized your post-meal sugars, I would say there is some issue with bolusing we haven't ID'd yet.

But... :confused:

yeah, I don't know if it's my insulin to carb ratio, but it's worth a try. I will lower them and see how I react to that. Also, I think i'm going to try out Novolog. Thanks again for the help guys.

[duck]

For the rest of the day, if you are comfortable with taking shots and you are confident the basals are good, take shots. Let's see how it works out. I don't think I have ever seen where boluses were bad but basals were good, assuming you have your carb-to-insulin ratios down pat.

[Oradev]

yeah, I don't know if it's my insulin to carb ratio, but it's worth a try. I will lower them and see how I react to that. Also, I think i'm going to try out Novolog. Thanks again for the help guys.

My insulin to carb ratios are already low, B 1:8, L 1:13, D 1:13. Are those too low in everyones opinion?

[duck]

Lessee...When I was in training, I used a 1:10 ratio (and it was remarkably well-suited for me), then when I went on the pump, the CDE and endo told me to go 1:8, reasoning that now that I was not covered with NPH my Humalog needs would be a little higher but more accurate. So maybe you need to tinker with the bolus ratios? But sometimes you're fine...Gads, the mystery of this is annoying.

[duck]

My insulin to carb ratios are already low, B 1:8, L 1:13, D 1:13. Are those too low in everyones opinion?

Oh, wait...Your breakfast readings are good but your PM readings are bad? I'd say use 1:8 throughout the day under controlled circumstances (like, don't drive or fly a plane just in case you go hypo).

[Oradev]

Oh, wait...Your breakfast readings are good but your PM readings are bad? I'd say use 1:8 throughout the day under controlled circumstances (like, don't drive or fly a plane just in case you go hypo).

I'm going to try 1:10 for lunch and dinner and see what happens. I used 1:10 at lunch today so we will see what my post bolus readings are like.

[archimeech]

We went with the angled cannulas b/c he has essentially NO body fat. He is all muscle....would the type that go straight in still work??

PS - I must break the news to you...he is not my son...he is my boyfriend and has doomed me to a life or wet willies, tickling and insults. Somebody help me.

Hey guys, try the shorter canula straight sets. I'm thin, but luckily have a wonderful little love handle right where I need it for my sites. :p

You know Cielo, I can relate to Oradev, I gave my wife the wettest, sloppiest Zerburt(sp?) on her belly the first time I ever met her! she's still with me, so I simply blame you both for sticking with us for so long! :D

[archimeech]

Adam, forgot to mention in the above post. the pump seems to be different for me than MDI, and I've just switched from a Minimed 508 to an Animas IR1250. I had to change my insulin/carb ratio both times. Can't figure out why, but it got better with the adjustment.

[Cielo]

Hey guys, try the shorter canula straight sets. I'm thin, but luckily have a wonderful little love handle right where I need it for my sites. :p

You know Cielo, I can relate to Oradev, I gave my wife the wettest, sloppiest Zerburt(sp?) on her belly the first time I ever met her! she's still with me, so I simply blame you both for sticking with us for so long! :D

Awesome thanks Meech. I think Adam called Animas and they're sending out a whole bunch of stuff for him to try to see which works best.

You gave the wifey a zerbert the first time you met her!?!? Ballsy. Adam spilled his drink. Musta been nervous. I dubbed him "Spills" and "Slops" after that.

[archimeech]

Hey, when you see something you want, you just gotta go get it! ;)

Try the sof-set 42inch tubing, 6mm canula. That's the one I use. I'm still sore sometimes, but it seems to work the best. It's a Minimed product but with the universal doohickie, it works just great.

And tell Adam to fatten up a little and stop making the rest of us look so bad!@$%&##! Jeeesh! :D

[Cielo]

Hey, when you see something you want, you just gotta go get it! ;)

Try the sof-set 42inch tubing, 6mm canula. That's the one I use. I'm still sore sometimes, but it seems to work the best. It's a Minimed product but with the universal doohickie, it works just great.

And tell Adam to fatten up a little and stop making the rest of us look so bad!@$%&##! Jeeesh! :D

You use a Minimed tubing/cannula with your Animas 1250?? you can do that?

[dixiepixie64]

Hey, when you see something you want, you just gotta go get it! ;)

:topic:

LOL you guys are cracking me up. Lemme tell you the funniest story I have heard regarding first meetings. This is one on my father and stepmother...Apparently Dad spotted her across a crowded bar and thought she was just the foxiest babe he had ever seen. So he puts on his Mr. Suave act by strolling across the room to introduce himself and hooks his coat over his shoulder with one index finger holding it. You've all seen that move right??? Well the coat falls off about five feet into his sashay across the room but he has had too many beverages to notice so he walks up to her with his finger still over his shoulder and no coat because it is on the floor...ha ha ha ha :D

[Cielo]

:topic:

LOL you guys are cracking me up. Lemme tell you the funniest story I have heard regarding first meetings. This is one on my father and stepmother...Apparently Dad spotted her across a crowded bar and thought she was just the foxiest babe he had ever seen. So he puts on his Mr. Suave act by strolling across the room to introduce himself and hooks his coat over his shoulder with one index finger holding it. You've all seen that move right??? Well the coat falls off about five feet into his sashay across the room but he has had too many beverages to notice so he walks up to her with his finger still over his shoulder and no coat because it is on the floor...ha ha ha ha :D

That is funny!!! :thumbsup: My dad was in the Peace Corp in Ecuador where he met my mom - she was his teacher. Well, they spoke different languages but he'd ask her out every day after class and she'd tell him no, it was inappropriate. On the last day of class he finally just told her in Spanglish that they were going to get married one day but that he strongly feels that they should get the dating out of the way first so howzabout a date. She finally agreed after 8 hours of convincing. They went out for 2 months (tho they lived hours apart in Ecuador so they really only saw each other for 8 weekend visits) and were married. My dad's family didn't meet his wife until they'd already had their first child and they flew out to Ecuador.

[archimeech]

You use a Minimed tubing/cannula with your Animas 1250?? you can do that?

Yeah! the Animas has a non-proprietary luer system. just tell them wich kind of infusion set you want to use and they'll match the resevoir for that type! I absolutely love it.

[archimeech]

My Dad and Mom met on a blind date to a Navy Dance in Athens Greece. My Dad speaks no amount of Greek, even to this day, and my Mom didn't know a lick of English. They've been married for 40 years.

[BobP]

My first 2 months on the pump (after ca 20 years of MDI) were tough. I regularly fought 200+ BG. There's a lot of pump lore to be picked up that endocronologists and trainers can't impart. Site selection is chief among them. It took me awhile to understand that most of my troubles had to do with using sites that were riddled with scar tissue from 20 years of injections; for some reason my stomach doesn't work at all; (I'm now using my upper thighs successfully).

Just this morning i woke with a 207BG and discovered the cannula was bent at 90 degrees when I changed the site (started out as a good site; must've hit it on a subway gate).

The pump may not be for Adam but most people who make the change stay with it. Information is key; this site is a great resource.

[gettingby]

So Cielo, how are Adam and you holding up??

[Cielo]

So Cielo, how are Adam and you holding up??

Hey, thanks for asking! Things are looking up. Adam's trainer came to the house to go over things and she said his numbers really didn't look bad, that she knows they're messed up compared to normally, but that they're not alarming at all. Adam went by her house again last night to put in a new site with her watching/guiding him. She was so cool, she even put one in herself...in her OWN stomach! But Adam's sugars are ok. They didn't go into the 200s last night at all. And amazingly, we ate dinner on Friday night and his sugars stayed in range after dinner for the rest of the night!!!!! That told us that his site/pump was working after all. Now it looks like we just need to adjust some ratios and then everything should be ok. We both feel better, I guess sometimes you just need some reassurance. I mean, Adam was totally fed up with the pump last Thursday and Friday and I was the one saying - no, we're ok, it'll work out, we just need to be patient. By Friday, I was saying, if you are ready to get off the pump, I'm ready too. But the fact that the pump actually worked on Friday after dinner made us feel better, and the trainer really reassured us. So I think we're refreshed and ready to try this again. Plus Animas is sending out different kinds of infusion sites for Adam to try and he's going to get a prescription for Novolog which supposedly works better in pumps b/c of its tail and quicker absorption.

[Amanda_Jo22]

Cielo, I'm glad to hear it's starting to go a little smoother for you and Adam! Good luck with the Novolog. I know for me personally, I can't use Humalog in my pump. For some reason I need a great deal more insulin on Humalog and my blood sugars do not come down under 300. I like Novolog much better.

[nantomsuethom]

I am glad to hear it's getting better.
I just got to read all of the posts today. Thomas fills his resovior (sp?) the same way duck explained (way back post). Also holds pump with tubing up when priming.
When he first started pumping he was using the comfort sets but did not like them at all, so we ordered the straight in ones (has tried several different types). We were only getting the 6mm because he is fairly lean. We (he) had the worst problems with sets!! The canula was constantly kinking, sugars all over the place. We finally decided to go with the 9mm and really haven't had a problem since. Well since I ordered 6mm again last week. Thought we would try them again for his legs only. Those 6mm are now put aside for back up only!
He now uses the insets from Animas. And we switched him to Novolog also, this too made a big difference.

[Cielo]

I am glad to hear it's getting better.
I just got to read all of the posts today. Thomas fills his resovior (sp?) the same way duck explained (way back post). Also holds pump with tubing up when priming.
When he first started pumping he was using the comfort sets but did not like them at all, so we ordered the straight in ones (has tried several different types). We were only getting the 6mm because he is fairly lean. We (he) had the worst problems with sets!! The canula was constantly kinking, sugars all over the place. We finally decided to go with the 9mm and really haven't had a problem since. Well since I ordered 6mm again last week. Thought we would try them again for his legs only. Those 6mm are now put aside for back up only!
He now uses the insets from Animas. And we switched him to Novolog also, this too made a big difference.

This is all so good to read, it helps us stay hopeful. We should receive the package from Animas this week with lots of different types of infusion sets. Adam isn't crazy about the comfort ones, they always come out bloody. He's also really lean so it's good to hear that the ones that go straight in work for Thomas b/c that means they could work for Adam. And it's good to hear that Novolog is working better in the pump for other people and that it's not just us with problems with Humalog. I can't wait to get the Novolog and new sets....That could make a world of difference. THANKS!!!

[duck]

I am going to get on Novolog at some point, I've only heard good stuff about it as far as pumping is concerned...

[archimeech]

No one has ever suggested using Novolog and it isn't approved by my insurance. Why is it better in the pump?

[duck]

No one has ever suggested using Novolog and it isn't approved by my insurance. Why is it better in the pump?

Listen, Mister, don't argue with me! :mad:

No, seriously :) ...There was a thread a while ago where someone asked "what's in your pump" (I think that was the thread) where the Novolog people who had used Humalog said that Novolog seemed to kick in faster and harder, and had better control over basals and boluses as such.

I guess I should see if Novolog is covered by my insurance as well...

[duck]

Here it is..."Novolog, novolog, novolog"...A bunch of Novolog-lovers here...

http://www.diabetesforums.com/showthread.php?t=3231&highlight=novolog+pump

[Cielo]

Apparently it starts working faster than Humalog and has a "tail" which means that it keeps working even after Humalog would have already worn off to help stave off those after lunch/dinner high readings.

[nantomsuethom]

From what I understand Novolog holds up better in the heat and for some reason (less clogging?) sites last longer.
Our insurance started covering Novolog as of this past January, prior to then it did not. I wouldn't have known it was covered if it weren't for a Novolog rep telling me this.

[archimeech]

Of course it works better! Why wouldn't it, only the drugs that don't work as well or could possibly kill me are on my insurance coverage. What was I thinking! ;)
Thanks for the info, if it's ever approved by the glorious Blue cross/shield, I may have a chance of switching.

[HeatherP]

Meech, have you asked your doctor to call and ask for a special allowance for the Novolog? I've had to ask my doc to call several times for different meds and I haven't been turned down yet. (I have Blue Shield HMO) My doc even got them to cover Zyrtec after Claritin became OTC.

[archimeech]

Actually, Heather; I just went back and checked my formulary list and it's covered the same as Humalog. Next time I'm at the doc's office, I'm asking him about wether or not he thinks the switch would be a good one.

[Oradev]

Thanks guys for giving a brotha hope!! My sugars today, even though they are not perfect, are much better. I do have two questions that I asked before, but did not receive too much feedback on:

Does your site ever get sore? It seems as though mine is always sore after around 12 hours. I currently use the comfort set. It's nothing that is too bad, just a little tender when I press on it. It's usually sore where the cannula is.

Do you ever feel burning when you inject a bolus? I bolused 9 units at lunch today and experienced a little burning. Is this from the Humalog, Infusion Set, or the Animas Pump?

Thanks again guys for all the support :thumbsup:

[Amanda_Jo22]

Oradev, sometimes my sites do get sore but not often. Usually when they get sore, it's when the infusion set is close to my waistline. As far as the bolus...my sites always use to burn when I bolused until I switched to the slow delivery on the bolus.

[daddyo]

My 2 cents worth, I've always used Novolog in my pump seems to work better. I used Humalog when on MDI's but did'nt like it much was to slow to act like I was on NPH so I switched. Far as sets go I use the 6mm and I'm very slim they work fine. No pain, No problems.

[nantomsuethom]

I just asked Thomas if his sites are sore and he said sometimes but not always. He just changed his site a few hours ago and this one hurts when he touches it.
He said it used to sting when he bolused but not anymore. He has the Animas IR 1200, set to bolus fast.

[gettingby]

Thanks guys for giving a brotha hope!! My sugars today, even though they are not perfect, are much better. I do have two questions that I asked before, but did not receive too much feedback on:

Does your site ever get sore? It seems as though mine is always sore after around 12 hours. I currently use the comfort set. It's nothing that is too bad, just a little tender when I press on it. It's usually sore where the cannula is.

Do you ever feel burning when you inject a bolus? I bolused 9 units at lunch today and experienced a little burning. Is this from the Humalog, Infusion Set, or the Animas Pump?

Thanks again guys for all the support :thumbsup:
Can't answer your questions but I did want to say something to ya. This sista here is always here to give a brotha support. Any time you need support, let me know (As long as Diana doesn't get mad! :whistling Love to you both). Glad things are getting better. :D

[Dewey]

Thanks guys for giving a brotha hope!! My sugars today, even though they are not perfect, are much better. I do have two questions that I asked before, but did not receive too much feedback on:

Does your site ever get sore? It seems as though mine is always sore after around 12 hours. I currently use the comfort set. It's nothing that is too bad, just a little tender when I press on it. It's usually sore where the cannula is.
Sometimes, my sites do get sore (speaking of which...lol One's sore right now). Most of the time, it only hurts if I am in a bad spot or if I get a gusher. :eek: Those certainly are No fun...

Do you ever feel burning when you inject a bolus? I bolused 9 units at lunch today and experienced a little burning. Is this from the Humalog, Infusion Set, or the Animas Pump?
Thanks again guys for all the support :thumbsup:
No problem on the support, that's what we're all here for. :thumbsup: :) I have felt burning while bolusing (on occasion), but have only noticed it with my Animas, Not my Deltec...Perhaps Animas' next upgrade will include the ability to slow down delivery a little more (for us sensitive folk ;))? That would be excellent! (Sorry I wasn't more help on that one). Glad to hear things are looking up and just hang in there....one day at a time! :thumbsup:

[archimeech]

Adam, My sites get sore also. I'm sure you're still fairly thin, and I think I've heard that you work out so having low body fat may attribute to it also. And yes, The one draw-back that I think the Animas has is it administers the insulin a little faster than I'm used to from my old MM 508.

Try putting it on the slow delivery system, it's helped me a little. It doesn't give the units any slower but goes from 1 unit/second to 1 unit/4 seconds. Gives you side some time to recover.

[Oradev]

Sometimes, my sites do get sore (speaking of which...lol One's sore right now). Most of the time, it only hurts if I am in a bad spot or if I get a gusher. :eek: Those certainly are No fun...
:thumbsup:

What's a gusher? Is that when you see blood where the cannula goes in?

[Cielo]

What's a gusher? Is that when you see blood where the cannula goes in?

It's when after you pull out the cannula the site won't stop bleeding. Remember we were talking about it the other day, how it's unavoidable b/c you're bound to hit something every now and again. :eek:

[Oradev]

It's when after you pull out the cannula the site won't stop bleeding. Remember we were talking about it the other day, how it's unavoidable b/c you're bound to hit something every now and again. :eek:

Are you done? I tend not to listen to you, so no, i don't recall.... :whistling :-

[Cielo]

Are you done? I tend not to listen to you, so no, i don't recall.... :whistling :-

I see where we're going. Well forget me making your dinners the nights you have class. Oh, and I'll be sure to turn off my ears the next time you ask for diabetic pie, jello/coolwhip or back/head scratches.
I love you! :hypocrite

[Oradev]

Dewey,

Sometimes I get blood around the cannula where it's been inserted. It's usually when I wake up in the morning and then goes away. Maybe it's because I'm a rough sleeper. You have to be when you sleep beside a bed-hog like Cielo! :hypocrite

[Cielo]

Dewey,

Sometimes I get blood around the cannula where it's been inserted. It's usually when I wake up in the morning and then goes away. Maybe it's because I'm a rough sleeper. You have to be when you sleep beside a bed-hog like Cielo! :hypocrite

My bed-hogging is your punishment for messing with me when I'm trying to sleep. Your ceaseless wet willies, pinning me up against the wall like a trapped mosquito, your "hairstyling," and your incessant chatter are all punishable by the allowance of a sliver of your bed to sleep on.