About infusions sets... - Page 4

condensr · #46 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 11:18 PM

Probably the best tip I've read regarding sets was this-

When I use Sils, I have always had more of a red bump that lasts weeks, compared to other sets.

I read on here to try covering the actual spot where the cannula pierces the skin with an IV3000 or Tegaderm. (Covering meaning the outside of the set after it is in.)

Well, it has worked GREAT. No more big ugly bumps from the sils. Yay!

trishagarth94 · #47 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 06:50 PM

I keep reading that y'all don't like the MM Quick-Set, in my opinion I love them, I have not had a problem with them at all.

Dewey · #48 (**permalink**) 01-27-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trishagarth94

I keep reading that y'all don't like the MM Quick-Set, in my opinion I love them, I have not had a problem with them at all.

It's not that I don't like them, but many people have had problems with the Quick-Sets Plus (+). Some had issues with the actual cannula dislodging from the set and some experienced DKA to the point of hospitalization as a result (not knowing why their BGs were elevating, or what had happened to the set). That's why some people aren't too pleased with that "family" of set.

Since then, MiniMed has done away with the Quick-Sets Plus, and has been more careful about the Quick-Sets.

I personally am not fond of any cannula set, as they do not seem to work very well with my body. That said, what works for one, may or may not work for others. It's good that the Quick-Sets have worked well for you.

Subby · #49 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 12:08 PM

I'm a new pumper, been on the quick sets. I can't compare, but not too many problems I can see. One thing is, I find showering does seem to loosen the set somewhat... If the adhesive gets saturated I get the impression the canula moves around in it's hole more, and certainly feels looser. This means some pain and I suspect a worse fit. I've been trying to find a solution to avoid this - to stop the set getting saturated. So far tried some adhesives and sticky pads. Nothing great (or inexpensive enough... those adhesive stick-overs were about $1 each), any ideas?

Or would trying another set be the way to go? Any have clearly better water resistant abilities?

I'm also interested by the impression I get that different set types may substantially impact absorption. Should I be considering trialling different sets for this reason? I'm a new pumper - 3 months, and really finding a lot of absorption variability (and/or IR. Has to be said I had bigger - huge - variability issues on injections previously for 16 years). Looking at all possibilities.

Dewey · #50 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 12:41 PM

Hi There and welcome aboard.

Honestly, I feel it is good to try & trial different sets if possible, as it gives you more options and you may find that one type of set that better or best suits your needs. I can't speak for everyone, but absorption with me does seem different when I use cannula sets as opposed to the needle type.
In the past, I've heard many complain of adhesive issues with different sets, and some have used different ways to make the sets stick better (i.e. Tegaderm, IV3000, IV Prep, Skin-Tac, Skin-Prep, etc.). They sometimes work, but not always. I think some brands of adhesives may be better than others, but you may want to get samples of each if possible, also.

In terms of the Quick-Sets, some do really well with them, others may not. My major complaint was with regard to the Quick-Sets Plus, that wound up being recalled & are no longer made. That was in 2003/2004 or so.

The biggest thing I always try to emphasize (be it with regard to pumps, companies, etc.), is that what works for one, may or may not work for others. Each of us need to find our "niche" with regard to sets, pumps, etc. Here's hoping this will help you some. Again, welcome aboard.

Subby · #51 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 01:11 PM

Thanks for the welcome and reply. I will keep reading and try a few types on my next order, then.

I know exactly what you mean by your "what works for one..." comment. When I was injecting, I had about 5 very important, resilient reasons I highly disliked pens compared to ol' syringes. They were rock solid issues for me, but then 99% of other diabetic related people I might discuss it with would disagree, and why not, if that was their experience. Strangely, that does seem to be the way it goes for me a lot of the time...

With that in mind, you mention canula didn't work so well for your body, for you do you find the needle type gives better absorption?

Dewey · #52 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subby

With that in mind, you mention canula didn't work so well for your body, for you do you find the needle type gives better absorption?

Yes, for me, I do find that the needle sets tend to work better in terms of absorption. That said, I've also found sets like the Silhouettes to work well after years of not using them, so it could be that my body just needed a "healing time" from cannula sets or something? I'm not sure what the reason was behind that, but after a long while of using nothing but cannula sets, the absorption (again, for me) seemed to drop.

dottielove · #53 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 11:49 PM

Hi! Old diabetic here-41 years Type 1 (age 11). Been pumping since 2004, I think. Newbie to DF. Had NO IDEA all the sets out there--didn't even know about auto-setting. Been poking that L-O-N-G Comfort needle in sideways all this time! Always sweated a little. Tried a Cleo tonite after reading all these posts and advice. VERY nervous. No problems really (didn't even know it was really IN) Instructions crummy. Now waiting to see if it's getting the insulin thru. Worried about occlusions. The Comforts were getting bad about peeling off--been having to use the IV3000 all the time. Used the IV3000 on the Cleo before clicking the tubing on--cut a lil hole in the patch to fit around the "stump."
Thanks for all the info, everybody. Will post success or failure when I know.
Dottie

barbarac · #54 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 08:07 AM

Guess I am calling the right name. I had been having lots of highs and non absorption with the regular straight in quick sets. Someone here suggested I try the 30's with he inserter. I have only used one so far, but numbers have been much better--I am on 2nd one now. The only problem, the site looked a little redder on this one--hoping that was a fluke or something.

So far so good though. I do think this is working better. Thanks to the person making the suggestion.

Alnan · #55 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 10:17 AM

I see from my last post on this site, that it was Jan. '07 when my wife changed from the sof-set to the silhouette.
Took some adapting, and a change in the cannula.
Nancy went from the 17mm I believe, and now uses the 13mm cannula. In the last several months we have experienced fewer extra changes due to bad sites and other problems than we ever have. No IV3000's to mess with.
I know there are many personal considerations, what works for each individual. All I am saying is that after years as a diabetic, her third pump, and experimenting with different infusion sets - this has done very well for Nancy.
But - there's always a but isn't there? Knowing diabetes, you never ever want to become complacent.

Alnan · #56 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 10:28 AM

I always forget something in my posts, sorry. One of the things Nancy had problems adjusting to with the silhouette were - to inset manually, or use the sil-serter. She did not care for either.
But as she objected to the manual insertions more, the serter finally won out.

dottielove · #57 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 10:30 PM

OK--been using the Cleos for several weeks now. LOVE them except for MAJOR problems. Insertion great, but I'm often getting "blockage detected" messages. When I used Comforts with that L-O-N-G needle, I kept the set on for 7 days (money concerns, mainly). NEVER had a problem or infection. I'd change when the site got red. I do have two dimples in my stomach now, though. But now the Cleos stop up and I'm having to carry around extra sets--it really scares me to get that message. Guess I need to be vigilant about changing sets more frequently. I think the Cleo says 4 days? I can't say if my blockage problems are directly related to too-long on one set, but they probably are. As soon as I get my 90 day supply, I'll change at 4 days--Dottie Love

Subby · #58 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 09:19 AM

Yep, try 3 days. That's the official limit for most sets, and in the case of a foreign object stuck inside you, official limits are not bad ones to keep to - even if you had a good run before. 4 is pushing it but certainly safer and more likely to be successful, than 7. (Notwithstanding previous experience!)

For more info on the Cleo here's the faq at the website: FAQ about Cleo 90 Infusion Sets

judi t · #59 (**permalink**) 06-25-2008, 02:53 AM

I've been pumping now since June 4, this year, and have been using the Cleo infusion set. I'm changing sites every three days. I've found the Cleos to be excellent - no site probs at all and absolutely pain/trouble free insertion. I haven't tried anything else and at this stage wouldn't bother.

Kendall · #60 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 01:23 AM

I have found the sillhouette and the quick-set to work quite well for me. I have been using the quick-sets for over two years and only recently been having problems with sites pulling out. I use IV Prep swabs and that generally seems to work but I've pulled 3 out in the last few months.

I agree with what someone else said about them getting water saturated and then the adhesive gives out. Also, the warm weather (read that as sweaty weather) seems to be an issue too.