Infusion Sets "Jumping"

Shawn ATL · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 04:08 PM

OK, so I've only been pumping for just over a week now, but I've already noticed an issue with my infusion sets (MiniMed Quick-Sets) - specifically how they come loose after showering. My first set simply "jumped" off my body while drying off (I admit, I may have bumped it during my shower). But with my second one, I was careful not to touch, and to gently blot it dry. The edges still "pulled up." As it air dried, I made sure to push it back down into place and upon drying, it fully adhered to my skin, no problems from there. My third set also tried to take a jump today. Again, I made sure not to bump, nudge or coax it to take the plunge. At this rate, I'll be changing my insertion set every day, or I'll have to factor in a "drying time" before I can move about.

I am using IV Prep prior to inserting. With they way they are treating me, I may have to use Tegaderm or something like that if I plan on swimming this summer.

Any thoughts or suggestions you seasoned pumpers can provide?

pegasus · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn ATL

OK, so I've only been pumping for just over a week now, but I've already noticed an issue with my infusion sets (MiniMed Quick-Sets) - specifically how they come loose after showering. My first set simply "jumped" off my body while drying off (I admit, I may have bumped it during my shower). But with my second one, I was careful not to touch, and to gently blot it dry. The edges still "pulled up." As it air dried, I made sure to push it back down into place and upon drying, it fully adhered to my skin, no problems from there. My third set also tried to take a jump today. Again, I made sure not to bump, nudge or coax it to take the plunge. At this rate, I'll be changing my insertion set every day, or I'll have to factor in a "drying time" before I can move about.

I am using IV Prep prior to inserting. With they way they are treating me, I may have to use Tegaderm or something like that if I plan on swimming this summer.

Any thoughts or suggestions you seasoned pumpers can provide?

Are you sure that you're pressing down/smoothing the tape when you first insert? If so, and if they're otherwise secure, maybe the batch is defective. I'd call hotline and have them send you a new box.

Jan B · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 05:34 PM

Shawn,

You made me laugh at those quicksets jumping off! Do a forum seach on infusion sets, and you can find a lot of opinions! Several people have had issues with the quicksets staying in. My best way to keep the quicksets on is to first put on the IV3000, then insert the quickset (detach the tubing), then cut a hole in a second IV3000 and place it over the set, in effect taping down the white circle around the site.

Gordonm · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 05:48 PM

I use the Quick Sets and leave them in 3 to 4 days. Sometimes I shower twice a day and have been swimming in the salt water with them. I use IV prep and that is all. I have had one set almost come out at 3 1/2 days. Other than that I have no problems.
You may have oiler skin or something else that reacts with the adhesive. Try the tape and see if that helps out.

Shawn ATL · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the info! I found another thread that addressed this... here.

Subby · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 01:45 AM

One more thing that I was doing when I first started. I didn't let the alcohol swabbed area completely dry off... now I wait at least 2 minutes in normal weather. If the alcohol is not completely dry, the adhesion was much worse.

But I find the quicksets pretty dodgy in the shower too. They don't jump off - that may be faulty I agree - but they always tend to feel a bit "loose" after saturation. The stickied thread about infusion sets may give more info or give inspiration to try other set types. About infusions sets...

thomasb · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 05:28 AM

I try to avoid long showers, and usually put my hand over the quickset when i'm washing that area, to keep it from being totally soaked. it helps.

morrisma · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:17 AM

Shawn,
As a male type person with a lot of body hair, I have to shave the area I use every couple of weeks. If I don't, I get much reduced adhesion naturally. Just a thought.
Mike

Subby · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:51 AM

I am just finding that out as I move up my torso a little. I think waxing may be in order

notme · #10 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 09:27 AM

Gorilla snot! Try using that or IV3000. It is amazing.

amccrazgrl · #11 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:03 AM

I notice depending on where I place my set on my abdomen the set can become unsticky on an edge. I don't know how much body fat you do/don't have but if you have any I'd sit down and look where your fat roll is to determine where to stick your set. Dont put it in your fat crease or it will roll.

If my set starts to become un-sticky I use the IV3000. Then I modify it so that it can go on top of the set without having any problems disconnecting. I basically cut it out a circle ish shape to go around the set but covers over the edges so it wont come loose. It takes me 2 tires to get it right.

parrotletzoo · #12 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 07:36 PM

duct tape, it does a body good.