Infusion set question

nantomsuethom · #1 (**permalink**) 08-28-2004, 10:01 PM

My son is using medtronic's Sof-Set Micro QR 6 mm. We have noticed that the new sets we got about 2 months ago look a little diff.

Prior to our new order we didnt have much of a problem. By day 3 we would start to see higher bgl. But now sometimes after anywhere from 1-3 days his site just stops working altogether. He will go from 90 to 300 within a few hours and twice woke up with ketones.
A MM rep suggested using an inserter.We did finally purchase one (after changing his site 3 days in a row). That has helped some.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions.

Thanks,
Nancy

Shalyndria · #2 (**permalink**) 08-29-2004, 01:04 AM

Hi Nancy.
I've never used the Sof-Sets so I can't contribute any personal experiences with them. I'm sure that someone here is familiar with them and will be able to help. I would suggest, however, that you call the minimed help line and find out if they've changed the sof's in any way. If not, the problem might not be related to the sets at all.

Does your son rotate sites when changing sets? Inserters are great; they decrease the risk of human error and I hope your son's helps. You could try some other sets and see if that doesn't help; I know that medtronics is great for offering sample sets if you ask. I personally use both the Quicksets (6mm) and the Sillhouettes and they're fantastic.

Good luck and let us know how it works out!
Shy

nantomsuethom · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2004, 08:33 AM

Hi Shy,
He rotates sites every 2-3 days, ab, ab, thigh, thigh. The MM rep said they havent had any complaints for that infusion set and suggested the inserter. It has helped. I am sure some of it may be Thomas. He swims a lot and the tape does come a little loose then he has to play around with it! Kids!! But he doesnt lose the site everytime he swims or else it would be everyday and then some. My husband feels we need to go with the 9mm. I am a little leary about that but will try. He is only 11 and weighs 98#.
We did do better with the Comfort infusion sets but that needle is VERY long and he hates them. Of course I dont blame him.

Nancy

Belinda · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2004, 11:03 AM

Nancy,
I use the sof set infusion set. In the summer I have to change the site more frequently due to water activities and the heat and humidity. In order to make mine "stick" better I use the alcohol wipe then place the tape with the hole (smaller one) on the area I plan to insert the site. I then insert the site, cover it with the other piece of adhesive (lg one with the hole) in the opposite direction (make a plus sign out of it so to speak) Then I cover the whole thing with one of the solid pieces of the adhesive made by Smith and N(?). I have always used the inserter and have hardly had any problems with the site. I even went to a water park yesterday and low and behold.....ran at 75 with the pump being disconnected. But this has been an insulin pump nightmare of a weekend (changed it everyday due to one thing or another) but in general very few problems with the infusion set.

nantomsuethom · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2004, 11:42 AM

Belinda,

I didnt realize the smaller tape went on before you insert the needle. I am going to try that tomorrow! Thomas runs anywhere from 70-90 when swimming also. Even though they say the pump is waterproof he still disconnects when he swims.

Thanks
Nancy

PepsiLvr · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 02:00 PM

I'm not really sure that the pump is "waterproof" I think it's more water-resistant. It says that a quick dunk in water, (like getting pushed into a pool) is fine, but I think they recommed disconnecting while swimming. Just a heads up. It would sure stink to ruin a $6,000 peice of equpt. I do know that there has been some controversy to the whole "waterproof" vs. "water-resistant" thing because I think it was advertised as waterproof when in fact it isn't.

notme · #7 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 02:16 PM

Nancy, I have used sof sets, silhouttes and now quicksets and I have found ways to make them stick. I have never had a problem with the sets sticking when I used IV prep ahead of time. I also put a piece of IV 3000 under the canula. I just punch through it. This summer I took a trip to Hawaii and had my first problem with the canula's coming undone. I would find them sitting very loose after snorkeling or swimming in salt water. I used the same trick of sandwiching the canula between two pieces of IV 3000 and they stopped coming undone. I could wear them for about four days before they would finally start to loosen. Good luck!! I have also used a product called "Gorilla Snot" to keep the adhesive tight. That stuff is great, but you need a stick of dynamite to remove the canul afterwards! Gorrilla Snot is sold online and in most music stores.

Nancy

dpav · #8 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 04:20 PM

I like Nancy have used all three infusion sets that she has made mention of. I have changed to the 6mm from the 9mm. I used the 9mm for the first three years and I have had issues with rejections with the longer cannula's. Most of my 6mm infusion sets have been more successful so far. I am using the quick sets for now and I like them the best for alternate site usage. I also have not had them come off in the pool either. They do come loose when I make a mistake and put them too close to the waste band area. Otherwise all works OK for me so far with this latest setup.
Don

Belinda · #9 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nantomsuethom
Belinda,

I didnt realize the smaller tape went on before you insert the needle. I am going to try that tomorrow! Thomas runs anywhere from 70-90 when swimming also. Even though they say the pump is waterproof he still disconnects when he swims.

Thanks
Nancy

I don't think that is what the smaller tape is for it is just something I came up with that works well for me. (or maybe it is). The issue about water proof is that they are water tight when they leave the factory but once you get them and drop them and use them they are not garaunted water tight because you can get a small tiny crack in one and then you could be doomed. It is best to disconnect them while swimming (unless you have one of those water tight covers that they sell).

nantomsuethom · #10 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 06:17 PM

Hi Belinda,

I was talking to Thomas' diabetic educator today and asked her about the tape and she told me that the smaller one is supposed to go on before you insert the needle.
I did do it that way last night and it does make sense. So.. thanks Belinda!
I knew I had more to learn!!
He had a sensor put on today. Hopefully this will help us figure out why he feels low all the time when he is not. His endo seems to think he is dropping too fast and that will make him feel shaky.

Nancy