Help please. Adhesive problems.

judi t · #1 (**permalink**) 11-30-2008, 08:42 PM

I'm having a few probs with set sites. Evidently I'm allergic to the adhesive. I've read various threads on this forum re adhesives but I'm yet to find the ideal solution. As I type this, my set is stuck on top of a piece of clear plastic - called Opsite - with green crossed grid lines - like a piece of contact for covering books. I've also got it stuck down at the sides - which started to lift after about 24 hours - with white 'micropore' adhesive tape. It still looked like the set was threatening to pop out - as it did on two consecutive days last week (very disconcerting, but that's another story) - so this morning, I grabbed a Band-aid strip and stuck it right over the top of the set to keep it in place until I get home tonight and change it. As you can imagine, it's very unsightly.

I've tried the following:
Injecting my set through 'micropore' tape. Not terrible, but not that good because on a couple of occasions, the set hasn't adhered to the tape and the set has thus been wasted. I've also had the set coming unstuck from the tape.

Using Friar's Balsam. This doesn't make much difference. Still end up looking like I've got a terrible skin condition afterwards.

Injecting the set through this Opsite plastic film adhesive. It was good for about 24 hours and then it started to lift from my skin, as described already. Furthermore, it's really expensive. $9.50 Australian for five 'dressings', which can be cut in half, but it's still too much.

Any other suggestions for something effective and reasonably priced?

Subby · #2 (**permalink**) 11-30-2008, 08:59 PM

Hi Judi, my sympathies I've had those issues too, although you sound more allergic than me. What set type are you using?

One thing I can suggest is if it's convenient to try a different set, this may solve it... although usually there are bigger issues than stickiness, with different sets.

The other is to try tegarderm instead of opsite. Different brand, I had good luck with them. Especially tegaderm HP which was exceptionally sticky and for sensitive skin as well. I ended up having to put one below, one above. With the tegaderm HP I didn't get any reaction (others caused redness and itching).

Most chemists sell them at highly inflated prices. I found a chemist in Ivanhoe that sells them half reasonably (80c each I think) but I think you're not around there? It's still a lot of money when you add it up, I wish I knew a more cost effective way, I did look high and low. If you found an adhesive strip that really worked for you you might be able to buy in bulk from the supplier. (There was a chemist in I think Camberwell that I was told about that sold in big boxes, didn't chase it up but be happy to try if that would be of help).

I had huge problems with sillhouettes. In the end I switched back to quicksets and they stick ok for me.

xMenace · #3 (**permalink**) 11-30-2008, 09:09 PM

What pump do u use? I just saw these the other day. Polyfin® Infusion Set I wonder if they'd work better for you, a much smaller footprint.

You can try IV3000's too.

judi t · #4 (**permalink**) 11-30-2008, 11:56 PM

Thanks for those prompt replies. I'm about to change my set, and I thought I'd check to see if anyone had a miracle solution before I did.

Still. Love the pump. It has completely changed my life. Can't believe I can sleep with a BG between, say, 6 and 8 and wake refreshed with a BG of between 4 and 6. It's miraculous. I'm about to give it a test run on another cycling trip to Vietnam in January. Should make things easier.

So, Subby, I use a Cleo infusion set, which I'm generally pleased with although I've had a couple of probs. That is, I had a couple of faulty sets in one box. The company would have happily replaced the faulty sets, but it seemed to be more trouble than it was worth. I've got a sample piece of Tegaderm, so I'll give that a burl. If it works I'll try to order some in at my local chemist.

I use an Animas 2020 pump, so I'm not sure about using any other infusion set. Suppose I should set up a visit with the DE and find out about other sets.

Subby · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 01:29 AM

Absolutely get your DE to help out or point you in the right direction.

If you're curious in the meantime here's some more information.

Someone please correct me if wrong, but I think your pump uses a luer lock. So, if you look at the NDSS IPC form and scan down the connection type list, you'll see you have a few options. I think the "pump" column is just a rough guide, it's the connection that matters. Double check that supposition though, I've only ever ordered for one type of pump. Here's the order form (Click on the link on this page). IPC Order Form - NDSS

Now, you may not have near as many options as might look, because there are 5-8 main types but re-branded a few times over.

So more helpfully, here is a run down of the actual features of different types. Infusion set information, pump compatibility and manufacturer links

This is a good site to learn about different types, (focus on the teflon straight and teflon slanted), you can cross reference with the NDSS order form to see if a particular set is available in Australia.

Nope, they don't make it easy.

w5wjp · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 06:45 AM

I am allergic to lots of different adhesives, but never had a problem with Cleo's....use them all the time.

What do you use to swab the site with before you insert the Cleo?

akielpinski · #7 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMenace

You can try IV3000's too.

I always had set adhesive problems until I started using the IV3000's. They work great for me. You just put them on first and then insert your site right over them. I first use an IV prep, put the IV3000 tape down, and then use the IV prep around the edges to help the tape stay on my skin. I use the insets but I've also used the soft sets and quick sets.

judi t · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 01:21 AM

Since posting my original plea for assistance, I've used Tegaderm under my set. It works better than anything I've tried so far.

Re the IV3000s: when I've worked my way through three boxes of Cleo's - 30 sets - I'm going to see my DE and have a look at some other possibilities.

Really, after 6 months, I'm still in the early days of pumping. I'm kind of glad I've experienced a few probs with sets popping out, etc., prior to my forthcoming cycling tour of Vietnam. It's better to experience these 'crises' in the comfort of Australia. I'm thinking I'm now more ready for a variety of 'crises' that may occur in January out in the rural areas of VN. Fingers crossed. Hopefully, everything will be sweet - well, not the food!