Contact Detach advice needed

Pink Cat · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:00 PM

Hello all,

I'm trying out different infusion sets to see if I can find one that I really like and gives me better BG control. (I've been on the Ping for about 6 months and have tried the Inset and Inset 30.)

So tonight's test is the Contact Detach, which Animas sent me 2 samples of. It was easy to insert the needle, but I wasn't quite sure where to put the other sticky piece. So I ended up sticking it right below where I inserted the needle on my upper abdomen; however, now there's a loop of tubing sticking out that I'm afraid will catch on something.

If others could share how they wear the Contact Detach, that would be great. I'm pretty much on my own since I left one endo and am waiting for my second appointment with the new endo. (It doesn't seem like I get a lot of help from the endos about this stuff anyway.)

Thanks!

poodlebone · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:11 PM

I use Minimed's Sure-T, which is the same thing as the Contact Detach. I usually place the connector part far enough away so that the loop of tubing lays flat against my body. I like it to stay in a U shape, so I don't place it so far away that it's a straight line.

You can also use a piece of Tegaderm, IV3000 or similar to cover it to keep it more secure. I've ripped one Sure-T out by accident after catching the tubing. I had it in my arm and went to adjust my sleeve and managed to yank it right out.

telizas · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:35 PM

I'm sorry I can't answer your question... I might have to call Animas for a sample of these. I've been trying out the Orbits and like them so far.

Cluck · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pink Cat

Hello all,

I'm trying out different infusion sets to see if I can find one that I really like and gives me better BG control. (I've been on the Ping for about 6 months and have tried the Inset and Inset 30.)

So tonight's test is the Contact Detach, which Animas sent me 2 samples of. It was easy to insert the needle, but I wasn't quite sure where to put the other sticky piece. So I ended up sticking it right below where I inserted the needle on my upper abdomen; however, now there's a loop of tubing sticking out that I'm afraid will catch on something.

If others could share how they wear the Contact Detach, that would be great. I'm pretty much on my own since I left one endo and am waiting for my second appointment with the new endo. (It doesn't seem like I get a lot of help from the endos about this stuff anyway.)

Thanks!

what poodlebone said. I use the contact detach and a half strip of tegaderm to stick down that loop of tubing. This is sufficient for 3 days plus. I actually prefer this infusion set so far; I don't have any bent cannulae, any discomfort from inserting a huge needle to carry the cannulae and if I do yank my tubing I'm yanking on the connecter not the infusion site itself.

Best of luck working this out.

Pink Cat · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the idea about the Tegaderm--that hadn't occurred to me. So far, I like how this set feels; however, I've had several BG readings below 65 today, so I'll probably need to adjust my rates, perhaps bolus and basal, if I stay with this set. The needle was surprisingly easy to insert and was painless. I found that inserting both the Inset and Inset 30 resulted in a big "ouch." The Contact Detach sample that I got from Animas has a needle that is 8mm long--not sure how I'll know if I need a different size of needle. I also notice that the site doesn't feel like it's being tugged at all of the time. I hope that I can get settled on a set because I'd like to solve the mystery highs if possible and find a set that is comfortable and relatively easy to use.

Thanks for the advice--much appreciated. Maybe I'll survive this pump business after all.

Cluck · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pink Cat

Thanks for the idea about the Tegaderm--that hadn't occurred to me. So far, I like how this set feels; however, I've had several BG readings below 65 today, so I'll probably need to adjust my rates, perhaps bolus and basal, if I stay with this set. The needle was surprisingly easy to insert and was painless. I found that inserting both the Inset and Inset 30 resulted in a big "ouch." The Contact Detach sample that I got from Animas has a needle that is 8mm long--not sure how I'll know if I need a different size of needle. I also notice that the site doesn't feel like it's being tugged at all of the time. I hope that I can get settled on a set because I'd like to solve the mystery highs if possible and find a set that is comfortable and relatively easy to use.

Thanks for the advice--much appreciated. Maybe I'll survive this pump business after all.

The contact detach comes in a 6mm needle as well. This is the one I use ... and I like it very much so far

Pink Cat · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cluck

The contact detach comes in a 6mm needle as well. This is the one I use ... and I like it very much so far

Thanks, Cluck. Do you happen to know if Animas will supply the Contact Detach in the 6mm size? When I asked for a sample, they said that all they had was the 8mm size.

Cluck · #8 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pink Cat

Thanks, Cluck. Do you happen to know if Animas will supply the Contact Detach in the 6mm size? When I asked for a sample, they said that all they had was the 8mm size.

Yes Animas supply the 6mm size. You can find them on their website.

sugardaddyppt · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 03:14 PM

any insertion from the major companies, except mini med, can be used...they all use luer lock fittings from the tubing to the pump. the differences are where the tubing connects to the insertion set. Are you looking for something with a tail or is tailless ok???? There are actually some pretty decent off brand (not made by manuf.) sets out there..it just takes a little searching...one or 2 late night internet searches should unearth the majority of them....not only will you survive this but you will thrive and grow...enjoy your life and the freedom pumping gives you.

Pink Cat · #10 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 08:08 AM

I've received the Contact Detach sets from Animas and am experimenting with both the 6mm size and the 8mm size. At first I was worried that the 2 separate patches of adhesive would be uncomfortable, but so far it really hasn't bothered me. I did have lots and lots of lows on the 8mm size so I'm anxious to see how my BG responds to the 6mm. I'm finally starting to feel some hope about pumping--surprising how much there is to learn, but it's nice to receive advice from others who have been through all of this. So far, no random, whacky highs like I was having on the Insets and no pain like I was having on the Inset 30s.

Thank you all for your advice.

Pink Cat · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 07:40 PM

Hmm. Well, I think I like the Contact Detach set, but it may be more adhesive than my skin can handle. I'm still debating between the 6mm and 8mm needle lengths, but I'm thinking that maybe it's the adhesive that's more uncomfortable than the needle.

I changed the set tonight after just one day because it was hurting. When I took off the adhesive thingies, I had several red welt-like spots on my skin. I think one of the spots that was particularly irritated was a spot where I had put the second piece of adhesive on top of the pinprick of a recent site.

I'm guessing that IV3000 or Tegaderm is in order. . .

At least I'm not having the really whacky unexplained highs, although I obviously have a ways to go to get this all figured out because my BG values are still not very stable.

My last A1c was 7%, but I'd really like to get it lower than that because that's not much better than when I was on MDI.

Trying to hang in there. .

poodlebone · #12 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 09:12 AM

I have a Sure-T in right now (Minimed's version of the Contact Detach) and it's fine. Minimed's only come in 6mm, so I don't even have a choice there. I often do not need any extra tape but this time I did put a piece of Hypafix over the needle. Hypafix is like the tape used on the sets - white, breathable and like cloth. If you have skin issues with Tegaderm or IV3000 you might want to try some Hypafix. Since it breathes it doesn't cause any irritation for me and I also find it more comfortable than the clear, plastic-y dressings. Hypafix comes in a roll in various widths and lasts forever.