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Cannula Sticking

dtennant9

dtennant9

Well-Known Member
Messages
715
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I've not had any problems with my Cannula sticking since I went on my pump until yesterday.

I was changing my cannula and noticed that the one that was coming off was actually peeling a little at one side. I didn't think this was a big issue as I was away to take it off anyway.

However the one I put on yesterday morning is also not as secure as previous cannula's I have had on.

Does anyone have any tips on what to do when this happens? I don't know if it is sometimes coming loose due to the hair on my abdomen. I don't really want to shave areas for putting cannulas in :(

The one I put on yesterday does seem to be holidng up but the small plastic window on the Mio is a little condensated which is making me think it is not that good and water has managed to get in this morning when I was in the shower.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
I put on some of the Cavilon barrier spray that the hospital gave me when I went on the pump and it seems to have sealed things up a bit. Even if I can get it to last two days as opposed to the normal three then I'll be happy.
 
Ive had this a few times myself, its difficult to know whst actually causes it as sometimes its a manufacture problem, sometimes oil on the body and sometimes an area on body that sets dont stick too well. You find out though as you go along with sets and pumping. If putting sets in side srea of backside, I insert the set so that tube joins at the side as that prevents my knickers from catching on the tube clip when using the loo and the set come away from my skin. I also put some tape across the edges ofvthe set in certain body areas. Transpore clear is good but Opsite Flexifix is great and I just create a template and put the tape over the set. Liftplus adhesive remover is a must as remving Opsite is a bit ouch ouch without it.
 
iHs said:
Ive had this a few times myself, its difficult to know whst actually causes it as sometimes its a manufacture problem, sometimes oil on the body and sometimes an area on body that sets dont stick too well. You find out though as you go along with sets and pumping. If putting sets in side srea of backside, I insert the set so that tube joins at the side as that prevents my knickers from catching on the tube clip when using the loo and the set come away from my skin. I also put some tape across the edges ofvthe set in certain body areas. Transpore clear is good but Opsite Flexifix is great and I just create a template and put the tape over the set. Liftplus adhesive remover is a must as remving Opsite is a bit ouch ouch without it.
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I tried some tape last night but it stuck to me and not the set adhesive and then came off overnight.

It does seem quite a bit more stuck down since I put the barrier spray on.

Would I get either of those tapes in Boots or would you need to order them online?
 
There seems to be batches of non stick cannulas which surface every now and again. I had a box of them earlier in the year. I did ring animas who didn't particularly want to know and under protest replaced 2 that fell off but didn't want the full box back. So I just stuck the others down with skin tac.
Do complain to your provider though and see if you can get the box or batch replaced.
 
dtennant9 said:
I tried some tape last night but it stuck to me and not the set adhesive and then came off overnight.

It does seem quite a bit more stuck down since I put the barrier spray on.

Would I get either of those tapes in Boots or would you need to order them online?
Click to expand...
If boots don't have the stuff you require try a small independent pharmacy, I normally find them more helpful than the bigger stores.
 
CarbsRok said:
There seems to be batches of non stick cannulas which surface every now and again. I had a box of them earlier in the year. I did ring animas who didn't particularly want to know and under protest replaced 2 that fell off but didn't want the full box back. So I just stuck the others down with skin tac.
Do complain to your provider though and see if you can get the box or batch replaced.
Click to expand...

Most of the other ones have been ok as I'm halfway through the box. I suppose it was more of a rippling than the whole thing flapping about.

I have seen Skin Tac mention in the past. I assume that it works quite well?
 
dtennant9 said:
Most of the other ones have been ok as I'm halfway through the box. I suppose it was more of a rippling than the whole thing flapping about.

I have seen Skin Tac mention in the past. I assume that it works quite well?
Click to expand...
Hiya, skin tac works very well lol. Just make sure you have some alcohol swabs to remove from fingers if you have the misfortune to get it on them. Skin tac can be bought from Animas (cheapest place) or from MG healthcare. Do ask for the VAT back though.
 
I've had this where some set batches don't seem to have such good glue. A tip I picked up elsewhere is that once you've fired and run your finger around the adhesive to flatten it all down then blast the set with a hair dryer for a couple of minutes. This warms the glue up so it sticks much better.
 
MushyPeaBrain said:
I've had this where some set batches don't seem to have such good glue. A tip I picked up elsewhere is that once you've fired and run your finger around the adhesive to flatten it all down then blast the set with a hair dryer for a couple of minutes. This warms the glue up so it sticks much better.
Click to expand...

I do flatten it when I insert it but I'm wondering if I've not done it properly this time.

I've not heard of the hairdryerone before but will give it a try.

It does seem to be sticking a bit better now.
 
MushyPeaBrain said:
I've had this where some set batches don't seem to have such good glue. A tip I picked up elsewhere is that once you've fired and run your finger around the adhesive to flatten it all down then blast the set with a hair dryer for a couple of minutes. This warms the glue up so it sticks much better.
Click to expand...
Do you not worry about that affecting the insulin, or do you put the cannula in before connecting the tube?
 
Hooked said:
Do you not worry about that affecting the insulin, or do you put the cannula in before connecting the tube?
Click to expand...

I don't change my tubing and cannula at same time so I disconnect pump, fire new set in, unclip unused tubing and blast before I reconnect pump :)
 
After qall my bother getting it to stick in the first place, it lasted the 3 days and was a right pain to get off.
 
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