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Insulin Pump Cannula Site Probelms...Help!

F

Fryertown2012

Member
Messages
22
Location
Solihull
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi

I joined the forum some time ago & read hundreds of posts for help & motivation. However this time I need some help/advice please....

I have been type 1 diabetic for over 24 years and went onto a pump about a year & half ago to help control my sugars enough to have a baby...which it did & I have!!! He is now 8 months old & takes up most of my time which is why I need some help. I am having issues with cannula infusion sites. I am on the accu-check spirit combo & before pregnancy put it in my stomach, during pregnancy I moved to my back & have now moved back to my stomach due to absorption issues. I don't really want to use my legs as it is really difficult with a crawling toddler..! Also just after I had my son I was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis so have been suffering pretty badly with pain & movement.

The issue is I put the cannula (8mm - Rapid D Link) into my stomach & it is clearly flat against the skin so would not suggest it is not in properly but an hour later sugars are high with ketones & when I take it out it, it looks as though it has pushed the skin down but not punctured it. There is no way of knowing from looking at it & then it is a battle to get things back to normal - particularly with a small baby to care for too.

Has anyone had similar experiences - does any one have any suggestions - has this caused anyone to come off the pump?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Annie
 
Hello

Am not sure from yr msg as to whether the steel needle from the rapid d is bending when u insert? The only way it would bend for me, would be if I inserted into a very hard surface like wood or solid concrete lol !! Once the introducer tip has punctured the skin, the rest should slide in.

As you've got absorption problems, you could carefully insert the rapid d at the top back part of the arm and possibly use a smaller 6mm needle. You would also need a longer tube so that you could have a wash without disconnecting the tubes and then re joining them again and just leave the pump outside the shower or bath if no one is about to sort out the tubes. Ive used my arm myself and it works ok. I just put a piece of tape over the top of the set to stop the adhesive from catching in my clothes.

Another alternative is the Tenderlink as that goes in at a slanted angle so you could have a go with that on yr tummy or leg

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
i had exactly the same problem about 8 weeks ago when i first started on my pump, as you say the rapid d cannula looked flat to my skin but it was as if it wasn't going in and the insulin certainly wasn't as i had really high blood sugars for days despite changing it 9 times in 6 days! they looked fine when i removed them but my dsn said it was all down to the way i was inserting them, i wasn't doing it quick enough apparently but it was the exact same way i have injected myself for 26 years and that insulin always worked! Also she inserted one in my tummy to show me what i was doing wrong and her one didn't work either. I wanted to stick to the rapid d cannulas as i thought they would be the best with my 2 small children as they are so flat to your skin and the risk of them getting pulled out but i had to try something different so i tried the flex link cannula instead and haven't looked back, i have had no problems at all and the kids haven't managed to pull it out yet so it may be worth a try for you too.
 
Thank you for your replied & all your help it is much appreciated! I felt like I was going mad!!!!

Fig - I have ordered some of the Flex Link Cannulas on your recommendation from accu chek & I am just waiting for them to arrive to give them a go. I am glad to hear they work well with your little ones as that is a real concern of mine. Still waiting for them to arrive...think I will chase up this week & let you know how it goes.

Thanks again,

Annie x
 
Make sure you use the inserter device for the flex link cannulas, can order them with usual supplies from roche. I did try manually with them but, had odd occasions with no insulin being delivered. No problems since using inserter device.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Hi
Make sure you also get the inserter device for the Flexlinks and look on youtube if you need to, on how to insert the sets. Tip from me is to look at where the set slots into the inserter and line the blue end of the set with one of the names written .....Disetronic and then pull back the pale grey spring loader as far as possible until you hear a click and then slide the little blue tab over and then hold the inserter feet against the skin and just press the blue button to release the spring and fire the set in. Its very easy to use so dont worry. By lining up the blue plastic set needle cover with the Disetronic name, will enable you to know which way the tube will attach which is handy for the backside. Once inserted, just pull out the blue introducer pin.
Also, make sure when loading the set in the inserter and pulling back the grey spring.....turn it away from yr face while you do it.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Thank you -The Inserter, do I need to order this separately then, they wont just send one?

Also is it just one long tube - Can you disconnect to have a shower etc? Im worried Ive not ordered the right stuff now. All I ordered was 1 box of Accu Chek TenderLink Infusion Set (17mm & 30cm).

Finally where do you guys put your cannula, any tips on best places that don't get in the way of a waistband etc???
 
Hi

The tenderlink is an angled set that you put in yrself, it doesnt have the Link Assist inserter that is needed for the Flexlinks. I found that with the Tenderlink, I needed to numb the skin off a tiny bit by holding a pack of frozen peas over a t shirt against my skin first for a few mins and then was able to pierce the skin with the introducer needle and then slide it in (look on youtube).

You can disconnect from the Tenderlink just like any other set. The Tenderlinks you have ordered will include a very short tube (about 12") so get longer tubes ideally and then you wont have to disconnect to use the loo etc, unless pump is in yr bra.

If you cant get on with the Tenderlink, try the Flexlinks but get the Link Assist inserter as well.

To get the Tenderlink off the skin a bit easier (it sticks very well), get some adhesive remover like LiftPlus spray (free samples) from Opus or one of the other brands like Brava. You can also get by with dabbing the adhesive with babyoil but remember to wash the skin afterwards or the next set wont stick.



Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
You can insert a set anywhere on the body that has got some "meat" lol. Above the waistband you could insert a Rapid D, Flexlink. Below waistband...Rapid D, Flexlink, Tenderlink.
Top side part of the leg
Very top back part of the arm
Anywhere on the backside but not in centre of bum cheek as you might feel it if you lie on yr back in bed. Also lol not where you poo

Hope this helps.......it does take time go get to grips with using the Combo... Ive done a few msgs on the air bubble thing in the cartridges etc so have a look to see if the iHs way helps at all




Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
I have rapid d's permanently in my cheek bums where there's more fat.

However, I slightly wriggle mine when I put them in and always push against the needle afterwards... Cos I know if it hurts then I will have a high....

I cannot use my stomach at all because of work (bending over and my muscles)..my bum after 30 years of injections/sets is still excellent...

Just a different option to try until flexlinks n inserter arrive.
I hate using the inserter personally and find my techiques of a little wiggle and a press down are good for me.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Thank you everyone for all your help! Hopefully sets will turn up tomorrow as it has been over a week now & ill use your advise for how to insert etc back.

Really appreciate feedback & suggestions... Hopefully ill find a set that works & a place that is convenient! xx
 
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