Lumps

[Noobiepumper]

Hi all! new pumper here

I've been a diabetic for many, many, many years and I've not once had issues with lumps or sores or anything like that, that is until now.

I've only just this week been put on the pump. I've had two changes of infusion sets so far and both have left me with these painful, sore, lumps. One of these lumps I've had for three days now and it's not going away. So I'm sorta, kinda like panicking.

I had my first infusion set put on last week. I kept it on for three days and after I removed it I was left with this rather large and uncomfortable lump on my stomach, It was my first infusion set too. I mean, it's not like I was abusing the same site with tons of injections for months or anything.
My basal rate's a little on the high side, my bolus too. So for my second infusion set I decided to be extra careful and have my pump inject the insulin slower and I reduced the amount of insulin I was taking too and I removed the cannula after two days instead of leaving it on for three so I was kind of like hoping that I wouldn't have the same issue again but I did. The second cannula did leave me with a smaller lump though but still the thought of these lumps, large or small, appearing at every infusion site and not going away forever is scary and they're terribly uncomfortable and kinda painful too.

There is loads of talk about infusion site lumps and scars online but not much chatter about solutions/causes/do's and don'ts etc. So I was just wandering if anyone has had any experience with issues like this with their pump? :S Is this problem common in people using pumps? Does the type of infusion set make a difference?

Cheers.

P.S. I'm on the Accu-Check Combo and I'm using the Flexi-Link infusion sets.

 

[mrman]

No, shouldn't have lumps, small or large, couple of things, what length cannula are you using, as if its not long enough the insulin will sit just under the skin, take longer to absorb and cause a lump. Or its a reaction to the cannula material causing an allergic reaction to the sensitive lower levels of the skin. Could try using the rapid d cannulas as they are metal canula, not the soft cannula. Tip though when using these is to use the wipes that makes sticky stuff not sticky lol as when trying to get out can cartch if the sticky stuff sticks too well.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Noobiepumper]

Hi Brett, thanks for the reply.

I'm using 8mm plastic cannulas. They're pretty long and I'm kind of thin----ish lol. I think I might try changing to a different cannula like you said, a metal one perhaps. I'm going to speak to my nurse about this today and I'll see what she can do about the whole thing and I'll report back with the results.

 

[SandyDee]

Hi Brett, thanks for the reply.

I'm using 8mm plastic cannulas. They're pretty long and I'm kind of thin----ish lol. I think I might try changing to a different cannula like you said, a metal one perhaps. I'm going to speak to my nurse about this today and I'll see what she can do about the whole thing and I'll report back with the results.

Hi, Are the lumps where the infusion set touches the skin and are they in the shape of it? I always have a lump where my infusion set is because my skin is very sensitive to the sticky stuff. If this could be your issue there are a number of things you can try - one being to change the infusion/ canula size and style. There is also a spray you can get on prescription which coats the skin so that the infusion has like a layer between it and your skin, unfortunately I can't remember the name of it and I'm not at home at the moment, but your diabetic nurse should either know or be able to find out. Unfortunately it doesn't work for me!!! But I am told it is usually very good. I think I have just dredged up from the bottom of my memory that it is called Cavillon or something like that.

 

[iHs]

Hi

I have been using the Combo pump for a while now so do sympathise with you especially as its Xmas so you don't want anything to go wrong

It does sound as though you should have a go at inserting the F'Link in a different area (you using the tummy at all?) and use your backside but not the area where there would be pressure put on the set if you were lying on your back in bed...... some use the very top part. Another area could be the leg but not on the area where lying on your side in bed would put pressure on the set. The Flexlink is also available in 6mm as well as the 8mm.

It is said that the Tenderlink set suits slim people because the angle of the introducer needle goes in sideways more and not 90 degrees like the Flexlink so that might be an option for you to see if that sorts you out.

Lastly, as its Xmas and everyone has gone off duty, try taking the F'Link out every 24hrs until you are able to speak with your hospital dsn or able to speak with Accu chek careline. Another option, would be to use the pump to deliver the basal but use your insulin pen to deliver the bolus in a different area and round up the insulin to the nearest half unit as that should help limit the size of the lump build up if its caused by insulin, that is, if its caused by skin allergy, then another set using different adhesive or as above poster has mentioned - Cavilon spray or Skinsafe might help..

Hope you can get yourself sorted..............................

 

[jopar]

I have the combi pump...

If it's lumping underneath the skin, sounds like you having a reaction to the Teflon (plastic) in which case change the infusion set more frequently and get hold of your pump nurse asap...

If it's all on top of the skin surface then it's the adhesive playing up, I would pop into your nearest chemist and ask them for cavalon spray, or megderm (sp) dressing which is used in care for prevention/treatment of pressure sores, as both of these act as a barrier. both can be prescribed

I've been pumping now for almost 6 years, and I don't carry any weight, so I've always used the Tenderlink angle sets, which I've always hand inserted (not different than doing an injection) the canula length seems long, but because you're putting it in at 45 degree angle, it isn't a problem and I've had not problems with kinking or anything.