new pumper!!!

[maria030660]

HI everybody,

I am 52 and many years diabetic (type I). IN March I will be moving to a pump and i am really excited about it. I am reading a lot about it and do the online courses from accu-chek etc online as they give me good information. I have a few questions...how many times do you need to change the adapter, do you throw away the empty cartridge or do you keep using them and what is your experience with steel or teflon needles? I am 52 so my skin is not so eh...flexible anymore

 

[CarbsRok]

Adapter? not sure if you mean the cannula, if so tethlon is changed every 3 days and steel every 2 days.
Tethlon cannulas have to be inserted with a needle so it doesn't matter if you tuff or not :lol:
Experience... everyone is different what suits you might not suit someone else.
Cartridges I just fill up and use until empty then bin it. I have been known to reuse when self funding.
Do buy the book pumping insulin by John Walsh (Amazon)

 

[iHs]

Hello Maria

Welcome to the pump section of the forum.

Like yourself, I have been insulin dependent since the mid 60’s and started using the same pump as you are going to get, in 2010. I am also about the same age as you too. There are a fair few pumpers on the forum who also use the Accu Chek Spirit Combo. Lots of threads for you to read and take in …………

Regarding your questions…….. the black cartridge adaptor should be replaced about once every 3 months as it has a screw thread at one end in which the luer connection on the end of the infusion set tube screws in to. It is thought that after 3 months, the luer thread gets worn and this may lead to poor connection allowing air into the cartridge and also insulin leaking out instead of going straight from the cartridge into the tube and on to the infusion set. Accu Chek supply the black adaptor, battery cover and a small plastic magnifying glass to see air bubbles in the tube as part of their Battery Service Pack

Some people re-use the cartridges and re fill them again. I re-use mine but only about 2- 3 times as I find that the black markings along the outside of the cartridge tend to wear away and also the seals at the bottom of the cartridge lose their lubrication so making it difficult for the plunger inside the cartridge to move freely.


I have used both Teflon and steel needle infusion sets and don’t really mind that much which I use. Teflon sets are usually only suitable for putting in the stomach whereas steel needle sets can go in the stomach, buttock, legs and for some, the arms. It depends where you have some flesh. The only difference will be how well insulin is absorbed. Don’t worry ……

You are lucky to be using the Accu Chek pump as their infusion sets are very good – discrete and nice and flat. The Teflon Flexlink 8mm set is good and using the inserter goes in very quickly with virtually no pain (2-3 secs). The Rapid D is a lovely steel needle set that has a small 6mm or 8mm steel needle (like insulin pen) attached to a circular adhesive about the size of a 50p. It is very easy to insert and causes very little problems. Lots of DSNs favour the Rapid D because of its simplicity. It is very flat and can go in legs under leggings and be invisible more or less.

Any more questions ………. just ask.

 

[maria030660]

Thank you for all your replies..i think its a case of trying different infusion sets out i guess, after so many years of injecting i have run out a bit on where to punch a needle and these days i get bruises easily, probably because i am getting older. But despite i am very healthy, have no issues with kidney and liver, a cholesterol < 4 and low blood pressure all a result of carb counting all my life
Its great to see people like me in the second wave of their life moving to a pump, cant wait really as i think it will give me a lot more freedom.
My insulin (i use Novorapid/Levemiri) absorbs real quick and good and i dont use excessive amounts.

 

[CarbsRok]

Thank you for all your replies..i think its a case of trying different infusion sets out i guess, after so many years of injecting i have run out a bit on where to punch a needle and these days i get bruises easily, probably because i am getting older. But despite i am very healthy, have no issues with kidney and liver, a cholesterol < 4 and low blood pressure all a result of carb counting all my life
Its great to see people like me in the second wave of their life moving to a pump, cant wait really as i think it will give me a lot more freedom.
My insulin (i use Novorapid/Levemiri) absorbs real quick and good and i dont use excessive amounts.

Hi Maria,
Like you I have no complications either, I've just started year 47 on insulin
The hardest thing will be the basal testing due to sleepless nights and frustration when things do not go to plan.
I used tethlon cannulas with no problem for four years with no problem at all but due to ! I suddenly needed to change the length from 6mm to 8mm and 8mm do not come in tethlon so am now using steel needles. There is no difference in comfort at all.
I'm sure you will love the pump once you are sorted.

 

[maria030660]

I am 6 ft and I am slightly overweight (5 kilo's), i gained weight during my short stinch with Lantus and Aprida (moved back to Levemir/Novorapid) and cant seem to get it off no matter what i do. My doctor says its age and i should relax so more and more i think i will go for 8 mm steel needle