New to pump

[niknak15]

Hi guys,

I started my pump trial on Monday and so far I have accidentally pulled my canula out, fainted whilst trying to canulate put my canula in wrong and generally feeling very awkward and uncomfortable wearing it.

Does this bit pass? Do you get used to it over time?

I'm needle phobic but injections didn't bother me, how ever the canulas freak me out. I'm using the accu-check ones that you put in by hand.

I was feeling very excited before the trial started, I know it's hard work but that's not what bothers me. Just worried the worry of canulas and wearing it will make me miserable and masking the benefit of it.

Any advice, wise words very welcome

 

[donnellysdogs]

It passes... Did anyone else go with you for your training appt to support you?

Honest by 3 set change n 3rd cartridge change you'll be ok...

 

[niknak15]

No, the first 2 days were group sessions, so we all canulated together and learnt how to use it etc. the rest of the trials are one on ones with my DSN.

I'm very grateful I've been given the opportunity to trial a pump but feeling very indifferent about it. Wasn't expecting to feel this way.

 

[iHs]

I take it that you are using the Rapid d or Tenderlink? The Flexlink is ok with inserter

 

[niknak15]

Using the tenderlink, they wanted us to use those first then move onto inserters etc

 

[donnellysdogs]

I think you are on rapid d's... Shame that with your phobia of needles that you weren't given the opportunity of a one to one with your training. However, honest it gets easier. I had friend (ex nurse) and hubby on my one to one training and back up from a friend by phone too. It was still huvely neeve racking wondering if everything was working etc... And wondering if I'd done everything right..... It was fantastic having a back up by phone too. Accuchek are fantastic as a helpline.

If you are on rapid d and you have primed the insulin through ready to put in and the plaster cover has been peeled off, you can actually do putting into skin with eyes shut. Then it just case of whipping off the holder piece.

Its not necessarily a feeling of greatness to get a pump.....its scarey as sh*t and a huge amount of learning to take place. Honest though the sets and cartridge change procedures do become second nature and you really won't be bothered by them in the longterm...

 

[Spiker]

It can be a rough ride at first but it definitely does get easier, a lot easier. You just have to get through it. But bear in mind you have options. There are lot of different infusion sets, different locations to put the canula, different types of inserters. Get support from the DSNs, read the manuals and watch the training videos, try different things. You will find an approach that works for you.

 

[iHs]

This surprises me somwhat but can only assume that the reason might be money as Accuchek will be releasing their new pump over the next 6 months so all the sets will have different pump connections. Try inserting the introducer after holding a pack of frozen peas on the skin for a few mins to numb it off. This will make it easier on you. Also try to watch something on tv as a distraction. You will get used go it. Ive seen young teenagers use these sets and they are slim.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Gosh, that surprises me too.... Tenderlinks...!!??

Mind you they are do stock takes and shutting down ordering of supplies for a short while.

Never heard of anybody using tenderlinks straight off... Would recommend that you ask Dsn to see rapid d's or flexlinks. They are soooo easy!!! Must admit I cannot face having tenderlinks.. They freak me out!!!

 

[MushyPeaBrain]

I also have needle phobia and that was the main basis for choosing the Animas pump. I was petrified of the infusion sets generally but my DSN took special time to help me choose an infusion set I was comfy with. The Animas Insets are very easy to insert and if I can manage them anyone can. I feel that your clinic should be taking your needle phobia seriously when helping you decide on a pump. There is a huge difference between being nervous of needles and being needle phobic. I have to be taken to my HbA1c tests because I am so scared I faint or run off. I avoid having that done and with injections I was avoiding injecting on time because my phobia was so great. My DSN told me not all people with needle phobia can manage a pump.

For me I went from shaking with fear each insertion to managing to just get on with it over time. It took a while though and even though I know the insertion isn't bad I have to mentally prepare myself for it every time. I really feel choosing the right cannula is so crucial. Have you looked online to see what you feel would suit you better?

 

[Spiker]

Keep in mind you can use infusion sets from other pumps, not just the ones from the manufacturer of the pump you were given. That gives you lots of options.

 

[niknak15]

Keep in mind you can use infusion sets from other pumps, not just the ones from the manufacturer of the pump you were given. That gives you lots of options.

I didn't know this. I didn't get to choose my pump, everyone in the group has the same. I know we are going to try different ones as the trial progresses.

I also get escorted to blood tests. They lay me down etc.

I'm having my first one on one Monday so will chat to her. We have the DSN and consultants mobile numbers to ring just in case etc.

I'm hoping it's just change and I'll settle down with it. It's been a very scary ride do far!

Thanks everyone

 

[niknak15]

Saw my DSN today and she have me the flexi link canulas with the applicator, so hopefully this will make things easier

 

[donnellysdogs]

You may get more occlusions with flexlinks, however that I think depends on qty of fat, muscle n blood you have. Some get on well with them, but I didn't.

Glad you got something different.

 

[Spiker]

You may get more occlusions with flexlinks, however that I think depends on qty of fat, muscle n blood you have. Some get on well with them, but I didn't.

Glad you got something different.

How come I have never had an occlusion with my Animas Vibe? 6 months in now. What frequency of occlusions do you get DD?

 

[donnellysdogs]

Rare with stainless steel, loads with teflon.
Accuchek user.

 

[Spiker]

I'm off the steel now, though it was fine, I found the Inset IIs more convenient. Steel is more transportable though, and probably faster to change when you are used to it. I did have some steels pop out, maybe because of the smaller sticky size. Plus the /2 day change instead of /3 day change.

Maybe when I am bulked up and ripped like you DD I will go back to steel. As a lardarse I will stay with the teflon.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Lardarse you? Never!! Wish I had boobs though. Got asked to play football for a boys team when I was 15 cos of my leanness, been waiting 35+ years to fill out!!

 

[**shell**]

Not exactly an expert on all different pumps and things but I've not long got the Medtronic minimed which comes with a quick-Serter which shoots the cannula in for you. So far it's been pain free although the noise is a bit off putting at first.
X


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[Chas C]

I've been using Flexlink for nearly 2 yrs and never had any occlusion's.