Replacing infusion sets

Hi there,
I sometimes bleed as well when removing, never noticed any on insertion though. I bleed especially on the arm, did it the other day and it simply wouldn't stop! As you said, the "bleeding" never seems to effect the sugar levels so I just ignore it really...

Hi,

It's perfectly normal to bleed when changing a cannula, theres lots of little blood vessels everywhere so it's likely to have a little.

Some people report what they call 'Gushers' which involve squirting blood when removing cannula's, i haven't experienced this, As you will know some people bleed easily than others, if you bleed well when glucose testing you'll probably bound to see more blood, especially in warmer weathers when your vessel's naturally move closer to the skin surface to maintain body temperature and to cool down.

Usually if i have one that bleeds alot more than usual i keep an eye on the site for a day or two. I recommend you do the same, if you notice it's red and sore and doesn't seem to be going down it's best to see your GP for some antibiotics to prevent any possible infection. I've also never had to do this either so i think it's quite rare.

Sometimes when inserting a cannula i will feel it's a sore spot and move somewhere else, in some cases i've already peirced the skin and it will bleed a little, sometimes it won't bleed at all. Make sure your not hesitating too much, going in at the right angle depending on your set too.

Sometimes if i pull the set out wrong i can sort of nick the skin which causes it to bleed a little.

Here i am nattering away again haha.

Best of luck

:shock:

If you get one that bleeds a lot, what's the best way to stop it?

Due to do my first proper set change tomorrow morning...

LittleSue said:

:shock:

If you get one that bleeds a lot, what's the best way to stop it?

Due to do my first proper set change tomorrow morning...

Click to expand...

I try to remember to have a piece of tissue paper handy when I take out a set. Very rarely I will bleed just a tiny bit but a piece of tissue over the hole for a few seconds usually stops it. I've not as yet had to use a plaster.

Oh OK. When I saw "gusher" and "squirting blood" I imagined having to scrub the walls... or the floor as I'm squeamish and would have to lie down :lol: Tissue or plasters I can cope with, I wondered if I'd be putting a pack of frozen peas on it or something.

Haha! sorry Sue! didn't mean to alarm you! you certainly won't have to redecorate afetr a set change! haha.

If it bleeds i use a bit of tissue or a cotton bud, just like a blood test, hold it there for a while until it stops bleeding, no problemo