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Second day using the pump.

Ambzz89

Ambzz89

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi everyone

I'm new to these forums and also new to the pump. I am currently on my second day of using the Accu-Check Insight pump.

I'm feeling really positive about how much of a change to my life this pump is going to make, but also feel so overwhelmed by all the information I have been given.

I just have a question, which may be a stupid question, but I don't want to be bombarding my diabetes team with phone calls every time I have a small worry ... I've been told to change my cannula every 3 days - unless for any other reason I need to change sooner - but if I need to put a new insulin cartridge into the pump and change my infusion set, say on the second day of wearing a cannula, do I need to change my cannula too? Or can I just connect it up to the cannula I am already wearing?

Thank you in advance.


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Ambzz89 said:
Hi everyone

I'm new to these forums and also new to the pump. I am currently on my second day of using the Accu-Check Insight pump.

I'm feeling really positive about how much of a change to my life this pump is going to make, but also feel so overwhelmed by all the information I have been given.

I just have a question, which may be a stupid question, but I don't want to be bombarding my diabetes team with phone calls every time I have a small worry ... I've been told to change my cannula every 3 days - unless for any other reason I need to change sooner - but if I need to put a new insulin cartridge into the pump and change my infusion set, say on the second day of wearing a cannula, do I need to change my cannula too? Or can I just connect it up to the cannula I am already wearing?

Thank you in advance.
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Click to expand...

I do it in a different way to Phil ;), choose a way that works for you.

I always change everything (cannula, tubing/adaptor) when I change the cartridge, then two days later (not three) I change the cannula.

This works for me as a cartridge lasts about 4 days (under normal use - no curries :)).

I was recommended to do it this way by my DSN and its much simpler for me as the dates logically follow the cartridge change. I do not then have different dates for the cannula or tubing to remember.
 
Thank you. I guess it will come in time what works best for me. I think by this evening I will need to change my cartridge and infusion set and tomorrow I will change my cannula for the first time. Bit apprehensive about it tbh.


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It all seems weird to start with @Ambzz89 but I was (pleasantly) astonished at how quickly it all became second nature.

I change the hosepipe every time the cartridge runs out (6-7 days) and the cannula every 3 days. Sometimes these dates coincide but not often!

Sounds like you're doing great with your fab new piece of kit - keep up the good work! I love my Insight.

:)
 
I tend to allow for 20u to fill the tube plus about 6 days worth of insulin plus an extra 20u for good measure just incase I eat more carb than usual or do a tbr. I try to get my sets to last about 6 days but dont worry if the insulin in the cartridge lasts for 7 days as I just change the set when needed and the cartridge when it's empty.
It gets easier the more times you change the cartridges and insert the sets
 
I don't have that problem and by the sounds of it you have found your answer. I have been using a pump for just about 2 weeks and have to change my infusion set and reservoir (3ml) every 2 and a half days.
When I did my first change it took me half an hour, yes half an hour....don't laugh yet .....I was only on saline at the time lol but still very anxious. Well I had better finish the story hadn't I! I fell asleep in my chair that night waking up at 0100hrs thinking I had missed my Basal injection and leapt out of the chair half asleep. My pump wasn't clipped to me properly and fell to the floor and having the shortest infusion set fitted it got pulled clean out of me lol, I flapped despite only being on Saline but did get the complete change done in less than 5 mins. In hind sight I didn't really need to change the reservoir but it was a good exercise and a good lesson learnt. Incidentally following the trouble shooting guide I did a self test of the pump and all was well.

Oh and Its best to ask what you think is a daft question than be daft and not ask at all.

Regards

Martin
 
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