Steel set hitting muscle & general tips!

[MushyPeaBrain]

So a lovely friend has sent me some steel sets to try and I am going to just stick one in this weekend to see how it feels and if I can even get over my needle phobia!

However what I really need to know is what happens with using them if I hit muscle? With the teflon one it bends and then doesn't work. The steel would go straight in so is that bad? Will it cause issues with control?

Does everyone pinch up before they stick in?

As many tips on using steel sets as possible would be great as I think these may be the way for me to go

 

[iHs]

Mushy

Put the set in the area below your belly button. If you go way above the naval, then if you have a small torso, you may hit the diaphragm area so will feel the set going in. I am fairly slim and haven't had any problems below the naval. I also don't bother to pinch up the skin but sometimes numb the skin using a spray or frozen peas. It's really easy to put them in. I sometimes cut some of the adhesive backing into an oval shape instead of circular as the sets stick really well but that's about it. Try not looking at the set when you insert it (look at the telly or the baby) then you won't worry about the 6mm needle going in. It's no more than a 6mm insulin pen needle. I looked online and a company in America does a 4mm infusion set. This would be great for the upper arms.

Take the sets out using a couple of sprays of Lift Plus etc. It makes the Rapid D easier to remove as the spray loosens up the adhesive and then I peel back the set adhesive on both sides so that I can grab the set by its wings and remove the needle straight out. Lift Plus is no good on the Tenderlinks though as it tends to turn the adhesive to goo but Rapid D is ok.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Hi Mushy

I have never pinched....quite slim and lean myself (except for my bum), and if I stand up when putting the steels in, I will feel as it goes in that it is uncomfortable, if it is, then I just take out and put somewhere else. Standing up automatically tightens your muscles when putting in sets, and if you 'hit' a bad area, you will know it straight away with a steel set.

Honestly, I haven't had one single **** reading since going on to the steel sets. At least, if I have had a cr*p high reading, I know it is something that I have done wrong, ie forgot bolus, or not washed hands!!!!! Not a single high reading or occlusion since changing. The Rapid D link is so small that after the first time of putting it in, you will be able to do it blind folded (after priming it!!!).

Just remember to prime the whole tube and set BEFORE putting it in!!!!!! You'll be absolutely fine........