Re: [IPp] Quick Set Problems
In a message dated 12/31/2003 4:44:27 PM Pacific Standard Time,
email @ redacted writes:
Granted, Stephanie uses the Cozmo and we use
the MiniMed Quick Set, mostly because it was easy to put in and up until now,
we haven't had any problems. It seems like the canula is getting kinked a
lot easier now, either when we insert it or the day after we insert it, I'm
not
sure if she lays on it when she is sleeping or what. We do have the Quick
Set
Inserter but she doesn't like it at all, she tends to flinch when we use it.
Anyone have any ideas??
When it comes to cannula crimping, it really doesn't matter that you're using
Quicksets with a Cozmo (My daughter uses quick sets with her Animas pump).
It's been a VERY long time since we've had a kinked (crimped cannula), but it
seem likes the few times we've had that problem in the last 2.5 years that
she's been pumping, there does seem to be a run of kinked cannulas (say 3-4 in
a
week, sometimes in a row and sometimes not) and then no cannula problems for a
long time so, hopefully, this may happen for you, too . . . In case it
doesn't, here are a fewoptions to consider trying:
1. If you're using the longer cannula quick sets (9mm, I think), switch to
the short cannulas (6 mm) -- almost all kids and many adults who use the
Quicksets use the short cannula version. If you're losing the short cannulas,
consider trying the longer cannula version (which goes against conventional
wisdom,
I know, but I can remember at least one parent of a preschooler on IP that
found that for their 4 or 5 year old, the long cannuled quick-sets worked like
a
charm and the shorties were a disaster).
2. Where ever your inserting her sets (tummy, upper hip, butt, leg etc.)
try putting the sets in a different place (most people, especially the littlest
pumpers seem to have fewer crimped cannulas if they use the butt or upper hip
-- but you never know what will work best for you).
3. Try using some quick sets from a different box THAT HAVE A DIFFERENT LOT
NUMBER . . . If all of yours are the same lot number, try swapping some with
your pump trainer/CDE or call whoever provides you your pump supplies
4. Try using the inserter (I've heard from a number of people who had
crimping problems from hand inserting the quick sets) . . . If she doesn't like
it
(my daughter, a MUCH older girl doesn't like the sound it makes, even now)
consider letting her play with it a bit doing pretend insertions (without a set
in
it) on dolls, stuffed animals, or other family members etc. She might even
do better if you held the inserter in place and let her push the buttons on
the inserter (during actual insertions -- having some sense of control can be
really helpful for kids) . . . and if that doesn't help, consider bribery (I'm
NOT kidding) for letting you use the inserter.
5. Try using EMLA or some other numbing substance and/or relaxation
techniques to help her not tense up on insertions . . . One technique my
daugther used
(for shots) in the beginning was to blow a candle flame for as long as she
could to make it flicker but without actually blowing it out (but there's lots
of other things you can use: positive visualization, breathing exercises,
other distractions like reciting a rhyme, etc.) . . . Having EMLA helped my
daughter through the first few insertions because she KNEW she wouldn't feel
anything
6. Consider trying another type of set, probably an angled insertion set
like Comforts/Silhouettes/Etc. . . . Before you do, I'd suggest that you get
some
samples for you to try on yourself (so you will KNOW that the big scary
insertion needle doesn't hurt any worse than an injection, and often a lot
less)
AND get an experienced person (a pumper or EXPERIENCED pump trainer) to give
you
some hands on training.
I imagine you've already tried some of these already -- hopefully you'll find
something here that might help. Good Luck
Lyndy
Pumpmama to Katie (13) happily pumping with her Animas pump "Elvis" (and
Quick-Sets!) since 6-1-01
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