bent needle
This internet stuff is rather new to me (diabetes is old). I sent this message
to Catie but realized the rest probably did not see it. So will redo it and send
it to I hope the right source:
I have been using a pump since ‘83 and for years used a bent needle. The problem
I had was that I (and many diabetics) are allergic to steel because of the acid
in the skin (wearing gold is discouraged - a stainless steel watch back is a
must for me). I can’t wear steel framed eyeglasses either - only plastic coated.
But a couple of things that helped me was that I taped the bent needle down,
made a double loop about 1" away from the site. I covered it all with Op-site
4575 surgical tape (Minimed carries it). To protect me from jabs by the needle
with my purse, grocery cart, countertop, etc., I got a rigid surgical eye patch
(the kind with holes in it for air circulation) from an eye doctor (it had a
cloth band around the rim). I taped it on top of the site with J&J cloth or
rayon tape. If the eye patch got bumped, the needle didn’t.
When I changed to sof-sets I no longer had to go through all that. The
sof-serter was sent to me and it helps. I still make the loops so if they’re
yanked out, the canula stays.
P.S. I know about the scary thought of not having that needle come back out for
a few days! The "practice" needle I wore was one of the hardest things I had
ever done. For 33 years the needles went in (shots) and came right back out.
Well, that one would stay for a few days so it was extremely difficult to put
in. That "honeymoon" stage is over now after 16 years.
P.S.S. You can get used to anything; even hanging if you hang long enough!
September 22nd, 2003 at 5:12 am
I’ve been pumping 16 years. My first 2 pumps were mfg’d by CPI (Cardiac
Pacemakers Inc) and used them from 8/83-4/92. They quit making pumps so I went
to MiniMed. I used many, many, many bent needles (in fact also straight needles
that I bent myself until some people hollered they couldn’t bend them — so they
started making them bent). But, I had a lot of pain and had to wear a holey eye
patch lined with cotton and edges covered, to protect me from the jabs and pokes
and blood and pain caused by hitting the site with my purse, groc. cart, or held
babies kicking there. I also had burning due to allergy to the metal.
I really hesitated going to SofSets because of the increased cost. But so
far my ins. has not balked; I do not use a Quick Release (that, too, is more
expensive).
Having had DM since 11/5/50 I am no longer squeamish about the needle. I
just plain don’t like pain (any more than I HAVE to put up with — which is
enough as it is).
Perhaps, like renal thresholds, pain thresholds are a YRMV (your results may
vary) type thing. I also cannot tolerate being in bright sunlight. There are
probably many sunworshipers on this list. If I had my druthers, I druther not be
this way.
Jan
September 22nd, 2003 at 12:53 pm
YRMV is certainly the key….I have been totally satisfied with the bent
needle after 4 years of frustration with soft sets…I bang it, hit it
(the site) often, and seldom have any pain or problems…
Since I am on Medicare, and they do not pay for anything (except test
strips), the cost differential is significant…
David
September 24th, 2003 at 12:57 am
Jan,
I like you have been on three pumps. I have been pumping 18 yrs. The same
as you, I could not tolerate the "real needles" as well as I do the soft
set. I used straight and bent both, I had more site problems after using
the stay in needle. I was having some problems this fall with my soft sets
then called Mini Med and they sent me a free soft serter and it is great.
No more problems with it.
Gail