static electricity
I don’t recall who suggested this, but have been doing it quite some time
now, but in northern Indiana it gets quite dry in the wintertime. Walking
across nylon carpets, sliding into car seats, etc. builds up static
electricity and that *charges* the pump. To help counteract this, I put a
third of a used fabric softener sheet into each of my pump *pockets.* It
seems to help.
I use colored coin purses/cigarette cases that zip and are pump size, put a
key ring in the pull and swing that from my belt. I am color-coordinated
that way. Most people thing it’s my money in a swinging *fanny pack.*
They have no idea that my *life* is in there. I have about 50 of these
bags — ranging from $1-$10.
January 5th, 2006 at 10:15 am
> It is supposed to address the problem with static electricity and other
things. How much of a problem is the static? Is there any way to avoid it?
I get shocked a lot getting out of the car and don’t want it to cause problems
with the pump. Connie >
I was told - and have for 9 years - to put 1/3 of a used dryer sheet in my
pump bags. Connie, you saw them at the BASH, and they are on my BASH Picture
Album. I have not changed the pieces of sheets since they are not tumbling and
heated against clothes. I get a lot of shocks from car seat, carpet, etc. here
in north-central Indiana and my pump hasn’t been affected since that first
time and MM told me to do that.
January 5th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
I have plenty of those! It’s nice to have a new use for those things. BTW, a
used dryer sheet also makes a good dusting cloth, especially for the TV.
Connie
J Hughey wrote:
January 6th, 2006 at 2:31 am
And to pet a static-y cat! >^,,^<
January 6th, 2006 at 7:20 am
<< to put 1/3 of a used dryer sheet in my
pump bags. Connie, you saw them at the BASH, and they are on my BASH >>
A used one? Not a new one? Whys that? Chrissy
January 6th, 2006 at 6:46 pm
You can use a new one if you want a greasy, smelly pump. Used once - not worn
out. (~_^)
Jan
January 6th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
<< You can use a new one if you want a greasy, smelly pump. Used once - not
worn
out. (~_^)
>>
True that makes sence. What happens to the pump again w/the static
electricity? It gets very dry out here in the warm months. I cant even kiss
my husband w/o touching something first to difusse the shock. Chrissy
January 7th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
<< You can use a new one if you want a greasy, smelly pump. Used once - not
worn
out. (~_^)
>>
True that makes sence. What happens to the pump again w/the static
electricity? It gets very dry out here in the warm months. I cant even kiss
my husband w/o touching something first to difusse the shock. Chrissy
January 8th, 2006 at 1:21 am
Geeze, we don’t have dem problems wis our Disetronics do we?
fp
January 8th, 2006 at 5:10 am
Sheena,
The paragraph below is quoted from www.diabetesnet.com (aka Diabetes Mall) about
the static problem with the MM 508.
Another feature of the 511 is expected to be better protection against
electrostatic discharge which has been a nagging problem with current 508
models. If static electricity is encountered in contact with devices like a
lawnmower or touching a doorknob after crossing a rug, it causes the 508 to zero
out the pump’s basal rates without warning. Basal rates on the 508 should be
immediately checked following any static discharge. The loss of basal
rates may be discovered after the user encounters unexplained high blood sugars.
MiniMed had a web page article addressing the electrostatic problem that is no
longer available. In the article, they recommended that the pump batteries be
removed for six to eight hours, then reinserted to remedy this
occasional problem.
Reading this information last week about static really concerned me and I was
wondering how big a problem it is for the average user. Removing the batteries
for 6-8 hours would mean a real hassle with having to use injections again.
How does everyone cope with times when something happens and your pump can’t be
used for several hours to overnight? Do you use NPH to fill in the extended
time or just work around with multiple injections of Humalog? I’m sure this
isn’t something that has to be dealt with on a regular basis, but being prepared
for anything is important.
Sheena Rat wrote:
January 9th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
I have been using a Minimed (506, 507c) for over 10 years, and have never had a
static problem. Do those with this problem live in a low humidity environment?
Or is this unique to the 508?
David
January 10th, 2006 at 11:33 am
HI, new to the list~
I have been on a 507C for two years and never had static electricity
problems. I HAVE had other difficulties though and when I have a minute
more, I would LOVE to post them for feedback. I am in an area with very,
very limitied knowledge about the pump and less support. Basically on my
own, so I look forward to getting new ideas and learning.
Arianna
~ One’s life…cannot be both
faith-filled and stress-free~
— N. A. Maxwell
January 10th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
<< Geeze, we don’t have dem problems wis our Disetronics do we?
fp >>
Nope, haven’t had the problem…Joan:)
January 11th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I did with my 506 and took care of it with the dryer sheets as told to me by
MM. No problem since then and I live in north-central Indiana. Lots of dry air
in winter.
Jan (~_^)
January 11th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
Hi Arianna: Welcome to the list…Joan:))