Soreness After Changing Site
I left an infusion site in for five days (I normally change after
three). It has been very sore since I changed it three days ago. In
fact, the tissue under my skin is very hard (feels like a rock
underneath my skin) with about an inch diameter. It is painful to the
touch.
Is this normal? Has anyone ever encountered this?
Thanks,
Jonathan
September 21st, 2005 at 2:05 am
Jonathan,
This is the lesson one learns when leaving a site in too long. 8^) You have
an abcess. Hold hot compresses on it several times a day and watch it so it
doesn’t get a *head* on it. Maybe Joan has something better to say. Does the
Pumping Insulin book have anything about abcesses in it?
Jan (~_^)
September 21st, 2005 at 6:21 pm
Jonathan:
you are learning the hard way about leaving a set in tooooo long.
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:29 am
Jonathan:
you are learning the hard way about leaving a set in tooooo long.
Sorry, hit the touchpad.
You have inflammation and probably infection at that site. Warm compresses
(salt water is better), not HOT, cause it can cause more tissue damage.
Watch it regularly, if it gets worse after another day or two, run, don’t
walk to your endo or NP or whomever you use for regular medical care. You
may have to be on antibiotic.
In future, rotate your sites more regularly….religiously would be a better
idea. Sometimes I have to change the Rapids after two days. Usually lasts
3, but depends on where I put it. I find that if it’s in a spot where it
gets bumped a lot, it fails faster. I had to stop using SoftSets because the
larger diameter cannula wouldn’t last me more than 6 hours, which gets pretty
expensive.
Whenever you change a site you should follow certain rules for yourself:
1. Wash those hands!!!!
1 1/2. Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place. Mine is in the bedroom and
I have a drawer just for diabetes/pump supplies.
2. Clean the site well. Sometimes using alcohol first, let it dry
and then use your site prep and let it be a little damp when you insert your
next set. Sticky helps the adhesive to stick better.
3. Use a good site dressing over it. Don’t rely on just the adhesive set
that comes with it.
4. Don’t pet the dogs or cats or other pets before changing your sites.
5. Keep the two legged pets out of the way too, little hands are wonderful
bacteria carriers.
6. Wash those hands again when finished.
Hope this helps, and feel better. Joan:)))))
September 24th, 2005 at 12:49 am
Jonathan,
Sounds like the start of an infection. Put some "Neosporin cream with pain
reliever" on it. That helps. Last summer I made the mistake of changing
out a site at Disneyland of all places. I was on vacation and forgot to
check my insulin before leaving. Luckily I had stuff in my purse because I
put it in there for the plane ride. The problem was that I didn’t wash my
hands and I ended up getting a terrible infection. The hard center was
about a 3 inch oval and I got very sick. It came to a head but wouldn’t
drain. I ended up in an emergency clinic where they gave me a shot of
antibiotics and Rx for pills. I left the next day to come home and the darn
thing burst open on the plane! OWW!! I learned my lesson the hard way. I
have scar tissue there now. I went to my regular doctor when I got home and
she wasn’t too happy with me. Be very careful. Now whenever a site starts
to hurt, I immediately change it and put some antibiotic cream on it.
Haven’t had trouble since. Take care– Love, Jeana Ü
September 24th, 2005 at 9:26 am
Jonathan:
I too leave my sets in for long periods and the advise Joan has given below
is mandatory! I have encountered the problem you describe twice now, in
nearly 2 years of pumping. You might wanna try NOVALEXIN. I used this with
the first occurrence and it cleared it up in a few days. I keep this stuff
on hand always and only use it when absolutely necessary, it’s an
antibiotic.
The other thing is monitor the site continually and chances are you’ll be
able to catch a problem before it gets a chance to really flare up.
Good Luck,
fp
September 25th, 2005 at 12:19 am
<< You might wanna try NOVALEXIN. >>
Hi fp is that over the counter? Never heard of it. Chrissy
September 25th, 2005 at 9:49 am
It’s an antibiotic, you’ll need a prescription for it.
fp
September 27th, 2005 at 8:40 pm
Hi Chrissy: fp is in Canada. Novalexin is similar to neosporin…..that is
over the counter…Joan:))))
September 28th, 2005 at 10:58 am
No it’s not Joan, Novalexin is an antibiotic in pill form.
fp
> Hi Chrissy: fp is in Canada. Novalexin is similar to neosporin…..that
is
> over the counter…Joan:))))
September 29th, 2005 at 5:10 am
Thanks Tom……still need to be prudent on antibiotic use….Joan:)))))