This is the second post where I am attempting to be honest and give some real-life insight where a doctor probably wouldn’t. The first post, discussed the sporadic jump in my blood sugars for no apparent reason. This video will tell you about something that happens every so often when changing an infusion set.

I am not trying to scare you with this post; just trying to tell it like it is in the real world of living with type 1 diabetes.

If you’re an insulin pumper, you will probably have an incident like this, if you haven’t already – it’s just a matter of time. When it does happen, be calm, know that you aren’t alone and to apply pressure for a few minutes.

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	Welcome to Blogging Diabetes – A blog that helps people learn more about real-living with diabetes.

Welcome to Blogging Diabetes – A blog that helps people learn more about real-living with diabetes.

3 Comments

Rachel Said,

February 19th, 2009 @11:06 am

Great post Tony, thank you. Thankfully this has happened to us yet but if it does, now I know not to panic

Have you noticed if this happens more often with a specific location? With Tristan we are still only doing his buttocks so I was wondering if other locations are more sensitives to gushers….

Tony Said,

February 19th, 2009 @11:50 am

Hi Rachel – thank you for the comment.

It happens to me about every 3-4 months (once every 30-40 site changes). The first time I freaked out as I’m not a huge fan of blood, especially my own.

I do notice that it happens more often with one location, which is just below my pants line. I put the site on my hip just below where my belt or pants would be. That location seems to be the culprit. I don’t really just my buttocks because I can’t reach it by myself. And, my wife would probably get too much enjoyment out of it.

I rotate 4 locations with a set staying for 3 days at a time. Left ab, left hip, right ab, right hip, start over. This rotation gives a 9 day rest to each location. I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can help.

Scott K. Johnson Said,

February 23rd, 2009 @8:51 pm

Gushers are scary, especially the first time. Like you say though, they don’t happen very often.

What surprises me is just how long they can bleed! Yikes! I guess it’s like a nosebleed in that regard, that it goes on for much longer than you think it should.

Thanks for sharing, your vlog post will certainly be comforting for someone who hasn’t had one yet.