For those readers that are newer to Blogging Diabetes, I will say that I’ve been on an insulin pump for about 4 years now. The entire time I have been using a Medtronic MiniMed 715 pump. In each infusion set package from Medtronic, there is a small round disk that clips on to the infusion site in place of the one connected to the tubing that is connected to the pump.
When I was given a pump, no one ever explained anything in detail to me. It was basically, insert the infusion set and prime it. There was never any information about the mysterious disk or any complications to watch out for. I guess it could be used when going to the beach to keep sand out, but I really don’t know for sure. I even opened a new box of infusion sets to look at the directions to see if there was any information. None. Below you can see what the disk looks like.
Let’s run some rough numbers together:
Remember, I change my site religiously every 3 days and have never once gone to 4 days. Sometimes I have had to change early, but let’s not take those occurrences into account for this example.
- 4 years x 365 days = 1460 days on a pump
- 1460 days / 3 days per infusion set = 487 infusion sets
- 1 = the number of disks I have actually tried to use
Seriously, I have only used one of these besides giving them to my cats, which makes for some good humor. Milk top rings and infusion set disks are the best cat toys that aren’t really cat toys. Not too long ago, Kerri wrote a post that mentioned some situations for using these disks, which were:
- Showering
- In ocean
- Intimate moments
When I have been vacationing, I have never used the disk and haven’t ever had a problem with being in the pools or hot tubs. I have never worn the disk while in the shower. Finally, I have never, ever……ever, put one of these disks on before or during an intimate moment(s). Maybe I’m missing out on a new trend, tip or secret that the doctors never told me about. Will that disk take things to a different "level"? I’m actually a little scared to think of the possibilities I’ve been missing out on. In all seriousness, the only reason I can think of to wear this in the bedroom is so the sheets or clothing doesn’t get stuck on it and rip the site out.
Does anyone have any solid information on the recommended or suggested use for the disks?
LOL that’s funny! I have no idea but we use it every single day! I know that our diabetes educator told us about it because I remember her telling us that she kept hers in a Dixie cup in the bathroom. We were told to use it when Tristan took a bath or went swimming.
I couldn’t remember exactly why so I asked my husband… this is what he remembers….”to keep water out. there’s an open tube there and while rain won’t get in, sitting in the bath, water could fill the tube and canular”.
But seeing has you have never used one….. wondering how accurate this information actually is. Have you even noticed more highs a few hours after being in the water? As for intimate moments….. no clue there!