Time for a Set Change

About every three days my insulin runs low in my pump and so it is time to replace it. The set that is changed is comprised of a reservoir to hold the insulin and a cannula to connect the pump to my body.

It has been almost a year since I have began using insulin pump therapy and I must say that I have come a long way. Originally I had mixed feelings that ranged from fear to excitement in using the pump, but now I am nothing but grateful for having it. When I started with the insulin therapy, the fact that I only needed one "injection" every three days versus 6-8 injections a day was beyond exciting. However, the use of the Quick-set and the length of the needle that could be shot through a vein scared the crap out of me.

Over the past year, I have probably hit a vein 10-15 times, which hurt like hell, but I have learned where they are and lately I haven't hit one. This makes the process quicker as I am more confident in using the Quick-set.

Now I will explain the process it takes to change a set, along with photos to show you what it is I am talking about.

First off, I am alerted by the insulin pump that there is >20 units of insulin left and that a change needs to happen soon:

I need to get my supplies together:

Next, I open all of the sealed supplies that I need and check for issues, while the pump is rewinding:

Once everything passes inspection, I fill the reservoir with 300 units of insulin, prepare the Quick-Set with the infusion set, and prepare infusion set for "infusion". Using the Quick-Set, I attach the infusion set to my body and remove the needle, connect the catheter to the reservoir, and insert the reservoir into the insulin pump. 

Finally, I fill the catheter and cannula with insulin and voilà! I am ready for my next three days!

Although this process can take anywhere between 5-10 minutes, it is worth everything, including the pain of hitting a vein, haha.