itching canulas

[Natalie123]

Hi all, I am having problems with my canulas becoming very itchy. They are usually ok for about 1 day but after that they become really itchy and I need to change them every 1-2 days but they should last 2-3 days. Does any one else have this problem?

I left one in for 2 1/2 - 3 days and ended up with an infection where the canula was. What am I doing wrong?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Have you tried many different types of sets? Does it look like a reaction to the sticky? If you are using teflon and it seems to be the 'cannula' part rather than the sticky bit could you ask your DSN for a sample of a steel one?

 

[Natalie123]

Have only tried the one type so far - apparently its plastic not teflon. I think it is a bit of both - the canula and the sticky! Steel sounds a bit scary to me but I guess it is worth a try

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Have only tried the one type so far - apparently its plastic not teflon. I think it is a bit of both - the canula and the sticky! Steel sounds a bit scary to me but I guess it is worth a try

Hi Natalie,
Steel cannulas I had the same 😱 thoughts but once tried found out they are fine so don't worry about that side of things.

Itch from sticky? Then ask for a prescription of Cavilon spray. Make sure it's the spray and not the cream. Cavilon is a barrier spray and stops the itch 🙂

 

[Natalie123]

Thanks Sue, will look into the spray

 

[trophywench]

Are you using Flexlink or Tenderlink, Natalie?

 

[Natalie123]

Tenderlink Jenny. They wanted me to start on them because there is less chance of the canula bending, but I can swap later if I want to.

 

[sofaraway]

I can get max 48 hours out of my cannulas. I am trying some steel cannulas to see if these are any better. If not then I will just change them more often.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I can get max 48 hours out of my cannulas. I am trying some steel cannulas to see if these are any better. If not then I will just change them more often.

Hi Nikki,
make sure you do not use the steel cannulas for more than 48 hours due to scar tissue build up.

 

[Phil65]

Have only tried the one type so far - apparently its plastic not teflon. I think it is a bit of both - the canula and the sticky! Steel sounds a bit scary to me but I guess it is worth a try

I use the steel ones Natalie....couldn't get on with the teflon ones. Found inserting the steel ones easier than the teflon loading device too! 🙂