Anyone Using Insuflon Patch for Child??

[mischloss]

I am very interested about getting the insuflon catheter patch on my 10 year old son, enabling him to just put this on his tummy every 3-5 days and then administering his "shots" straight into it, thereby eleviating the multiple shots around his limbs dailing chore! Doctor is very enthusiastic with it and I have already called my insurance to see if it is covered (YES, at 100%!). So now I just would like to hear from any parents that have used this on their child and what the pros and cons might be before I go and order it.

My son uses Humalog and Lantus. Right now he is "honeymooning" which means his remainder beta cells are still making some insulin but of course this won't last forever. He complains daily about shots in his thighs. His arms are not sensitive thank goodness. But he won't do tummy shots or tushy shots at all. We are basically down to two arms and a leg every now and then. That is why this catheter system would be ideal. But again, I would feel better if someone that has had experience with this device could give me some insight into usage. I thing that comes to mind is bathing with it on. Another would be how your child is handling wearing it 24/7. Thanks for any info. Mischloss

[mischloss]

Just wanted to update everyone that I found a "medical supply" company through our insurance company that can order this patch and it will be picked up by insurance HMO 100%!!! My son is definitely interested and wants to try it to avoid having to stick himself in the thighs (that is where it hurts the most for him) on a daily basis. If anyone would like more information on this, please let me know. And of course if anyone out there is already using Insuflon Infusion, please let me know how your child likes it. This might just become the Hybrid choice between multiple injections and the pump. Very excited about this find. : )

[kitty]

I don't have diabetes (I have hypoglycemia), but I use a pump to deliver medicine to reduce spasticity in my legs (I have a disease that causes spasticity and I'm in a wheelchair because of it).
Before I got the pump, I use a item similar to the Insuflon catheter. It was the same shape, but could stay in for up to a week before It needed to be changed.

I really liked this, becuase I didn't have to poke my skin with a syringe once a day (ouch!). I could place the catheter either on my belly, hips, or my upper thigh.
The only thing I had trouble with was the tape that came with the catheter insertion kits had latex in it, and I'm allergic to latex, so I had to be switched to a different, transparent-type tape that was latex free. Other than this minor problem, I found that this Insuflon device was great (I later had to switch to a pump, becuase the spasticity medicine wasn't working as well on just one shot a day. I needed a continuous medicine supply in me).

One thing I'd recommend is that if you see any sign of bad redness or hives/itching after you've put the Insuflon device in, to have a doctor check to see if its a latex allergy. I've also heard that putting a small piece is soft gauze underneath the plastic "wing" part of the device helps to reduce pressure soreness. Hope this helps you out!

Jessie:cwds:

[nantomsuethom]

I didn't realize this was available. I would love for Thomas to be able to use it, he would love it. But he has 8 different basal rates and even Lantus doesn't keep him in a good range.:o
Maybe some day though