site changes - when do they get better?

[cappiella]

It's been a little over a month and things don't seem to be getting any easier. Last night was just awful, we actually had to hold her (my 3 yr old daughter) down which made us feel like monsters not to mention it was difficult to get it inserted well/clean, etc.

Am I expecting too much too early? We finally got past the trouble of getting the old site off - she takes it off herself in the bath. Putting the new one on is the main problem and we've tried distraction/popsicles/TV/letting her put a needle in me and other various things. About half the time she says it doesn't even hurt when the needle goes in but I think it's the anticipation of it that freaks her out. Other than this, using the pump has been going great. How long has it taken your little ones to get used to the site changes? I just needed to vent where people will understand...I've been on the verge of tears about this all day

[hawkeyegirl]

Do you use numbing creme? I really can't recommend it enough. We do them with numbing creme, usually when he's sleeping, and they are stress-free.

[DsMom]

Yes, numbing cream does work wonders. My son really cried the first few times too...which sent me running for the pharmacy! Ever since then, site changes are relatively stress-free (it does still hit a sensitive spot once in a blue moon)...with the help of SpongeBob and Phineas and Ferb!

[zoomom456]

We also use numbing cream and put the site in when he is asleep. You could also try an ice cube to numb the area. There is a tool called "Buzzy" that is supposed to help, but I have never tried this. For DS, the numbing cream works and he has never woken up during a site change.

[Beach bum]

While we have never used it, I do believe there is nothing wrong with using the numbing cream. One less thing to have to stress about. We use the Emla for blood draws, and my daughter doesn't feel a thing.

Also for removing sites, someone here told me to put the remover on and let it sit, when done with the rest of the set change take the old one off. It peels off nicely and I find we don't get those lovely, stylish black rings as much anymore.

[Charliesmom]

Site changes were a nightmare until we started using numbing cream.

[Eric's mom]

Numbing cream or even an ice cube works very well. We had such a hard time with changes I do it now while he is sleeping, way easier on everyone. Its amazing what they can sleep through.

[kiwikid]

we have always used ice. When Rachel was small I would apply the ice while she was sleeping and if she pushed it away then she wasn't asleep deeply enough. If she allowed the ice, I held it in place for a good 5 mins and then dried well, and quickly and easily applied the new site.
At 10 yrs old we still use ice to prevent fussing.
For removing sites we saturate them well with remover and let them peel right up before pulling. Make sure to thoroughly clean the remover off!

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

We warned her ahead of time, let her pick the TV show, kept her from seeing the needle, carefully removed the old as kiwikid suggested, let her count down the insertion and scream if she felt like it.

I don't suppose it helps much to say that after a few years it was no big deal.

The more matter of fact you can be, the more routine you can be, the better.

Good luck!

[cappiella]

A few years!? Arrgh

Called the doc to get the prescription for numbing cream so we'll have that, hopefully in time for the next one. We've been taking off the old in the tub then putting on new one so if the cream has to stay on there an hour for it to work (is this true?) we'll have to change up the order of things.