Jordan doesn’t have a problem when it’s time to remove his devices. Some people have a hard time getting them to stay on, others have a hard time getting them to come off. Some people don’t have either of those problems. Jordan is in the third group.
In fact, when I asked him if he had any advice for people who have a hard time removing their devices, he said, “tell them to just scream while they think of butterflies.”
On a more serious note, he says it hurts less if you put pressure on one side of the site, and quickly rip it from the other end.
But, if you’re looking for something a little more substantial than “just rip off the bandaid”, here are some tips on how to remove your diabetes devices.
(This post contains affiliate links)
When a child kicks, screams, and cries
No matter what the issue is, my first piece of advice is always the same. Talk to your child about the situation.
Figure out what exactly is bothering them when it comes time to remove a T1D device. Is it painful? Maybe the idea of taking it off is scary? Is there something specific that is causing problems?
Without that discussion, all you can know for sure is that they don’t like taking off their devices. But the “why” is often just as important.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple, “Yes, this sucks. Maybe we should brainstorm some ways to make it easier.”
And it just so happens that I’ve done some brainstorming for you!
Adhesive remover
Using an adhesive remover is one of the easiest ways to remove T1D devices. Cover that sensor or pump site in Remove or Uni Solve wipes. Let it sit for a few minutes and it should come off pretty easily.
You can even get liquid or spray adhesive removers if the wipes don’t work for you.
Does your child need to know it’s coming?
Some children need to know what is going to happen before the time comes. They want to think about it and prepare themselves mentally.
Others have anxiety when they know something is coming. Knowing beforehand not only isn’t beneficial, but it stops them from enjoying themselves in the meantime.
You know your child best. If they need to have reminders like, “today is pump change day” then try to give them those reminders as often as possible. If they hate knowing that it’s coming, it’s probably best not to mention it until the time comes.
Oil, oil, oil
Maybe you don’t want to buy another thing for T1D. Adhesive remover isn’t something that most people have lying around the house. But, most people do have things that can help remove T1D devices. And they’re right in your bathroom and kitchen!
Pretty much any oil is going to help unstick your devices. Baby oil, olive oil, coconut oil… it really just comes down to preference.
Most lotions and soaps will help as well. You probably have several items in your house that will help with adhesive removal. Give them a try and see which one works best.
As with adhesive remover, you simply soak the sensor or pump site in oil/ lotion for several minutes. It can be messy, but it’s quick and easy.
Use a bath or shower for easier removal
Soaking the site in warm water can loosen it a bit for some people. Removing a device right after a nice bath or shower can make the whole process a lot less painful.
Even holding a warm damp cloth over the area before attempting to take it off will make it easier to remove.
Related: How to make your CGM and Insulin Pump Sites Stick
Let them remove it themselves
At the beginning of this article, I said that Jordan doesn’t have a problem with removing devices. And that’s true… now.
But when he was little, it was terrible. He cried and whined and begged us not to do it. He hated removing devices. Device removal was worse than getting injections or putting on new pump sites or Dexcom sensors.
We kind of stumbled into it. “Well, why don’t you do it then?” And, to our surprise, he did!
When your child removes their own device, they can choose how fast or slow they want to do it. They know how it feels, so they can stop to take a breath if it’s extra stuck. Giving your T1D child a little choice often goes a long way.
Forget about it
Like most things with T1D, it feels urgent but it isn’t.
Breathe. Clear your mind.
And then think, is this really worth the battle?
An old pod or pump site isn’t going to administer insulin. Having 2 iPorts on at once isn’t the end of the world. You can pop the transmitter out of your Dexcom sensor without removing it.
I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen pictures of people with 2 pods on their body simply because they forgot to remove the old one. I’ve even seen someone with 3 pods on at once. Jordan has done it once or twice himself.
No, you don’t want to leave it in forever. It does need to come out. Leaving it in too long could cause an infection.
But you could easily leave it in for a little while without causing any problems. And if it’s really bothering you, try taking it off later while they’re sleeping. Most kids don’t even flinch.
The good news
The good news is pretty simple: there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Your child will get used to it, as unfortunate as that may be.
As they grow, they’ll start understanding why all of this diabetes stuff has to happen.
They’ll stop kicking and screaming. And figure out techniques that work for them. Often with your help.
Yes, they have to get used to it. This is something they have to do for the rest of their lives. That’s the big picture.
But if you think about it, that doesn’t lessen the pain. Your child is essentially ripping off a huge bandaid every few days. That can be painful. Knowing that it has to happen over and over again can also be daunting for a young child.
Empathize with them. Give them choices. Try products that will gently remove the device.
And most of all remember that it’s you and your child against T1D, not your child against you.
Happy Carb Counting!
~ Leah
What do you use to remove T1D devices? Is your go-to on my list? Tell us about it in the comments!
For more tips and stories about T1D, join the Carb Counting Mama email list and make sure to head over to the Carb Counting Mama Facebook page and “like” it.
Leave a Reply