Just did another infusion

[Marcus20]

I have the same issue and I think I know why. I typically use a 19ga catheter. I used like a 21 or 22ga once and it sealed within the few minutes of applying pressure. Try using a smaller GA catheter?

[bige13]

I normally use a 18 gauge catheter do you think I should go to a 19 gauge?

This is what I use Catheters Size 18g x 1-1/4"

[bige13]

any suggestion what kind of gauge catheter I should use next time? So I can stop the leakage the next time I do the infusion

[powerfulpete1235]

Nothing for nothing, but when I was looking at buying supplies for that first fill up I went to winged needles instead of catheters. To me the catheters looked like it left a bigger hole and I'm used to seeing the winged needles at the doc's office. I use 22ga X 3/4" winged needles now. I've never have an issue filling up fast nor sealing up afterwards. Just steady pressure with a fingertip for 10 minutes and then bandaid and time to play. I guess to each their own, but it just appears the needles are thinner to me so hurts less and smaller wound site. Anyone????

[bige13]

Next time I will probably go with the next gauge of catheter and if I still get some leaking I will probably try the butterfly needles

Do think this is a good plan on going with the next gauge catheter then if not try the butter needles?

[bige13]

Do you think I should do 2000ml next time? with 5% Dex or just do 2000ml of saline?

[powerfulpete1235]

2L saline for sure. Being your first time over 1L you'll get to see how big you stretch and if there is more room for dex.

[Marcus20]

It's best to test the waters - go for the 2l saline would be the best option. I'd be cautious with Dex if you do happen to decide to do it though.

[bige13]

I think I'm going to try 1 liter saline with Dex, then just do another liter of just saline. I would probably try a different gauge catheter also

[powerfulpete1235]

Now that sounds awesome! I did just that, 1L 5%dex in .9saline and another liter of just .9saline. The swell was awesome and feeling the skin stretching I've attached a pic of me after that infusion growing. Can't wait to see yours man.

[bige13]

I was just wondering do you use a butterfly need or do you a catheter? and what gauge?

Do you think I should to the 1 liter saline first then do the 1 liter of saline with dex separate? or should I try and do them both together?

[StretchMine]

I'm fairly experienced at infusing. This is what I do: When the bag is empty remove the catheter (I use 21 gauge by 1 1/4") and immediately apply pressure with a clean sterile gauze pad. Hold for 3 minutes. Have your bandaid prepped with a dab of Fixodent or other dental adhesive. The dental adhesive will seal the hole nicely. No leakage at all. Now, if you are working at maximum capacity there will be considerable pressure and a tendency to leak. You'll have to play it by ear until you are well stretched as to how long to keep pressure before applying the dental adhesive/bandaid.
Here is a photo from last summer showing a couple of liters of dex. I'd removed the bandaid by the time this was taken. In fact, this might be the following morning...
Stretch

[bige13]

I just need to find some decent amount of time to do my next infusion like couple days off in a row so I can let the swelling go down since I kind of most work 5 to 6 days a week and sometimes it strange hours. , and order supplies. Also have to wait until my parents leave the house.

[bige13]

These pictures were march 8, 2016 when I mention in my post everything was back to normal.

[bige13]

Next time i do the inflation I going to try and use this 20g x 1-1/4, see if that helps with leaking from the infusion site