Adults Living with Type 1

[JSW82576]

So I just started the pump this Wednesday and thus far, I love it.  My question is this, I am pretty thin and don't have a lot of extra "fat" on me and I'm a little scared to change the site because I don't want to hit  a musle.  Any ideas on a good location?  I mean I know I've GOT to change it but it took me a good three months (only been at this since April of this year) to get used to the shots, now I have to get used to finding a good spot for the infusion site.....

[trisha01 Diabetes Brain Trust · Accepted solution]

Hi Jamie,

Glad to see you posting again, and congrats on the pump! I don't pump, but I do use the cgm. Both devices can usually (?) be used in the same areas. The pumpers will correct that part, if it is incorrect.

I've read of some pumpers that use the buns, the backside above the waist, the side of the abdomen, the abdomen of course, thighs, and arms. My cgm I wear in two places only - the upper abdomen, and currently in my upper arm. Some folks will kinda sorta pinch up the skin, so you can insert easier. I find pinching up on the abdomen to be a little harder for me, so I just go ahead and insert it regardless, without pinching up. For my arm, I scrunch my upper arm on the edge of the table (while sitting down), and then insert. Whether abdomen or arm, I've only hit muscle maybe 2-3 times. I did hit scar tissue from a long ago abdomen surgery, and that was a big time bleeder. I ididn't notice that I was inserting right on the top of the scar. Keep that in mind, if you've had surgery in any locations where you insert.

One more thing, I won't insert on taking a breath in, and only insert on a breath out. Makes it much easier!

p.s. At what angle are you inserting? Is it the same as with the MM cgm, 45* to 60*?

Hope this helps.

Trisha 

[Pam01]

I use the quickset for my minimed pump, which inserts straight in ( the needle is not nearly as long as the cgm inserter). I have heard others say it can be worth trying other sets - I think some insert at an angle which might be helpful for someone thin?? Through trial and error, I have found different spots work with different effectiveness. Best places for me are abdoment above belly button ( but if I go too far to the side it hurts) and top and outer buttocks. I also use below belly button area, thighs, and lower back with varying effectiveness. Some spots are also tougher because of clothing too - I've actually noticed I run too high when its in my left thigh so I no longer use it...maybe after years of doing shots there (being left handed)??

[Leehr]

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JSW82576 wrote:

So I just started the pump this Wednesday and thus far, I love it.  My question is this, I am pretty thin and don't have a lot of extra "fat" on me and I'm a little scared to change the site because I don't want to hit  a mussel.  Any ideas on a good location?  I mean I know I've GOT to change it but it took me a good three months (only been at this since April of this year) to get used to the shots, now I have to get used to finding a good spot for the infusion site.....

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Hi Jamie - I use a Medtronic Revel 523 pump since last March 2011.  I understand your question as I do not have much excess to pinch either! I do not always pinch, either.

To avoid scar tissue I draw my hands across the area chosen to insert lying down and I can feel the little knobs of tissue so I can avoid that area for awhile.

Areas to use for Tubeless pump:  one can use the upper arms, abdomen, diapghramI (be sure to avoid hitting the lowest rib cage area); the thighs and upper area of buttocks.

If using a pump with tubing:  I insert in all area of the abdomen possible. Also use the diaphragm  area above the waist from side to side and so far so good.  I hesitate to use the upper arms  due to the tubing being more exposed to catching on knobs  etc, and how does one reach  the backside anyway?  :0)) . 

Hope this helps.

Happy Holidays
Joan

[Pam01]

??

It's not hard to insert on the backside, and certainly worth trying if you are looking for places to put the pump.  I have never pulled it out from my backside, I have good absorption (especially on my lower back), and only once did I have trouble re-attaching. It was at the beach and I had disconnected to swim, but trying to be discreet just made it impossible.

[JSW82576]

I use the Mio infusion set, it's got a really small needle compared to some and it's not difficult per say to use, just different.  I'm also not used to a vial, I learned on a pen even while I was in the hospital so this is all new to me.  I guess me being OCD about everything will help out in the long run, it's just a matter of getting used to the new process. 

I did go back today to do a new infusion sight since the first one we did broke and was a bit tramatic, it went a lot smother this time.  I ended up using the other side of my stomach and it wasn't to bad.  My sister went with me so maybe next time, we might use my back and she can do it.

thanks fo all the advise, this disease can be very overwhelming....

[Leehr]

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Pam01 wrote:

??

It's not hard to insert on the backside, and certainly worth trying if you are looking for places to put the pump.  I have never pulled it out from my backside, I have good absorption (especially on my lower back), and only once did I have trouble re-attaching. It was at the beach and I had disconnected to swim, but trying to be discreet just made it impossible.

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Hi Pam!  Just clarification

  Using the backside for MDI or with  a pump may depend on the individual's ability to reach the area, or individual preference and needs to be connected properly.  The Medtronic Revel 523  Quick Set connect goes on only one way; exactly the same each time or a problem develops  (blue marking on the Q-Set as a guide) or it does not/may not connect correctly.   Other pump connection processes may be different, of course.  And if you are my age - well, pretty close to impossible! :0)) .

Happy Holidays

Joan

[Pam01]

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JSW82576 wrote:

I use the Mio infusion set, it's got a really small needle compared to some and it's not difficult per say to use, just different..  My sister went with me so maybe next time, we might use my back and she can do it.

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I don't know the Mio set at all, but Joan does make a point. If it is hard for you to do yourself, you probably don't want to put the pump site someplace you can't reach or see (yet). You said you have the Minimed, so you must have to detach to shower right?

I had my pump for a little while before someone told me about using my backside, so I had gotten used to it. The pump does have to be realigned properly, but I  feel for the click of it being in place when I reattach out of sight - I also try to always place it with the tubing going straight up, so I know the general placement.

When I use my thigh, I do tape the tubing down, as that is the one place that gets in the way with pants going up and down.

I don't know if this is an issue, but IT DOES GET A LOT EASIER to change the reservoir and pump site!! Yeesh, I used to look like I was performing surgery - everything laid out, book open, cheat sheet with pictures spread out, hands washed. Now it's usually less than 2 minute process.

[rossey-pump]

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JSW82576 wrote:

So I just started the pump this Wednesday and thus far, I love it.  My question is this, I am pretty thin and don't have a lot of extra "fat" on me and I'm a little scared to change the site because I don't want to hit  a musle.  Any ideas on a good location?  I mean I know I've GOT to change it but it took me a good three months (only been at this since April of this year) to get used to the shots, now I have to get used to finding a good spot for the infusion site.....

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hi how are you. i started using the pump about 2 years ago. i have no health insurance. my stomach fells really bloaded for some reason. i dont think there is any infection because it would be red around the area. i change silded of my stomach also. i see the doctor next week. my a1c is good they told me.

[trisha01 Diabetes Brain Trust]

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rossey-pump wrote:

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JSW82576 wrote:

So I just started the pump this Wednesday and thus far, I love it.  My question is this, I am pretty thin and don't have a lot of extra "fat" on me and I'm a little scared to change the site because I don't want to hit  a musle.  Any ideas on a good location?  I mean I know I've GOT to change it but it took me a good three months (only been at this since April of this year) to get used to the shots, now I have to get used to finding a good spot for the infusion site.....

---

hi how are you. i started using the pump about 2 years ago. i have no health insurance. my stomach fells really bloaded for some reason. i dont think there is any infection because it would be red around the area. i change silded of my stomach also. i see the doctor next week. my a1c is good they told me.

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Rossey-pump,

On the Type 1 page and Type 2 page, there are stickies for getting help with your supplies.

As you are a Type 2, please put that in your signature. People on the Type 1 board (where you are now), especially the new Type 1's...need to know if a Type 2 is responding to questions, etc. Type 1 and Type 2 are totally different diseases, and the treatment is different, even with insulin.

For your stomach bloating issue, you need to speak with your doctor about that, as soon as possible.

p.s. This thread is from last December!

Trisha