Site Locations- Please help!

[SouthD]

I am having problems with infusion sites. I am very lean and am running out of space. I have a limited area on my stomach and back "love handles" and have tried to move my sites to my legs but each time they have bled :(. I don't know what my problems seems to be but does anyone have any solutions? Thanks!!

[StillMamamia]

Which infusion set are you using?

[SouthD]

Which infusion set are you using?


the Silhoutte (not sure I spelled that right :p)

[emm142]

I use silhouettes and I'm fairly lean and can put them in my butt, legs and arms with no problem. My stomach is slightly more problematic (crappy absorption + bleeding). Whereabouts on your legs were you putting them? And what length were you using?

[Amy C.]

My son is lean and uses only his stomach. He starts about an inch from the navel and goes out about three inches and then up about 2 inches. He stays in that 4 square inches on each side. He tries to keep the new sites about an inch from an obvious old site.

I don't believe this is the recommended method, but it has worked. He changes his site every 2 days.

[SouthD]

I use silhouettes and I'm fairly lean and can put them in my butt, legs and arms with no problem. My stomach is slightly more problematic (crappy absorption + bleeding). Whereabouts on your legs were you putting them? And what length were you using?


I have tried my inner thighs because that is the fattiest. But each time I have had to change because of bleeding. I am pretty active (right now in volleyball) and I think that might have something to do with it. I just don't like having the site in my stomach and need some other options. I am using a 13mm.

[StillMamamia]

My son is only 4 (ok, almost 5:D), but he's very thin, and wears his site on the tush. Would this be a good alternative for you. You could always cover the site with Tegaderm or something like this to avoid it coming out when playing.
Or try the Tegaderm over the site on the belly again.

Also try to get different infusion sets to try and see which ones don't hurt as much.

[SouthD]

My son is only 4 (ok, almost 5:D), but he's very thin, and wears his site on the tush. Would this be a good alternative for you. You could always cover the site with Tegaderm or something like this to avoid it coming out when playing.
Or try the Tegaderm over the site on the belly again.

Also try to get different infusion sets to try and see which ones don't hurt as much.

I am pretty new at this and don't know what a Tegaderm is. And this might sound weird but where on my tush would it go without being in the way? High up by my pant line? Sorry for all the questions but I am trying to get used to this pump before I get frustrated and just go back to shots. They actually seemed much easier!

[StillMamamia]

Tegaderm is a clear adhesive which you can use over the site or under (in case of allergies).There's also Skin-Tac. Look at this link, scroll to Pump and Sports):

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/pumps/wearing.htm

Found this link which I thought was useful:

http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/Insulin/Choosing_and_Using_an_Insulin_Pump_Infusion_Set/Print

I'm trying to find a chart which shows where you can put the set. I'll post it when I find it.

For the tush, imagine you're drawing eyebrows on it:D at the top of course and away from the middle part;) and towards the sides a bit (the fatty area on top and sides basically. That's where my son wears it. We alternate cheeks every 3 days, and we make sure to leave about 2inches from the last time. Some people rotate on one cheek for a few weeks, then use the other one. We alternate every 3 days. Confused?:D
Make sure it's not on the part of the tush where you sit. You can try sitting down and seeing where it should go, so it won't bug you.

Hope this helps.


ETA - a link for different infusion sets:

http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_technology/infusion_sets.php

Another ETA : Here's a link which shows where you can put your set. Press the arrow to turn the dummy around:

http://www.minimed.com/products/infusionsets/index.html

[SouthD]

Tegaderm is a clear adhesive which you can use over the site or under (in case of allergies).There's also Skin-Tac. Look at this link, scroll to Pump and Sports):

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/pumps/wearing.htm

Found this link which I thought was useful:

http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/Insulin/Choosing_and_Using_an_Insulin_Pump_Infusion_Set/Print

I'm trying to find a chart which shows where you can put the set. I'll post it when I find it.

For the tush, imagine you're drawing eyebrows on it:D at the top of course and away from the middle part;) and towards the sides a bit (the fatty area on top and sides basically. That's where my son wears it. We alternate cheeks every 3 days, and we make sure to leave about 2inches from the last time. Some people rotate on one cheek for a few weeks, then use the other one. We alternate every 3 days. Confused?:D
Make sure it's not on the part of the tush where you sit. You can try sitting down and seeing where it should go, so it won't bug you.

Hope this helps.


ETA - a link for different infusion sets:

http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_technology/infusion_sets.php

Another ETA : Here's a link which shows where you can put your set. Press the arrow to turn the dummy around:

http://www.minimed.com/products/infusionsets/index.html


WOW!! You have been so helpful. Thank you so much. The next time I change my site I will try my tush. Do you every put the site on your son's leg? That sounds good for me but it bleeds every time I put it there. I am so glad I found this website. Just talking to other people with the same problems has been a great help to know I am not alone. :cwds: Thank you again!!

[Ali]

Inner thighs will bleed. They usually never recommend shots or pump sets be used on the inner thighs. All the tips you have gotten are great. Are you manually inserting your set. For many people a manual insertion is better. You can get the angle you need. If you have a good Endo clinic you can make an appt. go in and have a Nurse show you how and where to us different sets. If you do not have a good team get samples from your Endo office or your pump company and try them yourself. I know many very thin and fit athletes use pumps so there is a solution. Good luck. :)Ali P.S. The level of Expereince of your Endo group can make a huge difference in how well the pump works for you. I have had great and poor Endo groups and at this point I choose my Endo group based on its experience with pumps and type ones.:D