Pincushion blues

[beezle]

T2 asking here as I figure T1s have more experience, if that's okay. :)

So at this point I use four syringes per day for symlin and landus, and after a mere week or so I am feeling decidely like an archery target/pincushion/you know what I mean. :(

I shoot anywhere around the lower part of my belly where there's a fair bit of subcutaenous fat. Is there anywhere else I can pick on instead?

Also, using BD Ultra Fine II syringes, 31 gauge. Though I'd be economical and use them twice, but I find they hurt on the second poke. Are there other brands that might work better?

This isn't just getting adjusted and feeling sorry for myself, granted that's most of it, but I am concerned my skin is getting prickly and irritated and I do NOT want to give up and not do what I have to do in order to survive.

Thanks for any help and/or general encouragement.

[JediSkipdogg]

You can use the arms or legs as well. Amazingly for me, for 21 years I stayed away from the stomach and only used the arms and legs. Then once I started pumping it was the stomach only. The hardest part about the legs and arms is if you have any good amount of muscle there you may hit it on occasion and that can hurt for a bit. But, that only occurs maybe once out of every 30 injections.

[Stuboy]

Im trying to wein myself onto my *** for lantus. It's a good place to inject, it's just not so easy to whip out in public lol.

I use my stomach for novorapid.

[RLK]

Have you tried the top (and a little to the side) of your buttocks? I insert infusion sets there and it's quite comfortable.

[JediSkipdogg]

Im trying to wein myself onto my *** for lantus. It's a good place to inject, it's just not so easy to whip out in public lol.

I forgot about that too. Maybe you could persuade your girlfriend into helping you there, lol.

[RLK]

Im trying to wein myself onto my *** for lantus. It's a good place to inject, it's just not so easy to whip out in public lol.


You just need a pump, Stu!

[Stuboy]

nahh, i dont think i need a pump, not sure i like the idea of being hooked up to something everyday... i'd be scared of ripping the tubing out. Plus i dont think i'd be offered one yet anyway, i wouldnt even be considered, cuz im newly diagnosed and as far as im aware they're not as common here in the UK than in the US.

[DeusXM]

Im trying to wein myself onto my *** for lantus. It's a good place to inject, it's just not so easy to whip out in public lol.

Best place to jab for basal insulin - with basal injections, it's usually not a case that you're somewhere public. Most people inject it either first thing in the morning or last thing at night. I usually do mine at 6pm before tea, because I'll be home then. I'm usually out drunk after 8ish so 'before bedtime' isn't always a great idea.

As for your Novorapid - I'm aware that you're quite keen on going to the gym (have you started going back yet?) and so it seems fair to warn you that if you inject very frequently into your stomach, you'll put on a band of fat there that's a nightmare to shift. Try and make use of your arms (which I've been told is a no-no but I still do it) or your legs. It's not quite as convenient (unless you're wearing shorts, which I doubt you are in this weather!) but it's either that or get the world's oddest beer belly.

[SueM]

. Try and make use of your arms (which I've been told is a no-no but I still do it) or your legs. It's not quite as convenient (unless you're wearing shorts, which I doubt you are in this weather!) but it's either that or get the world's oddest beer belly.

I'm Curious to know why arms are a no no, must admit I have never heard this before.
I inject upper arms top of thighs and belly.

[spike]

http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/pdfs/pdf_2184.pdf

[beezle]

Thanks for all of the replies. I already have an odd belly, but it's interesting to hear that where you inject can affect fat deposits.

[ProudNanaof5]

I inject in my backside mostly. I use my syringes more than once.. Like one every two days... and my pen needles I keep them on my Pen for a couple of days also... I shoot thru my jeans or slacks. except in the morn when I get my 1/2 Lantus. I started out shooting in my stomach but soon discovered my flat stomach not so flat anymore. I quit and am still trying to get it to go back...

[lgvincent]

I like using the arm for injections, as well as the stomach, hips, and legs. The arm has been the most comfortable place for me, so far.

[lilituc]

I will only use BD syringes because the teflon coating makes it less painful - the important thing is if you're going to reuse them, don't use alcohol on the syringe because it takes the coating off.

[CycloneKitty]

I use all part of the stomach .. lower, upper and front and sides. Then ocassionally jag into the arms and bum when Im feeling flexble. And legs also. Important to rotate the sites to stop fatty lumps and scar tissue from forming. Been trying to get rid of fatty lumps on the belly for about 2 years now - they are stubborn when they develop.

[beezle]

Wow this forum is awesome.

Landus goes in my butt from now on. ;) I can handle a little more fat there.