The sideways set.

[Subby]

Here's something I tried on a whim and have found to be very helpful these past few weeks. I have been inserting my sets (sills, angled sets) running across my torso, rather than either up or down. Generally I have had them pointing in the direction of the centre or my belly button.

I've found the sills much less prone to agitation this way, less residue irritation, less noticeable in general. For me and my usual long time for a set's absorption to start up (often 4 - 8 hours it seems) I have noticed this issues has been reduced a notch or two. I have also been revisiting areas on my torso that previously I found didn't really work well at all, and they work fine this way.

It makes sense to me when I think about it, when you fold and bend your muscles and body when sitting etc, pointing up and down the body is much more likely to cause strain and agitation. But, I guess I didn't think of it before, and while many out there may do this as a matter of course, if you haven't and do get any irritation or set issues it might be something worth considering.

[poodlebone]

That's how I've always inserted mine. I'm right handed so I always insert with the cannula pointing to the left, no matter where I put them. I've tried using my left hand to insert them with the cannula pointing toward the right side of my body but it's tricky and I usually end up with a sire site for awhile.

[SCC]

I pretty much always do sideways/slightly down. I also use both hands so I line up the tubing with whatever side of my body I can clip the pump, so there is less tubing "pull".

I also try to find what I call "flat" places that don't move much when I twist, jump, carry groceries, work out.

I did figure out that pointing the cannula UP was not a bright idea. It seemed like the insulin pooled back on itself, didn't absorb well and the site was more tender.

[fairyblood]

rather than either up or down. Generally I have had them pointing in the direction of the centre or my belly button.


That sounds so painful. I can't even imagine doing Sils up and down. Just out of curiosity were you taught that or did you do them up and down on your own? Glad you figured out a better way.

I have always done them sideways:o

[Subby]

That sounds so painful. I can't even imagine doing Sils up and down. Just out of curiosity were you taught that or did you do them up and down on your own? Glad you figured out a better way.

I have always done them sideways:o

I did them down, on an generous angle. My phrase was not meant to be specific, more indicating a more vertical bias.

Good for you for always doing it sideways. As I specified, it was a tip for those who didn't, nothing more.