Injection Sites, Questions??

[Blink]

Thanks for all the great replies in my last thread. I had posted about leg pains and such. I will definetly look into getting a Doppler Study performed next week, sounds like a good measure.

My next question involves injection sites. As I had said I have been injecting in each of my legs since the day I was diagnosed around 2.5 years ago. Thanks to all your great advice I switched sites to my love handles and butt right away, only places I could find anything to pinch. Now will these areas also develop hard spots over time and continual use? And about how often should I switch areas? How long should I give my legs before I use those spots again? And last, will those hard spots, in my legs, go down any, or will they always be there? Is there anything else you would advise?

Thanks again!

[DeusXM]

The hard spots your legs should go down over time, but you're probably going to have to wait a while. I usually change my sites every week, but to be honest I'd wait a couple of months before even thinking about going near your legs again.

If you're having trouble finding places to pinch, may I also suggest a shorter needle? A 5mm needle can usually be injected without a need to pinch up.

[Ailsa]

" Now will these areas also develop hard spots over time and continual use? And about how often should I switch areas? How long should I give my legs before I use those spots again? And last, will those hard spots, in my legs, go down any, or will they always be there? "

I've got hard spots in my legs that have never gone away, & my arms are pretty wrecked as well. (I've been doing it for a looong time)
A good way to rotate is to move along in a line say 1cm apart over the area & then start the next row 1cm up & do the same thing. That way you can make an area last quite a while. while the previous ones have a rest.

This might sound a bit obsessive at first, but if you multiply the no of shots per day, by the number of days you intend living, you'll soon figure out why it's neccessary! I intend living till at least 95, so good maintenance is important.

Ailsa

[kgm0612]

Since being dx'd almost 3 years ago, I have always used my stomach to inject. I use one side for about a week before switching over to the other. I am following the same routine now that I'm on the pump, changing my site every 3 days, and switching sides approximately every 2 weeks.

Karen

[Aftiel]

I use my legs, butt, and my stomach from the front all the way to the love handles.

I dont use my arms.

So far rotating is something I do almost daily.

As was mentioned, just moving the site slightly gives you a LOT of "new" injection sites daily.

I definitely avoid the same exact spot multiple days in a row.

- Aftiel

[Blink]

Thanks for the replies. For the stomach and butt, do you get any hard spots when injecting in these areas? Or does that only happen with arms and legs? I will not be using my legs for awhile, give them a break for a few months.

[DeusXM]

You get hard spots if you frequently use the same spot. So if you don't change your sites around, you will get hard spots.