[Kat]

So I just started the pump and this is my third site. The first one was on my right hip and was great! No problems, blood levels were fabulous and then I changed it to my bum and it was kinda sore the whole time and I just didn't like it there so I changed it tonight after only 2 days. It's now on my left hip but it feels funny, like pinching or like the adhesive is pulling or something. Also when I push right on the circle site, it hurts like a poke, but that's probably cuz there is a cannula there right? but the first site was perfect, no problems so I'm just frustrated and scared I'm doing this all wrong and am worried.
My levels haven't been at all as good as they were the first site, they have been higher?? Any insight?
Also, I really like having the site on my hips, much better than my butt, I think this might end up being my favorite, but I was wondering what other sites people use. I know about the back of arms(is that inconvenient?) stomach, leg but like, if I want to use my hips how far apart can I put the new site from the old one....I have a million questions...gah!
Sorry for all this questioning.
MUCH apretiative for the help.

Kat

[mortis505]

Rotate as much as possible, and try to keep about an inch from the previous site. I use my stomach, just above my hips and my backside. Once in a while I get a sore spot, but its only for a bit.

[The_QUIET_one]

Rotating is useful. some sites have bad absorbtion, if they dont feel right then they probably arent good I think and if they dont feel right why suffer, put in a new one. how far apart you can put the sites I think thats 1 and a half inches your supposed to have, try rotating to opposite sides of your hips each time and then rotating around in these general areas also expirament, people put sites in there stomach, their arms, their thighs, and the two places you are already putting them, the idea is that it doesnt go into muscle is all. Good luck with future sites hope you feel better and ask away! thats what this site is for. Hope that helped a bit.

[Subby]

Kat, I find that some insertions are a bit more painful than others, that's just the way it goes for me. If it's really painful I'll just do another, it's just going to be a personal choice. Usually, they settle down a bit for me after a few hours, if at first a bit stingy.

I havn't found a relationship between less comfortable insertions and worse absorption. Except, when a site turns "nasty" on the 2nd or 3rd day, then often absorption gets worse. Luckily for me this is not often anymore.

I take it you are using an angled set, if you can push on the cannula? I found on going on the sillhouettes, an angled set, that it took a while for me to find out how to "get it all right" without lots of problems.

Here's what worked for me to make sets more safe, secure, and much more effective. One layer of Tegaderm (I use the better rated Tegaderm, HP) on the skin. Insert through the Tegarderm. Another layer of Tegaderm over the top with a hole cut out to let the set through. (But most importantly, sandwich the cannula).

Now it hardly ever hurts if I push down in it the way you say. It also lasts beautifully through showers, swims, still secure on the 3rd day. Without the Tegaderm it was about 5 times more problematic.

Other people find other "fixing enhancement" solutions of their own. I suspect it's worth reading other threads, asking questions, trying a few ideas. Good luck on your journey!

One last point worth making about sets, some of us find that some work much better than others. Me, Sills wourk great, Quicksets seem to "barely" work. If you don't get a good thing happening with your current set type at some stage, it's worth trying other types. Cheers!

[shabbie]

why not try a few sets on the belly area first, once youve got the hang of those then you can confidently try your thighs/bum

[stlduckhunter]

Like you, I really like my hips, below my waist. I rotate one side to another and keep the pump in my front pants pocket. I broke so many belt clips getting in and out of my car, this is a good solution for me.

[notme]

I have a problem with sites pinching if I wear them too high on my belly. My favorite spot is mini bikini line low on my belly. I also use the very tops of my legs. I can use my backside if I put it high and toward the sides of my butt. The biggest problem I have with the backside sites is pulling them out. You have to be really careful when "lowering" your pants or shorts. I use both sides, but tend to like the right side sites better than the left.