[Ariel Scarlett]

I have been pumping since late 2004, and have only been using the abdominal area for my infusion sites; basically just the front and a little off to the sides. I was told by my pump educator to switch sides (Left side of the belly button, right side of the belly button) every three days, and it’s been working great for me..until these past few weeks. I sometimes have to change my site 5 times before my levels finally start to come down.

I’m 5’6 and 230lbs, so my BMI is quite high. I am not active. I’ve tried using the fronts of my thighs, since a lot of people have said it works great for them, but my levels wouldn’t come down at all.

Does anyone have any advice where else a woman my size can try for infusion area’s? I use Paradigm Quick-Set with a 9mm Cannula.

Thanks in advance!

[shabbie]

how about the love handles or top of the butt? or the top of the arms?

im just trialling the front of thighs with some degree of success so far.

i'm sure others will pipe up shortly too

[fgummett]

I'm 5' 8" and around 290 lbs. I have only used my belly so far, switching from side to side with each site rotation. I have two shaved patches on my belly Also pumping since 2004.

I use the Silhouettes, and since April of this year I switched to the shorter 13mm variety, as opposed to the 17mm (?). Counter-intuitively I find that the shorter cannula works even better in terms of absorption and site problems than the longer.

I can't see me using any other sites... I'm not that flexible, and I struggle with switching between reading and walking around glasses so I'm squinting when I insert the set anyway

Good Luck!

[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum.

I do not switch from side to side every 3 days. I was taught by my pump trainer to stay on one side for multiple changes before switching over to the other side.

I am able to get 9-12 site changes on the left abdomin side, then the same amount on the right. I then use my right hip/butt area for 3-4 site changes, then switch over to the left hip/butt area for another 3-4. By the time I get back to the left side of my abdomen, it's a good 8 weeks or so.

Karen

[kansas]

There are very few places on my abdomen that don't hurt when I stick them, so while I do use the abdomen occasionally, I mostly try to stay away from it. I actually use the sides of my upper thighs and hips. It works just as well for me, hurts less, and because I'm not hurting for fat in that area, there's plenty of places to rotate the sites. However, if I want to hide my pump, like clip it on my bra, sometimes I run out of tubing. But, for the most part, I just keep my pump clipped to my jeans pocket.

[poodlebone]

I suggest the Silhouettes, even though those are recommended for leaner people. They'll still work even with excess body fat. When I started pumping I was using Quick-Sets and started having many problems. I've also had to change sets 5 times in one day - NOT fun! Switching to Sils did the trick.

[rocky]

I would also suggest trying out the sils. I use the quicksets and have no problems with them thus far but I have used the 2 sample sils that I was given at my pump start and I LOVED them.

[Chappo]

Between my hips and butt is perfect for me, and i'm 6'0" and around 150lbs.

[barbarac]

Is Novarapid the same as Novalog? Also, I have been told by several to use hip, I agree with someone else. Not that able to bend around to unhook when needed. Either I have (and I do) very short arms, or something. Can reach my abdomen, but can't reach around back. Also was told by nurse educator not to use thighs as you may hit a muscle.

[Ariel Scarlett]

Thank-you everyone for your advice! I see my Endo on Monday, and ask him to write me a precription for Silhouettes in case I continue to have problems, I can switch to those and see if they work better.

Thanks again!