Injection sites

grace girl · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2006, 06:54 PM

This will prove forever just how uneducated I've been over the years. When I started injections 4 years ago they told me I could shoot in arms, legs and abdomen. I find arms and legs painful, so I've always stuck to the abdomen.
But I don't really know just what exactly defines abdomen. All I was told was stay two inches from the belly button. I always injected below belly button for most of these years, and in the last few months I began noticing higher blood sugars so I came to the conclusion that I needed to change locations.
I've moved more to the sides of the belly button area now.
My question is, how far to the left and right can you go? And can you shoot above the belly button area? Would this require a shorter needle? (I currently use the long ones).....Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cyborg · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2006, 06:59 PM

I always use the shortest needles I can buy, the B&D Ultra Fine short. I inject above and below the naval, but do try to stay 2 inches away. I usually don't go any higher than a 2 inches above the naval.

spike · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2006, 06:59 PM

I put sets in all the way around to about an inch above my hips. Guys usually go above the belt, women below, due to the diff in fat distribution. I never have put on in directly above my bb. If it doesn't hurt and absorbtion is ok, u are doing ok with location. I also stay just under 2" away from bb.

kgm0612 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 07:54 AM

I've always used my abdomen, but yesterday I finally inserted my site in the hip area. It's very comfortable so far.

Karen

rzrbks · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 08:57 AM

I inject all around my abdominal area. Any place I can pinch enough non-muscle tissue to get a needle in.

I use the shortest, smallest needles I can; both with my Novolog pen(InDuo) and with my Lantus pen

Tokyo Cate · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:50 AM

Since I returned to MDI a year ago, I have taken to using my lower leg because it is always accessible and doesn't gross anyone out--I can inject more discretely. It works for me. I also use the shortest pen needles available and don't find any pain.

spike · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokyo Cate

Since I returned to MDI a year ago, I have taken to using my lower leg because it is always accessible and doesn't gross anyone out--I can inject more discretely. It works for me. I also use the shortest pen needles available and don't find any pain.

Not to alarm you, but the ONE time in 18 years of MDI that i injected in my calf, I hit a vein and nearly bit the dust. a vial of glucagon, paramedics, and a trip to the ER and I was back in the land of the living. My advice: pull back on your syringe to check for blood. If you see red, discard the syringe and get a fresh one. It only takes ONE accidental IV injection to put you down.

Tokyo Cate · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:59 AM

That sounds frightening, Spike. I wonder if the shorter, thinner pen needles now have reduced the risk of that happening because I haven't had any problems with this and use my legs almost exclusively (except in the summer when my upper arms are available because I am wearing T-shirts).

My doctor actually said that with the needle I am using, I can inject anywhere and it will be absorbed, but I haven't messed with non-traditional sites for the most part (I have used my arm between my elbow and wrist, but she said I could even use my hand!!).

spike · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokyo Cate

That sounds frightening, Spike. I wonder if the shorter, thinner pen needles now have reduced the risk of that happening because I haven't had any problems with this and use my legs almost exclusively (except in the summer when my upper arms are available because I am wearing T-shirts).

My doctor actually said that with the needle I am using, I can inject anywhere and it will be absorbed, but I haven't messed with non-traditional sites for the most part (I have used my arm between my elbow and wrist, but she said I could even use my hand!!).

I was using a relatively short needle. The gauge of the needle doesn't matter. What matters is WHERE IS THAT TIP when you hit the plunger???

Cyborg · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 07:37 PM

I think I've deadened the nerves in my lower abdomen. I feel absolutely no pain while injecting.

spike · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyborg

I think I've deadened the nerves in my lower abdomen. I feel absolutely no pain while injecting.

Feeling no pain? That's what my dad would say after a couple of drinks!

Cyborg · #12 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 09:25 PM

Even without...

lgvincent · #13 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 09:25 PM

For me, the arms are the least painful place to take an injection while the stomach is the most painful. There's a small fatty area between two muscle groups where I take the injections and unless I hit one of those muscles, I generally don't have pain in the arm. I'll have to think to recall what they are called to give you some idea of where to inject.

Kimber · #14 (**permalink**) 05-13-2007, 10:29 AM

I am still new to this injecting insulin thing, but I have only used my belly. My endo instructed me to use the fat layer that wraps around the belly and hips to about 3 inches to my back. I use the 3/16 ultra fine needle (no mounding needed!) though lately I have found some stinging not due to the needle but when the lantus goes in, hmmmm that's new. What the heck does that signify?
Kimber

shabbie6247 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-13-2007, 11:28 AM

with no meat on my arms legs or butt (yeah i know...some people are sooo lucky!)
so i always pop everything into my belly, if i go too far to the side they tend to bleed and hurt more.
my needles are 8mm, i've got 5mm but i like the 8's.