Is there any way to make your bolus go faster? I know you can change the bolus increments, but what does that affect?
My sites usually become red and irritated and bleed a little. One of the pump trainers said that I may not be pinching up enough when the cannula goes in… how much am I supposed to pinch??
I haven’t had a successful belly site. They have all been bad bleeders. Have any tips for belly sites? I do OK on lower back, so I use my arms most of the time…
Thanks!
I know they say to pinch up…but I was getting occlusions until I started to make sure that after applying the pod I pressed the entire pod down…then unstead of pinching up, I push the window area down. I haven’t had any problems since.
When I’m about to have the cannula inserted, I press down on the pod, especially the cannula end. I pull the skin tight (if it’s on my side, i stretch to the opposite side, for example) and press on the pod while the cannula is inserted. This tends to lead to less pain. And, I’ve never really had any bleeding problems. Once or twice, I’ve had a little bit of blood in the cannula, but no big deal.
My problem with stomach sites was always that they were incredibly painful. However, this week, I got my first official pain-free belly site. I was SOOOO happy!!!
Never had a lot of luck with that “pinch up” thing. Experience(s) of others is a great source of education. I just got angry once after 3 occlusions in a row and decided to push it down…sort of “now I know that you’re in there”. It’s worked!!!
Thanks Janice and Emily!
I have a pod change tomorrow, and I’ll be sure to try out thw tips!!