Hi all! First off I want to thank each of you for your warm welcomes to this group. I have already learned a lot by browsing the discussions. I'm just one week into using the omnipod and I love it. Can't believe I waited so long. So here are a couple (naive?) questions that I have and I hope you can help.
1. This morning I did my second pod change (third pod.) When I pulled the plastic protector off the pod, I noticed a some insulin in the little cavity that the cannula comes out of. It wasn't a lot, but I didn't remember that on my first solo pod change. Is that normal? BG levels are normal, so I guess it's ok, but thought I get feedback on that.
2. The nurse who showed everything to me was really adamant about getting all the air bubbles out of needle used to inject the insulin into the pod. Is it a big deal if there are a few small ones left over? There are always a few stubborn ones that refuse to leave.
3. Where are some locations other than the ones highlighted for usual injections that you have had success for placement. For example, higher up on the midsection instead of down by the waist?
4. And finally, probably the silliest question...If you have the pod on your stomach, can you sleep on it? I feel like I'm treating it super delicately right now and wonder if I can maybe be a bit more normal (like having the weight of my body resting on it while I'm sleeping on my side/stomach.)
Guess that's it. Any feedback/tips are much appreciated. So happy that I found this group.
Hey Niclan! Welcome to the OmniPod. I can address at least some of your questions.
That is totally normal. I assume you’re talking about before putting it on your body but after you prime it. What I do is take a napkin, q tip, gauze pad, something, and twist it so it’s really thin and try to absorb the extra insulin that way. If I don’t I often find the window gets ‘foggy’ and it’s difficult to see the cannula.
I’m a stickler about no air in my pod. What I do is flick the syringe when the needle is pointing down, like you would with an injection so the bubbles rise to the top, and then just don’t squeeze all the insulin in. Sure you’ll lose a few units, but you won’t have any air bubbles.
I don’t like using my abdomen at all, so I’m the wrong person to ask about this. I like upper arms, back and sometimes legs.
I hope other people weigh in on this one cause I always wonder that too, even after 3 years. usually when I sleep on it it isn’t a problem, but I’m always still wary.
I'll go for the silly (which there are none of) - I've placed it on my stomach and slept fine - I also whear a t-shirt when sleeping. And according to my wife, I'm always turning during the night but never had a problem. Just a note - I usually wear it on back of my arms.
I'll go for silly too. I use my stomach for about 4 different sites frequently. The pod is very hardy so you won't break it by body weight. My only concern I've really had is when I turn and tear it off, but in one year of using it's only happened once. Glad to hear you're enjoying the system!
Thanks! I tend to be a stomach sleeper. I put it on the back of my upper arm today. Definitely MUCH better than my abdomen, but it's harder for me to see it. I have my husband check out the cannula window every so often.
I'm thinking of trying out my upper thigh area during summer when I can wear dresses/skirts and no tights.
I sleep on my belly with it on my tummy. I also commit the crime of air bubbles sometimes (when I’m frustrated and rushing). I like to mostly use my arms and belly, I’ve never tried other sites than the highlighted ones. That liquid is normal it’s from priming. Happy podding!
Welcome to podding! I'm like you, wish I'd done this long before I did.
1. The priming of the canula is supposed to give just enough insulin to put a small amount out of the tip. So seeing a little there is normal.
2. You should be adamant too. But if you can't get them out, they more than likely won't be easy to get out into the pod either during filling. Try your best, as you go you'll get better but I too still get an occasional uber-tiny bubble that won't budge. Those little guys usually don't make it to the pod.
4. It took me a while to get used to sleeping "on" a pod. I'm a side sleeper, so I do like wearing them on my abs, as they usually don't get under me while sleeping. But on my arms, I tend to roll on the side where the pod is often now. As long as I can sleep rather still, it's not a problem and has not cause any bad things to happen yet. Your area where the pod is may get sore after a while though, depending on the type of mattress you sleep on. Basically, not a big problem.
I sleep with mine on my stomach with no problems, except I notice it getting a little sore by day 3. Keep in mind, your absorption may change when you move it to different locations (i.e. arms & legs). I used to love wearing mine on my arms & legs when I first started, but I was using more insulin, because my absorption rate is noticeably slower there than my abdomen. Everyone is different though, so you've just got to find what works best for you! Good luck!
usually when I sleep on it it isn’t a problem, but I’m always still wary.