"other sites"

Diabetes Technology Insulin Pumps
1

I have been having bad experiences with placing my pods in areas other than my stomach. I have tried using my back and my arms. When I first start using the pod I didn't feel comfortable using it anywhere other than my stomach. But I have been using my stomach for the past 14 years with my other pumps. So as you can guess I have a decent bit of scar tissue. So I decided to use my arms and back and the first few times I didn't have any problems and it was just as comfortable as it was on my stomach. But for the past couple months almost every time I put a pod on my arm or my back I get an occlusion within the first 24 hours. So I was wondering if there were any secrets or tips that will improve my success rate with using other sites?

2

This tip sheet has been pretty helpful for me.

[3489-OmniPodPearlsforPodders111111.docx|attachment](upload://tkHYsrRSJt5Zjb0e9coNyr84r5P.docx) (41 KB)
3

Amy's reference is great! Thanks for the material, Amy! I find that my calf is a great place to put the pod (I am a runner, so it works great and absorbs quickly). This is Kinda funny because for me, the stomach works the least well. My arms it works find, my b ack (just need to be careful sitting down) and (as mentioned) my calf is my favorite place.

4

So where on your calf do you place it? On the back or twords the side? My calves don't have much fat on them, so I am wondering how that would work. Do you pinch up when the canula inserts? On my stomach I don't pinch up, I push down on the pod when the canula is inserting (per the direction of my pod trainer). I am looking for other sites to use. My arms won't work. I tried my back, just above the waist, and that was ok, needed to adjust my rates higher, and the second one I tried the canula pulled out after about 12 hours, and I haven't tried it again.

5

@ Steve D, I am just starting to run and was wondering about calf placement. It stays on well for you? I prefer the arm or back but I am wondering about venturing to the leg and calf. Thanks for the info.

6

We find that on the arm and the thigh we get fewer occlusions with the cannula down rather than up.

7

Kathleen-
I remember when I first started to wear it on my calf, when I would run I would always be paranoid that it was coming off and would be chedking constantly. I think it is just the feel of something down there that makes one feel that way...but it has never come off. Good luck and keep me posted if you discovr anything new!

8

Thanks Steve, I am going to try it. :)