I totally feel your pain- literally! I am a pumper as well as a new CGM wearer. I use my abdomen for both and live by stretchy waistbands so my pants don't annoy me too much considering all my stuff I'm attached to.
I have learned to "test out" a new spot when I change my new spot. I pinch up on the skin a LOT and I don't push too hard on the adhesive area until I'm ok with the selection. If there is any sharp pain different from the needle prick, like I have hit a nerve, then I pull up and move it over a bit without committing to the site.
I use this great stuff called offsite flexifix tape that will keep my adhesive pad on really well too.
i stopped pumping for a while because I was so fed up with the pain of the insertions. Finally I have found good areas above my hip that don't hurt.
thanks claire. i hope i don't have that painful site again. it was awful! yes, i wish i could live in my stretchy leggins' - they go on as soon as i get home from work!
Been there, it's rough. If the insertion were automated like on the Omnipod I think it would be less painful. When you start to insert and there is pain you can't back off and you don't want to continue I think it makes it worse.
Gayle, I so feel your pity party! I can only use my stomach I'm very thin 5'5 and 104lbs. I am also pretty new to the DEX but love it I'm not ready go as far as using a pump. My sites have bruises, hurt like the devil when I insert.
All I think about it is not as bad as child birth, lol! I do find it so helpful I'm very insulin sensitive I drop so fast this gives me the warnings needed to react quickly.
I've changed my weekly but may try and fool it. I wish your husband was more supportive but you will find a community here that will help you.
Hi Bambi, thanks for your comment. as much as it hurt, i'm still thankful to have the cgm. it has a been a great tool, for me, mostly while doing any type of workout. last night was my 7th day since the last insertion; just restarted the sensor and hoping this one lasts more than a few more days. not ready to feel the pain again! as for my husband, he is very supportive; but no one, no matter how supportive, knows what a t1 goes through except another t1; that's why i'm so thankful for these boards! i hope you stick with it despite the pain; sounds like it will help you a lot in warning you when you're dropping.
It has been a life saver we had thought of trained monitoring dog either for my epilepsy or T1 but my new Cheesie seems to respond and go crazy in the night when drop and do not wake to the alarm, he digs at me until I wake. I may go to bed at 280 and be below 50. I'm a rollercoaster. My husband traveled for business 5 days a week until they merged with another company and he is based out of home more often, he is just understanding what we experience. He has always been super supportive calling frequently daily to check in and has offered to help change my DEX. I feel better doing it myself more control, the DEX nurse first placed it in my arm for trail but I could feel the needle against my rub my bone in bed. I wish you the also the best- we can be buddy's in och!
