Site Rotation Schedule and finger pricking
I was trying to share this in someone's discussion but it didn't send . So I hope this might help elsewhere.
I am new to the site and I have been pumping for 3 years, but I received a card with rotation instruction that I have adjusted a bit. SO here it goes. You select your areas and rotate clockwise around your body using each area in a triangle pattern that does not overlap. For example: I have four areas right now. My left ab, right ab, right flank, left flank. (in that order). Using this rotation schedule (changing every 3 days) I stay in a spot for 9 days but do not return for almost a month or more (imagine a triangle on your ab, where the tape does not overlap the insertion points...also when /i come back to the spot I can shift this triangle a bit to the right/left/up/down to avoid the insertion points I used the last time I was there). This gives each spot a decent amount of time to heal. If you increase your spots (thighs, hips...) you can increase the time between spots. Feel free to ask questions:)
Also for finger sticking. I use one finger a day. I found that I would always overuse my favorite fingers but it easy to remember the "finger of the day". I start on the lower side of the finger pad and continue in an arc pattern(up to 6). You dont return to a finger for a week (definitely enough time for healing).
Again. questions welcome!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by hfw on -
I've been pumping just under a year now, and do something similar to your finger rotation--using right hand on odd days of month and left hand on even months. I start with the outside of the ring finger, then inside, then outside of middle finger, then inside, etc, saving pinkie and thumb for occasional extra checks and 31st day of month.
I've got to read your site rotation again, having trouble visualizing it--and also wondering how it would work with a CGM sensor as well.
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Permalink Reply by PMichel on -
Maybe this will help:
Monday I would insert on the left side of my abdomen. Three days later I would insert on the same side but far enough away that the tape does not overlap the last site. Three days later i would do that again. Then I would switch to the right side of my ab and do the same schedule. Then to the top right of my behind and then to the top left of my behind. Using the four locations, I do not come back to the same area for almost a month.
feel to ask more questions
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Permalink Reply by hfw on
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Sorry! Just seeing this now...
Are you using CGM as well? And do you do the ones on your behind by yourself?
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Permalink Reply by PMichel on
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I use cgm every once in a while. I usually rotate from side to side. the area right below my ribs and above my hips. I also use a Tegaderm™ Transparent Adhesive Film Dressing (Picture Frame Style 2-3/8" x 2-3/4", Water-proof) to cover and hold it in place.
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Permalink Reply by PMichel on
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as for the behind: it is the area right off your hip. you can literally see and touch if you put your hands on you hip and slide them slightly back)
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Permalink Reply by pancreaswanted on -
im gonna do the finger thng-my middle and ring fingers are RAVAGED.
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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on -
Wow, that's really organized! I blow my left middle finger out all the time, so many tests it "dries up" and then I don't use it for awhile. I haven't ever had an organized pattern but last fall I noticed some oddly high BGs and moved my infusion sets off of my abdomen to my love handles for a while. They worked pretty good and I did it until after the new year to give my abdomen a good rest. I'll definitely work them in in the future! The infusion set always goes on the right, since MrsAcidRock is on the left, so the CGM goes over there.
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Permalink Reply by Howie767 on -
I just realized that I only use the thumb side of my fingers. I just look for the finger most pristine. Depending on how hard the skin is there, I select one of the following lancet devices, the MultiClix, the SoftClix, the Delica. I try to stay below 10 finger tests per day. I never had any success with alternate site testing. I only use one lancet a few times. As soon as I have to dial in more depth, I trash it.
I'm going to try and use the other side of my fingers, starting with my next test.
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Permalink Reply by Lois on -
Howie:
I use the FastClix (AccuChek) and LOVE it. I hardly ever feel it. I, like jrtpup, only use one hand because of the still unrepaired ruptured tendons in my left forefinger. It has caused me much loss of strength to that hand and find operating anything with that hand. (Even my typing has suffered but I had to retrain my middle finger to pick up the "duty" of the gimpy finger!!
Lois
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Permalink Reply by A on -
Interesting & timely read for me - thanks for posting! I hadn't really noticed that I was only using a couple of fingers (and a small area on these as well). I'm presently vacationing in the sand and surf and the extra time I've spent in the water swimming leaves my skin 'waterlogged' and it's been really easy to see which fingers I've been favouring. Ew. I'm organized with rotating injection spots (I've had a lot of education & advice about this), so I figure it makes sense to organize lancet rotation as well. Thanks again.
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Permalink Reply by jrtpup on -
I used to rotate fingers, day by day, religiously. (Always loved Thumbday!). I can only use one hand for fingersticks, so even more important. Thanks for the nudge, I need to give my middle/ring fingers a break! I recently have been able to get blood from just below the fold of the first joint, on the side, so that gives even more spots.
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