Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rebecca on March 23, 2011 at 8:16pm

Are you using a straight cannula or one on a 30 degree angle? I've been using my upper butt area since before getting pregnant because my stomach has been too scarred for proper absorbtion. Anyway, I use the Inset 30 infusion sets (I'm on an Animas Ping) and have not had issues with kinking.
I guess my thought is that I can see how if you're using a straight cannula, with the odd angle you need to twist your body to insert it - even with the quicket, it could kink. Especially if you're putting it up at the very top part of the butt where it would crease a little when you stand or lay down. I've found it works best on me more on my back hip/upper side part of my butt. Just below where the waistband on a pair of hip-hugger underwear sits.
Maybe that's not really how it works, but I hope some part of my thinking is helpful to you.
:)

Permalink Reply by Rebecca on March 23, 2011 at 8:17pm

Oh! One more thought -
If you aren't already using an angled cannula, maybe that would also give you some more area on your belly? because you wouldn't need to worry about the depth of the fatty tissue?

Permalink Reply by Kristin on March 23, 2011 at 9:54pm

Sorry to hear about this! How frustrating!

I used to have this problem with 9mm QuickSets. Switching to 6mm helped me. Before pregnancy, my endo encouraged me to switch to SureT, which cannot kink (a metal infusion set). I love it!! I think that I will stay with it always now. They need to be replaced every 2 days instead of 3, but I just remove it and reinsert it and tape it down (this is possible with a metal infusion set). I like that I can just move my infusion set when I first see a high. I don't wait to figure out if the high is the infusion set, insulin resistance, or something else!

Call MM or your rep and get a sample of SureT and see if you like it!

For sites, I also like my outer upper thighs and lower back.

Permalink Reply by Kristina on March 24, 2011 at 6:02am

Hi- I agree with Rebecca about the angled cannula.... worked well for me throughout pregnancy (also with the one touch ping).... I stopped using my belly during the middle of my pregnancy also.... but the 'love handles' area always worked well... maybe that is worth a try?
:) K

Permalink Reply by Laura Strudwick on March 24, 2011 at 10:46am

Thanks everyone for your advice! I just called medtronic and ordered both the silhouette 6mm infusion sets (with the angled insertion) AND the SureT metal infusion set (that doesn't kink) so will be trying both. The woman on the phone was actually really helpful (I feel like its hit or miss when I call their customer service line), and said that although my butt might seem really flabby, it might be that I actually was hitting muscle. I think its hilarious... pregnancy is probably the only time in my life when I hear something like "your butt might not have enough flab" and I get upset!

Anyway, thanks again for lending your expertise!

Permalink Reply by Kristin on March 25, 2011 at 8:01am

HAHA! Glad that to hear that they were helpful.

What a bummer that your "butt does not have enough flab"!!! ;) There are two sides to everything!

Permalink Reply by Autumn on March 26, 2011 at 11:42pm

If MiniMed hasn't updated their inserter for the sillouettes, I would suggest inserting the sillouette by hand. It will be less traumatic.

Permalink Reply by LaurainFL on March 29, 2011 at 11:52am

I always had trouble with the Quick-sets causing pain or kinking. I've been using Silhouettes the about 5 years now and rarely have a problem. But I have to say, I am having trouble finding places to insert my sets. My tummy has become a hard melon and I can barely reach my hips!! I haven't tried my thighs. I'm thinking about trying under my arms - just had a temporary CGS there (the nurse inserted it) and I barely felt it the entire time!

ANyone else use the back of the arms?

Good luck ladies!