Any pumpers use their legs as sites?

[Nicola M]

Any current pumpers use their legs as pump sites and find that it’s okay? I’m considering occasionally using my thigh as a site to give my stomach a break (yay lipohypertrophy that won’t go away!!!) I just worry if my control will change because of absorption differences or just overall how convenient it is. I currently clip my pump to my bra but don’t think my current cannula length will stretch that far if it’s on my leg. I also have reservations about whether I’ll knock my sites off more (I wear leggings). Any thoughts welcome!

 

[h884]

Any current pumpers use their legs as pump sites and find that it’s okay? I’m considering occasionally using my thigh as a site to give my stomach a break (yay lipohypertrophy that won’t go away!!!) I just worry if my control will change because of absorption differences or just overall how convenient it is. I currently clip my pump to my bra but don’t think my current cannula length will stretch that far if it’s on my leg. I also have reservations about whether I’ll knock my sites off more (I wear leggings). Any thoughts welcome!

Hi Nicola M

I am an Omnipod user and do use my legs as pump sites. As I am tubeless there no issues with tubing length. Also I have not had any issues with absorption.

I changing to Omnipod 5 closed loop today so have been trying my arms recently in preparation. Absorption on my arms has been ok. The pod and sensor have to be in line of sight and my Libre has to be on my arms.

Hope this is of some help

 

[EllieM]

Hi @Nicola M I'm a tandem tslim user and rotate with buttocks and some thighs as well as abdomen.

And I feel your pain on the lipo, my bottom left abdomen has been unusable since I was pregnant with my first child, who is now 33.

I'm not convinced the absorption is as good for me, but that may be because I have some lipo on my thighs, though I do try to avoid suspect areas and my buttocks should be completely clear. I changed from trusteel 60cm canulae to 90cm ones to allow for the length when it's on my legs. One issue for me is actually reaching round to apply the cannula and the connection port, which I need to be able to reach so that I can disconnect the pump for showers etc.

It's still worth it for me because I really don't want to overuse the slightly limited space on my abdomen.

 

[Ann48]

Hi Nicole M, I’m on the Medtronic 780g closed loop and have been using my legs for my cannulas for a long time. I find it works well, but I wear the pump on a waistband round my waist ( stomach doesn’t work well for me) and the normal 1.8 reservoirs. I’ve only occasionally knocked one off, usually when I’ve caught my finger on it!

 

[fww1956]

Any current pumpers use their legs as pump sites and find that it’s okay? I’m considering occasionally using my thigh as a site to give my stomach a break (yay lipohypertrophy that won’t go away!!!) I just worry if my control will change because of absorption differences or just overall how convenient it is. I currently clip my pump to my bra but don’t think my current cannula length will stretch that far if it’s on my leg. I also have reservations about whether I’ll knock my sites off more (I wear leggings). Any thoughts welcome!

Nicole, I'm on a Tandem T-slim and Dexcom G6. I use my thighs and alternate between both thighs and my abdomen. I use my upper arms and abdomen for my G6 and find it works well for me.
Good luck

 

[groucho74]

Any current pumpers use their legs as pump sites and find that it’s okay? I’m considering occasionally using my thigh as a site to give my stomach a break (yay lipohypertrophy that won’t go away!!!) I just worry if my control will change because of absorption differences or just overall how convenient it is. I currently clip my pump to my bra but don’t think my current cannula length will stretch that far if it’s on my leg. I also have reservations about whether I’ll knock my sites off more (I wear leggings). Any thoughts welcome!

Hi Nicola,

I use my legs quite a lot, with the Medtronic pump, as part of the site rotation and find, for myself, that I have slightly better absorbtion on the thighs. Depending on which cannulas you use (I prefer the Quickset) you can get 110cm tubing.

 

[Nicola M]

I’ve used my legs on/off now since I made this post. The first time was a nightmare and extremely painful, I suspect partly due to the fact I’ve never used lyumjev in my thighs and partly due to placement it may have been slightly off. The rest of the time has honestly been okay, aside from the times I accidentally pulled my site out (leggings lover and completely forgot it was in my thigh ) I’m more limited in my thighs due to having tattoos don’t want to risk infection there but there’s enough space there to give my stomach it’s much needed break sometimes. Can’t say I hate having it in my thigh, just have to be more cautious as to not pull it out!!