Tandem and dexcom users - best placement for cannula and dexcom???

[EllieM]

As a new (nearly 3 months) user of tandem tslim x2 and G7 I am left somewhat undecided on where to site my g7 and cannula.

I find the best connection time between pump and G7 happens with g7 on my stomach (pump on back of arms seems to lose connection specially when I'm out for walks). I have some lipohypertrophy on left hand lower side of stomach so not as much stomach real estate for pump and cannula as I'd like and am desperately trying to rotate sites so I don't get any more lipohypertrophy. My buttocks seem moderately good but I struggle to see where the holes are from previous insertions.

Any thoughts, suggestions from others?

Thanks.

 

[Juicyj]

Heya Eillie, I always use back of arms for G7 and stomach and lower chest for cannula set, however other users report:

G7 good sites include chest, upper back and cannula sets (due to tubing) seem ok on thighs/buttocks, I think arms require strategy with clothing/sleep, I don't panic about connection as can move pump about to link with sensor, or just phone and manually dial in my reading on the pump if doing a bolus.

I know what you mean about using new sites, I try to rotate as much as I can but sometimes it really is just pot luck !

 

[Deleted member 527103]

I do not use either but have a couple of things that may be useful
- I have seen others mention that Dexcom Bluetooth signal does not pass through their body so recommend putting both the sensor and pump on the same side of your body.
- I recently had some problems with my (non Dexcom) sensor. Turns out the issue was insufficient fat. This would definitely be a problem if I tried to place my sensor on my chest. I appreciate I am slimmer than many but still thought it was worth the reminder as the chest is often one of the leaner parts of our bodies.

 

[EllieM]

When you say chest, does that include on or under breasts ?

 

[Nicola M]

I do have some spots I avoid on my stomach but almost 10 years pumping I’m not surprised For the most part I actually hook my insulin pump to my bra (not for everyone) but it means I rarely ever lose connection as it’s pretty central. If I need to hook it to my pants I put the pump on the same side as my sensor otherwise the distance will constantly make me loose connection even if that does mean stretching my tubing around to that side. You could try your thighs, unfortunately that just didn’t work for me but unless you try you don’t know.

 

[EllieM]

My pump is normally in my bra or my pocket

Just so frustrated with the connection loss when I use the back of my arms...

 

[searley]

Dex I normal go above belly button line to just under rib cage either to left or right

Cannula bellow belly button (just) to left or right

 

[eventhorizon]

Dexcom G6 on the back of my arm. Tandem cannula on my lower back. Pump in my pocket on the same side as the Dexcom.

 

[Art Of Flowers]

Dex I normal go above belly button line to just under rib cage either to left or right

Cannula bellow belly button (just) to left or right

I presume you have a Dexcom G7 as that allows you to place the sensor on the abdomen as well as the back of the upper arm. I am getting the new Dexcom One+ which is a cut down version of the G7 and also allows placement on the abdomen. Did you shave off any hair where you are placing the sensor?

I sleep on my side. so I was worried the sensor might fall off if I placed it on the side of my arm.

 

[Juicyj]

When you say chest, does that include on or under breasts ?

So lower chest under boobs above belly button, however have heard some say upper chest too however i'd be reluctant to use this area as just depends on how much padding you have there.