[OneEyedMe]

OK, story time.

I came to Japan (from America) in late August to study abroad for nine months. About a month in my pump sites (that I have been putting on my butt cheeks) started to get REALLY pink and itchy around the pump site with about a two inch radius in a perfect circle. My first thought was that I wasn't spreading out the sites enough between changing so I put the next one on my stomach which I haven't done since February. But the next day it started to get really pink and itchy. So then I changed it to my thigh. A day later, really pink and itchy.

I'm coming to the forum before seeing a doctor because I'm trying to avoid a $1,000 visit bill for someone to look at it. If I need to, I'll go.

OK thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanksssssss.

Additional info: I've been Type 1 for two years, using the pump for a little over one year. Never had a problem until now.

 

[OneEyedMe]

Lol, whoops, I forgot to say what I'm asking for.

Anyone know what's up or had a common issue?

 

[Strawberry]

I don't know what is up with your sites, but I've had problems like that from time to time. First question I would ask you is: have you changed body wash or body lotion since you came to Japan? Do you think that the water for your bath or shower is different from where you lived in America?

For me personally when I visit relatives who live in another state and they have really hard water, my skin feels irritated after a shower at their home.

Also now that it is approaching Winter my skin is much more sensitive than usual.

Have you always used the same infusion sets since you started on the pump? Do you use alcohol swab or any kind of skin prep before you change your set? These questions aren't meant to be intrusive - just trying to help you figure it out.

Have you ever tried Tegaderm before you insert the infusion set? I know I've read on other diabetic forums where people would cut out a little hole for the cannula and apply the Tegaderm before they inserted the cannula.

Hope you can figure out what these spots are that are bothering you. That has to be really annoying.

Does it really cost that much for you to see a Doctor there?

 

[OneEyedMe]

I don't know what is up with your sites, but I've had problems like that from time to time. First question I would ask you is: have you changed body wash or body lotion since you came to Japan? Do you think that the water for your bath or shower is different from where you lived in America? I started to buy different soap after I ran out of what I brought with me, but it's still the same brand that I used in America. Dove.

For me personally when I visit relatives who live in another state and they have really hard water, my skin feels irritated after a shower at their home.

Also now that it is approaching Winter my skin is much more sensitive than usual.

Have you always used the same infusion sets since you started on the pump? Do you use alcohol swab or any kind of skin prep before you change your set? These questions aren't meant to be intrusive - just trying to help you figure it out. It's exactly the same as what I used in America!

Have you ever tried Tegaderm before you insert the infusion set? I know I've read on other diabetic forums where people would cut out a little hole for the cannula and apply the Tegaderm before they inserted the cannula. Haven't tried or even heard of it. I'll look into it but I'm not sure what kind of option that will be here.

Hope you can figure out what these spots are that are bothering you. That has to be really annoying.

Does it really cost that much for you to see a Doctor there?I think it's about the same as in America except I won't be able to use my insurance right away, I'll have to get reimbursed later on.

Hey, thanks for the reply! I went ahead and answered your question in the quote. =P

The soap idea got me thinking, but I've never been irritated like that before and it seems like I would be irritated in more than one place than just my pump sites...

I'm starting to think my only option is visiting the doctor! I can't imagine what it would be unless I am developing an allergy...

 

[Shanny]

I can't imagine what it would be unless I am developing an allergy...

And that's the rub - we can develop allergies at any time . . . never too old to acquire a new allergy. Here's hoping you can find the Tegaderm or a reasonable facsimile. Amazon.com sells it - perhaps Amazon.co.jp sells it too.

 

[OneEyedMe]

And that's the rub - we can develop allergies at any time . . . never too old to acquire a new allergy. Here's hoping you can find the Tegaderm or a reasonable facsimile. Amazon.com sells it - perhaps Amazon.co.jp sells it too.

It's the only thing I can think of since I developed an allergy for cats after having them for years. HM!