Insulin Users: Injection site irritation or bruising?

kristin172429

I have been using insulin for GD for about a month and a half.  I was told that it is best to inject in the stomach for GD (plus I have found that the thigh hurts and I'm not flexible enough for the back of my own arm).  I make sure to move where I inject all around so I am no injecting too close to a previous injection site on the next one and so on.  I have noticed some raised bumps that get itchy and irritated where I have done an insulin injection.  Every now and then, I will also have a bruise.  There are some injections I barely feel and don't leave a mark.  Others sometimes sting a little.  

What is your experience with insulin injections?  Are you getting these kinds of reactions at the injection sites? I don't know if there is something I am doing that is causing this or if it is just normal when you are continuously sticking yourself with a needle four times a day. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

malakelle

  I get bruises and little red bumps, it has gotten harder to find a good spot since i hit 36 weeks and ran out of space. I have my fiance give me them in the back of the arm, or if it comes down to it and i have to use my thigh i have to inject a hour before eating. Sometimes still I can use my stomach but its streached so thin I bleed more and can see the pricks for days after =(

 

I still get bruises on my arms, and some of them look really bad so I think its just sticking your self. Just keep moving your injection spot around.  

I also get bruises when I give blood, or have lab work done.

MotherMonster

I've been on insulin for years and I totally hear what you're saying.

When injecting know that you can inject also on your sides if that's easier for you and I only inject in the spots that don't hurt because my skin is extra sensitive.

Also it's better if the insulin is at room temp. I say that because your body has to warm it up to use it anyways, so you're just helping it work faster. 

Insulin goes bad at 107 degrees F. So you know...so don't feel bad about letting it be at room temp.

Also if you're using short or long needles might be a part of it.

I have gotten bumps, bruises, and the whole shebang. If it itches, you need to call your doctor and be sure to bring up your concerns at your next appointment so they can document it.

Also, this might sound bad, I don't use alcohol preps, because I'm the only one getting the injection and it dries my skin out too much. I just inject away. 

wiltedflower19

i noticed some brusing today on my stomach from the shots.....if i try it on my right side it hurts alot...but my left side im fine.dont feel it at all

Mama Jan

I didn't start getting bruises until I started on insulin for fasting.  It's a different type of insulin - I don't know if that has anything to do with it??  I use the same type of needle for fasting as I do for meals (4mm, 32gauge) - it's the smallest needle they make so I don't think it's the needle that does it since I didn't bruise with just my lunchtime insulin.

Try over on your side a little bit, that might help?  I think we're doomed to have bruised bellies the rest of our pregnancy though, it seems like a really common thing.  

MotherMonster

Mama Jan:

I didn't start getting bruises until I started on insulin for fasting.  It's a different type of insulin - I don't know if that has anything to do with it??  I use the same type of needle for fasting as I do for meals (4mm, 32gauge) - it's the smallest needle they make so I don't think it's the needle that does it since I didn't bruise with just my lunchtime insulin.

Try over on your side a little bit, that might help?  I think we're doomed to have bruised bellies the rest of our pregnancy though, it seems like a really common thing.  

The needles can. It depends on if you have stretch marks or any other skin issue too. I have stretch marks from weight loss so I can't avoid them. There are studies saying that it's better to avoid any scar tissue such as stretch marks, but I have always actually injected most of my insulin in them because it doesn't hurt and I don't seem to get bruises there.

Also I forgot to mention, it can take time for your skin to get used to the injections anyways because you're injecting a bolus of extra fluid in a space, Which is why I opt to get long needles because I get less bruises that way. 

Also technique on giving injections can be an issues. They say to give it at an angle and the truth of the matter is that it doesn't matter. I very rarely give mine at an angle.

apeydawn214

I've been on insulin for over a year now. I'm still getting bruises and little red bumps at the injection sites. I've been on different insulins, used different needles, tried cold verus room temp insulin. Doesn't make a difference for me. Just the luck of the draw. Some spots are better than others.

 I find that once my stomach starts getting too bruised or irritated, I will move to my side though. That tends to help when I switch back to my stomach.

Nocalwife

I used injections for about 19 years until I went on insulin pump.  There could be a variety of reasons as to why your bruising.  Try the fattest part of your body around your stomach if you can near your hips if you go in an angle away from your hips.  Butt if someone can help you do the injections would be less painful.  But I would highly recommend speaking to your doctor as it could be a simple change such as needle length.  Good Luck

kristenina

I know juuuuust what you're talking about! Not bruising and small bumps, but itching, where the injection site is almost like a really irritated mosquito bite.

Turns out I'm allergic to the insulin. Well, not to the insulin itself, but to the additive they put in to make it slow-acting. I was only taking it to control my fasting numbers, and my doctor tells me that if I should need to start taking fast-acting to control my post meal numbers, it should be a different story. 

Rather than deal with the pain and discomfort and difficulty in finding an injection site that isn't inflamed and bruised, I opted to go on glyburide, and that's been such a relief. I take 5mg every night before bed, and it's great to have the same effect without having to see my poor belly covered in rashes, bruises, and huge bumps. Plus constantly resisting the urge to scratch my stomach in public.

My doctor told me that it's quite rare to be allergic to the insulin, but not unheard of. It's not dangerous, but it can have an impact on how well you're absorbing the insulin, so it's worth looking into. I feel your pain - good luck!

kristin172429

Just a quick update if anyone is still following along: I was reading the insert that came with the insulin again to see if it said anything.  I saw one little thing about applying slight pressure to the injection site right after taking the insulin.  I have been doing that the last couple of days and it seems to be making a big difference.  The other itchy spots are going away and I don't seem to be getting any new ones.  I'm going to keep trying this method and see if its the magic trick.