Mar
For those that have to give themselves shots how scary was the first time and does/did it hurt and/or leave you achy or bruised?
My mom has been a diabetic for over 10 years and is now having to use insulin & I'm a little worried for her…
Answer:
I used to be very needle phobic. Now I test my blood sugar many times each day, and take insulin a minimum of 4 times per day. Its just something you have to deal with, when you're a diabetic.
It doesn't usually bruise, but can occasionally, especially if you juggle the needle while injecting.
It can sting if you use cold insulin. Insulin you’re using should be stored at room temperature. The rest of the box should be kept in the fridge, but must not be granted to freeze. I keep mine in the vegetable drawer or butter keeper, which isn’t as cold as the rest of the fridge.
Sometimes insulin can sting for a few seconds, but most of the time it doesn't. Sometimes you can't even feel the needle, because they’re so fine. Once she learns good technique, she probably won't feel it most times. The needles for insulin are tiny.
Tell your mom to look for BD Ultrafine needles, they are high quality and they injured less than other brands I have tried. Tell her to ask for the smallest diameter or gauge that they’ve. It will be less prone to hurt.
Show her this article too.
http://www.bd.com/contentmanager/b_artic…
There is lots of good info on this website, including a link on injecting insulin that she can see
http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/
Her doctor should arrange for a diabetes nurse to show her how to do her injections. She'll quickly get used to injecting. The first shot can be a bit scary, but don't make a huge deal out of it, you'll only make her more nervous about it.
Just pass the information on to her and let her deal with it. She has to face this to move on with her life and get things back in control. Insulin will help her get superior blood sugar levels.
Answer:
It may be a little scary at first, but it's not bad once you get used to it. I took shots for thirteen years before I got a pump, and you really do get used to it. If she pinches up the area she’s going to inject, that takes the edge off the “stick.” Also, only use the syringe one time because it becomes more and more dull with each use. I’ve bruised before after an injection, but it was always a little bruise that disappeared within a couple days. I hope that helps!
Answer:
I did NOT like the idea at first. But now its not a big deal its just something I’ve to do. The first time it didn't really injured but since I was so scared the 1st time it made it worse. Don't worry your mother will get used to it. She’ll be fine I am sure. It actually doesn't hurt that bad. I haven't ever had bruises that are visable but after my like 3rd day of 4 shots a day it was a little tender to the touch but thats all. Now it doesn't even bother me! Don't worry she’ll do just fine!
Answer:
its not that bad.. I started on 5 syringe needles a day when i was 14 and it was scary to think I would have to go home and do it myself but its not that painful… occasionally i would get one that injured or would bruise… it injured more when my mum did it for me… u get to know where the best spot is… angle… speed to push it in etc… don't worry im sure she will be fine
Answer:
The only time I've ever used a syringe was on my mother. Once I learned how to do it, it wasn't scary at all. If I had to use one, it wouldn't really bother me too much. It's not so much the needle that would bother me, it would be getting the dosage right.