I wanted to know if anyone had any kind of advice for me. I am really scared of needles and I feel the worse thing is the finger prick, I think it started when I was a kid getting the check up. I don't like them in general but I'd rather get blood from my vein in my arm then do this. Even though it takes me awhile to be okay with that aswell.When I went for my first ob visit and had to have the big work up I start to have a panic attack. I wish I wasn't like this but its such a fear for me and there is no way I'd be able to do this. I cried on my way home on Monday because I knew what it ment when he said i failed the 3 hour test. Im sorry because this is ridiculous, I know but this is big for me :(
My machine allows me to prick myself in places other than my finger, like on my forearm. Is that any better for you? Also, just b/c you failed the 3hr, it doesn't mean you will be put on insulin. I only take a very low dose of an oral hypoglycemic. Some people can control with just diet and exercise.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, REPURPOSE...
I was the same way. Finger pricks hurt way more than anything!!! Luckily, most machines hurt way less than the ones at the doctor's office. Usually, there are different settings on them. Mine had 6 (I think). I was able to put it on 2 & get plenty blood. Honestly, your fingers will end up going numb. You'll get use to it!!!!!!
I'm in the same boat as you sweetie, just diagnosed today...and I am the absolute BIGGEST baby when it comes to needles, I have no idea how I'm going to do this...my mom is diabetic and she said the finger pricks don't hurt all that bad if you do them on the side (just a little off center) of your finger, and that you get used to it really quick...so I'm hoping she's right!! Good luck! (To you and to me).
By the way, you don't actually see the needle in the lancet. And it doesn't hurt very badly at all. Just don't do it dead center of your finger- that hurts a bit. slightly off to the side. And I tend to have better luck with a "meatier" finger like the forefinger or middle finger.
I'm terrified of needles as well, the first time I had to prick my finger, everyone around me said I look pale and sweaty, and I almost fainted. For the first 2 weeks, I MADE my husband prick my finger for me, and told him to do it with me blind folded and have HIM surprise me with which finger to prick. I did a bit of research on the glucose metor though, I bought the one that requires the least amount of blood and have ultra thin lancet. Also, DON'T prick your dominant hand; I'm right handed, and pricking my right hands hurts a WHOLE lot more. Rotate the fingers, and prick the sides of the fingers, not the middle. This is my 2nd month doing the self monitoring, and I'm still a bit jumpy at times. The first few times I have to get myself fully distracted first: watching TV, half asleep, talking to someone, and then quickly jab myself LOL...I'm used to it now :) Takes a while, so don't panic.
It's not so bad once you get the hang of it. If you are going to see a diabetic counselor they will show you how to use it, and they may even have you do one test with them just so you aren't alone the first time. I never had my husband do it for me because then I would STILL have him doing it for me. I just had to "woman up" and do it. It's for my baby after all...
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- carrollq21
on May. 6, 2009 at 10:25 PM