[WilfordBrimley'sBoys] Blood Sugar Monitoring: Lancets, are they all the same?

[ApexOversteer]

The cheap, Target brand spring-loaded lancet pen I'm using has a habit of occasionally, maybe 1 in 5 times, ripping a massive 1mm gash in the skin, rather than zapping a nice little pinprick. Now this isn't really a huge problem, unless one passes out at the slightest sight of their own blood, which I do.

That single drop, sucked up on a test strip usually sets me back in the chair fighting nausea for 20 minutes. If the lancet tears the skin, and I get a rolling drop, I'm takin' a nap. The roommate laughs her ass off, and I feel like shit for the day.

Is trying another brand or type of lancet worth the hassle, or are they all pretty much the same?

[StaticCling]

The cheap, Target brand spring-loaded lancet pen I'm using has a habit of occasionally, maybe 1 in 5 times, ripping a massive 1mm gash in the skin, rather than zapping a nice little pinprick. Now this isn't really a huge problem, unless one passes out at the slightest sight of their own blood, which I do.

That single drop, sucked up on a test strip usually sets me back in the chair fighting nausea for 20 minutes. If the lancet tears the skin, and I get a rolling drop, I'm takin' a nap. The roommate laughs her ass off, and I feel like shit for the day.

Is trying another brand or type of lancet worth the hassle, or are they all pretty much the same?

My mom was a diabetic, and I remember her little lancet machine was like a plastic square trebuchet type deal...that thing never caused any problems for her.

Matter of fact, me and my bros would get stoned back in the day and f*ck with each other with it. :Jeff '79:

[NEED-A-VETTE]

I used to have to monitor my cat's blood sugar. Never had that problem of tearing his skin at all. Used to have to prick the edge of his ear along the vein. If the lancet had done what you're describing, we would've had a big problem. :funny:

They're cheap. Go buy a new one. Doesn't sound normal.

Also, stop flinching. :slap:

:D

[ApexOversteer]

I used to have to monitor my cat's blood sugar. Never had that problem of tearing his skin at all. Used to have to prick the edge of his ear along the vein. If the lancet had done what you're describing, we would've had a big problem. :funny:

They're cheap. Go buy a new one. Doesn't sound normal.

Also, stop flinching. :slap:

:D

I don't flinch, I just pa... zzzzZZZZZZzzzzz...

[Ol Timer]

I use the Accu-Check system and don't have any issues like you describe. My insurance paid for most of the kit.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

I don't flinch, I just pa... zzzzZZZZZZzzzzz...

If you're not moving your finger at all, maybe you're unknowingly moving the lancet as you press down? If the pin is pricking your finger straight down and then retracting, it shouldn't be tearing the skin.

I don't know, man. Have your roommate prick your azz instead? Seems reasonable. Might need to lower her rent, though. :shrug:

[markids77]

You only test once a day? The wife might test 4 or 5 times a day depending on what is going on. Get a lancet with adjustable spring tension, use a new point each test and adjust the force to provide only the drop required for your test strips. Only stick the side of the finger... not the pad. There are fewer nerve endings off center; that might help your discomfort/nausea.

[ApexOversteer]

You only test once a day? The wife might test 4 or 5 times a day depending on what is going on. Get a lancet with adjustable spring tension, use a new point each test and adjust the force to provide only the drop required for your test strips. Only stick the side of the finger... not the pad. There are fewer nerve endings off center; that might help your discomfort/nausea.

I'm lucky, we caught the issues extremely early and I'm responding very well to control.

With the lancets, it's not the pain, mostly because there isn't any. I don't have much feeling in my hands. I spent 25 years literally boiling them.

It's simply the sight of it.

I think this is just how it's gonna be for me.

[Kerrmudgeon]

http://imgc-cn.artprintimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/60/6001/DTRQG00Z/posters/frank-cotham-you-re-doing-it-wrong-new-yorker-cartoon.jpg