• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Thinking of getting the staple gun out.

Phlogiston

Phlogiston

Well-Known Member
Messages
163
Location
Cambridgeshire
Type of diabetes
Gestational
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Diabetes, ofsted inspectors, uninvited phonecalls
I've got my glucose meter, the blood glucoses are all good, confirming my dietary instincts have been correct.
However, my problem is getting enough blood for the tests. The lancet device is set to maximum penetration. I have just wasted 6 test strips because I repeatedly fail to get enough blood out to record, and once the meter decides there's not enough blood, that's it and the test strip is unuseable. I got frustrated and nearly took the staple gun to myself (this is not a real threat).

Do other members have this problem and how do they overcome it?

The lancet device feels horribly flimsy - it may well be broken within a few weeks. What's a good source of a better replacement?

Adam
 
The meter is a gluco rx nexus, as sold by the commercial arm of diabetes.co.uk.
I'm trying to avoid finger tips as I'm a 'cellist / bass guitarist.

Adam
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Some of the lancing devices that come with the bg meters are next to useless, by far the best is the Multiclix/Fastclix that come with the Accu-Chek meters, if you can get hold of one then I recommend you use it and see if it makes a difference.
 
I use the Accu-Chk Fastclix and still have problems. I usually try 2-3 t imes to get blood out and then give up - being T2 it's not so crucial that I test so I just try later on in the day. I also have problems when I have blood tests and they usually have to have 2-3 ttempts in each arm before they get enough - talk about a in cushion :(
 
My hands (and feet) are usually freezing and won't give up any blood without a fight. I have to sit with one finger in my mouth to warm it up before stabbing myself !
 
The easiest solution is don't use a device just poke your finger with a lancet :)
 
Phlogiston said:
The meter is a gluco rx nexus, as sold by the commercial arm of diabetes.co.uk.
I'm trying to avoid finger tips as I'm a 'cellist / bass guitarist.

Adam
Click to expand...
So, where are you actually pricking?

I'm assuming as a cellist, your pads are a little "battle hardened"? I usually use the sides of the pads, as if in between the fingers, if all my fingers were the same length. If I'm very cold, and don't think blood will flow, I use the dorsal edge of my little finger, which hasn't yet failed to yield a decent blob.

Try rubbing your hands together, as you would to warm your hands, and wash in warm water (and dry properly). Some people swing their arms by their sides for Gravity to get to work, but that doesn't feel very elegant to me.
 
If possible run hands under hot water for a few mins.
 
Make a nice hot mug of tea or coffee and hold hands around it for a few minutes. That will make the blood droplet appear a bit easier. Also, its possible to prick at the base of nail on a very low fingerprick setting and blood should appear with just a gentle squeeze.
 
Phlogiston said:
I've got my glucose meter, the blood glucoses are all good, confirming my dietary instincts have been correct.
However, my problem is getting enough blood for the tests. The lancet device is set to maximum penetration. I have just wasted 6 test strips because I repeatedly fail to get enough blood out to record, and once the meter decides there's not enough blood, that's it and the test strip is unuseable. I got frustrated and nearly took the staple gun to myself (this is not a real threat).

Do other members have this problem and how do they overcome it?

The lancet device feels horribly flimsy - it may well be broken within a few weeks. What's a good source of a better replacement?

Adam
Click to expand...


Hi Adam,

To me it sounds like the spring of the lancet is gone. You can replace one from the company or the pharmacy and I got a replacement free. I am using One Touch Ultra Soft. Good luck.
 
Phlogiston said:
I've got my glucose meter, the blood glucoses are all good, confirming my dietary instincts have been correct.
However, my problem is getting enough blood for the tests. The lancet device is set to maximum penetration. I have just wasted 6 test strips because I repeatedly fail to get enough blood out to record, and once the meter decides there's not enough blood, that's it and the test strip is unuseable. I got frustrated and nearly took the staple gun to myself (this is not a real threat).

Do other members have this problem and how do they overcome it?

The lancet device feels horribly flimsy - it may well be broken within a few weeks. What's a good source of a better replacement?

Adam
Click to expand...

Washing fingers in warm water and rubbing them dry more vigorously, possibly. Or you could try other place on your body to get blood from, your arm possibly, leg, just a thought, though, as long as these were clean enough. Good luck with finding an answer to your problem Adam.

Best wishes RRB
 
According to Dr Bernstein you can try the area just behind your fingernail? I'm too scared to try it, but apparently one of the best sites for it...!
 
Recent tests have worked better.
I may give the finger nail area a try.

Thanks for your support

Adam
 
Back
Top