bruised fingers

[chrissieworne]

Hi all, these last two days I have found my fingers tend to bruise after testing. I have my pen on the lowest depth and charge but I am finding I am more sensitive to discomfort and am bruising. I always rinse my finger in clear warm water first and use a new lancet every time. Anyone else have this problem/

Chrissie

 

[cugila]

Quick answer...No. Are you using the side of your fingers to draw blood ?

Ken.

 

[chrissieworne]

HI, yes I am using the side of my fingers fairly close to the nail. Tested on my left index finger b4 tea and now its really bruised purple and is tender to touch, sometimes I seem to have to really squeeze to get a sample too. When I went for a blood test yesterday they couldn't get any veins in my arms and used the back of my hand, boy thats sore!!!!

Chrissie

 

[hanadr]

I always use the inside of my forearm. As long as the BG isn't changing fast, this site is accurate.It also hurts less and bruises don't show up much. (I do get some)

 

[cugila]

Can only suggest that you try using your three outer fingers, not your index finger as that is not usually recommended, and press the thumb onto the finger forming a pad at the side of the finger.

Then click the lancet into that fleshy pad formed at the side of the finger. Before you try to get blood make sure you rub your hands briskly together to stimulate the circulation.

Hope that helps ?

Ken

Just seen Handr's post, if you want to use AST (Alternative Site Testing) please discuss with your GP as it is not considered as accurate for instant readings.

 

[lilibet]

Yeah
I get this problem too

I rotate fingers and sites on the fingers but am not a good 'bleeder' so end up having to do it on the pad of my fingers to get any blood out. Result is bruises/thickening skin
Just try to keep rotating, and use handcream every night!

 

[chrissieworne]

Hi guys
Thanks for your advice, will try what you say. I have read the booklet with my kit and it advises against alternate sites so will thinnk about that one. Finger still very sore today.

Chrissie

 

[mrburden]

Hi Chrissie,
I sometimes use my earlobe. But you really need someone to squeeze the blood out and get it onto the stick unless your good with a mirror. The clinics used to use ears some time ago. Mine always bleed well. The "Softclix" device supplied with "Accu-Chek" meters does come with the Alternative Site fitting, as previously mentioned, and seems to work well. I think the warning about AST is in the leaflet and recommends not using different alternative sites each time you test but keeping to one prefered area, as each site can give a different result compared to another.