Limited strength to inject

[embayweather]

Inhave to inject once a day and because I have muscular dystrophy this is becoming increasingly difficult as well as painful . Can anyone offer any toughts as to how to get insulin into my body other than pressing down on a syringe?

 

[Antje77]

Inhave to inject once a day and because I have muscular dystrophy this is becoming increasingly difficult as well as painful . Can anyone offer any toughts as to how to get insulin into my body other than pressing down on a syringe?

Do you use a syringe or an insulin pen?
I think the pens are lighter to use, but if you already do this is no help of course.

Do you get help with other daily chores because of the dystrophy?
If so, it might be that injecting your insulin could be added to that?

 

[embayweather]

I use a Lantus pen once a day. I get no help with household chores

 

[plantae]

Might not be relevant, but what size needles do you use with your pen? 4mm take little effort but I acknowledge that I don't know your circumstances and even that may be difficult.

 

[plantae]

Do your hands shake?

 

[In Response]

I was always a pen user until I migrated to an insulin pump.
My pump back up is syringes. Personally, I find these lighter but you need more dexterity to fill and set the dose on them.
I don't know whether that would mean syringes are a better or worse option.

 

[Hopeful34]

Some insulin pens are lighter, and easier to press the end down to inject than others, so it might be worth asking to try a different one, or a disposable one as they're usually lighter.

If you can't find a pen that you can use with Lantus, maybe ask to try a pen for different long acting insulin and switching to that insulin if you find one you can use.

 

[embayweather]

Thank you all for your replies. To clarify mattes I use 4mm Lantus pens which are the only insulin I can use as a vegetarian. I have body wide pain in all my muscles and joints, and weakness in most of my muscles. This has especially affected my breathing as my right llug has ceased operation, and my left lung is mostly not working. I cannot open a packet of crisps as I am not strong enough, and to use the pen is a huge struggle as well as very painful. I am on very serious pain killers like morphine which keeps the pain to almost a bearable level if I do nothing, but something ike injecting myself is getting increasingly unpleasant and difficult.

 

[lovinglife]

Thank you all for your replies. To clarify mattes I use 4mm Lantus pens which are the only insulin I can use as a vegetarian. I have body wide pain in all my muscles and joints, and weakness in most of my muscles. This has especially affected my breathing as my right llug has ceased operation, and my left lung is mostly not working. I cannot open a packet of crisps as I am not strong enough, and to use the pen is a huge struggle as well as very painful. I am on very serious pain killers like morphine which keeps the pain to almost a bearable level if I do nothing, but something ike injecting myself is getting increasingly unpleasant and difficult.

You may feel you don’t want to go down this route but it comes to many of us, can you speak to your GP about maybe district nurses coming to you to administer your insulin? Do you have a care package? I know carers cannot administer medication so that’s why I suggested a district nurse

 

[TriciaWs]

It should be possible to get a nurse round to do the injection, or maybe your GP has an alternative suggestion. (My next door neighbour had nurses round twice a day even during covid lockdowns.)

 

[Jaylee]

I use a Lantus pen once a day. I get no help with household chores

Hi,

I use Lantus. (Cartridges in a reusable pen.)

Would something like the “auto pen” help? Which should hold a Lantus cartridge, because I’ve used this pen a few years back.

One literally dials the dose then slide the ribbed trigger on a spring loaded delivery system? (No pressing the top down.. )
There was also rubber fittings for the dosage dialler at the & the trigger to allow even more ease of use for those with dexterity issues?

Pictured below. (To give an idea.)

Edit to ad a pic found with the rubber attachment bits..

 

[embayweather]

Thank you Jaylee that sounds like a thing thing. as it appears there is very little effort involved. I shall suggest it to my GP when I speak to them.
It has also been suggested I get a nurse around to do it. Apart from the cost, which I am well aware of after thirty years in the NHS, it takes away some more of my independence, something which I value very highly. In todays day and age it surely must be possible to have a device that will inject me without pushing. I have something very similar in my test kit where the needle it pushed in by a spring. The problem with that is my hands are so cold that I often have to try three of four different sites to get blood to come out, but thats another story.
Thank you all for your advice.

 

[In Response]

@embayweather have you asked about a Libre or CGM?
They cannot replace all finger pricks as, sometimes, they need to be checked against real blood. However, they greatly reduce the number of pricks necessary whilst giving you additional information.

 

[EllieM]

I have a lantus pen and use syringes when I mislay the pen or it breaks. I reckon the syringes are easier to press in but more difficult to fill. Maybe you could trial one?

Othewise, there is an interesting list of devices to make injecting easier here

Injection aids are developed to make the delivery of insulin less painful and easier to administer.

Injection aids are developed to make the delivery of insulin less painful and easier to administer. This aspect of diabetes management can be difficult if you have a phobia of needles, issues with injecting or are nervous about the anticipated pain. Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs to inject...

www.diabetes.co.uk

Do you see a specialist team for your MD? I would have thought/hoped that they would be familiar with a wide variety of devices to make life easier for people with the condition.

 

[embayweather]

Thank you for the details EllieM. I do see my physios for treatment for my muscle problems. They are looking into different options for me as well. But like with diabetes I am on my own with no medical support. I will be travelling to see them next week so I hope that they can find something that will help. I will check out the link you sent to me very soon. I do hope there is something there.
In response, I have asked about Libre or CGM and the short answer was no. No reason, no thought, no nothing. The diabetic nurses have never seen me so I guess its a standard reply in this area.

 

[EllieM]

The diabetic nurses have never seen me so I guess its a standard reply in this area.

Who is looking after your diabetic care if you are not seeing a nurse? Libres/cgms are now mandatory for T1s but given your other issues I would expect/hope that you would be eligible soon.

 

[embayweather]

I am looking after my diabetic care. The last time I asked for help I got a reply over two years later. I have a clinical background so its not too hard for me.

 

[AndBreathe]

Thank you for the details EllieM. I do see my physios for treatment for my muscle problems. They are looking into different options for me as well. But like with diabetes I am on my own with no medical support. I will be travelling to see them next week so I hope that they can find something that will help. I will check out the link you sent to me very soon. I do hope there is something there.
In response, I have asked about Libre or CGM and the short answer was no. No reason, no thought, no nothing. The diabetic nurses have never seen me so I guess it’s a standard reply in this area.

Have you ever seen or met with an Occupational Therapist? When my Mum had various challenges they were incredibly helpful and supplied all sorts. They implied their remit was to help the individual remain independent as long as possible, living their best lives. Their breath of knowledge was excellent.

My Mum didn’t live with diabetes to be fair.

 

[Just-a-little-prick]

I have recently moved on from Lantus to a newer degludec insulin called Xultophy - made by Norvo Nordisc. It comes in a pen with a spring-loaded dose dialler. The lightest touch on it activates the powered injection.
I'm sure this would solve your problem - ask your GP for advice.

 

[Lainie71]

I am looking after my diabetic care. The last time I asked for help I got a reply over two years later. I have a clinical background so its not too hard for me.

I think you need to prompt them and keep prompting them! You should not have to deal with your diagnosis by yourself with out support unless support is not what you are wanting - but I doubt that is the case. Hope you get sorted x