Needle phobia - any advice on technique?

[Mexxan]

Hi - I've been on Lantus now for around 5 weeks, but I can't seem to understand why sometimes using the pen it's almost painless and others it's pretty painful.

Due to a phobia of needs from a trauma when I was ten - missed blood tests for a decade up until 2015/16 - I'm sure it's tributed to my current situation, but I just couldn't do it. Now I'm on Lantus I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I kinda pinch a few inches on either side of the belly - kind of ahve to gid my nails in a bit to 'redirect' feelings - this is thebonly way I can do blood tests too. But I can't figure out why some days are painful. Any advice on technique or tips would be greatly appreciated- cheers

 

[becca59]

If it stings it could be the Lantus itself. It does have a reputation for that. Try injecting in your bottom. I always do a long acting like Lantus (now on Tresiba) in my bottom. Changing sides each week. Plus you are not watching the needle go in. Plus the needle size doesn’t need to be above 4mm and you shouldn’t need to pinch flesh up. You can still dig nails in if that helps.

 

[Mexxan]

Thanks becca, I'll def give that a try - although I'm going to need to get brave on it - Diabetic nurse said to inject into my thigh but still bottled it. Didn't think about it being Lantus itself. I've got 5mm needles - I didn't know about 4mm, I'll have to see if I can get some.