I don't know if its just all in my head because I've only been injecting for a few weeks now, but I'm finding it more and more painful to do so. I don't think its all in my head because when I first started it was fine and I don't have bumps under my skin, like I say I've only just started. but in the past 18 months I've lost just under 11 st, so as you can imagine I've got more than a few stretch marks round my waist where I inject and I don't know if it because I'm goin through them. but when I do my levemire in my legs it almost feels like I'm goin straight into the muscle.
has any body else had similar experiances?
Hi Jamie.
A few good points already raised here by other commenters. In my experience some insulins do sting as they go in, momentarily if in the right spot, but sometimes a prolonged stinging sensation if injected a little too deep.
Also, the length and gauge of the needle are quite important. If you're trim and quite lean you'll need a shorter needle than say somebody carrying a little extra weight. Also the gauge of the needle is important.
Personally, I use NovoFine "S" Needles 31G 6mm, but I used to be prescribed the 8mm long needles which really hurt especially in my thighs.
Also, going through any scar tissue can be painful, such as stretch marks. Try to avoid them if you can, they also tend to bleed back when you pull the needle out of these areas, in my experience anyway.
Another thing to be aware of is dose volume. Anything over 30 units is best split into two injections for two reasons; smaller doses are absorbed more efficiently, and smaller doses sting less... although it does mean two jabs you can use the same needle to do this.
Do you see a Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) regularly? If not please make sure to ask to be referred to one. They really are the people in the know about everything diabetes related.
All the very best of wishes for good health.
Richard