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

Painful finger prick testing in press images

eggs11

eggs11

Well-Known Member
Messages
638
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Not so much a discussion, more a "If I see another article where someone is shown pricking the tip of their finger, not the side, I think I'll scream!" Not only that, the models are usually smiling as they pretend to prick their finger, like it's the flipping highlight of their day! :banghead: Rant over, and breathe...
 
Must admit, it does not bother me but fingers can become a little sore over time. I know what you mean though when the models are smiling as they prick their finger lol
 
I used to test 8 - 10 times a day and used to use every bit of my finger not just the sides. Fingers were always sore. Am so glad that I am now on the Freestyle Libre.....my fingers feel like they are on holiday as only finger prick 3 times a day now :D
 
eggs11 said:
Not so much a discussion, more a "If I see another article where someone is shown pricking the tip of their finger, not the side, I think I'll scream!" Not only that, the models are usually smiling as they pretend to prick their finger, like it's the flipping highlight of their day! :banghead: Rant over, and breathe...
Click to expand...
I don't expect these pictures to be realistic. If it was, you might see blood dripping down the side of the finger as they've pricked too deep (or, in my case, after exercise) :-)
 
I'm afraid I have to use the tips or just below the tips in order to see blood. Pricking the sides hurts me a lot more, and too difficult to get blood. :arghh: In hospital, the nurses always used the tip. I guess this is something else we are all different in!
 
Bluetit1802 said:
I'm afraid I have to use the tips or just below the tips in order to see blood. Pricking the sides hurts me a lot more, and too difficult to get blood. :arghh: In hospital, the nurses always used the tip. I guess this is something else we are all different in!
Click to expand...
The tips are too painful for me, so I assumed it was the same for everyone, as had been told sides less painful - yes, something else we all differ in!
 
Bluetit1802 said:
.......In hospital, the nurses always used the tip. I guess this is something else we are all different in!
Click to expand...

When I did my nursing training, many moons ago, I was taught to use the sides. However during my recent hospital stay they all without fail used the tips despite my objections! :arghh:
 
I always use the tip no pain - the side of my fingers really hurt no matter how low I have the lancet set - whatever works for you is the key to happiness:)
 
Daibell said:
In hospital the nurses all , wrongly, seem to use the tip. I always use the side to minimise pain.
Click to expand...
Wonder why they've now been trained to use the tip - think it would be better for them to ask "where do you normally find it least painful to test yourself?" and then use place suggested by patient.
 
eggs11 said:
Wonder why they've now been trained to use the tip - think it would be better for them to ask "where do you normally find it least painful to test yourself?" and then use place suggested by patient.
Click to expand...
Until I had diabetes, my fingers were so rarely pricked that I wouldn't have a clue.
I think most of the general population is the same as the old (young) me before I had diabetes.
 
helensaramay said:
Until I had diabetes, my fingers were so rarely pricked that I wouldn't have a clue.
I think most of the general population is the same as the old (young) me before I had diabetes.
Click to expand...
Agreed for new patients - I was thinking more of patients already diagnosed like @Rachox who tried to tell them where to prick, but they carried on using the tips.
 
When I was nursing I remember one particular patient who always asked to be pricked in his ear lobe :wideyed: He said it was less painful!
 
I think the actual tips of the fingers are relatively nerve free - it's the finger pads that have the most nerve endings - so avoid sticking these at all costs.
 
Back
Top