Efficient method to get blood out of a finger

SexyGreyFox

SexyGreyFox

SexyGreyFox

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Joined
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Stoke on Trent
My diabetes is out of control, I've had my full knee replacement cancelled 4 times (3 for diabetes) and now have to use a wheelchair.
Before I'm allowed to inject myself with insulin I've got to use my glucose monitor but my problem is even with the needle device on full power not enough blood comes out and I can end up pricking myself 4 times which then hurts a bit.

All serious and joke replies welcome to get a tiny sample of blood.
 
robfosters said:
Can you not adjust the depth of the needle so it goes deeper?
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It's already on number 6 the highest setting.
I'll try the side on method but somebody has emailed me saying wrap an elastic band round my finger first.

Actually thinking about it I've been playing guitar since 1970 so my fingertips are going to be tough.
Perhaps also try my right hand instead.
 
pp111 said:
I know nothing about this, other than watching some US television. Said media is covered with adverts for glucose monitors that are just a patch and monitor your sweat not your blood.
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That stuff is very expensive and I only know of one person who has been given one by the NHS, it also injects her if she needs insulin.
You also have to meet a certain criteria but obviously if you have the money get one from America.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-t...our-diabetes/testing/flash-glucose-monitoring

Delvis said:
You've probably got ridiculous callouses on your left fingers :p

Try your right hand as you say.
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I never even gave it a thought.
 
Jean-F said:
I think that you and I are on good enough terms that you will take this in the humorous way that it’s intended.
Take your finger to your closest HMRC office, they are adept at getting blood out of a stone.
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they certainly made my hair go grey overnight in the 90s
 
shadow_boxer said:
+1. Also blood vessels supplying and draining the finger are located on the sides. Whilst your not actually hitting these vessels you are more likely to hit a capillary. The sides of the fingers also have fewer nerve endings so will be more comfortable. Usually shaking the hand for 10 seconds and a few fist clenches is enough to get the hand warmed up and blood circulating. You shouldn't need to use a tourniquet or elastic band (certainly not too close to the actual pinprick site). If these measures alone aren't working then a bigger Lancet is needed.

PS. Good look getting the sugars under control.
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All working now, elastic band and side on.
The staff at UHNM do it really easy though on the pad of my guitar hand fingers!

17.7 this morning, got to get my scores for a week and then ring a Nurse at Stoke Health Centre :(
 
Not looking good so far

diabetesresults.jpg
 
Minstadave said:
No not great. Are you on oral treatment already?
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Obviously don't talk about treatment etc, these figures are to give to the Clinicians on Thursday

Alogliptin 12.5mg tablets
Glucophage 500mg tablets x4
Gliclazide 30mg modified-release tablets x3

I've been on the bottom two a long time, I got diabetes when I was still competing in marathons and my last one was in 2011.
 
If anybody is interested I sent the results to the Diabetic Nurse and I've been put on a tablet called Jardiance (Empagliflozin).
I took the first yesterday and my reading this morning is 5.3 :)
I've also been told that I will lose weight because this takes all the sugar out of my body through my urine but I will be pee'ing a lot, I went about every 30 minutes yesterday evening.

And taking blood is easy now with an elastic band, I don't even feel the ***** because it's wound round my finger that tight.

Update
Fancy editing that word out when it's used in the correct context :)
I do know how to bypass it.
 
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