| I just started self-testing and had exactly the same experience as yours. My meter and strips came from the U.S. (the Lifescan Ultra Mini is not yet available in Japan), but strips were the wrong size. The strips are available only in a few pharmacies in Tokyo and at such an expensive price (Buying them from the U.S., even if you add the delivery costs, is a lot cheaper). Anyway it took me more than 1 week to finally do my first test.
I stared at my lancing device for a really looooong time before I had the nerve to push it the first time. Then I had it wrong, so I had to repeat everything - twice before I got it right.
I recommend taking a couple of deep breaths to relax and puncturing your needle on a long exhale. Washing my hands with warm water and massaging my hand beforehand (no pun intended) make it easier to draw blood.
Good luck! | 
