Silly question...

zookeeper671 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 03:55 AM

Is it ok to remove the syringes from their packages/wrappers to store in a carry case or is it necessary to keep them within their wrappers until ready for use?

What do you all do? I've been keeping them in their wrappers, but they're a bit bulky to tote around that way.

Thanks,
Angie

rzrbks · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 07:26 AM

keeping them in the wrapper is just extra protect against exposing the needle to unwanted BADDIES

(duck Angie,

here comes the commercial)

I hated having to carry the syringes and insulin and ice chest for insulin plus the meter plus the strips plus..plus..plus

When I finally got into Insulin class, the CDE had a number of devices. The first that caught my eye was the Pen, which was pretty cool, just stick it in your pocket and forget about it. THEN she showed me the InDuo system. It is a blood monitor and insulin delivery system in one case, about the size of a cell phone.

The carrying case that hold the Induo, log book, extra needles, lancets, alcohol wipes, bandaids, tissues, lancing device and test strips all goes in a case fractionally larger than the case for my Ascensia Elite XL blood monitor--which I don't carry/use any more.

The nice thing is I carry 300 units around with me and all I have to do it dial up how many units to inject, push the plunger and "Away we go."(obscure reference to old Tv show)

Here's the link http://www.induo-us.com/

No syringes and it's very small and unobtrusive. I feel that I get many of the advantages of a pump without having to be hooked up all the time.

NO knock on the pump people 'cause my CDE is constantly trying to convinve me that it's pump time and I'll be joinin' y'all one of these days--just not yet.

(End of commercial, fade to black)

zookeeper671 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 08:43 AM

"(End of commercial, fade to black)"

rofl

Thank you so much for the info.

Happy Holidays,
Angie

HeatherP · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 10:59 AM

Hi Angie, and good morning!

As long as you keep them sealed (the needle and plunger caps) you can carry then any way you like. I do it all the time, in fact, I do my b/s testing and shots in the kitchen, but I keep my box of syringes in the hall closet. I pull out two bags at a time, open the bag, and keep them w/ all my other stuff so it's handy.

zookeeper671 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 04:14 PM

Thanks, Heather, and good eeeeevening.

So basically it's ok to take the syringes out of their wrappers as long as the cap over the needle stays put, but it's safer yet to just keep them in the wrapper?

I guess I'll keep doing what I've been doing. Just need to get used to carrying around a hulk-sized handbag (it's actually a small backpack).

Happy Holidays,
Angie

TAutry · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 06:44 PM

Angie,

Your question isn't silly. I use the Walmart brand of syringes which are wrapped individually. On the rare occasions that I have to take one or some with me it does make a bulky little package. The problem for me isn't the syringes as much as it is the syringes, alcohol wipes and the insulin. If I try to stuff them all in the monitor case, it makes a rather unsightly bulge. I normall end up dumping the whole mess into a backpack.

Travis

statdeac · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TAutry
If I try to stuff them all in...it makes a rather unsightly bulge.
Travis

Beware of unsightly bulges! :p

HeatherP · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 10:11 PM

Angie,

As long as you keep the caps on, you don't need to keep them in the bag. I also use each syringe two times.

LOL, bulges are ok in the right areas! ha ha!

zookeeper671 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:34 AM

Hi Heather~

My syringes don't have plunger caps, only caps over the needles. Is that weird?

Happy Holidays,
Angie

HeatherP · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:38 AM

Never heard of that (not that I know everything) - what brand are you using?

lgvincent · #11 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:42 AM

I've purchased Monoject syringes that only have a cap over the needle. They are wrapped individually in plastic.

zookeeper671 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:43 AM

Travis~

My small backpack goes with me wherever I go. It's filled with my supplies and snacks. Maybe once I'm more accustomed to this illness I won't feel the need to be so overly prepared? Or is this a pattern I should follow for life?

Happy Holidays,
Angie

zookeeper671 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:45 AM

Brand is Monoject Ultra Comfort 29 Plus 1/2cc

HeatherP · #14 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:51 AM

I don't carry everything with me all the time. I always have sugar or juice on me, and my glucagon inj kit. I usually don't carry my monitor because I'm generally not gone for long periods of time, and I can pretty much tell when I'm headed for a low. when I know it's going to be a long trip, then I do carry my junk w/ me.

If your sugars are unpredictable, then you should keep everything w/ you, so you're prepared for just about any circumstances.

As far as all the extra supplies? I think it's a good idea. One time, I only had one syringe on me, pre-filled, and when I was going to inject, I dropped it on the restaurant floor. Yuck! So, you should always carry more that one syringe, and extra strips and alchohol - you never know when you might need it.

BD makes a syringe that's 31gg, short needle. They're called Ultra-Fine II. Thinner and shorter - you may want to try them.

zookeeper671 · #15 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 11:05 AM

31gg and shorter... cool. I'll definitely give them a try once I've used up my current supply. Thanks.

Angie