Sore Fingers!

[tkidwell1]

Any suggestions on how to prevent these calloused finger tips? I have only been at this a couple of weeks and while I realize I am testing alot, I can't believe the callouses:eek: already.

[LancetChick]

I can't stand fingersticks, so I use a meter that allows for Alternate site testing. The Freestyle meters do this, and allow for the smallest blood sample. I use my forearm, which is much less painful than the fingertips, but keep in mind that it can be a few minutes behind the results you get from your fingers, so if your blood sugar is changing quickly, it's more accurate and up-to-the-minute to use your fingertip. I wouldn't go back to fingersticks if ya paid me.

[tkidwell1]

I haven't heard of it! Where do I look for it? Insurance usually cover?

[LancetChick]

Your insurance should cover it, but check with them first. My local pharmacy carries the Freestyle Lite (which I use) and one other one, but there are other brands that use alternate test sites. I like the Freestyle because it's one of the more accurate meters, and I trust the readings I get. The Freestyle Lite (sounds like a low-cal meter) is, I think, the only Freestyle meter that no longer codes its strips.

[tkidwell1]

Going to pharnacy now! I thank you and my fingers thank you! I feel relief already!

[Jan B]

Any suggestions on how to prevent these calloused finger tips? I have only been at this a couple of weeks and while I realize I am testing alot, I can't believe the callouses:eek: already.

Your fingers might get used to it after a while. Make sure you spread the pokes around to all the fingers instead of poking the same places. Some people like it better on the sides of the fingertips instead of the pads. I've poked my fingers thousands of times, and they rarely ever hurt at all.

I have an alternate site tester, but have never used it. My pump trainer told me if hurt worse and bruised her arms. I may experiment just for the heck of it some day! It's funny how we are all so different. If I look real close at my fingertips, I can see hundreds of tiny black dots, but they don't hurt at all!

[Kendall]

I tend to agree with Jan. I prefer my fingers to the arm testing. For me it seemed to hurt more and left little bruises. The OneTouch Ultra meters allow laternate site testing too.

Personally, I use the sides of my middle and ring fingers on both hands. My little finger seems to hurt more and I dont like haveing calluses on my pointer finger and thumb. I find the sides hurt less. I have calluses and I like them. They make it hurt less. When they get too thick, I just file them down (I use a nail file) or cut them off.

Also, you may want to try a few different lancet devices. I use a softclix and love it even though it is a bit fatter and longer than others. You can adjust the depth to 12 different settings. I have also heard some really like the multiclix while still others have their own favorite.

The key to all of this is finding what works for you. Try differnt meters, different lancet devices, play with insulin combos and eventually you will figure out what is most comfortable for you. I know you have only been dealing with this for a few weeks now. Things will settle down.

My first endo told me that just after Dx, diabetes would take up 50% of my life. After two months it would take up 20% of my life. And after a year or two it would just be 10% or so. She drew pie charts for me and it made a lot of sense. You will always need to deal with it, but eventually it will become second nature and require a lot less work than it will in these early months.

Hang in there and keep the questions coming.

[tkidwell1]

That is great news, I am exhausted, my mind is racing constantly trying figure this all out, I feel as though it is taking up 99.9% of my life right now. Every little ache, pain, headache anything happening in my body scares the H out of me right now. I think I am turning into a hypocondriac (spelling?)

Being able to get answers to my questions is a blessing to me right now, I am always scared

[Jan B]

That is great news, I am exhausted, my mind is racing constantly trying figure this all out, I feel as though it is taking up 99.9% of my life right now. Every little ache, pain, headache anything happening in my body scares the H out of me right now. I think I am turning into a hypocondriac (spelling?)

Being able to get answers to my questions is a blessing to me right now, I am always scared

I think you need a hug and some rest!!

(Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10);)
I would be just like you, but STILL, get some good rest!!
Or do some YOGA! Then rest.

[Scratch]

That is great news, I am exhausted, my mind is racing constantly trying figure this all out, I feel as though it is taking up 99.9% of my life right now. Every little ache, pain, headache anything happening in my body scares the H out of me right now. I think I am turning into a hypocondriac (spelling?)

Being able to get answers to my questions is a blessing to me right now, I am always scared
It should get better. I won't say it ever gets fun or anything like that, but just like the rest of us you should be able to adapt and find something that works for you.

All of us here have been scared at some level by something diabetes related one point or another, so yeah, it's great having a site like this. I wish DF had existed back in 1985 when I was diagnosed.

[Gordonm]

I use all 8 of my fingers and only use the sides, never the pads. I have been testing 8 to 12 times a day for years. My fingers are pretty rough anyway from the work I do so I do not mind the rough fingers.

You will get better at diabetes as the years go by. It still consumes a good part of my life but it does get easier.

[Hopenopus]

You know, somebody called LancetChick has got to be the right place to get info on sticking your fingers. I used to live in Virginia Beach. My Mom and Dad still do.

Jim

[xMenace]

If I look real close at my fingertips, I can see hundreds of tiny black dots, but they don't hurt at all!

Funny, that's what I see whenever I look closely at anything :eek:

[LancetChick]

You know, somebody called LancetChick has got to be the right place to get info on sticking your fingers. I used to live in Virginia Beach. My Mom and Dad still do.

Jim

Har-dee har har Jim! I think the lancetiest chick here, though, is the original poster, since she isn't used to it, and it still seems like a full-time job.

[BigcityRich]

All these pricks drive me nuts. I always use same hand, alternating fingers, on the sides. I have gotten used to it. It use to hurt on the pads. The secret is the sides. I average four finger pricks a day.

[Cyborg]

I use the sides of my thumbs. I prefer calouses there than anywhere on my fingers.

[LancetChick]

When I used fingertips I had the same black spots, and it wasn't pretty, but using my forearm...... when I first got a meter that tested forearms (and other areas) I ran in circles and weird noises came from my mouth, and I tested just because it was so easy for me, like I had a cool new toy. Maybe I'm different, but it changed my life. Yeah, my forearms are butt-ugly and slightly marked (I'm a very fast healer, so it could be worse, but I test 15x a day).

I hereby state, though, that testing often has made all the difference in my life, and making testing easier for me by companies like Abbott (who makes Freestyle) making it less painful and quicker, with more surface options, has given me back my life, and catapulted me out of the "Stone Age".

Whatever floats your boat, though..... :D

[Lizzie G]

I use all 8 of my fingers and only use the sides, never the pads. I have been testing 8 to 12 times a day for years. My fingers are pretty rough anyway from the work I do so I do not mind the rough fingers.

You will get better at diabetes as the years go by. It still consumes a good part of my life but it does get easier.


i use all 17 of my fingers