[webpundit]

I've used two lancing devices so far and neither is giving me the kind of samples I need. One is the device that comes with the Freestyle Flash meter (the big one) and the other one is the AccuChek Softclix lancing device. The AccuChek is much better, but I'm tired of having to poke my fingers multiple times to get a good sample. I have so many holes in my fingertips that it's the only thing I allow myself to wallow in self-pity for. Are there any really good lancing devices on the market out there which get out blood without too much pain/ too deep a hole? Any strategies that can help?

[camjen1]

Sorry I don't know the name brand of my lancet but I do know that it came with an old meter of mine and it kinda looks like the one you can buy seperatly at your local Walgreens or pharmacy. Even though I change meters I do not change lancet devices because I feel so comfortable with this one. I do have some tips. Make sure your hands are not cold before testing and hold your hand downward. You can always try using a lancet by itself (ouch), that sure will get you a good sample or you can just steal some from your local hospital cause those will slice your fingertips instead of poke.LOL I should know I have been used as a guinea pig for the last couple weeks.

[KrisinNM]

I have one that came with a meter long ago that I always use. The printing on it is pretty much worn away but think it says Medisense, it is long, white, and has adjustments for depth. The little one that came with the Freestyle belongs in the trash.
My tip: I only put new lancets in about once a year or if I have tested someone else with it. Dull lancets just poke a little hole, not a crater.

[camjen1]

Originally Posted by KrisinNM

My tip: I only put new lancets in about once a year or if I have tested someone else with it. Dull lancets just poke a little hole, not a crater.

I have to agree on this also. I get so nervous using a new lancet. Alot of people think keeping an old one in is painful but I find it very comforting.

[dixiepixie64]

I like the Accuchek lancet device too but find I wear 'em out quickly for some reason....

I have problems with Raynauds so sometimes getting that drop of blood is tough for me too. My doctor has told me I can take medication for it but I refuse because I think I already take too many pills every day for blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, etc. Anyway I find that putting my hands in warm water for a minute or two before testing helps restore the circulation and also gets a good result when I use the lancet.

[lgvincent]

I like the OneTouch UltraSoft device. It hurts more than the Accu-Chek SoftClix device, but doesn't leave holes that are as big. I have a hard time getting blood, too. I try washing my hands before pricking my finger and I also rub them briskly and let them hang down while I shake them a few times. It doesn't help a whole lot but short of slicing a finger with a razor or chain saw, I don't know what else to do.

[nantomsuethom]

Thomas was using the vaculance but since he switched to the freestyle flash he uses the "poker" that came with it. He no longer uses his fingers, only his forearms.
He gets plenty of blood for the meter and then some.

[camjen1]

How bout using your toes???

[lgvincent]

I've tried my toes a few times but it didn't work out too well. Boy, the folks at the restaurant didn't really take to me removing my shoe and poking my toes for blood that day . . .

I'd like to try the earlobes but haven't yet (my reflection in the mirror scares me and I break every piece of glass I look into).

[daddyo]

I've been using my toes for years the reason My fingers getsore after a while and the neorpathy in my feet is quite bad years of not taking control of my life I'm sure we have all been there. So no pain but a little harder unless your home or it's summertime here But i was told at the hospital once not to use your little finger or your little toe the numbers my not be quite right also heard the same about the forearm thing the best is your finger tips now I use the palm of my hand and the BD meter It's the first meter that said I could do that the BD lancets are extremly sharp and thin don't like them much so I like the rest of us hardly ever change the lancet duller seems less painful for some reason

[am1977]

A couple of suggestions :smartass: . First, I would recommend changing your lancet more frequently. I like using lancets for a long while myself for some odd reason , but I find that it takes multiple lancing to get enough blood . The new lancet should be more effective in getting more blood.

The other thing is to try to warm your hands up and get the circulation flowing. My hands usually are cold so it takes washing them in warm water to get them to warm up (which you probably should do anyway :p ).

[KrisinNM]

I like using lancets for a long while myself for some odd reason , but I find that it takes multiple lancing to get enough blood

The Freestyle only needs a drop of blood the size of a pinhead.

[webpundit]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

I change lancets everytime I test, so I'm using upto 10 lancets a day. Just like am1977 said, if I use old ones it gets harder to get enough blood. I'm already using the Freestyle Flash, so need a small sample as is. Call me spoilt (rolling eyes)

Anyway, I'm concerned with all the poke holes on my fingertips. Can any of the long-time testers chime in and tell me about how their fingertips are like now after years of testing? I only started monitoring my levels thoroughly three years ago

[wes]

I go along with KrisinNM about the Freestyle meter. I use one with a SoftClix lancet device set on 1. Since the Freestyle is a alternative site meter, I also use different sites to prevent pain and hardening of the skin.

[daddyo]

actualy not that bad after 23yrs and 35,940 pokes and I'm a carpenter so my fingers are rough anyway but I can still feel the pokes and they don't look that bad either