[KCP]

Originally Posted by jjstraining

Again, I find it really hard to believe there is no cream/topical applications that can be used to numb the frequent use of injections.

Yea i guess part of teh reason for this is that after awhile you do get used to the feeling of having to inject yourself everyday.
Can you imagine: injecting 6+ and having to use that cream all the time? Man ! Id never be NOT covered in it

[condensr]

Can she go to syringes/vial? It's a little more work up front drawing it up, but for someone with hand problems or struggling with the pen, they're a lot easier to use during the actual stick/injection part. I rather prefer them for home use.

[Lizzie G]

Hi, Id agree with the 'poking around' approach....i didnt realise at first that the intense pain i would on occasion experience was due to hitting blood vessels (which would of course then bruise). i dont know how it works on other people, but i seem to have a 'strip' along the bottom of my stomach that doesnt hurt at all, really low down below my hits. i actually have less fat here than further up but for some reason it works the nicest.

Iv never used any creams or anything but im sure pharmacies sell creams contain a mild topical anaesthetic, the sort of thing they sell you for cuts and burns? its worth asking. also, if you get some aloe vera gel (if you're in the US you can probably get this in walmart, in the UK body shop does it) its really good for soothing the skin, it wont stop the injections hurting but will repair the damage more quickly.

[shades9323]

Originally Posted by Lizzie G

Hi, Id agree with the 'poking around' approach....i didnt realise at first that the intense pain i would on occasion experience was due to hitting blood vessels (which would of course then bruise). i dont know how it works on other people, but i seem to have a 'strip' along the bottom of my stomach that doesnt hurt at all, really low down below my hits. i actually have less fat here than further up but for some reason it works the nicest.

Iv never used any creams or anything but im sure pharmacies sell creams contain a mild topical anaesthetic, the sort of thing they sell you for cuts and burns? its worth asking. also, if you get some aloe vera gel (if you're in the US you can probably get this in walmart, in the UK body shop does it) its really good for soothing the skin, it wont stop the injections hurting but will repair the damage more quickly.

Doesn't "poking around" potentially increase the pain? The best way I have found is to just jab it in there. Don't put the needle in slowly, a swift jab does the trick for me.

[shiftzor]

Originally Posted by shades9323

Doesn't "poking around" potentially increase the pain? The best way I have found is to just jab it in there. Don't put the needle in slowly, a swift jab does the trick for me.

I do the same, I guess jabbing about is good to find the "good" spots. After that jabbing becomes a bit pointless, sure every once in a while its painful but thats life.

[gobbly2100]

Hey, I really feel for your mother, I am not sure how practical this is but I had major issues with injections and as a result went for an insulin pump and I now never have any anxiety what so ever about the next injection which is every 3 days and it also does not really hurt, it is such a short pinch when it go's in you don't feel it.

As I said, I don't know if it is possible for you but I highly recommend it.

I hope your mother finds a way to make it better for her.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

[PepsiLvr]

Make sure that after she has the needle in that she doesn't apply pressure in any direction (e.g. up, down, sideways) while injecting. I've found myself doing this once in a while and it does make it hurt more. Just inject straight in and try to "hold" the needle as little as possible.

Like others have said, it does help if you are relaxed. Is she new to injecting? I use the 31 gauge pen needles and it really doesn't hurt too much. Everyone is different though.

[HollyB]

I think pinching up the skin could make a big difference. Hopefully the suggestions for a different pen -- Novo 4 or children's Flexpen will allow her to use it with one hand and pinch the skin with the other. That way, you're pretty sure of getting just into the fat. And you get a little resistance in the skin so the needle maybe pops in more smoothly.

I was surprised to find what a range there is in needle sizes. If your mom is thin, make sure she has the shorter needles in the thinnest gauge available (higher number = thinner needle). I can't figure out why they even make those fatter needles.

And then, as was suggested, use room temp insulin and inject it bit by bit, slowly. My son almost never found the needle itself to hurt much but the insulin will sting going in if you shoot it in too fast.

I hope you find something that helps.

[Lizzie G]

Originally Posted by shades9323

Doesn't "poking around" potentially increase the pain? The best way I have found is to just jab it in there. Don't put the needle in slowly, a swift jab does the trick for me.

i guess when i say 'poking around' i mean, i ease the tip in gently, so that if i hit a piece of skin that is sensitive or tough (you know how some skin breaks really easily whereas some bits need a bit of a 'pop') i withdraw the needle and try again....lovely....

[jjstraining]

Wow you guys are really helpful here, thanks so much for your advice. My mum is really touched by all your help.

We have to wait for a needle/pen change and to discuss possible alternatives like the pump ( next nurse appointment). The other tips in the meantime make it much easier to find what works for her.

I have printed out your comments to take to the appointment and will let you know the outcome, hoping this might help others in a similar situation.

Thanks again!

[nono87]

Hi,

i had the same problems and i have been recommended Autocover Novofine Needles they come in 8mm but they are sooo much gentler on the skin. try and see if your doc will prescribe them ad i'm told they are more expensive than ordinary needles so some docs refuse to prescribe them.

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by Lizzie G

i seem to have a 'strip' along the bottom of my stomach that doesnt hurt at all, really low down below my hits. i actually have less fat here than further up but for some reason it works the nicest.

I almost never inject in my central belly fat these days. Current favorites: abdominal area straight down from nipples, most anywhere along the bottom of my ribcage, or occasionally the "waistband strip". All lower-fat areas, and all hurt less than central belly or love handles. *shrug*

Originally Posted by shades9323

The best way I have found is to just jab it in there. Don't put the needle in slowly, a swift jab does the trick for me.

Aiyee! Works okay for a "good" spot, but not fun if hitting a vein or the vagus nerve. After a few blue spots on my belly, and blue streaks in the air, I picked up the "hunting" technique. I've not looked back.

[Lizzie G]

[quote=Eddy;331967]I almost never inject in my central belly fat these days. Current favorites: abdominal area straight down from nipples, most anywhere along the bottom of my ribcage, or occasionally the "waistband strip". All lower-fat areas, and all hurt less than central belly or love handles. *shrug*



im the same, the belly hurts! i get bruises if i go too high, and when i gain a little weight on my tummy it hurts way more than when im thin which is opposite to what i expect. i havent tried the higher areas below ribcage etc, maybe i will give it a go, im currently on loads of shots as my A1c a bit higher than i wanted last time and im scared to take a lot of insulin in one go...

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by Lizzie G

when i gain a little weight on my tummy it hurts way more than when im thin which is opposite to what i expect

Same here. I found the central-belly shots hurting more and more. I moved to the "love handle" area. Then, when I began adding fat there, those started hurting. Perhaps it has to do with new tissue growth to support the swollen fat cells?

[jjstraining]

Thanks for all that help guys

She told me to ask also about the pain when the insulin is going in, she said it is so painful she wants to pull the needle out. She describes it as a long sting? For the needle pain I am hoping your suggestions will help. But with the insulin going in also causing the pain I wondered if this is common? I forgot to mention this as I was focusing on needles

(The days injections are kept at room temperature as this was previously suggested).

Anyone know what might be the cause and if it can be overcome?