[CarrieB]

I didn't want to hijack Spocks post, so thought I would put this in a new thread.

How do people manage injecting in public (e.g. at a restaurant)?

In spock's thread someone suggested injecting through clothes, does that work? it sounds as if it should blunt the needle.

Another suggestion was using the restroom, I'd consider that in some of the restaurants I know well, but when out on the road I've seen some that I wouldn't consider that at all.

I'm very new to this, and so far I've tried to discretely find a bit of my stomach (there's quite a large target area!) that I can reach under my top or jumper. I've made sure I don't eat out without considering the wardrobe issues and made sure the clothes offer ease of access.

I wondered how the more experienced cope?

[princesslinda]

I take Byetta, and when we go out to eat, i'll inject in the car before going in the restaurant (as with it I have a 30-45 minute threshold from injection to eating). I guess if I were on insulin and had to choose between injecting at the table or the ladies room, i'd choose the table. Most booths are high enough that no one would even notice, and if they did, so what?

I don't inject through my clothes, as the needles are so short i'd be afraid it would penetrate enough, though I know many who do.

I've been injecting for almost a year now, and don't think i've seen but one other person injecting at a restaurant...I know more do, but I just don't notice it...I figure most people are the same way and just don't pay attention to the other diners (unless they are making a loud scene or something).

[howdysf]

I whip it out in public wherever I am and just do it.. I have no apprehension about it, but that's just me...

[sarah91]

I inject in public.

I didn't used to but was sick of having to excuse myself and go to the smelly loos.

Now I don't care, I do my blood sugars at the table and my injection. No one has ever made a comment about me doing this and if they did I would be very offended. Injecting insulin keeps us alive, why should we be embarrassed of our condition.

[fgummett]

When I was on MDI (before starting the pump) I would inject at the table. Even somewhere with high traffic like, a mall food-court you'd be surprised how easy it is to just lift up the waist of your shirt, without anyone noticing. More often than not my waist is hidden below the table-top anyway. I test at the table too. Restroom surfaces are not always the cleanest and I don't trust injecting insulin until the food is in front of me. I don't think anyone ever realised what I was doing.. too busy with their own lives... and if they did ever stare I would probably have just smiled or stared back until they looked away

[lisa821]

Before I went on the pump I injected at the table in restaurants, usually in my waist area. It was kind of liberating the first time I did it, and after that I didn't give a **** if anyone saw me inject or not...not that I waved the syringe around or anything. You still have to respect other people's space! Really, I could inject so quickly that I'd be surprised if anybody noticed. Go for it!
~Lisa

[pdxdennisj]

I inject in public with no problem. I have my vial of insulin and my Byetta cartridge - who's to object - they are clearly legal.
I just lift up my shirt and inject in my love handles (I wish!).

[Tattoo azz]

i just do it at the table or wherever i am, i even did it in a que at an airport security gate, don't worry about it.

[judi t]

I agree with everyone else. Just do it.

However, if ever I was in a restaurant and about to check my BG or inject, I could put money on it that that would be the time that the waiter would arrive at the table. It became almost humorous. So if you want service, pull up your shirt to inject!

[jerryn]

I take Bayetta. Sometime if my wife and I know there will be a wait I inject in the car. So far now problem.

[Scrabblechick]

I only inject Byetta, but I do it at home before I leave. It's not that I mind if people know I take it. I just don't like to raise up my shirt in public. It's a self-conscious thing for me, as far as my physical appearance goes.

I do, however, test at the table with no trouble. Even though my sister turns up her nose and acts like I'm peeing on the table when I do it. LOLOLOL.

[grace girl]

I used to go to the bathroom, but I got tired of it fast. I just do it wherever I'm at. I generally inject in the stomach, and I can bare a small amount of skin (I don't inject through clothes) without causing any undue alarm. If someone were to make a comment, I'd probably give them an ear full at this point in my life.

[UpNorth]

If i need to take insulin, i WILL take insulin. I don't care if people look at me like i'm an alien! I've been injecting in public ever since i was diagnosed... Or well, since the day after my diagnose because i stayed at home after getting out of the doctors office on dx day... Never had a problem with it. I'll sometimes inject through clothes if the clothes are not thicker than a regular t-shirt and i'm too lazy to pull up my sweater

Now i'm (still) on the pump though, so only need to press some buttons instead (I was planning to go back on MDI over summer, but it hasn't been too warm yet, so my sets are not as itchy as they can be in summer!)

[KCP]

Yup, all injections are given at the table, dont care where...

[Kat]

I used to just do it where ever I was. Most people didn't notice, too caught up in themselves. But if they did...eh! So what. =D