coltsfan715
New member
Sue I hate that you are having to use insulin BUT I hope that it helps get your sugars under control so you can start feeling better.
There are a few things about giving the insulin shots. One I would maybe talk to your doc and see if they can order the smallest pediatric needle that they have. That is what I used when I gave insulin shots all the time - before getting the pump.
Also when you give the shot it may be uncomfy at first until you figure out what angle of injection works best for you.
ALWAYS remember to PINCH about 1 inch of skin together and inject in that area. Insert the needle and then RELEASE the pinched skin BEFORE injecting the medicine. I forgot to release the pinched area one of my first few injections and it hurts and burns a bit if you do not release.
Also to add the nurses may tell you to insert the needle quickly and to inject the med quickly. That did not work for me it was very painful. I had to insert the needle a little slowly and inject the med slowly as well.
Also something to think of I had nurses tell me to inject the needle at a 90 degree angle. Well that works if you are heavier or "thicker" as I like to say. BUT if you are small or skinny then it may be best for you to insert the needle at a bit of an angle - maybe something like a 60 degree angle or something. It may be less painful and cause less bruising .. again if you are small this may be more of an issue.
Also another to do. Inject in an area that has more fat. For me I chose my stomach mostly and the outside portions of my upper legs. If you inject into muscle it can burn or be uncomfortable. SO if you inject in your legs you may want to sit and try to relax your leg as best you can.
All in all the shots are not horrendous but it does take some getting used too. I had a total breakdown about a week after I was diagnosed with diabetes and once I got home from the hospital. I did my first shot at home and started crying and refused ... until my mom threatened to hold me down and have my dad give me the shot. I wised up at that point and just gave it myself. It does take some adjustment BUT you will be able to do it.
Take Care,
Lindsey
There are a few things about giving the insulin shots. One I would maybe talk to your doc and see if they can order the smallest pediatric needle that they have. That is what I used when I gave insulin shots all the time - before getting the pump.
Also when you give the shot it may be uncomfy at first until you figure out what angle of injection works best for you.
ALWAYS remember to PINCH about 1 inch of skin together and inject in that area. Insert the needle and then RELEASE the pinched skin BEFORE injecting the medicine. I forgot to release the pinched area one of my first few injections and it hurts and burns a bit if you do not release.
Also to add the nurses may tell you to insert the needle quickly and to inject the med quickly. That did not work for me it was very painful. I had to insert the needle a little slowly and inject the med slowly as well.
Also something to think of I had nurses tell me to inject the needle at a 90 degree angle. Well that works if you are heavier or "thicker" as I like to say. BUT if you are small or skinny then it may be best for you to insert the needle at a bit of an angle - maybe something like a 60 degree angle or something. It may be less painful and cause less bruising .. again if you are small this may be more of an issue.
Also another to do. Inject in an area that has more fat. For me I chose my stomach mostly and the outside portions of my upper legs. If you inject into muscle it can burn or be uncomfortable. SO if you inject in your legs you may want to sit and try to relax your leg as best you can.
All in all the shots are not horrendous but it does take some getting used too. I had a total breakdown about a week after I was diagnosed with diabetes and once I got home from the hospital. I did my first shot at home and started crying and refused ... until my mom threatened to hold me down and have my dad give me the shot. I wised up at that point and just gave it myself. It does take some adjustment BUT you will be able to do it.
Take Care,
Lindsey