RE: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

[Guest guest]

Becky, I am new to this and I can surely understand your

frustration. After a couple of months, I still can't get it

every time.

First, what kind of pricker do you use? I'm not sure all of

the styles. I have what they call the soft click. It is

like an ink pen and you can adjust the length of the

lancet/depth of the prick. I find I have to set it

differently for different fingers and even for either side

of the same finger.

The tips I have gotten are to:

Wash your hands under warm water and let them linger there a

while.

Swing your hand at your side a little bit.

Some even put a rubber band on the finger before making the

prick.

Some say sort of milk your finger, but others suggest that

might not be good because you could be bringing down the

interstitial fluid, rather than blood.

Squeeze the finger around the prick site three or four times

before moving it to the strip.

These are things I do, but still they are not 100%. Also, I

have been told if you don't get a good prick at first, don't

use the same finger again for 15 minutes or so.

Hope some of these help. They helped me, but mostly knowing

I wasn't alone was the biggest help I got from everyone's

suggestions.

SS

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

Do your strips have a curved part where the blood goes? Mine do and that

at least gives me an idea of where to start. You are definitely not alone

in the getting enough blood issue; I get blood all over the place, so I try

to put my meter on a paper towel to cut down on the mess. I should take

some strips with me when I shave; I sometimes draw enough blood in that

endeavor to test all week!

I will enlarge upon Becky's question and ask if fingers are the best sites

for sticking. As fingers get sore--and it doesn't take long--is there

anything to do about that except to keep on sticking in the same sore areas?

My apologies, Becky, I haven't been of much assistance to you and have only

asked more questions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 04:25 PM 12/13/06 -0500, you wrote:

>Hi list,

>

>Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

>and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

>frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

>some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

>stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

>by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

>another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

>first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

>beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

>bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

>when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

>another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

>Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

>for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

>would be appreciated.

>

>Thanks.

>

>Becky

>

>

[Guest guest]

Greg, a paper towel. How boring!

I am classy. I have Maker's Mark cocktail napkins. They

are even red!

It's wonderful having a wife who signs up for every freeby

on the internet -- sometimes...

SS

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

The problem with the strips is this - There is blood on either the back side

or front of the strips instead of in the window. The absorption window then

only fills only so far beeps slower and gives an incorrect reading. You are

correct in interpreting your readings and redoing the test. Be assured that

the Prodigy is accuracy tested and approved and that it is just a user

error. It even happens to me sometimes. As for getting more blood, try

putting your fingers under warm water for a minute or two.

Ruth

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of

buckeyecat@...

Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 3:26 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Well, at least with red napkins, you couldn't tell where you had dripped blood.

Greg D.

At 08:35 PM 12/13/06 -0500, you wrote:

>Greg, a paper towel. How boring!

>

>I am classy. I have Maker's Mark cocktail napkins. They

>are even red!

>

>It's wonderful having a wife who signs up for every freeby

>on the internet -- sometimes...

>

> SS

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sometimes washing hands with very warm water and soap helps. My husband does

this especially in the morning and rub your fingers together for a few seconds.

Good luck. and Joe

frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

I keep my meter and other testing supplies in a box under the bed. The box

has low sides and no lid. When I am ready to test, I just lay on my stomach

on the bed with my head and shoulders sticking over the side, and slide the

box out from under the bed. It is then easier to get a good blood sample with

my hands hanging

down to the meter so that they are the lowest part of my body and blood flows

down to them. The box under the

meter also prevents any blood from dripping onto the carpet. This doesn't

always work, and I still sometimes need multiple strips and multiple finger

sticks to get a good test.

Mark

frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

hi gang james here in denver using the prodigy did i here correct if the test is

quite low that means not enough blood i justtested and it said 21. i know i am

not that low<grin>

frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

, That usually means you did not get enough blood on the strip. Yes, a

21 BG would probably mean you were unconscious!

Re: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

hi gang james here in denver using the prodigy did i here correct if the

test is quite low that means not enough blood i justtested and it said 21. i

know i am not that low<grin>

frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

One thing I would suggest is to make sure you are well hydrated. It seems

like if I know I haven't had enough water the day before then the next

morning I don't have as much blood. Atleast that is the way it seems to me.

Dean

I personally know someone who literally is older than dirt.

If you would like to meet him, please write to me

or join us on the Masters List:

masterslist-subscribe@...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, you heard correct. It is because either there was not enough blood

when you poked or the blood was either on the back or front side of the

conformation windo instead of in the window. It is also possible that your

blood ran away from you. I can see though that you know that your results

are off. So retest and chalk it up to another one of those things you can

blame on your lack of sight. That's what I do.sigh

Ruth

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of james hooper

Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 8:32 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

hi gang james here in denver using the prodigy did i here correct if the

test is quite low that means not enough blood i justtested and it said 21. i

know i am not that low<grin>

frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi

I have a pen style pricker too, but I don’t bother adjusting the amount of

lancet that comes out. I have heard many of your suggestions and have tried

most of them. It is frustrating that when I go to the doctor or the times

I’ve been in the hospital and the nurse comes in, takes my finger, pricks

it, and immediately gets a large drop of blood. But thanks for your

encouragement and suggestions. Like you said, it is somewhat comforting to

know I’m not the only one having this problem.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of sseric57

Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 7:15 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Becky, I am new to this and I can surely understand your

frustration. After a couple of months, I still can't get it

every time.

First, what kind of pricker do you use? I'm not sure all of

the styles. I have what they call the soft click. It is

like an ink pen and you can adjust the length of the

lancet/depth of the prick. I find I have to set it

differently for different fingers and even for either side

of the same finger.

The tips I have gotten are to:

Wash your hands under warm water and let them linger there a

while.

Swing your hand at your side a little bit.

Some even put a rubber band on the finger before making the

prick.

Some say sort of milk your finger, but others suggest that

might not be good because you could be bringing down the

interstitial fluid, rather than blood.

Squeeze the finger around the prick site three or four times

before moving it to the strip.

These are things I do, but still they are not 100%. Also, I

have been told if you don't get a good prick at first, don't

use the same finger again for 15 minutes or so.

Hope some of these help. They helped me, but mostly knowing

I wasn't alone was the biggest help I got from everyone's

suggestions.

SS

[Guest guest]

I've been checking my sugar since April, and I too have to prick my finger more

than once to get it to bleed enough to get a drop of blood on the comfort curved

strip to get the voice acucheck to give me a result. Sometimes I run my fingers

under hot water, and this does help, especially when I'm pressed for time.

RE: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Becky, I am new to this and I can surely understand your

frustration. After a couple of months, I still can't get it

every time.

First, what kind of pricker do you use? I'm not sure all of

the styles. I have what they call the soft click. It is

like an ink pen and you can adjust the length of the

lancet/depth of the prick. I find I have to set it

differently for different fingers and even for either side

of the same finger.

The tips I have gotten are to:

Wash your hands under warm water and let them linger there a

while.

Swing your hand at your side a little bit.

Some even put a rubber band on the finger before making the

prick.

Some say sort of milk your finger, but others suggest that

might not be good because you could be bringing down the

interstitial fluid, rather than blood.

Squeeze the finger around the prick site three or four times

before moving it to the strip.

These are things I do, but still they are not 100%. Also, I

have been told if you don't get a good prick at first, don't

use the same finger again for 15 minutes or so.

Hope some of these help. They helped me, but mostly knowing

I wasn't alone was the biggest help I got from everyone's

suggestions.

SS

[Guest guest]

Hi Greg

I don’t use the strips with the curve anymore. But finding the right spot

on the strip hasn’t been the problem.

Regarding use of the same finger, when I was first diagnosed, I was advised

to not use the same finger twice in a row. For example, I was told to use

my index finger for my first test of the day, my middle finger for the next

test, my ring finger the third time, etc. And I was told to not just use

the fingers of one hand all the time. For some reason, I was told not to

use the thumbs or baby fingers.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of A.

Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 7:16 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi Becky,

Do your strips have a curved part where the blood goes? Mine do and that

at least gives me an idea of where to start. You are definitely not alone

in the getting enough blood issue; I get blood all over the place, so I try

to put my meter on a paper towel to cut down on the mess. I should take

some strips with me when I shave; I sometimes draw enough blood in that

endeavor to test all week!

I will enlarge upon Becky's question and ask if fingers are the best sites

for sticking. As fingers get sore--and it doesn't take long--is there

anything to do about that except to keep on sticking in the same sore areas?

My apologies, Becky, I haven't been of much assistance to you and have only

asked more questions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 04:25 PM 12/13/06 -0500, you wrote:

>Hi list,

>

>Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

>and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

>frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give

me

>some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

>stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

>by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

>another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

>first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

>beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

>bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre

numbers

>when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

>another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

>Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

>for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

>would be appreciated.

>

>Thanks.

>

>Becky

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

That is correct. I have had extremely low readings too and know that my

sugar is not that low. I notice that when I have to wait several seconds or

even a minute before I get enough blood to make it beep that the reading

will be wrong.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of james hooper

Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 9:32 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Re: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

hi gang james here in denver using the prodigy did i here correct if the

test is quite low that means not enough blood i justtested and it said 21. i

know i am not that low<grin>

frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi list,

Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give me

some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre numbers

when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi Beckky,oh my, I use my baby fngers a lot. I think they work best. If I am

in a hurry and wantto get the blood test done to do something else, they work

like a charm. That gives 4 extra places to stick--both sides if each of those

fingers.

Vicki

If you pick up a starving dog and make him

prosperous, he will not bite you. That is the

principal difference between a dog and a man.

-- Mark Twain

Re: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Hi Becky,

Do your strips have a curved part where the blood goes? Mine do and that

at least gives me an idea of where to start. You are definitely not alone

in the getting enough blood issue; I get blood all over the place, so I try

to put my meter on a paper towel to cut down on the mess. I should take

some strips with me when I shave; I sometimes draw enough blood in that

endeavor to test all week!

I will enlarge upon Becky's question and ask if fingers are the best sites

for sticking. As fingers get sore--and it doesn't take long--is there

anything to do about that except to keep on sticking in the same sore areas?

My apologies, Becky, I haven't been of much assistance to you and have only

asked more questions.

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 04:25 PM 12/13/06 -0500, you wrote:

>Hi list,

>

>Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

>and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

>frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give

me

>some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

>stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

>by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

>another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

>first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

>beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

>bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre

numbers

>when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

>another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

>Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

>for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

>would be appreciated.

>

>Thanks.

>

>Becky

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

Maybe the thumb has more meat on it. I know that I've tried using my

thumbs, but since it wasn't very successful, I'm glad that you mentioned

not using them. When I've donated blood to the Red Cross, the person

checking blood for iron content put her fingers around my pinkie finger,

squeezed and then lanced the tip of it--withgood results. However, not

having three hands makes that method a little risky.

Thank you for the advice because I need all of the help I can get!!

Greg

Columbus, Ohio

At 08:00 PM 12/14/06 -0500, you wrote:

>Hi Greg

>

>I don’t use the strips with the curve anymore. But finding the right spot

>on the strip hasn’t been the problem.

>

>Regarding use of the same finger, when I was first diagnosed, I was advised

>to not use the same finger twice in a row. For example, I was told to use

>my index finger for my first test of the day, my middle finger for the next

>test, my ring finger the third time, etc. And I was told to not just use

>the fingers of one hand all the time. For some reason, I was told not to

>use the thumbs or baby fingers.

>

>Becky

>

>_____

>

>From:

><mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>blind-diabetics

>[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of A.

>Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 7:16 PM

>To: <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com>blind-diabetics

>Subject: Re: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

>

>Hi Becky,

>

>Do your strips have a curved part where the blood goes? Mine do and that

>at least gives me an idea of where to start. You are definitely not alone

>in the getting enough blood issue; I get blood all over the place, so I try

>to put my meter on a paper towel to cut down on the mess. I should take

>some strips with me when I shave; I sometimes draw enough blood in that

>endeavor to test all week!

>

>I will enlarge upon Becky's question and ask if fingers are the best sites

>for sticking. As fingers get sore--and it doesn't take long--is there

>anything to do about that except to keep on sticking in the same sore areas?

>

>My apologies, Becky, I haven't been of much assistance to you and have only

>asked more questions.

>

>Greg

>Columbus, Ohio

>At 04:25 PM 12/13/06 -0500, you wrote:

>

> >Hi list,

> >

> >Due to a recently higher than acceptable AC1 test result, I am back on meds

> >and trying to keep closer track at home of my blood sugar. I am getting so

> >frustrated getting blood on the strips and wondered if you all could give

>me

> >some tips for making my fingers bleed more readily. Sometimes I have to

> >stick a finger two or three times before any blood drops form, and usually

> >by this time I can't trust the reading and have to use another strip and

> >another finger. For example, today when I got home from work I tested. The

> >first time it took three sticks and about a minute before the Prodigy

> >beeped. The reading was 84. I liked that number and was tempted to not

> >bother doing it again, but sometimes I have gotten extremely bizarre

>numbers

> >when it took a long time to beep. So I used another strip and pricked

> >another finger. This time it beeped immediately, and the number was 157.

> >Doing more than one test almost every time I check my sugar and not knowing

> >for sure which reading to believe is very frustrating. So any helpful hints

> >would be appreciated.

> >

> >Thanks.

> >

> >Becky

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I have just lately tried the hot water,never wantd to bother, but it sure makes

my testing go much quicker, many times with only one stick. But if not, I do

have plenty of the fingers for the job, so I just take turns with them.

Vicki

If you pick up a starving dog and make him

prosperous, he will not bite you. That is the

principal difference between a dog and a man.

-- Mark Twain

RE: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

Becky, I am new to this and I can surely understand your

frustration. After a couple of months, I still can't get it

every time.

First, what kind of pricker do you use? I'm not sure all of

the styles. I have what they call the soft click. It is

like an ink pen and you can adjust the length of the

lancet/depth of the prick. I find I have to set it

differently for different fingers and even for either side

of the same finger.

The tips I have gotten are to:

Wash your hands under warm water and let them linger there a

while.

Swing your hand at your side a little bit.

Some even put a rubber band on the finger before making the

prick.

Some say sort of milk your finger, but others suggest that

might not be good because you could be bringing down the

interstitial fluid, rather than blood.

Squeeze the finger around the prick site three or four times

before moving it to the strip.

These are things I do, but still they are not 100%. Also, I

have been told if you don't get a good prick at first, don't

use the same finger again for 15 minutes or so.

Hope some of these help. They helped me, but mostly knowing

I wasn't alone was the biggest help I got from everyone's

suggestions.

SS

[Guest guest]

I had a difficult time at first and sometimes I

still have trouble. All the ideas are good, and

so let me add one more that helps me.

Relax! I noticed that if I am rigid or if my

finger is held stiffly rather than in relaxed

position, I don't bleed as easily. I don't

really know if this is truly accurate, but I do

know that after I prick my finger and milk it a

little, I also relax it when I squeeze it and the

readings come much easier. If I hold it rigidly

or have tension in the finger, I am much less likely to have any success.

Sorry if this is late, I am very much behind

because of a lot of different factors not related to this topic.

Larry Gassman

At 04:14 PM 12-13-2006, you wrote:

>Becky, I am new to this and I can surely understand your

>frustration. After a couple of months, I still can't get it

>every time.

>

>First, what kind of pricker do you use? I'm not sure all of

>the styles. I have what they call the soft click. It is

>like an ink pen and you can adjust the length of the

>lancet/depth of the prick. I find I have to set it

>differently for different fingers and even for either side

>of the same finger.

>

>The tips I have gotten are to:

>

>Wash your hands under warm water and let them linger there a

>while.

>

>Swing your hand at your side a little bit.

>

>Some even put a rubber band on the finger before making the

>prick.

>

>Some say sort of milk your finger, but others suggest that

>might not be good because you could be bringing down the

>interstitial fluid, rather than blood.

>

>Squeeze the finger around the prick site three or four times

>before moving it to the strip.

>

>These are things I do, but still they are not 100%. Also, I

>have been told if you don't get a good prick at first, don't

>use the same finger again for 15 minutes or so.

>

>Hope some of these help. They helped me, but mostly knowing

>I wasn't alone was the biggest help I got from everyone's

>suggestions.

>

> SS

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Larry

Better late than never, right? Thanks for the tip. The Prodigy meter does

tell you to relax before taking measurement, so your tip makes sense. I

have also found that washing my hands in warm to hot water and letting the

water run over my fingers for a few minutes before testing does help. I am

having more luck getting a true reading the first time now than I was when I

wrote this plea for help, so I guess all the tips I got were helpful.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Larry Gassman

Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 12:57 AM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: RE: frustrated and looking for helpful hints...

I had a difficult time at first and sometimes I

still have trouble. All the ideas are good, and

so let me add one more that helps me.

Relax! I noticed that if I am rigid or if my

finger is held stiffly rather than in relaxed

position, I don't bleed as easily. I don't

really know if this is truly accurate, but I do

know that after I prick my finger and milk it a

little, I also relax it when I squeeze it and the

readings come much easier. If I hold it rigidly

or have tension in the finger, I am much less likely to have any success.

Sorry if this is late, I am very much behind

because of a lot of different factors not related to this topic.

Larry Gassman

At 04:14 PM 12-13-2006, you wrote:

>Becky, I am new to this and I can surely understand your

>frustration. After a couple of months, I still can't get it

>every time.

>

>First, what kind of pricker do you use? I'm not sure all of

>the styles. I have what they call the soft click. It is

>like an ink pen and you can adjust the length of the

>lancet/depth of the prick. I find I have to set it

>differently for different fingers and even for either side

>of the same finger.

>

>The tips I have gotten are to:

>

>Wash your hands under warm water and let them linger there a

>while.

>

>Swing your hand at your side a little bit.

>

>Some even put a rubber band on the finger before making the

>prick.

>

>Some say sort of milk your finger, but others suggest that

>might not be good because you could be bringing down the

>interstitial fluid, rather than blood.

>

>Squeeze the finger around the prick site three or four times

>before moving it to the strip.

>

>These are things I do, but still they are not 100%. Also, I

>have been told if you don't get a good prick at first, don't

>use the same finger again for 15 minutes or so.

>

>Hope some of these help. They helped me, but mostly knowing

>I wasn't alone was the biggest help I got from everyone's

>suggestions.

>

> SS

>

>

>

>