Oops...help!

[Deleted member 19555]

In trying not to push the needle in too far, it came out and I have no idea how much insulin actually went in, maybe a half, if lucky. I have problems with nerves and my hands shake sometimes, which can make it a bit tricky.

 

[Inka]

In trying not to push the needle in too far, it came out and I have no idea how much insulin actually went in, maybe a half, if lucky. I have problems with nerves and my hands shake sometimes, which can make it a bit tricky.

You can’t take any more insulin. All you can do is test and that might give you an idea of if any came out. I’ve replied to your other thread - the needle needs to go all the way in.

Where (what body area) are you injecting?

 

[Deleted member 19555]

You can’t take any more insulin. All you can do is test and that might give you an idea of if any came out. I’ve replied to your other thread - the needle needs to go all the way in.

Where (what body area) are you injecting?

Yes I am aware the whole needle has to go in thanks, the problem is that I worry it might not be far enough in, or push it to make sure it stays in. And as I say, shaky hands don't help.

 

[Inka]

Yes I am aware the whole needle has to go in thanks, the problem is that I worry it might not be far enough in, or push it to make sure it stays in. And as I say, shaky hands don't help.

Where are you injecting? Perhaps another body area might be easier? If your hands are very shaky, there are various pen aids that might help. It would be worth asking in case there’s anything that might suit you.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

What length of needles have you been supplied with @Ditzyoldme?

If they are the usual 4mm ones, or even slightly longer 6mm they should be fine just pushed straight in until the pen touches the skin. No need to hold back or force them in further.

Shaky hands sounds very difficult for you - hopefully you can get something to calm the tremor and make things easier for you.

In the meantime, you‘ll just have to keep a close eye on your BGs this evening to ensure the dose is working as you would expect, but be cautious of adding any more insulin, because anything injected now will be active late into the evening, and possibly after bedtime, so you won’t be so able to keep an eye on it.

 

[Deleted member 19555]

Thank you again, for advice. There had been some insulin on my skin, so assumed some had gone in, but not all. However, the later figure wasn't as low as it can be, but wasn't shockingly high, same with the fasting rate this morning. Hoping for better things today!

 

[mikeydt1]

with you having shaky hands have you spoken to anyone about it esp with having to inject to see if they can make it easier for you.

i have done some posts about having issues with shakiness esp the hands and mine has been diagnosed after a few good years as benign essential tremor the treatment for me is medication. does work but not all ways guaranteed.

i did used to inject even though i am type 2 but because of my social background i am now back to medication and am getting some fairly good results.

with you having wet skin does mean that insulin did not all go in but as others say you are then stuck till your next dose. i used to pinch the lower tummy fat then just push the needle all the way in it can only go so far and won't hit the bowel or anything then just inject. i would def consider strongly speaking with your diabetic team.

i do know how hard it is for you and hope you find a way of resolving the situation.

 

[Inka]

Thank you again, for advice. There had been some insulin on my skin, so assumed some had gone in, but not all. However, the later figure wasn't as low as it can be, but wasn't shockingly high, same with the fasting rate this morning. Hoping for better things today!

I use a pump but have a pen for back-up. I just checked my pen needles and mine are 5mm length. If you’re able to get a few samples of say 5mm and 6mm needles, it might be worth trying them just to see if they help at all. I’m slim yet the 5mm is fine for me.

I also had another thought last night - if you’re using disposable insulin pens, ask for a reusable pen plus cartridges. Apart from being more environmentally friendly, the reusable pens are much better made, often metal, and are ‘weightier’ in your hand and when putting into your skin, so you might well find that helps you significantly.

 

[Deleted member 19555]

with you having shaky hands have you spoken to anyone about it esp with having to inject to see if they can make it easier for you.

i have done some posts about having issues with shakiness esp the hands and mine has been diagnosed after a few good years as benign essential tremor the treatment for me is medication. does work but not all ways guaranteed.

i did used to inject even though i am type 2 but because of my social background i am now back to medication and am getting some fairly good results.

with you having wet skin does mean that insulin did not all go in but as others say you are then stuck till your next dose. i used to pinch the lower tummy fat then just push the needle all the way in it can only go so far and won't hit the bowel or anything then just inject. i would def consider strongly speaking with your diabetic team.

i do know how hard it is for you and hope you find a way of resolving the situation.

Thank you.

 

[Becka]

My first time I slowly primed the pen facing upwards, so as not to spray insulin everywhere, before injecting. But after removing the needle there was a pool of it sitting on the skin, making me think I had messed up. Then I realized what happened! It was the 2 units which had dripped onto the top of the pen. So depending on what I have to hand at the time, after priming I either touch the top of the pen against a tissue, lightly flick down towrds a plate or similar, or just accept what will happen! My needles are 5mm.

 

[rebrascora]

I wonder if you might benefit from a product called Tickle Flex which might help you feel more confident about how hard or not to press the pen when you inject and also give you more control/stability. I know they are supposed to make the injection less painful too. If you do a search, you should find info and perhaps a promotional video showing how it works. I believe they can be helpful for children who are anxious/resistant as well as adults.