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Needles keep bending?

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lucy123

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I have been injecting for some months now (8mm needles) with no problems whatsoever. However the last 3 times I have injected the needle has bent when it has gone in - and liquid has ran down my tummy too - telling me I am not getting the correct dose.

Any ideas? Should I pinch my skin as I inject and let go as the liquid goes in?
 
😱 That doesn't sound right to me. Sounds like a dodgy batch - have you check the batch / Lot numbers to see if they are the same or close? I should take them back to the pharmacy for an exchange, you don't want one snapping mid injection & it's no good at all not knowing what you've injected! Be prepared to stand your ground & be firm... 🙂
 
Twitchy said:
😱 That doesn't sound right to me. Sounds like a dodgy batch - have you check the batch / Lot numbers to see if they are the same or close? I should take them back to the pharmacy for an exchange, you don't want one snapping mid injection & it's no good at all not knowing what you've injected! Be prepared to stand your ground & be firm... 🙂
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I have used over half the box with no problems at all though. I have only been injecting since June so they can't be that old? I just wondered if I am injecting wrong?
I do have a spare box of needles though so will try them tonight.
 
I'm wondering if your needles are a bit long? I'm a Byetta user too and was given 5mm needles, they slide in and do the job ok. I was told not to pinch up any skin.
 
I dont think it can be that as I have been using these since June with no problem. Its only the last 3 injections that it has happened.
 
Are you rotating your sites? Maybe you have some scar tissue beneath the surface which is making this happen? I don't know otherwise, but 8mm does sound a bit long.
 
Flutterby said:
Are you rotating your sites? Maybe you have some scar tissue beneath the surface which is making this happen? I don't know otherwise, but 8mm does sound a bit long.
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I used to use 8mm for insulin and always pinched my skin up. Now use 5mm which are tiny and you don't need to pinch. Mind you, I stabbed my thigh this morning and somehow bent the needle as I pulled it out. I put it down to having my hand at a peculiar angle at the time.
 
If it's your last three injections is there anything else that changed at the same time - your technique, your site, ??? Otherwis it could just be you've just got to the dodgy ones in the box maybe? In nearly 3 decades of injections I am struggling to think of any times I bent a needle & certainly not on insertion...are they new needles each time? Maybe if you're reusing a very fine guage needle it's overdone it? :confused:
 
Its new needles each time. Last nights didn't bend, but it did cause a little blood. I also notice I have scratch type marks on my tummy now. I will mention it to consultant when I next see him - and take the needles with me.

Thanks for your comments everyone.🙂
 
Could be the batch, but if all contents of one box come from same batch, then, perhaps a change of technique has happened?

Least likely way to bend needle is to hold straight and jab in as straight (90o to skin) and quick as possible. If skin is tough for any reason eg due to previous injection use or where eg trouser belt / waistband / pocket has rubbed, then that could be part of the problem, too, so try to use skin which isn't rubbed by any clothing.

If an injection site bleeds, then hold finger over hole to stop blood seeping out, but do not rub, as that would toughen skin.
 
I have just finished my X-Pert Insulin course and the DSN says that the recommended lengh of needle is now 4mm and 5mm for everyone. Maybe you should ask your Doctor for the shorter needles.
 
I would recommend 4mm needles. On the majority of people the needle does not need to be longer than 4mm. The average skin is approx 2-3mm thick and the needle only needs to pierce that so 1mm under the skin is enough. And with 4mm needles there is not really enough of the needle for it to bend.
 
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