Anxiety with injecting

[Nic:)]

Iv now been diagnosed a few months now and still have problems with injecting my insulin I know it's not painful i just struggle with putting the needle in, and it doesn't seem to be getting any easier!

Everyone on here seems to be so good with it and not have any problems I feel abit of a wuss haha

Anyone got any advise on how to overcome these anxieties

 

[pav]

Some others have had the same feelings and its some thing that gets better as things progress. I used to hate some needles especially the dentists, I have had that many stuck me now I am not bothered.

Is it a case of the needle length that bothers you or just the needles themselves?

 

[Steff]

I was terrible with nerves when I first started injecting, had my partner doing it for me first 3-4 times LOL. now I just go somewhere quiet so not to be disturbed count to 3 and inject.your certainly not alone in having anxiety over injecting, we just gotta get over it though.

 

[Nic:)]

Iv tried 5mm needles and 4mm needles but it doesn't seem o make a difference! Iv never really been bothere about needles but then again iv never had to inject 5+ times a day! It's always been once in a blue moon, it's the piercing my skin I can't bare I know your meant to stab as quickly as possible but I just don't have the confidence! Silly really!

 

[Copepod]

Would it help to practice jabbing fast into an orange / satsuma / any citrus fruit? Then change needle and jab yourself.

 

[Nic:)]

I could try 🙂 however I give needles everyday in my job to other people I'm just a wuss when it comes to myself lol thank for your advise guys

 

[AlisonM]

Strangely, it's not injecting my insulin or Victoza that troubles me, I have no problem with that and never have had, it's testing my blood sugars that scares me. I have real issues with the finger pricking business, I can't watch and have to shut my eyes in order to stick myself.

Stranger still, I did it for a friend the other day sing one of my old meters and had no problem. Weird or what?

 

[Nic:)]

It's strange isnt it on occasions I can give it and don't bat an eyelid then other times It takes me ages to give it! Wierd the joys of being diabetic lol

 

[HOBIE]

You would think after 47yrs i would be used to them now but NO ! So you are Not alone. Now on a pump & hold my breath before shooting the pin in. Allways change sites when have come out of bath cos skin is soft as a baby ????? 🙂🙂

 

[Nic:)]

That's a good idea actually I will try that, I would like a pump eventually as it Involves less injecting and will help with better control but unfortunatly I don't feel I fit the criteria! But I will definatly try and see if is easier after the bath 🙂

 

[suevm]

I started my insulin about 4 months ago, so new to this. The first time was scary and I hesitated alot, tensed my body.....and it hurt. But after that I found my way of making it less of an ordeal. I always do my injections in the bedroom (if possible), i.e. a quiet, relaxed place. I prepare everything, hold the pen in place, gaze out of the window and RELAX. I find if I have any tension what so ever, it hurts more. I have to tell myself to relax and it makes it so easy and pain free.
I know it's not always possible to find a relaxing place, but if you can talk yourself into relaxing your body, I'm sure it will help.
Luckily for me, I only have 2 per day.

 

[pippaandben]

Although I personally do not have problems with injecting - even though I admit the first time was really scary trying to pluck up the courage to stick it in - I have found it does help to pinch the skin and inject in the "fat". When you can inject without pain it really does help overcome transient fears.

 

[Aoife]

I know your meant to stab as quickly as possible but I just don't have the confidence! Silly really!

It's not silly, don't worry! I find that "stabbing myself as quickly as possible" often leads to bruises and therefore sore patches,I gently just press the needle in. Every so often you will hit a sore spot but going slowly in I just remove the needle if it hits a nerve or something and move slightly to one side

 

[Nic:)]

Thankyou everyone for all your support and advise it really helps 🙂

 

[jalapino]

It's funny how we all have are own little way of doing it!! I tend to go nice and slow but I guess if I'm having a bad day I tend to stab it in and think of my boss!!

 

[suziepoo]

Hi
As someone who's needle-phobic, I've discovered that using a penmate device worked for me. You only press a button and it inserts the needle into you. Perhaps this might help you?

 

[Nic:)]

Ohhhh yeah that might b of help I don't feel iv had much choice given to me about devices that may help me iv just got a new bg meter but that's only because I researched it myself and asked about it hmmmm maybe I should go and see my DSN 🙂

 

[zuludog]

When I started injecting, my wife said she didn't know how I could (a common reaction). My reply was that given the choice of injecting or going blind, I preferred injecting.

 

[jalapino]

When I started injecting, my wife said she didn't know how I could (a common reaction). My reply was that given the choice of injecting or going blind, I preferred injecting.

Good point but a bit dramatic!! 🙂 .....your poor wife lol 🙂

 

[zuludog]

more on injection

I also explained to my wife that I had to inject into any fatty tissue; (meaning my stomach, thighs, or bum)

"Oh," she said. Does that mean allover?"

I love you too!