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Bruised and sore fingers

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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Evie 22

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hello Everyone.

As a newbie to testing could anyone advise on how to use the lancet so as not to produce bruising, I have tried from 0.5 to 3 on the scale and found that at 0.5 my fingers still bruise and are very sore. I try and use the side of the fingers as it seems to be less painful there. I have recently been having tingling and pain in my finger ends and they are always cold. (I even wear gloves inside sometimes because I can't get hands warm) I have had blood tests for causes but everything has been within normal ranges and the doctor doesn't think it is diabetic neuropathy because blood levels not that high. Any suggestions gratefully received.
 
I don't really have any problems in that department.... these days it's second nature to **** the lancet, press it firmly against the finger & push trigger.... Part of your issue may be in that you are timid... Be Bold.
 
I found that warming my hand in hot water helps. My lancing device has 5 settings and I found that the best was the second highest and it eliminated 'misfires' with slight pricks but no usable result. As Martin says 'press firmly', this actually helps numb the nerves and can more or less completely deaden the pricking sensation.
BTW My 7 year old grand daughter was interested in my finger pricking and wanted to try it, so I let her with the device set very low. It didn't bother her all all.
 
Hi Dave, thanks for the suggestion of warming hand first. The slight stinging sensation of the lancet isn't too bothersome, it's the aftermath of bruising and pain. I do bruise easily normally so I am wondering if it is just my constitution. Even at 0.5 there is plenty of blood for testing. I change the needle each time too.
 
If you are taking blood thinning medication/s they may make you more susceptible to bruising.
 
No, not on blood thinners. Will try warming hands more and being bolder. I'm sure after a few hundred more tests I will get a technique that works.
 
Hi Evie, welcome to the forum.
I sometimes use the base of my thumb, where there is a big pad.
Not so easy to get boood out but it hurts a lot less
 
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