TheChihuahuaLady
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I have always been terrified of needles, mostly because of the pain. Then, I found out I was type 2 diabetic about a month ago. It took me 3 weeks to figure out a solution, which I found out was numbing cream.
Sadly, it didn't work as well as I'd hoped and lost hope that I would be able to withstand the pain enough to inject myself with insulin and put it off for a while. Then, I thought of an idea of using cold to numb the area WITH the numbing cream and VOILA, it was numb enough and I took my time to put in the needle, making sure I was comfortable every second of the way and I finally got it in! My hands were so shaky and I turned into a complete mess of happiness for having done so.
I know this seems like a silly accomplishment but this fear was the thing preventing me from living my life to the fullest. No more dread for me, I have so much faith in myself now!
FP Edit: Oh my god I can't believe I made it to FP! Thank you all for your wonderful comments and support, I'm just happy I can quicken my journey to a healthier life now.
Dog tax
EricPisch
I had the same problem, my blood was spiking at over 20mmol, I went keto diet and reversed type 2 in 3 months, phew no needles
MoonMoon89
My last job was so bad, I had a choice to be at work or go have a blood test done, and I realized I hated work more than I feared needles.
pancakepillows
You get used to it I promise. A hard pinch was what worked for me for legs or stomach. Leaning against a door way to use my arms.
Trilp
I used to have a phobia of needles before I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, so I know the struggle. You've got this buddy!
faxlite2
As a healthcare professional, I can tell you that the key is to point the sharp end at another person. Oh, wait...
BobbyBobbston
Awesome, man! Those little, self-made achievements are the best, Keep it up, mate!
abbeyrosemama
I am also not fond of needles and need to give myself a daily injection. Breathe, stab, push, and don’t look too close work for me.
abbeyrosemama
I also give myself a little treat/bribe when it’s done.
doctorbocker
Cool beans. Self-injecting is way easier than creeping around in the dead of night, harvesting the pancrei of sleeping children.
TheChihuahuaLady
I concur
CabbagePlayer
For me personally, it wasn’t the pain it was the fact that you’re letting a sharp object come in. it just messes with me and scares me lol
iCanToteIt
Took accidentally giving my dad a nasty bruise in his stomach for him to start giving himself his own shots..
SupMelloMike
I thought that the bottom text would be: was able to shoot heroin for the first time.
TheChihuahuaLady
Well that would have been a wild night lol
Andhereweare
Congratulations. When I donate blood etc I have zero problem with the sting. But applying on self? Another story. Good job!
TrustmeIamdutch
I give plasma. And it's fine, little sting sit still for an hour (sometimes I sleep :p) no fuss.. but needle to self? No!
ShoobieDoobieOhOh
A different aight might help! As a diabetic I can't inject in my legs cause it hurts to much. So I always go in my gut.
cutebunnies
Important: long acting insulin should be applied in the legs. Short acting insulin in the stomach. Always rotate the injection-site
ShoobieDoobieOhOh
I also find the the quicker you put it in the less you feel it
Someshithead241
Thats why you get a dart gun. Then you'll be more afraid of a gun than a needle. Plus its just more fun.
BlastyMcBlastblast
now that you've mastered dealing with little pricks, i hear the US is looking for more teachers...
nonamejanie
whatadonk
... and a new president.
PlagueDoctorInDaHouse
You're 2 months too soon, gotta catch that beautiful moment when the teacher pool is depleted but enough kids are still alive
Noctourn
Personally hoping enough teachers retire this year so I can get a full time contract, get the big money. My country actually pays teachers
AssDewlap
So proud of you!
paulus1978
I have that fear, I'm really impressed you fought it and won! Well done!
LegendaryBill
This is no small achievement! Congratulations, and I wish you good health and long life.
TheChihuahuaLady
Thank you!
PicassoCT
TABLOIDS: After the Opiod Crisis. Numbing Ice Cream Junkies. How to prepare oneself.
WoolyBaaaack
T1 D 1986 - 2017 (SPK Transplant 2017). 2 books (Sugar Surfing and Think Like a Pancreas) changed my life pre-transplant-Well worth a read!
cjpoet
GF took 4 hours to give herself her 1st injection. So congrats to you!
Ryebread91
Yet you only took 1 minute to give her yours.
cjpoet
I believe you are making a (lame) attempt to disparage my manhood. Rest easy, young one. I do that myself.
Ryebread91
A true gentleman. Honest to a fault.
porcinechoirmaster
T1 diabetic here. My first injections took me nearly 45 minutes to work up the courage to do. Now it's an afterthought. It gets easier!
Someoneisinmyhead
Insulin is a gateway drug. Next you will be snorting Mary j wanna. You sick fiend. Soirce: Karens.
MoldyPond
From one squeamish diabetic to another, you’ll find that it most certainly does suck, but being able to do it at your own pace helps a lot!
WarBearGrrrrrrr
#OP have you looked into the insulin pumps? My sis in-law got her’s from an America company as you cannot get them here & finds it easier
TheChihuahuaLady
I like the idea but I rather just take what's given to me by my doc.
WarBearGrrrrrrr
You still need to go through your doctor for it, they are the ones who will have to give approval for it & prescribe your insulin & stuff
Tripedout
Diabetic for the last 10 years here. You'll get to learn places on your body and techniques so that it doesn't hurt at all. Don't worry.
geoffreyfourmyle
Hear hear! Type 1 for over 30 years. Use the thinnest needle (which means the HIGHEST gauge number) and the shortest you can find.
Mattmotte
Since 1982 here! Remember the seringles with the orange caps? With the 4 feets needle?
Tripedout
Apart from the random needle that's badly built once in a while. But don't worry. Only happens once every 3-4 months. Once you learn it,
Tripedout
Just throw that one out and take a fresh one.
esmarelda
You found a way to overcome a fear. That’s no small accomplishment!
armydad
T1 for 29 years. Neddles are no fun, but skipping them is not a good alternative .
armydad
Been on a pump for the past 18 years (something stuck in me 24/7) We all do whet we need to do to survive
TheChihuahuaLady
Definitely, hearing people's stories really motivated me enough to push through the fear.
xizar
When I was a corpsman, I used to practice giving injections and drawing blood on myself. While underway. Once during a typhoon.
xizar
Then there was the guy that I did a blood draw on, he said "I'm going to faint", I laughed and turned around to put away the tube and 1/
xizar
when I looked back over (my lab had a half-door) he'd disappeared. Didn't think anything of it until some guy in the corridor freaks out 2/
xizar
because there was a limp body on the deck. In fairness, he *did* warn me. 3/3
TheChihuahuaLady
Sounds like me lol!
GloomyMP
Libre Freestyle. Holy shit is that a game changer. You’ll never check your blood so often and with impunity.
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tzxAzrael
only $300! wow, sign me up... as soon as i win the lottery.
acapellagitarist
I love mine. I went through a period where I wasnt testing often but this helped me get back in the habit and im healthier than ever
Ryebread91
I hope insurance starts to cover it more. As a pharmacy tech I can't believe we haven't used this tech years ago.
guyjones2007
Agreed. They are awesome!
littlefurrycannibals
My ins won't cover it. I can't afford it out of pocket but the help programs think I can. meanwhile during a pandemic, I have to test (pt1)
littlefurrycannibals
6x a day, risking infection. Yet the ins can't be bothered to allow a prior auth for use. You know, because I asked for type 1 or something
FunkyFetusFeet
And insulin pumps are getting very good! The medtronic 670G has totally changed my life.
nathananderson8079
A million times yes! My 670g is amazing.
KaptenKamrat
I love them too. Maintenance free and I can check my bloodsugar with my cellphone through an app. I use to have some small stickers on them.
PanicAtTheYouNameIt
I like the Dexcom G6! No calibrations and the sensors last for 10 days!
Mattmotte
Man that thing changed my life! I have been diabetic for 38 years and have never tested my blood sugar so often!
peacockfuta
We use it for Diabetic dogs and cats too ?
alainathecat
Same. I hate checking my blood. I refused to do it for years, which was bad, but now it’s much better thanks to the Libre.
dextarrogue
I just told them I refuse to check it from my fingers and use my forearms. Works like a charm.
alainathecat
From checking my blood as a child so much, I have scars on my fingertips still and I’m 32. I didn’t know I could use my forearms.
dextarrogue
Talk to your doctor before you do!
eclips1st
But it’s super expensive in the long run, no?
meMarbleMaker
I posed the Q to my doctor: £50/2 weeks on FSL generating 15+ readings/day, or, 15 tests/day for 2 weeks using strips = £168 (£20/pack)
eclips1st
I spoke to my mom who is type 2 and she explained it’s mostly a question of how often someone needs to test. >
eclips1st
Beyond 4 seemed to be worth getting this device according to her. (She tests less most days.)
meMarbleMaker
The issue is rather expansive: testing more = better control = <£££ spent removing feet and eyes and providing aftercare
eclips1st
So it’s worth it for people. But are both covered by health insurance/medicare/whatever you might have?
Zella111
Last time we checked for my boyfriend's father Medicare was not covering it.
meMarbleMaker
less in the future as I (shouldn't) suffer as many diabetes resultant complications 2/2
meMarbleMaker
NHS covers it but only in specific circumstances. I pulled my HbA1C from 70+ to 40, in short it's worth it for me/them as I'll cost them /1
xKittyPrincess
HbA1C from 70? Holy shit, I'm in my job as a medical assistant nearly three years now and I've never seen that. 6-8 is normal for 1/2
dootdootfloop
Thank you, you might be the reason I get it now . They are unsure if i should have it or not
meMarbleMaker
My GP said "but 15 or more tests is ridiculous, only test 3-4 times/day". I responded with data showing NHS expenditure on care for poorly/1
meMarbleMaker
years than £70 on a pacemaker that lasts 10 years. They're ridiculous. Bear that in mind when you approach them. 4/4
dootdootfloop
Thank you my dude. My doctor is pretty good at trying to help me. There is criteria to meet for it , hopefully my poor health will be enough
meMarbleMaker
controlled diabetes. Better care now = less £ spent removing feet etc and providing aftercare. Yes, I can test less but that'll cost them /2
meMarbleMaker
more later down the line. It's common sense but the arguement is posed at CCGs who would rather spend £50 on a pacemaker that lasts /3
meMarbleMaker
* sorry, that lasts 2 years /3.5
eclips1st
Currently using it with my cat to see if he’s diabetic. It’s fun to scan and you get nifty charts, but 132$ for 14 days!
TuomoKoskinen
Whoa! You guys pay for them?! In Finland we get them for free.
cartmanstitss
Wow you can hook those thing up to cats? Lol that's hilarious to me for some reason? What are they like a semipermanent needle into skin?
downlyksyndrom3
Inserted with a needle attached to a filament. Looks fiber optic. Needle comes out and bang! The part that stays in is about string-thick
cartmanstitss
Ohhhh mg. It makes sense now. I always thought the needle stayed in but it's more like an iv at a hospital that uses a flexible tube.
cartmanstitss
I was seriously wondering how the needle doesnt poke in further at times. It's so obvious they just use a tube I am a dumbass lol
eclips1st
Tbh I’m not sure! Bought it at the pharmacy but the vet put it on. I need to take it off soin and don’t know how. ?
cartmanstitss
I believe you just pull it out. What amazes me is that the cat hasnt pulled it out yet. It's not like he understands he needs it lol
downlyksyndrom3
The adhesive isn't strong at all. I have no problem easily removing the sensor with a small tug. I am not a feline, however.