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If the techniques already suggested don’t work, you may also want to try a different source of heat to warm your fingers. The water can have a cooling effect once you remove your finger from the water flow. After a vigorous handwash, dry your hands and wrap them in a warm, dry (clean, of course) towel. Good luck! Traci – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have. I’ve only been doing fingersticks for a few weeks and I had a bit of a problem getting enough blood too. What works for me, is that first I let the fingers that I intend to poke linger under the warm water rinse, after I wash my hands. The warm water increases the blood flow to the surface. After I dry my hands, and dangle my hand for a few seconds at my side, I firmly grasp the intended finger at the joint and push (massage) towards the tip of the finger three or four times to "milk" the blood toward the tip. I then push a final time with my thumb, maintaining the pressure for three seconds, before applying the softclix to the side of the finger. If the drop of blood is small, and it usually is, I continue to milk the finger until the drop becomes larger. I am using a Dex meter which requires a smaller drop of blood than the Accucheck Simplicity that I first used. Another thing to check is your setting on the softclix. If you consistently are not getting enough blood, it may not be set to penetrate deeply enough for your skin type. My skin is relatively thick, and I had to go up to a setting of 3.5 before I could consistently get a drop of blood large enough to test. — Keith F. Smith, M.P.H. Mobile County Health Department Type II, 7/99, Amaryl2
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I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have.
If you’re type 2 and don’t have any signs of retinopathy or kidney disease, many doctors recommend low-dose aspirin to decrease the risk of heart disease. Do not stay on aspirin without your doctor’s ok. Aspirin makes a difference in my fingersticks. One a day is too much for me – I bleed (and bruise) too easily. The thought of one of those bleeds in my retina is pretty scary. -MT
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I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have.
I’ve only been doing fingersticks for a few weeks and I had a bit of a problem getting enough blood too. What works for me, is that first I let the fingers that I intend to poke linger under the warm water rinse, after I wash my hands. The warm water increases the blood flow to the surface. After I dry my hands, and dangle my hand for a few seconds at my side, I firmly grasp the intended finger at the joint and push (massage) towards the tip of the finger three or four times to "milk" the blood toward the tip. I then push a final time with my thumb, maintaining the pressure for three seconds, before applying the softclix to the side of the finger. If the drop of blood is small, and it usually is, I continue to milk the finger until the drop becomes larger. I am using a Dex meter which requires a smaller drop of blood than the Accucheck Simplicity that I first used. Another thing to check is your setting on the softclix. If you consistently are not getting enough blood, it may not be set to penetrate deeply enough for your skin type. My skin is relatively thick, and I had to go up to a setting of 3.5 before I could consistently get a drop of blood large enough to test. — Keith F. Smith, M.P.H. Mobile County Health Department Type II, 7/99, Amaryl2
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My midwife wants me to check my blood sugar 4 times a day. I am 17 weeks pregnant. (Snipped) I’m not having a lot of luck. It’s taking 3-4, sometimes 5, attempts to get enough blood out of my fingers to register on the monitor. I have to be doing something wrong. I use a Soft Clix and aim for the outer edge of a finger. If I’m lucky, I get a darn near microscopic drop of blood.
I am not familiar with the Soft Clix. Can you adjust the depth of penetration? If you can, I’d suggest setting it on the deepest setting. If it isn’t adjustable, I would press down more firmly on the finger. It sound like you are doing things right, otherwise. You might try rubbing your hands together fast for a few seconds beforehand too. Good Luck! — David Robin The Diagnoses: sideroblastic anemia/hemochromatosis 8/98, IDDM 10/90 The Meds: NPH insulin, humalog, chelation with desferal on hold, folic acid, pyroxidine, calcium and Vitamin E The Counts (and normal ranges): hg: 10.5 (12.5-17); Ferritin: 936 (20-450); hg A1c: 7.4 (4.2-5.9)
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I have gestational diabetes and when I found out consulted this group on which lancet device was the best since the thought of sticking myself terrified me (and it’s still no picnic). The "Vaculance" got the most votes so I asked the diabetic counselor if she had any — since they just get loaned out to everyone with GDM. Thankfully she did have one a drug rep had given them that they never bothered to give out since it can’t be returned — because of the blood getting on part of it, I guess. She also gave me the "Soft Clix" since that’s what they usually give "their girls." I tried the fingers for awhile with the "Soft Clix" but couldn’t get enough blood on the glucometer — usually gave up after 3 tries. There’s been maybe one or two times that I *haven’t* produced enough blood from the "Vaculance" so I would definitely suggest trying to get one. I don’t find it hurts any more than the "Soft Clix" and sometimes it hurts less. Since I got mine for free, I’m not sure if that has one of those rebate plans where it only ends up costing a few bucks but I’m sure you could find out easily enough by going to a drugstore. -Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My midwife wants me to check my blood sugar 4 times a day. I am 17 weeks pregnant. I have passed every blood test I have taken — glucose tolerance and a fasting blood sugar test. But at my doctor appointments, I continue to spill sugar into my urine. My midwife cannot decide if I might be on the verge of gestational diabetes or if I just have a strange body quirk. This very thing happened with my two previous pregnancies. I was never diagnosed with gestational diabetes, but I cannot "pass" to pee tests, so to speak? Does anyone have any suggestions/information? As a precaution, and I suppose to keep an eye on whether the excess sugar shows up in my blood, I am *trying* to use my blood sugar monitor. I’m not having a lot of luck. It’s taking 3-4, sometimes 5, attempts to get enough blood out of my fingers to register on the monitor. I have to be doing something wrong. I use a Soft Clix and aim for the outer edge of a finger. If I’m lucky, I get a darn near microscopic drop of blood. This is really frustrating, because when I did a practice run at the doctor’s office, I pulled the trigger in the same area I’m aiming for now and practically gushed blood. My fingers are bring poked about 20 times a day–on a good day. And that’s before I give up. Any suggestions for this? I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have. Thank you, Lisa Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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You can get blood from the Soft Clix on #2?? I had it set on #3 and it always took at *least* two sticks — usually 3. I was figuring that was due to the fact that the needle was getting more dull with each stick and was therefore making a bigger hole! :-) -Julie Hi Lisa, I can appreciate your concerns at poking your fingers, I had the same
trouble at first. My problem was I was petrified to do it, and had to get over the psychological hangup I had. What works for me is much the same as what you are already doing. I wash
my hands well in warm soapy water, and let my fingers dangle down towards the drain as my hands rinse. Then I keep my hands down low as I dry them.
I wiggle/shake my hand, letting in dangle by my side. I gently massage the intended finger from my wrist down to the tip of the finger, helping to
get it filled with blood. After I do the poke, I let my hand dangle down again for maybe 5 seconds, then I work at getting the blood to form a drop.
95% of the time it works, but there are times when it doesnt, and I have to psyche myself up to do it again…I hate that! I use the Soft Clix too,
and it’s set on #2. Maybe you need to increase the number on your poker and see if that helps. Make sure you are using a new lancet as they are
sharper. I use mine for about two weeks before changing them. Also try to poke closer to the middle of the finger, rather than on the edge, but dont
poke in the very middle as that hurts like hell. Same with the very tip – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -ouch! It really does take practice to find what works for you, and I wish you the best. Elva in Ontario My midwife wants me to check my blood sugar 4 times a day. I am 17 weeks pregnant. I have passed every blood test I have taken — glucose tolerance and a fasting blood sugar test. But at my doctor appointments, I continue to spill sugar into my urine. My midwife cannot decide if I might be on the verge of gestational diabetes or if I just have a strange body quirk. This very thing happened with my two previous pregnancies. I was never diagnosed with gestational diabetes, but I cannot "pass" to pee tests, so to speak? Does anyone have any suggestions/information? As a precaution, and I suppose to keep an eye on whether the excess sugar shows up in my blood, I am *trying* to use my blood sugar monitor. I’m not having a lot of luck. It’s taking 3-4, sometimes 5, attempts to get enough blood out of my fingers to register on the monitor. I have to be doing something wrong. I use a Soft Clix and aim for the outer edge of a finger. If I’m lucky, I get a darn near microscopic drop of blood. This is really frustrating, because when I did a practice run at the doctor’s office, I pulled the trigger in the same area I’m aiming for now and practically gushed blood. My fingers are bring poked about 20 times a day–on a good day. And that’s before I give up. Any suggestions for this? I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have. Thank you, Lisa Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
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Hi Lisa, I can appreciate your concerns at poking your fingers, I had the same trouble at first. My problem was I was petrified to do it, and had to get over the psychological hangup I had. What works for me is much the same as what you are already doing. I wash my hands well in warm soapy water, and let my fingers dangle down towards the drain as my hands rinse. Then I keep my hands down low as I dry them. I wiggle/shake my hand, letting in dangle by my side. I gently massage the intended finger from my wrist down to the tip of the finger, helping to get it filled with blood. After I do the poke, I let my hand dangle down again for maybe 5 seconds, then I work at getting the blood to form a drop. 95% of the time it works, but there are times when it doesnt, and I have to psyche myself up to do it again…I hate that! I use the Soft Clix too, and it’s set on #2. Maybe you need to increase the number on your poker and see if that helps. Make sure you are using a new lancet as they are sharper. I use mine for about two weeks before changing them. Also try to poke closer to the middle of the finger, rather than on the edge, but dont poke in the very middle as that hurts like hell. Same with the very tip – ouch! It really does take practice to find what works for you, and I wish you the best. Elva in Ontario – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My midwife wants me to check my blood sugar 4 times a day. I am 17 weeks pregnant. I have passed every blood test I have taken — glucose tolerance and a fasting blood sugar test. But at my doctor appointments, I continue to spill sugar into my urine. My midwife cannot decide if I might be on the verge of gestational diabetes or if I just have a strange body quirk. This very thing happened with my two previous pregnancies. I was never diagnosed with gestational diabetes, but I cannot "pass" to pee tests, so to speak? Does anyone have any suggestions/information? As a precaution, and I suppose to keep an eye on whether the excess sugar shows up in my blood, I am *trying* to use my blood sugar monitor. I’m not having a lot of luck. It’s taking 3-4, sometimes 5, attempts to get enough blood out of my fingers to register on the monitor. I have to be doing something wrong. I use a Soft Clix and aim for the outer edge of a finger. If I’m lucky, I get a darn near microscopic drop of blood. This is really frustrating, because when I did a practice run at the doctor’s office, I pulled the trigger in the same area I’m aiming for now and practically gushed blood. My fingers are bring poked about 20 times a day–on a good day. And that’s before I give up. Any suggestions for this? I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have. Thank you, Lisa Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
My midwife wants me to check my blood sugar 4 times a day. I am 17 weeks pregnant. I have passed every blood test I have taken — glucose tolerance and a fasting blood sugar test. But at my doctor appointments, I continue to spill sugar into my urine. My midwife cannot decide if I might be on the verge of gestational diabetes or if I just have a strange body quirk. This very thing happened with my two previous pregnancies. I was never diagnosed with gestational diabetes, but I cannot "pass" to pee tests, so to speak? Does anyone have any suggestions/information? As a precaution, and I suppose to keep an eye on whether the excess sugar shows up in my blood, I am *trying* to use my blood sugar monitor. I’m not having a lot of luck. It’s taking 3-4, sometimes 5, attempts to get enough blood out of my fingers to register on the monitor. I have to be doing something wrong. I use a Soft Clix and aim for the outer edge of a finger. If I’m lucky, I get a darn near microscopic drop of blood. This is really frustrating, because when I did a practice run at the doctor’s office, I pulled the trigger in the same area I’m aiming for now and practically gushed blood. My fingers are bring poked about 20 times a day–on a good day. And that’s before I give up. Any suggestions for this? I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have. Thank you, Lisa Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I use a Soft Clix and aim for the outer edge of a finger. If I’m lucky, I get a darn near microscopic drop of blood. This is really frustrating, because when I did a practice run at the doctor’s office, I pulled the trigger in the same area I’m aiming for now and practically gushed blood. My fingers are bring poked about 20 times a day–on a good day. And that’s before I give up. Any suggestions for this? I wash with warm water, dangle the victim hand for a few seconds…I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve asked for help, but was told that it takes practice. Well, this practice has lasted for almost 3 weeks, and it’s getting really old. Please share any suggestions any of you might have.
Hi Lisa. I use the sides of my fingers, along the top third, either side of the nail (although getting too close to the nail can be painful). Are you making sure you have the soft clix pressed firmly against your finger and then pulling the trigger? It sounds like you might either not be pressing into the finger or are pulling away just slightly just before the needle goes in. You might also try a methodical testing of one finger, moving slightly up or down each time, then noting which places work best for you, as they should be similiar on other fingers. moonshyne
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