Diabetes and LE

Options
Spookiesmom
Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

My LE is in my arm and hand to the knuckles, but not my fingers. I found out what happens when you get a poke in the affected area.



But can I still use my fingers for pokes for the meter? I don't know which doc to ask, hope somebody here knows.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited March 2013

    Spookiesmom, can you use the other hand? The danger in using the affected one is not just that it might swell more (or "leak" as you experienced earlier!Surprised), but that we're at a higher risk of infection in the quadrant that has LE. Even if you're scrupulously washing your hands before a blood test and using a new lancet every time, it's just a lot riskier with the LE. Bummer!Yell
    Hugs,
    Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2013

    I'm not a diabetic but I see commercials all the time on TV for meters that use many other parts of the body other than just finger - so why not get one of those meters?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited March 2013

    I can still use the other hand, just gives the fingers I'm constantly using a longer break if I could use both.



    What they don't say on those commercials is it hurts more, leaves bruises, and the reading is not as accurate, and should not be used to treat a low. They are trying to sell the strips for the meters, VERY expensive, like $1.25 each, when it's the pokers that do the work.



    Sorry for the rant.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited March 2013

    Spookiesmom, that rant is completely understandable!  I always wondered about those commercials (my mom has diabetes) and you have filled in a few blanks.  I'm so sorry you have to deal with the LE frustration of using just one hand for your blood checks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2013

    Thank you for the info Spookiesmom.    The commercials do make it sound so easy and like it would be the logical thing to do.  Alas - commercials for many things while they may not outright lie they often do not tell all the truth.

    While 'tallking' about commercials, there are some other ones I've seen that I kind of wonder about.  They are about preloaded with insulin syringes that they say you just carry around and they don't need to be refrigiated ever.  Also say that there is a 'dial' on them and you just dial the ammount needed in and it gives the right dose.  Do you know anything about them and are they really so great?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited March 2013

    I've used some of the pens. First you do a 2 click air shot, then dial the units you need, insert, shoot. No, once you start that pen, it doesn't need to stay in the fridge. Cold insulin hurts going in. They don't hold a lot of insulin, maybe 300u max. They can be convienent, but I never really liked them.



    I went with the OmniPod system, a tubeless pump, and am much happier with it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories