hi all, iv been diabetic now for about 6months, which proberly isnt long compared to a lot of you, i av developed diabetes form already having cystic fibrosis, which depressed me a lot to start with, but im coping a lot better now! i am thou findin the main problem is that the needles tend to hurt a lot, and they mke my skin puss out!! is this normal i just dont know! i am very thin (cos of my cystic fibrosis)but then i am on the smallest needles available im told!!

Well anyway if yuo can share any light on my problem feel free to reply or if u just wanna talk botu diabetes then [Please don't post personal details - thanks, mod3]
thanx

jon. :>

[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 05-16-2002).]

Hi Jon,
Wow, you sure have a lot to contend with. But it sounds like you have a great attitude, despite the bouts of depression. And let's face it, who doesn't occasionally get depressed when they have to deal with serious illness? As a therapist once told me, "If you weren't depressed sometimes, I'd be seriously worried about you!"

Of course, the thinner you are, the less subcutaneous (under the skin) fat you have, so it makes sense that the injections are somewhat painful. Have you tried a jet injector device? These use pressure to deliver insulin under the skin without a needle. Ask your doctor about them.

Also, you may find info on the American Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.org. (http://www.diabetes.org.)

Good luck Jon, and keep posting. I can't speak for anyone else, but I personally would be happy to chat with you on this board, and I'm sure you'll find others who will be very pleased to 'virtually' meet you.

hey thanx for the advice, no i av not tried the jet injector, but thankyou, i will enquire about that next time im in clinic!!
Diabetes is new to me so i would appriciate as much help as i can get on it!
well take care,

jon

I was terrified when I first got diagnosed and so convinced I couldn't even stick myself to test my blood sugar the first time. That first day it took 4 hours of crying and shaking and my hubby even stuck himself to shw me how easy it was. I had 2 years of pills before doc put me on insulin injections and I went thru it again, and now I am so used to the routine I don't even think about it. You didn't mention what size needles you use, but I started out with super thin 30 gauge, and 6 months ago started using the same brand's super thin II, same gauge, 30 (aka 5/16" aka 8mm) and somehow it doesn't feel the same. it goes in more easily and I do not even feel it 7 times out of 10. I think the angle of the needle tip is what makes the difference. I will share the brand name if we are allowed to, not sure what the rules are about posting brand names that work for us.

Anyway the times I do feel it are painful, but we just have to do it to stay alive. I am not minimizing your pain, I feel it too, but we are stronger for the struggle, and sometimes I think diabetics and others who combat long term serious diseases learn to relish life more. each day is a gift, a precious jewel that we EARN with our pain and efforts. Have you tried moving to a different spot on your body? I work my way from side to side across my upper abdomen, but I am heavier and have a fair amount of tummy fat.
Colleen in Chgo

I am very skinny also. I've had type one diabetes for going on 12 years. Eventually you won't notice the shots. One thing that won't go away, at least for me is the slight raising of the injection sites.

Good Luck,

Mark

I have been injecting insulin since 1965, back when we had to boil our glass syringes and needles and reuse them for months and months. In order to take that kind or use, they were very thick needles. Back then, I took 2 shots a day. Now I take 4 shots a day, but of course the disposable needles are much thinner and shorter, not to mention sharper and lubricated. I have taken over 40,000 injections. Sometimes they hurt and sometimes I feel nothing. Sometimes it leaves a lump, sometimes not. Sometimes it bleeds or leaks a little bit of insulin back out, other times the needle comes out clean with no leakage. I've found over these 38 years and 40,000 injections that speed is the best thing--inject really fast, just jab it in. It has worked reasonably well for me. I am also pretty thin, especially in my arms, and I can inject myself in both arms, and blind into my backside, although that took a bit of getting my nerve up! Good luck!

Michael

[This message has been edited by MikelBear (edited 05-12-2002).]