Unreasonable Fear of Testing B.S. Help! - Diabetes Message Board

BeckyPie · 09-19-2007, 08:15 AM

Hey,
I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this summer. I was told to check my blood sugar every other morning. During the summer it wasn't too bad. It took me a half an hour to do it but I always got it done. Now that school has started (I'm a teacher) I can't take a half an hour to check it. I don't have the time in the morninig. As a result, I haven't been checking it. I know that's bad. I just can't do it. I sit down to and I can't.
The reason I can't do it isn't because it hurts. It doesn't. I psych myself out. I hold it to my finger and can't bring myself to push the button. I know it won't hurt, it's the thought of it poking my skin and it's the sight of the blood. Just writing about it my finger tips are tingling and I'm freaking out.
What can I do to help myself out? I can check it on the weekends when I have time to waste just sitting there and trying to talk myself into it. I just don't know what to do. People said I'd get used to it but I haven't. Any tips??

Canada eh · 09-19-2007, 10:12 AM

I hated testing at first too, but I did get used to it and now it doesn't bother me at all. Are you poking the side of the tip of your finger? That is supposed to be a little less sensitive

I am wondering if you "numbed" your finger first, if that would help. I think there are first aid spray's you can get that temporarily numb your skin or even the stuff you can get to put on baby's gums when they are teething??? You just have to make sure that if you do put something on your finger, it won't affect the test results.

Have you tried freezing with ice? Although, this could make it harder to get a drop of blood.

hopesprings2 · 09-19-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeckyPie

Hey,
I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this summer. I was told to check my blood sugar every other morning. During the summer it wasn't too bad. It took me a half an hour to do it but I always got it done. Now that school has started (I'm a teacher) I can't take a half an hour to check it. I don't have the time in the morninig. As a result, I haven't been checking it. I know that's bad. I just can't do it. I sit down to and I can't.
The reason I can't do it isn't because it hurts. It doesn't. I psych myself out. I hold it to my finger and can't bring myself to push the button. I know it won't hurt, it's the thought of it poking my skin and it's the sight of the blood. Just writing about it my finger tips are tingling and I'm freaking out.
What can I do to help myself out? I can check it on the weekends when I have time to waste just sitting there and trying to talk myself into it. I just don't know what to do. People said I'd get used to it but I haven't. Any tips??

i was thinking they had a new type of tester that doesnt hurt? i could be wrong tho

Citycotton · 09-19-2007, 03:57 PM

BeckyPie.. I hate to sound this way but you need to get over it. I hated needles and blood and all those things but when I was diagnosed T1 last year I did what I had to do to survive. The 1st time sucked but I got over it and it's no big deal. I even test my 13 yr old every so often and she dosen't freak out. What would you tell your students about getting a shot for immunizations? Yes it may hurt a bit but it's for your own good, the same applies to you. Put it to your finger, push and get on with the rest of your day. Not testing can lead to complications and I believe those would be far worse than a finger stick.

Bamboo · 09-28-2007, 01:14 PM

I use a FreeStyle meter that allows you to use "alternate site testing". I can use the lancet on the side of my thigh, my forearm just below the elbow, and on my palms as well as my finger tips. My mom wants to switch to my meter because hers requires a lot of blood and the test site must be on her finger tips. I need only a pin-head sized drop of blood to do the test; she needs a lot more.

I'm sure you are upset by the change in your health status and the fact that you have to "poke yourself" several times a day. Still, it's for your health and will give you control over your condition! As CityCotton said, you'd advise your students to do what they must to stay healthy. (I recently retired from a 30-year teaching career.

) You should do no less for your self.