The Finger Stick

[KDR]

Good morning, everyone,
Before each treatment, I have a finger stick blood test. They use pre-sized sticks, so no changing guages like on a diabetes prong. Anyone figure out how to make it hurt less? I always use a warmer to get the blood flowing, and have tried ice right after the stick. Still, it has to be one of the thing I like least about my treatment. Thanks!

[ElaineM]

Can you get a prescription for lidocaine cream? You might be able to put some in the area where the test usually is an hour before the test.

[Adriana Mangus]

Dear Karen,


I believe there is a way to adjust the monitor.

My husband suffers from diabetes and I had to adjust it for him. He was complaining that the needle --the poking--was so strong that it was causing blisters on his fingers. Also it's better to have the poking done on the side of the finger or the top just a bit below the fingernail--and not in the middle where it hurts the most.

Hope this is clear for you.

Adriana

[whatz]

Don't laugh but long ago I was a nursing student in Germany. We actually did not do a finger stick on a lot of patients but stuck them in the earlobe --> same amount of blood as the finger yet much less nerve endings. I can't get my nurses here convinced to do that but maybe you can. Hurts much less.

[KDR]

Adriana: we have a (T1) diabetic in the family so I know what you mean...but these sticks are set, can't be adjusted. I have learned that the side of the finger is where to go. Still, there's got to be a better way...
Whatz: Love that idea. I could go for the ear!