Lantus pen mystery

R

Robin1

Member Since 2020
I am still very new, and haven't gotten our SS posted yet, but I have an urgent question. I switched from a vial to the Solostar pen a few days ago, and have watched the videos and read all that I could find about using a syringe instead of the needles that go with it. I have had no problems until this morning when I went to draw up the insulin only to find what looked like an empty pen! I was horrified at the possibility that it had all leaked out, but I saw no indication of it. I rewatched the video again and noticed that the pen that the demonstrator was using had the dosage marker on the end twisted up. I couldn't find any mention of twisting the end of it anywhere. I didn't know what else to do, so I twisted mine up, looked again, and the insulin seemed to have reappeared. Am I crazy? Did I just think that I saw an empty cartridge? This whole situation is not for the faint of heart. Also, my apologies if I have posted my question in the wrong place. I am not at all tech savvy.
 
That is a mystery.:confused: I can't say that I've had that experience before.
I just pop the cap off of the Lantus pen, insert needle/syringe into the pen and draw the dose up. Same way you would use a vial. The only exception is you don't inject air into the pens as you have the option in a vial. Never messed with the dial on the end of the pen.
Maybe someone else has had a similar experience with the disappearing Lantus. Good luck:)
 
Does it matter if it is stored on its side or upright? I have been keeping it in the drawer of the refrigerator on its side.
 
Robin1 said:
Does it matter if it is stored on its side or upright? I have been keeping it in the drawer of the refrigerator on its side.
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Not that I'm aware of. I keep mine on the top shelf of the fridge on it's side. Can't say I've had any problems.
Sounds like you're doing things correctly.
 
Robin1 said:
This is all very stressful.
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It will get easier. :bighug: You have a great group of peeps here on the forum ready to help support you. There's tons of info on the site so, go slow and don't get overwhelmed. Ask questions. The more you ask the more you learn.
If possible, it's helpful to post daily. That way peeps can get to know you and Nermal. Help foster new friendships and get the wealth/variety of knowledge this forum has to offer. We can follow your journey and offer advice when applicable. Just my thoughts:bighug:;)
If you need attention brought to a question you have, there is a question mark icon you can add to your thread title. Go to thread tools at the right hand side of the screen. Mouseover and a drop down menu will appear for edit thread. Click on it. A box will appear where you can edit your thread. In the very beginning/left hand side of the space where you can type there is an area that says No Prefix. If you mouseover a drop down menu will appear. Highlight and click the question mark. Now you have a question mark in your thread that will draw some attention. After your question has been answered follow the same instructions and remove the question mark by highlighting/clicking No Prefix. Hope that made sense.
You and Nermal will learn this sugar dance. It just takes some time and a few wracked nerves AT FIRST but, it WILL get easier! We're here for y'all!:bighug:
I hope you have a great day Robin.:)
 
Did you try to draw off some insulin with a syringe and then withdraw the syringe and then shoot out what was or wasn't in the syringe?

I suspect it was a bit of an optical illusion based on how you were holding the pen. As long as you "found" the insulin, all is good.
 
If using the pen, you just draw from the rubber part with a syringe. You shouldn't have to turn the dial, as you draw with the syringe the plunger part should pull down due to the negative pressure of the draw. If you find you get any air bubbles in it, you can flick them to the top and do a 1 unit turn of the dial and hit the button up top to clear.

One time I was being very picky about getting an air bubble out and actually did the dial/button thing too many times. The next time I went to draw it almost filled itself as the pen was under so much pressure. :)
 
I hope that some part of the pen had just be 'closed' over the window so you can see the little plunger inside as it makes it's way toward the bottom - when the plunger inside gets all the way to the end, then the pen will be empty. There's a lot to learn in the early days...just keep posting and asking questions :)
 
It was suggested to me to not keep the insulin on the door since there is a fair amount of movement there as well as not as consistent temperature on the door. Just a thought...
 
Thanks for all the advice, everyone. Though now that I have twisted the dial up, should I just leave it there? What would happen if I pressed it down?
 
Robin1 said:
Thanks for all the advice, everyone. Though now that I have twisted the dial up, should I just leave it there? What would happen if I pressed it down?
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Another question I can't help you with....sorry. I'm assume nothing would happen if you pushed the plunger button thingy unless you had a syringe/needle inserted into the pen. I may be wrong and someone can correct me so I learn too...the dial is to measure each dose. I think it also "pressurizes" the pen for that dose. All we have to do is push the button instead of a plunger once the appropriate lantus needle is applied. That is how it is to be administered in people. Obviously, that's not how we use it in our kitties.

Tracy mentioned in reply #9(copied/pasted from her reply):
One time I was being very picky about getting an air bubble out and actually did the dial/button thing too many times. The next time I went to draw it almost filled itself as the pen was under so much pressure.

Maybe my reply will get some other eyes on your question.
Have you had a chance to set Nermal's spreadsheet up? If you have problems with it, the forum has a spreadsheet guru named Marje(also a moderator) that can help you. She's wonderful. I'm not trying to pressure you. I'm sure everyone is quite interested to see Nermal's blood glucose #s. Can't wait to get a peek at it:)
I hope you have a great day Robin.
 
Thank you so much again. You all are so nice! Yes, I have been remiss regarding the SS. Firstly, I much prefer the real world (pencil and paper) to the virtual (the robots are taking over), so my attention goes elsewhere unless I am forced to acknowledge it. Secondly, I live with three horses, six cats and two dogs. I hope to get it done this Sunday. I am very much looking forward to getting some advice! Thanks again!
 
Nice job on getting your SS set up and testing! You rock!:smuggrin:

One thing I'd like to mention is there's a certain "format" we follow when posting on the L&L(Lantus/Levemir) forum. It makes threads easier to follow.
We make a new post everyday instead of replying to an old thread. It keeps things up to date from day to day. In that new thread, we also include a link to your previous day's thread(once you make a new thread you can include the link to this thread). So for instance your thread title could read something like: 4-11-20 Nermal AMPS=340 Thoughts on Spreadsheet? Also, include that ? icon for your prefix(discussed in reply #6). It will grab some attention. Then type whatever your concerns are with Nermal, well wishes, simply say hi or w/e you'd like in your thread. Take a peek at a few of the different posts from today to get an idea. It will become routine after a few times:);) Hope that made sense.

I'm not one of the SS guru's so, hopefully by me commenting it will bring attention to your thread. If you'd like you can start a new thread for today with Nermal's AMPS and your question. That may help to bring some attention to Nermal's SS.
To me it looks like Nermal likes to bounce when she starts to see blue #s. Let's see what the board thinks:)
 
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