More easy to use lancet device

[W. Neal Lewis]

I just did my first at home blood glucose check on Thomas with the AlphaTRAK® system.

I like the meter and the test strips. The lancet system is another matter entirely (at this point).

The problem is that my depth perception is not that excellent. I need a system I can actually put on the ear before firing it. Thomas would let me do that, but he has very limited patience for incompetent underlings (the staff who serve him ).

What brand of lancet will let me do that?

Thanks.

Neal, Carrie, and Thomas

 

[BJM]

I found a lancet pen inconvenient because I couldn't see where I was aiming, so I free-handed and just rolled my wrist counter-clockwise to do the prick. Before I had the cataracts removed, I also used clip on magnifier lenses to help me see.

 

[W. Neal Lewis]

I found a lancet pen inconvenient because I couldn't see where I was aiming, so I free-handed and just rolled my wrist counter-clockwise to do the prick. Before I had the cataracts removed, I also used clip on magnifier lenses to help me see.

BJM, Thanks for the suggestion.

Cataracts. Been there and done that. The problem is retinal puckers in the right eye.

I don't do to badly with things that hold still. Thomas is not one of those things.

I just tried it again. I set the lancet on 4. That allowed me to be at a distance that I can see well enough. Two tries got it. And the AlphaTRAK2 requires very little blood and is very fast on analysis.

Success! Praise The LORD!

The before eating reading was 662. The reading 4 hours after injection (5 hours after eating) was 358. A major step forward. We are still going to go to the ProZinc® on Monday, but this is the best it's been so far.

Neal, Carrie, and Thomas

 

[Melanie and Smokey]

Congrats on success! A 662 would give me a heart attack, yikes. That 358 is definitely an improvement.

Free-handing seemed easier in the learning steps, the lancet device easier later on. Mine has a little round hole that I can feel for through the ear to know if I have it placed right. I've tried some other lancing devices that I just took the cap off and poked the cat with 'cause I found the device quite impossible to use.

 

[Louellen]

I found a lancet pen inconvenient because I couldn't see where I was aiming, so I free-handed and just rolled my wrist counter-clockwise to do the prick. Before I had the cataracts removed, I also used clip on magnifier lenses to help me see.

You too, @BJM ? I had both eyes done for cataracts last year now, I need the laser done as the back capsule is opacifying. That makes it very difficult to see for me and I think I have bottle lenses on to see Morrigan's ears as well as areas to shoot! I feel like Mrs Magoo!

 

[BJM]

When you have a moment, could you add a few tidbits to your signature? It will help us give you feedback without having to go look in all your past posts.

Editing your Signature

In the upper right corner of the screen, within the dark blue bar, you will see ID, Inbox, and Alerts

Click on your ID.

On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature.
This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
Add any other text, such as
your name,
cat's name,
date of Dx (diagnosis)
insulin
meter
general location
any other pertinent issues like if there are any food issues, history of DKA, hepatic lipidosis, pancreatitis, allergies, IBD, etc.
Click the Save Changes button at the bottom.

Always click the Save Changes button at the bottom when you have changed anything.

 

[W. Neal Lewis]

When you have a moment, could you add a few tidbits to your signature? It will help us give you feedback without having to go look in all your past posts.

Editing your Signature

QUOTE]

Thank you! I'm working on getting all that information put in and correct.

Neal, Carrie, Thomas, and Max

 

[W. Neal Lewis]

You too, @BJM ? I had both eyes done for cataracts last year now, I need the laser done as the back capsule is opacifying. That makes it very difficult to see for me and I think I have bottle lenses on to see Morrigan's ears as well as areas to shoot! I feel like Mrs Magoo!

My mother had to have the back of the capsule fixed. So far, I have not. The retinal puckers are scar tissue that sometimes happen. Sometimes the scar tissue comes loose on its own and you get your sight back in those areas. Sometimes (if it gets bad enough) the doctor has to drain the eye, remove the scar tissue, and refill the eye. That procedure has a 50/50 likelyhood of success. Not going there until it is absolutely needed.

Neal, Carrie, Thomas, and Max

 

[BJM]

I've had a vitreous detachment, where the vitreous jelly pulls away from the retina. It can cause some floaters.

 

[W. Neal Lewis]

I've had a vitreous detachment, where the vitreous jelly pulls away from the retina. It can cause some floaters.

As I understand it from my reading, the front and back of the eye are connected by microfine filaments. Cataract surgery can bring about breakage (even at a later date). When a filament breaks or pulls away from the retina it leaves a micro-fine scar. The rod is still there but a scar covers it. This usually happens for a while and stops, and it usually only happens in one eye. If it gets bad enough then very careful surgery may be an answer.

Now to the real news. I don't need a different lancet system, I need a new brain . You would think someone who writes manuals for a living could read one. Not so. I totally missed the part about "put the clear plastic cap back on and then use the lancet". Well duh. Doing it that way I can put it right against Thomas' ear, push the button, and done. No trying to see where I am, no scratching his ear. Problem solved. Thanks for all the good advice from everyone. Thank you for your valiant attempts to educate the stupid. Neal, Carrie, Thomas, and Max

 

[Jamye and Fred]

I have the Accu Chek lancet pen (I put the meter back in the box, cuz the strips are too expensive, and got the Relion meter) and I don't use the dial thingy on the end of the pen. I just put the soft clix in the end, prime it (click it like a pen), and free hand poke.

 

[Louellen]

My mother had to have the back of the capsule fixed. So far, I have not. The retinal puckers are scar tissue that sometimes happen. Sometimes the scar tissue comes loose on its own and you get your sight back in those areas. Sometimes (if it gets bad enough) the doctor has to drain the eye, remove the scar tissue, and refill the eye. That procedure has a 50/50 likelyhood of success. Not going there until it is absolutely needed.

Neal, Carrie, Thomas, and Max

W. Neal Lewis....I totally agree with you. I know that there are dangers in having the laser treatment (though they make it seem like a breeze) But, I am not going to have this done until absolutely needed as well. They keep telling me to wait until I've had it done before getting glasses (I use drug store/Walmart cheaters) but, I think I'm going to go ahead with getting a pair and deal until I really need to have it done.

 

[Louellen]

I've had a vitreous detachment, where the vitreous jelly pulls away from the retina. It can cause some floaters.

Uggghhhhh....BJM! I went to see a Retinal Specialist (I think he was all of maybe...27 years old...if that old) because I was seeing flashes of light at night. He did extensive testing at the hospital (about 3 hours worth) and said that I also have had some retinal detachment but, nothing worrisome and that's why I have more floaters as well. (I keep trying to swat them away and they won't go...kind of looks like I'm a bit insane. Well...I am but, it's just between you and I, ok? ) However, he did say that I could have the laser procedure without trouble but, I've read up on the idea of even more floaters from that and...well...unless this really is an issue...I think I'll wait for that and just get the glasses that I will need anyway. I've yet to get prescription glasses and still using "cheaters" from Walmart/drug stores as the surgeon told me to do for now. Call me "Chicken" but, I've had so many issues since the 2 cataract surgeries that I'm a little overly cautious now in getting anything further done. I really don't mind wearing glasses for driving or watching tv or reading so....think I'll wait for now. HUGS as I know what eye problems are and it seems Neal does too!