Re-using syringes?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Sushi (GA 5/05-3/14)

Sushi (GA 5/05-3/14)

Member Since 2011
I have a strange/"survival mode" question: I am extremely strapped this week as I await my first paycheck from my new job. I've literally spent my last dime making sure Sushi has been taken care of while I'm away working in Baton Rouge.
I only have 6 syringes and ~10 strips left. It could very well come down to me having to choose between buying more supplies or paying for the cat sitter to come test/feed/shoot him for a day. nailbite_smile
Here are options I'm considering:
(a) Re-using syringes (I know this is a HUGE no-no. I already re-injected insulin back into the bottle to get rid of air bubbles several times before I learned this was NOT good idea. So the insulin already has silicone in it. Would it be okay for me to do re-use syringes if I've already done this?)
(b) Filling up a syringe with a few doses and re-using it. For example, Sushi gets 4 units. Could I fill a syringe with 8 units and inject 1/2 (4 units) at AM and the remaining 4 at PM?
Any thoughts?
I know neither of these are ideal choices, but I'm pretty strapped here.
 
I think doubling up on a dose in the syringe is a recipe for over dosing your cat. I wouldn't do it. In addition, you shouldn't pre-fill a syringe. The insulin will go bad.

If you really have to re-use a syringe, I wouldn't use it more than twice. The metal on the syringe begins to fray and it can be painful to Sushi when giving a shot.
 
Wish I'd known this earlier.....I have a bag of Relion half-unit markings I would have gladly mailed to you. Can still do it on Monday if you like. Just pm me your address. They are short needle, 31g.
 
FWIW, I agree with Sienne. Option 1 is very risky. Option 2 would probably be the better one, but she is right: the metal does begin to fray - it could be painful for Sushi. I wouldn't use a syringe more than twice, and then only in dire straights. Good luck! I do understand the predicament. I hope it all works out for you.

ETA: After reading Marje's post - I too have a box of BD syringes I will not use. 1/2 unit markings, short needles. What meter do you use? I have extra strips for the maxima and the infinity. IN fact I have an extra infinity meter too....
 
Hi!!
Thank you all so much for your input.
I talked with Lori about having her send me some syringes, but the problem is I need them by Tuesday (I only have 6 left) so they'd need to be overnighted to me. I will be able to re-imburse and/or re-supply you once I receive my paycheck in the next week or so, but I know overnight/next day shipping is an arm and a leg.
I use a ReliOn Confirm meter.
I hate that we're in this boat, but we'll get through it!
 
Sienne is right, It would just be to hard w/ the needle inserted to get the dose right and the needles do get dull easily.

I know when I first started I could get a small pack of 10 syringes at the drug store for about $3. Would that tide you over long enough? I have extra syringes i could send too, but no way to send until monday.
 
What about the contamination factor of inserting the used syringe back into the pen/vial? I had always thought THAT was the most undesirable part of syringe re-use....according to Jojo.
 
I think if you use an alcohol wipe on the needle it will be fine. Back in the olden days, there weren't disposable syringes. The needles got dosed in alcohol.
 
I used to re-use syringes once on myself but never with Lantus, only with NPH and Humalog. I never had a problem with it and there was even an article on its safety in a diabetes magazine. In fact, BD syringes were also tested when injected through clothing and it did not effect the needle. The problem is contaminating the Lantus because it is so darn perishable if mishandled. I definitely would not use the needle more than twice if you do this and yes, clean it with an alcohol swab.

I also have syringes I can send you if need some. Please accept some extra supplies so that you have a nice stash in case this happens again. I have boxes of various syringes, all with 1/2 unit markings.
 
hi ashley,

do you have a bank of america acct? i could transfer some $$ to you to buy a box of syringes if needed. i've also got a credit union acct and we can transfer to other bank accts from it, but it can take a couple of days, so i'm not sure if that's helpful. the b of a can go instantly.

i've got young adult kids - i know you've been unemployed and all this care for a diabetic cat gets to be very expensive.
 
Thank you all so much for your advice, but more than that thank you for offering to send syringes! I'm only in trouble for the next week or so; I'll be fine once I get my first paycheck. My new job is wonderful and pays great; I don't forsee that I will be in this situation again and I'd rather you hold on to your syringes. Don't get me wrong, I really need them, but I need them NOW and we can't get them to me now! By the time they get to here I'll be able to afford to buy some.

Julie, wow! What a generous offer! I don't have a Bank of America account. I have accounts at an FCU and Capital One.

Thanks again for everything! I so appreciate it!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top