Syringe and Spread Sheet Problems

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Julie and Eleanor (GA)

Julie and Eleanor (GA)

Very Active Member
I'm still trying to figure out the Spread Sheet. I have an eye condition that makes it VERY difficult for me to spend a lot of time on the computer, if I strain my eyes, they become very unfocused not to mention the headache.
I'm having trouble with the syringes, I see from the Forum that other people have issues as well. I'm using ReliOn 3/10 31 gauge, and the lines are inconsistant. Out of every 10 -pack only about 3 are marked correctly. I'm very concerned about this because again, with my eye problem it is hard to eyeball .5u. I don't know what to do. And I don't have the money to just throw the lousy syringes out and buy another box. Very frustating! I'm also now getting bubbles, is it ok to tap the syringe to try to get the air out? Since Lantus isn't supposed to be shaken or rolled, I don't know if it's okay to give the syringe a whack!
Eleanor is okay, her AMPS on Sunday was 332, +5 199, which I thought was pretty good. Then her PMPS 300, +6 267.
Today her AMPS 320.
I'll try to post everyday. Hopefully can get the Spread Sheet up!
 
If you want some hands on help for the spreadsheet, send me a pm. We can go through it together, you on your computer and me directing. Usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Choose the pm button on the bottom of my post if you'd like to try that.
 
Miss Myopia/cataract/floaters/retinopathy here - this website link shows all kinds of magnifiers, including clip on and headband magnifiers which leave your hands free
See It Bigger

For the air bubble problem, what I sometimes do is draw in a bit more, remove the syringe from the vial or pen, draw in MORE air and gently try to consolidate the bubble with the air pocket, then hold the needle tip up and slowly press the plunger to expel most of the air, and any excess insulin.

ReliOn brand does have a 3/10 cc, 31 gauge, 8 mm needle with half unit markings.
The NDC code for them is 81131-0311-79.
The bar code is a re-arrangement of that - 81131 31179.
And an additional code on the plastic package of 10 is X96130.
 
Sue, I sent you a PM.
BJM -thank you for the link. Sorry you have those problems.It really stinks.
That's what I've been doing with the syringe and the bubbles usually just sit there. If I shoot the insulin out and refill, might that help, I mean would it be starting over? I don't know with Lantus if I'm supposed to put the needle back into the pen, it isn't used but I guess might have some bacteria, I don't know., I know I'm not supposed to inject into the pen. I've had a couple syringes with good lines and tossed them because of the air.
Eleanor's +5 212.
 
Before you fill the syringe, see if it helps to work the plunger several times, then push and hold the plunger in firmly while inserting the syringe into the insulin container.

And a tiny bubble in a subcutaneous injection isn't likely to cause a big problem. Its when a bubble is injected into a blood vessel that it can become dangerous.
 
Hi Julie,

You can flick the lantus. I do it all the time in the needle & never had it go bad. Just flick gently with your nail underneath the bubble going towards the top. I also found that it lessens the bubbles if you draw the same amount of air as you are going to draw insulin, into the syringe before you put it in the bottle, then gently release it into the bottle while you;re holding it upside down (after putting the tip in naturally), then draw your insulin while holding the bottle upside down (without removing it).

I like Walgreen's syringes. They have perfect lines, 1/2 markings, if you get the 5/16, .3cc, 8mm, 31 gauge, 30 units or less, they also seem to have more space and seem easier to read to me. I also have vision problems. I don't have bubble problems with them either. The only problem with them is the tops are hard to pull off but If I can do it, anyone can. They come in 10 10pks to a box but they may sell a pack to let you try them, not sure. I get by the box. They're relatively inexpensive.

Melanie & Racci
 
If you are using a Lantus pen or cartridge, you do not normally inject air into these. There is an end piece which moves inward as the insulin moves out.
 
Here's a little tip - most browsers have this function - if you hold the Ctrl button and scroll with your mouse wheel (or + and - keys if you don't have one), you can adjust the text size of the entire page on the fly. Press Ctrl 0 (zero) to reset it back to normal.
 
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