Being that we have to alternate the injection site, I have an extremely difficult time injecting the needle in my left side of the abdomen. My doctor has no answers. Is there a way to desensitise this area of my abdomen?
2007-02-23 03:24:57 · 8 answers · asked by Kim O 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
I don't really think there is a "medical" answer for your question, but perhaps it has to do with the fact that:
a) That side is more sensitive due to being used infrequently (i.e. no scar tissue)
b) It is more awkward to reach over to that side if right handed. You may be injecting at an odd angle.
c.) The movement of injecting on the left using your right hand may cause the muscles to tense, increasing pain.
d) It may be some sort of psychological thing (did you have an injury on that side?), or you may have increased nerve density there for whatever reason.
Either way, the cause is not so much important as the solution!
You can:
-Use an ice cube wraped in a paper towel to numb the area. Some people think this may affect absorption, but it should be ok since the freezing will not affect the deeper layers of tissue.
-Buy some EMLA cream. It's a prescription cream that hospitals use to numb the skin of children who need IV lines. There are also cheaper versions. Only use a tiny amount on a small area. It is dangerous to use a large amount on a large area.
-You could also try OTC Orajel, used for toothaches. I have to admit I do not know how effective this would be.
-You could also try to distract yourself and use lamaze breathing. This is the cheapie way, and it may very well work!
Good luck!
P.S. You may also want to try using the smaller/shorter needles, and try angling at a 45 degree angle instead of 90 degrees.
2007-02-23 08:08:09 · answer #1 · answered by reginachick22 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you been injected there before? It could just be sensitivity problems with the needle you never know. Do you have to inject it from the left? What about the right?
2007-02-23 03:31:58 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ Jess ♥ I dream, I wish, I love 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt have to be as black and white as left side/right side,
there are many injection sites,
Even if you only use one side of your abdomen, unless you are super skinny there is a lot of area there
higher up, lower down, further right, further left etc
Arms are good if you can do it there,
I wouldnt do it in your leg though as it might take longer to get absorbed due to the muscle
2007-02-23 03:32:27 · answer #3 · answered by Beth123456 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I have an aversion to the left side of my stomach too. Do you have a hard time forcing yourself to stick the needle in or is it actually that the needle has a difficult time moving when you are injecting? I have a theory about site preference being psychologically based on your favored hand, but so far it's not panning out. If you get a chance, please answer my question on it.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AkvHmqjiX27ilyEeGAPg.YTsy6IX?qid=20070222173328AA846Dm
2007-02-23 03:35:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is not an answer to your question, I dont have one, but I have a question of my own. Why, if you have other injection sites, cant you just skip injecting on that side of the stomach?
2007-02-23 06:32:31 · answer #5 · answered by kimmamarie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband is 44 and has been diabetic since the age of 8 yrs....he still has a sensitive side! Sorry, he could never find an answer for that question either!
2007-02-23 03:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by rebeccaobx 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IT IS SENSITIVE CAUSE THAT'S A FREQUENT PLACE WHERE YOU INJECT YOUR SELF WITH INSULIN , JUST LETTING IT HEAL AND NOT INJECTING THERE SHOULD HELP YOU. I KNOW CAUSE I GIVE MYSELF INSULIN!
2007-02-23 03:28:07 · answer #7 · answered by Swm 39 4 Younger Swf Forever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are 'ticklish' on that side.
2007-02-23 03:27:10 · answer #8 · answered by Daniel-san 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋