Re: Care & Use of Lancets to Karyn

July 16, 2004

Karyn,

While I would never even consider reusing my Humalog pen tips, I didn't

consider the same consequences with the lancets. Diabetics I've read about

on the websites keep saying how they use their's over and over, but the idea

always grossed me out after I saw a picture of a shringe that had only been

reused twice. Lancets didn't seem as important, though, since they only stick

such a tiny bit of the way into the outer layer of skin. I stand corrected, and

I'm

sorry that I said changing them each time wasn't necessary. There are boxes

and boxes in my med drawer waiting to be used.....so I'll take your advice!

When traveling last month I ran out of needle tips for my Humalog pen. I

ended up staying a day extra at s's and didn't realize until after the

stores were closed that I hadn't brought enough needle tips. It was in the

middle of the night, the pharmacy didn't open until 8:30 a.m. and I had to have

some insulin to bring down one of those totally unexpected brittle blood sugar

high's that always come out of the blue. I was mortified of the idea of

re-using

the tip I'd used at dinner, frantically pacing around my daughter's house.

Then my brain cleared......and you can imagine my relief when I remembered

my " extra stash " that I keep in my car's emergency first aid kit! I'd put extra

diabetes stuff in there over a year ago and then completely forgotten all about

it until that night.

Thanks for setting the record straight and reminding me (and all) about proper

lancet use.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All advice or comments are based on personal experience or opinion,

and shouldnot be substituted for consultation with a medical professional.

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