Anxiety with insertion

I'm wondering is anyone else has a lot of anxiety with insertion of the sensor? Seriously, I've never done it totally sober. I don't know why it stresses me out so bad but I can't seem to get over it. I've done 5 insertions now. It does hurt a little, sometimes...but nothing to get so stressed over!

It takes me up to 45 minutes to insert and has my heart racing and hands shaking everytime! I think dexcom needs to re-design this thing somehow!

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Permalink Reply by Brad Ringer on November 28, 2010 at 5:48pm

It stresses me too; probably not quite as much as you. I had a series of insertions that were nasty, but then they got better. It does get better.

Permalink Reply by Ahmad on November 28, 2010 at 6:02pm

hmmmmm

I believe it is human nature to have some anxiety when you are going to hurt your self. Inserting a needle or even poking your finger. However am not sure about the 45 mnts.

For me I will say it takes around 5 mnt to insert it. Since I try to trick my self (mind) and do it without being notice.

Permalink Reply by lisa c on November 28, 2010 at 6:09pm

try coughing when you plunge.

Permalink Reply by Kaayle on November 28, 2010 at 6:22pm

Wow! That makes me nervous to hear... I haven't gotten mine yet, but what makes it so painful? I get a bit of pain from the shots sometimes but nothing to worry about really. I do get some anxiety about the shots and finger stick still but I think that is just from the general idea we grow up with that all shots hurt. Please do explain more about when it comes to the Dexcom.

Permalink Reply by Courtney on November 28, 2010 at 6:44pm

I wouldn't even say it's painful, MOST of the time. When I did injections I did them very slowly and poked around for the "right" spot. With my pump infusion sets it's automatic (which freaked me out before I did it the first time) but they don't hurt AT ALL! But I feel the needle with the dexcom. It's something about the moment your thumb pushes the plunger and the contact with your flesh. It's easy going til you hit the flesh and then you have to push at a different speed.
I'm guessing the part of it not hurting is going to catch up with my illogical fear at some point but it's just been really tough for me! Maybe at the 10th insertion I will feel like an expert???

Permalink Reply by Kaayle on November 28, 2010 at 6:57pm

I certainly hope so! I'm excited and nervous about getting my pump and CGM in January... I just got diagnosed in Sept and decided to wait for my deductible to renew. Thanks for the info.

Permalink Reply by Courtney on November 28, 2010 at 7:08pm

That's awesome you're going all out in January! I was diagnosed 5 years ago and just started the pump in July and Dexcom a couple months ago. Both have been incredible despite some adjustment and I wish I'd made the leap earlier. Neither are bad and I think I'm having my own ridiculous anxieties but they're real nonetheless and I take a little comfort that it'll just get easier with time. Good luck!!

Permalink Reply by Kaayle on November 28, 2010 at 7:26pm

I hear that... Which pump did you go with?

Permalink Reply by Courtney on November 28, 2010 at 7:44pm

An Animas Ping. I love the meter remote and don't feel too hampered by the tubing. When I looked at the pod is just seemed like a huge thing to be stuck to you and I felt like it would be too easy to knock it off (my job is very physical). And their customer service is wonderful.

Permalink Reply by Kaayle on November 28, 2010 at 7:55pm

I'm glad to hear that, because that is the one I'm leaning towards myself. I'm testing the pod right now after hearing how great it was from many other active people, but I'm concerned about form fitting clothing and some random lump sticking out. Vain, I know... but I think the Ping Animas would be easier to hide under clothing and more versatile.

Permalink Reply by Amy on November 28, 2010 at 8:21pm

Im getting the animas ping myself....waiting for the approval...as far as the insertion go...I have no issues..I think of it as I'm giving myseld insulin and I've trained my brain that way....I find it painless...but love my dex and can't wait for the ping

Permalink Reply by Kaayle on November 29, 2010 at 12:13pm

Awesome Amy! Let us know what you think... I have to wait until Jan, b/c of deductible logic... :) I'm approved and ready to go, just need insurance to roll over already!!! grrrr... LOL...

Courtney, I'm definitely getting the Ping now... I've been wearing the pod demo and it's annoying... of course having something on you all the time will take some getting used to, but you can definitely see it lumped under clothing... I keep hearing about that integration too... Here's hoping!