Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shawnmarie on July 31, 2012 at 12:24pm

It doesn't work for me either. I sort of split the difference now. I don't use the tips and I don't use the back; I go about half an inch down on either side. I might actually take a picture and post it to show you.

Editing to add this picture of one of my favorite sites (marked with pen):

I really wanted to the back of the fingers to work, but I agree with Gerri - Ouch! And no blood!!

Permalink Reply by Brendan Leber on July 31, 2012 at 12:45pm

Thanks for the info and the picture. I'll give that area a try.

Permalink Reply by Gerri on July 31, 2012 at 12:28pm

Hi Brendan,

Welcome to the group.

I also couldn't use that area either. Hurt! Don't believe you're doing anything wrong.

Permalink Reply by Brendan Leber on July 31, 2012 at 12:45pm

Thanks. Oh, I'm doing a lot wrong but I'm learning and trying to be better. ;)

Permalink Reply by BadMoonT2 on July 31, 2012 at 12:44pm

I have to agree with Shawnmarie and Gerri. Backs of fingers really hurt and I got no blood. Only tried it once. I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I test like Shawnmarie's photo but typically closer to the finger tip. I use an Accu-Chek Softclix which uses a proprietary lancet. I believe it hurts a little less and causes less callus buildup.

Permalink Reply by Shawnmarie on July 31, 2012 at 12:55pm

Don't you want to save those tips for your guitar strings? I try to save mine for my harp. :-)

Permalink Reply by BadMoonT2 on July 31, 2012 at 1:14pm

I only test on my right hand, avoiding the problem. I do a little hybrid picking (pick + middle finger) but since I only use my ring and pinkie for testing it doesn't bother me. Acidrock and I have fantasized about an all tuD jam session a time or two. Ever try any blues on the harp? :)

Permalink Reply by Shawnmarie on July 31, 2012 at 1:17pm

I use the harp a lot to accompany myself singing and I believe it would work beautifully with the blues.

Permalink Reply by Jo on July 31, 2012 at 12:44pm

I haven't tried it yet because it just seems like it will be more painful there. I'll have to work up the nerve and try it. I'll use a new lancet on the lowest setting and wash my hands in the warmest/hottest water I can stand, like I do now. I'll report back here afterwards but until then it's interesting to read others' experiences.

Permalink Reply by David (dns) on July 31, 2012 at 2:08pm

Don't feel singled out. I can't get decent results on the backs of my fingers either, and I find them to be MUCH more painful, dramatically so. I quit trying to use them some time ago.

Instead, I use each finger in three different spots -- left, right, and center. That gives me 30 sites to rotate thru, which seems to work pretty well. I use the ten left sites, then the ten center ones, then the ten right ones. That way each site goes a few days between uses. Works well for me. Your results may vary :)

Permalink Reply by jrtpup on July 31, 2012 at 3:26pm

I can only use my right hand for testing, but have4-5 sites on most fingers that are useable and not paintful usually. I use the one Shawnmarie illustrated, closer to the fingertip like BadMoon, and on some fingers the side of the second joint will work.

Permalink Reply by Sheila Fitz on July 31, 2012 at 10:36pm

I do think it is painful, but I massage the fatty side of the digit that I am using, and the blood shows up on the other side, back of the finger where I pricked. I take Aleve and aspirin everyday for my RA. I also exercise more than most people. Maybe that makes a difference. I like to use the back of my fingers sometimes, because my finger tips don't always clot as fast as I would like, especially with pressure.

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