I've probably got some really, really old, dusty swab packet somewhere, but can't remember the last time I used one for a blood test or injection. I've pricked my finger to test with some pretty dirty hands, too. Not good, but whatever.
I really doubt the wart and the finger pricking spots are related. Finger tips are not an uncommon place to get a wart, which are fairly easy to get rid of.
We ABSOLUTELY use alcohol pads.. In fact I am amazed at how many posters do not use them. My son is 7- so it is a must for us. His hands are always dirty, lol. And besides a box of 100 is a buck! Why not take the extra precaution to make sure the finger is prepped and cleaned properly. We have had instances where we "thought" we cleaned well enough, and got an off the wall reading. We cleaned again and got a completely different reading. sometimes one BG check can turn into 2 or 3 sticks.. Of course we always retest when any reading is over 300 or under 60 to verify proper treatment methods. And we use them for every pump change. We use them to clean the insulin tops and the seret devices too. We are very concerned with disinfecting things so we actually go through about 12 boxes a month.
Alcohol will clean your finger but so will soap and water. Don't fret just get rid of those pesky things and clean your fingers with something- baby wipes work great too. I had some in the past but not at a testing site. The only way I got rid of them was by using DCNB from the dermatologists office. They put a patch of it on your arm and you get a poison ivy type of reaction to it. Then when you put it on the warts and cover it the same thing happens and your body kills them off. I haven't gotten them back again. Burning them off sucks and they just keep coming back. LOL! Best of luck!
If you are really concerned about using alcohol swabs all the time, go to Sam's Club. You can get a 400 pack for $2. Mind you they are not as good as the BD ones or anything else, but they are alcohol swabs non-the-less.
But what my dad and I do is use alcohol swabs for our injections/pump when we are out. But at home we have a jar with cotton balls and alcohol in it. Cotton balls are cheap so is the alcohol and you can get a lot of it at a low price.
As long as you're washing your hands completely and thoroughly then there shouldn't be any problems. Like I said before I always use alcohol for everything all the time, but hand washing isn't all that bad anyway. Just make sure not to keep using the same lancet over and over again AND not clean your finger..that could lead to trouble.
The GRE sucks, its kinda like a harder version of the SATs on the computer. I advise reviewing basic math, algebra formulas, get one of those books from Kaplan. The vocabulary is primarily words no one ever uses in real life so buy or make some flash cards, again Kaplan and other companies make flashcards of the most common used words. I would do some of those everyday and learn the latin routes to words, that can help you figure out what words you dont know might mean. Goodluck try not to be too nervous!
I also was diagnosed while in college. Definitely a big change. Anyway, the GRE is definitely a little harder and keep in mind that now you are going to be taking a long test and are a DIABETIC. You cannot take things in the room with you unless you get prior approval. So, when you go to take your GRE you need to basically say that you need help. They will give you extended time and more breaks so you can check your blood sugar and have snacks if needed. I ended up not needing them but once. I can't remember exactly, but I was thinking I had to keep my meter and snacks outside of the room, but they can explain everything to you!
I took the MCAT, the med school version of the GRE. You are going to have to change some things, but you can still have a good time and do well. I earned a MS before starting medical school, and taking care of yourself is key. The better my BG, the better I do in school. It seems tough to properly treat your diabetes at first, but it will become second nature soon.
You will do well in grad school, as long as you don't try to act as if you aren't diabetic. Good luck!
kate, did u take the GRE yet? how was it? or when will you?
Dear RRM,
What was your A1C during the past 20 years? What is it now? You are incredibly brave to be doing this.
sending Love and Light, xox Jess
Hi RRM,
I have mild retinopathy in my right eye and my eyes were checked during the pregnancy and I had no issues or progression. Everyone is different... so I think that if you keep in contact with your doctor with any changes in vision, (which can happen in people without D btw) They will be able to help you early on to prevent any further damage to your eyes. Have you talked with your eye doctor about your concerns he is probably the best person to ask about it.
What I can say is that you will be watched very closely by every single doctor you encounter during your pregnancy. Which is good and bad because after a while you are sick of them haha!
Sorry I couldn't be of more help, hopefully others have better insight.