I talked to our school nurse today and she suggested using an injector pen. My wife heard they were painful, does any one have any experience with them and can relate. The school nurse said they were easier for the school and the diabetic to dose from especually if she needs a correction. We have an appointment with our endocrinologist Tues and would like to have an intelligent conversation with her on it. Thanks
Are you talking about an insulin pen like in the link below or one of the things (sorry can't think of what they are called) to help with a syringe injection?
http://www.novonordiskcare.com/flexpen/
I am assuming the first. In that case, I have not heard them to be more painful. I used them when I had gestational diabetes. I would love to be able to use one for my son but his dose is not high enough right now. I am told once we are consistently giving more than two units I can switch him to the pen.
We use the novonordisk flex pen...it is all we have ever used (diagnosed july 10, 09). I do know that you have some options with the needles that attach. I am sure there is a certain size neccessary to ensure it reaches the subcutaneous tissue. We use the 3/16th size and they are really thin. It is nice to be able to "dial" a dose of insulin. It is also convenient to get several days doses out of one pen...so we just have to carry the needles, alcohol wipes, and testing equipment with us!
Not sure how old your kiddo is, but ours is 12, and switched to the pen for his short acting injections a month after his dx. He MUCH prefers it to the syringes (which he still uses for his nighttime Lantus), both for comfort and for ease of use. The needles for the pens are a separate prescription from the pen itself, so your endo should be able to recommend the most appropriate size.
We brought it up at our first follow-up endo visit for ease of use at school lunchtime, and we're glad we did. It's a lot faster process for him now to just screw on a needle and dial up right the dose, rather than injecting air in the vial, trying to draw up the precise dose, check for air bubbles, etc. before injecting. For a 12-year-old boy, who has the ability to wipe out the entire contents of our pantry and refrigerator in a 24-hour time span, the ability to get to his food source sooner rather than later is of the utmost importance to him!
Some may hurt more than others (we've only had experience with one kind), and some kids may be more sensitive, but our experience with the pen has been a good one. Hope this helps.
Daughter was on the pens and syringes before starting the pump last year. Pen is much more convenient to syringes. Not anymore painful. They have different size needles for them, so get the smallest ones that work. We went a couple months before realizing we could use a smaller needle in it.
Yes, I would definatley use a pen instead of a syringe if you can. A lot easier to use!!!