Jim,
You are very smart for thinking the way you are and doing what is good
in regard to testing.

I have a freestyle meter but I really didn't like it for only one
reason. It left bruising everywhere I used it. I have a device for
finger or arm but wanted it mainly for my arm and I was full of
bruises from it.

I got my meter free when purchasing strips for it when I had insurance
and didn't have to pay an arm and leg for them.

Your Questions now.

1. No I would not buy another but only because of the bruising. Other
than that it is a nice meter but I really like the Accucheck brands
and I am currently using the Accucheck compact and a friend sent me a
meter I have yet to use that looks very very nice too.

2. I used the lancets I already had. I don't know if it is required to
use the ones by Freestyle but I found most all of the lancets fit my
device.

3. Yes I had to use the Freestyle test strips.

4. Hocks or Freestyle might be running a promotion for it to be that
cheap but I would think on a promotion it would be free. As for the
prices asked they are great if they are not doing it against the
makers of Freestyle and suppose to be free or something.

Diana
"Jim Kent" <j.g.kent@markusplace.com> wrote in message
news:8niojv82el3i7l3sfh2h8eik8ffp6dnaa3@4ax.com...

Well I hope you stick around and learn all you can. 5.7 isn't bad and
I have never been that low in four years I have been diagnosed.

I wish you all the very best and I hope you are that low and stay
there because you are right this isn't anything to mess with now I
need to take that same advice.

Take care and nice to meet you
Diana
"Jim Kent" <j.g.kent@markusplace.com> wrote in message
news:003qjvggoupf72c73n6ke642iu54i3jpse@4ax.com...

Jim Kent <j.g.kent@markusplace.com> writes:
I'm happy with my Freestyle as well (one note: after 5+ months using it,
I haven't noticed any bruising...I do sometimes get a little blood drop
that forms from lancing, which then will dry up in a couple of minutes,
but so far nothing has been that unusual). Any lancet will work, but I
think the one that comes with the meter is fairly good. It has a clear
cap, so you can see a blood drop forming (or not forming as the case
may be...in colder weather, I have a harder time getting a blood drop
from my arm).

One other note: you mention not testing as often as the rest of us.
Since you're new, by all means search out Jennifer's newbie post, which
briefly and thoroughly describes "eating to your meter". If you get a
handle now on what stuff affects your bG, then you're better off in
the long run.

Guy Klose