have you tried a needle threader? Maybe you need a thinner thread?
I wish I could show you how I thread a needle, my MIL used to think it was so weird. I have the thread (end moistened) between my thumb and index finger of left hand, nails almost touching, then roll them open so thread end is exposed while holding needle eye right next to it. Does that make any sense? in other words I do not poke the thread at the needle.