Peg jab

[gilded]

Given I succeeded self administering the jab on the last occasion, I was fairly confident I'd mastered the art. Alas, yesterday was a complete flop. I was unable to unlock the phials. Needle refused to emerge from its chamber and the bottom of the syringe broke off and dose leaked out. Now I’m scared of a repetition. I think I need another demonstration. Would my local pharmacist be willing to do this or should I return to the nursing staff at the hospital? (the hospital isn't near me). Nurse at GP’s surgery can’t fit me in for an appointment at short notice.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hello gilded, so sorry that this happened to you. It is worth asking your local pharmacist if he/she will help, and if they say they can't help then you can contact your haematology nurse. Best wishes, Maz

[gilded in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks Mazcd. I’ve just succeeded in getting past the GP’s receptionist, who was being difficult, to GP’s nurse who fitted me in immediately, despite her full list, and helped me with the jab. Whew!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to gilded]

excellent, glad you go it sorted. Maz x

[hunter5582]

Not sure which injection method you are using based on your description. I wonder if your nurse or pharmacist can get you some dummy phials/injectors to practice with. This is what we did for my first injection. The nurse also made some fake skin (stuffed a surgical glove with more gloves) so I could practice the whole procedure.

I have run into a couple of issues with leakage when i inject. Sometimes you can get some backflow from the injection site. turns out that the solution is to leave the needle in for 3 seconds after injecting. I also had a needle not seat properly on the syringe. This was a one-off issue apparently caused by a defective needle unit. I reported it to PharmaEssentia. Now I am more careful when I attach the needle to the syringe.

It is all a learning curve for anything like this. i am sure you will get it all sorted out.

[gilded in reply to hunter5582]

Many thanks Hunter! The syringe and the needle are separate entities. One must twist off the protective caps then insert the needle into the syringe. Then insert needle into desired area and press down on a green plunger to convey dose to this area.

[hunter5582 in reply to gilded]

That is exactly how my Besremi works. I have not had a problem with the cap on the syringe., just the one-off problem with the needle seating properly. I would note that the top of the syringe and the cap look similar. You do have to grasp the right part to twist the cap off.

hope you got it all sorted. Happy jabbing!

[Otterfield]

When I first went on Pegasys I was really struggling. The GP receptionist said there was no nurse appointment available and I was so stressed that I burst into tears! She pulled some strings and fitted me in! I'm not recommending emotional blackmail but it does no harm to be open about your fears and feelings.

[gilded in reply to Otterfield]

Good idea! When there’s a next time I shall give an Oscar winning performance.

[EPguy]

The whole process is still sort of foreign to me. I'm on Besremi like Hunter.

My specialty pharmacy offered to do a video meeting to help out if in-person is a ptoblem. I haven't needed that so far but if yours offers that it might be helpful.

Attaching the needle takes a surprising amount of force in my opinion.

[gilded in reply to EPguy]

Thanks to you and to all who responded with such helpful hints. I suppose the old adage, practice makes perfect, applies.

[Wyebird]

Hi, on my second attempt on breaking the needle seal, it shot out of my hand sending the needle across the room onto the floor. It’s a learning curve.