Auto-Injectors... Advice Please

[Frances55]

Hi there ☺... I've just received my Auto Injector from Denmark 🇩🇰 and was wondering if anyone on the forum has one?... Looking for the dos and don'ts.. Also a bit confused as how the window with the light detects vessel/veins.... I haven't used it yet but bought it because I heard great things about it ☺... Thanks again ☺

[Gambit62 Administrator]

frances- do remember someone posting about auto-injector but it was a long time ago - have you tried putting 'auto-injector in the search box and seeing what comes up?

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Gambit62]

this post was in the related posts section and lists at least one person who has been using it for a while

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po....

[Frances55 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks Gambit62.. Will do ☺... I've just used it because I have to go out for the day and need a jab.. Didn't feel a thing ☺.. Much better than the nervous intisipation I go through... But I will try to get more information on it... Money well spent 😊.. All the best.

[JossB]

Please could you post the link for the site where you ordered you self-injector from. I desperately need to start self-injecting but don’t like needles! Thank you.

[Frances55 in reply to JossB]

Hi JossB.... I got mine on line from Union Medico... Best thing I ever bought.. Didn't fey a thing ☺.. If you need any more help please let me know ☺.. All the best.

[JossB in reply to Frances55]

Thank you for that. I am fed up of arguing with my doctors. My b12 level is 225 so the will not entertain me even though I have fatigue, brain fog, pins and needles and now dizziness. My mother and brother have injections but I don’t want to get as bad as they were before the doctors will consider me!!! So frustrating. Thanks again 😀

[Frances55 in reply to JossB]

Sorry to hear that 😔... I was diagnosed last July and staring si every other day since last August.. My problem was sitting for ages before I could use the needle.. I used the auto injector for the first time yesterday and I don't think I'll look back 😊... As for your symptoms, I HAD everything you have, and now after 10 months of si my symptoms have reduced by 90%...so hang in there 😳, you're making the right decision.. Come back to me if you need any advice when you get the injector.. All the best for the future ☺

[JossB in reply to Frances55]

😀 will do, thanks.

[ACritical in reply to JossB]

Yes please post a link where to place an order. Also how you managed to use it. Thank you.

[Glitterbug83]

Hi this sounds very interesting as I can't face needles to do myself, how do u know which needle size to choose? How often do u use it?

[Frances55 in reply to Glitterbug83]

When you order the auto injector you have to specify the size of the syringe you want to use because the auto injector syringe holder comes in different sizes, I had to opt for a 3" because they don't come in 2" and I ordered 1.1/2" draw up needles because they didn't do 2"( small pack of syringes and needles are free with your purchase) ...but don't worry about that because you can order your syringes and needles from Medicare in the UK 🇬🇧 much much cheaper ☺...once you have the injector you can use any size needle on it and it's suitable for subcutaneous.. ☺

[jonlyme in reply to Frances55]

just received reply from Union Medico and they say that their device is made only for their range of syringes and needles, so now I'm confused.

Can you please tell me which you ordered and do Medicare do an equivalent syringe

thanks in advance

[Hidden]

Hi Frances, I have been self injecting with the Union Medico Autoinjector ( unionmedico.com/90-super-grip/ ) weekly for over a year now and it is a very good device and totally painless, only the first one was the hardest to actually do and I did this under supervision of my local doctors practice nurse.

A couple of things, the autoinjector does not detect vessels/veins, it is a pressure sensor to ensure you apply sufficient pressure to the local area of skin which stretches it to allow the needle to penetrate more easily.

Move the syringe in and out about half it's stroke a couple of times to remove any stiction caused by the internal lubricant before drawing the B12 into it, this makes for a much smoother injection!

Attach the larger needle for drawing up the B12 into the syringe.

Always warm up the B12 ampoule before drawing it into the syringe, hold in your palms for a few minutes, this makes it thinner and easier to inject, then change the needle to the smaller injection one and remove all air from the syringe and needle.

Load the syringe into the injector by "arming" the injector to pull the syringe cradle upwards, then release it to allow the needle area to project through the lower shield and then remove the protective cover from the needle itself then "arm" the injector again by pulling the main arm upwards with the syringe until it locks. Look at the injectors manual to ensure you locate the tabs in the cradle correctly to hold the syringe.

I use my thigh areas for the injection site since this offer a much larger potential injection site, if you do this then follow the diagram on the attached link, ( goo.gl/q2JUDm ) this will identify the area location for you, and always sit on a chair with your legs at right angles to the floor.

Rub the selected site area with an alcohol swab.

Flip the lock slider and position the injector over the selected injection area and apply pressure down until the led light remains on, then just press the fire button.

It helps if you hold the injector with both hands, one on the injector shield to stabilise it and the other to press the fire button which is then used hold it while you push the syringe plunger with the other hand. Push slowly and progressively until it will not move any further then lift the injector, cover the needle again, and wipe the injection area with the swab and give the area a gently rub.

Very occasionally you might hit a vein, not a problem, it will stop very quickly as the injection closes up.

Never had a problem, the first time is the "worst" simply due to your own apprehension, if you are concerned contact your local surgery and ask if the practice nurse can supervise your first time.

Good luck.

[Frances55 in reply to Hidden]

Hi b10tds... Thanks so much for your kind advice... Fortunately I have a friend who's a nursing practitioner, she's been there since day one for me... I totally investigated the auto injector Well before I bought it because I didn't want to spend that amount of money on something that was gimmicky, I've been si every other day since last August and we'll used to the what's and not's... ☺... I've hit a few veins in that time sadly... Everything comes with experience I suppose... everything you wrote was spot on ☺ and for those who are just starting out it's great advice... We all on this forum need more people like you... All the best for the future ☺

[miketablemountain]

I live in Cape Town South Africa and I am trying to purchase one with no luck? I cant get passed the payment section. Is there anywhere else i can purchase one besides their own site?