Self injectors, how do you keep the needle upright

[Yellowkangaroo]

I've done about 12 injections now, and just can't work out:

1. How you push the needle in, without it changing angle halfway through... which is very painful. How do you position your hand holding the syringe so it goes in in a straight line all the way. I'm putting it in very slowly but is it better to go in faster?

2. How to pull it out of your leg again to make sure it comes out at the angle you put it in? Again very painful if it's tilting slightly when you pull it out. Fast or slow better?

Thanks everyone for your help, not sure I'll ever be a pro, some painless and some are very sore... 😊

[fbirder]

I inject into the top of my thigh, which makes it very easy to go in straight.

[Yellowkangaroo in reply to fbirder]

Ive been doing outside of thigh in middle to lower section... maybe should try higher up so more control over it. Thanks

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Yellowkangaroo]

Hi Yellowkangeroo. IM injections in the thigh should always be given in the outer thighs - upper third area - there's less (not enough) muscle in the lower thigh area.

The length of the needle required will depend on how much subcutaneous fat you have. If you're well covered (at the top or over normal BMI), a 1.5”needle is required to reach deep into the muscle. If you're normal to slim, then a 1” needle would perhaps be better. And if really skinny, a 0.75” (or thereabouts) length needle.

Suggest you try using the 1.5” needle in the upper outer thigh first, to see if that works for you - hold the needle at a 90 degree angle and push straight down into the muscle, in one easy smooth movement, inject, then withdraw by pulling the needle straight, again using the 90 degree angle, in one smooth movement.

Hope this helps and good luck.

👍

[fbirder in reply to Foggyme]

I’d have to take issue with the ‘always in the outer thigh”.

As I said, I use the upper thigh, the rectus femoris. Which is much easier and is OK with the Royal College of Nursing rcni.com/sites/rcn_nspace/f... and the nurse that showed me how to do it.

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to fbirder]

Yes...I could have been more precise with the language 😉. Referring to 'always' in the sense upper third as opposed to lower third (which Yellowkangeroo was using as an injection site).

The rectus femoris (which you use) and the vastus lateralis (which I and many others use) are equally acceptable IM injections sites for the thigh (though the rectus femoris may be a little more difficult to locate for those new to SI - especially if not lucky enough to have a surgery nurse to help).

Good diagram- folks will be able to take a peek and choose 😀.

[fbirder in reply to Foggyme]

I suppose it depends on your physique. If I sit on the edge of the bed and lift my leg the rectus femoris stands out as an obvious strip of muscle running along the top of my thigh.

I lift my leg to make the muscle stand out, then press my thumbnail into the skin where I want to stick the needle in. Then I relax that leg and do the injection.

Because I’m doing it into the muscle right in front of me it’s very easy to go in dead straight.

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to fbirder]

Good tip fbirder . Just tried it and suspect that most people would be able to identify the correct muscle this way.

Especially good tip for those who inject frequently - alternating injections in either of the two muscles in each upper thigh would certainly help to spread the B12 load (spread the load and spare the muscle 😉).

Though I have to be honest and confess that sadly, my rectus femoris in no way resembles an 'obvious' strip - and much the same sorry state elsewhere 😢 😢😭😂🤣.

[Yellowkangaroo in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks everyone for the help! That link was good too, I'll keep trying and try the tips you've all given and sure practice will make perfect 😁

[wedgewood]

First of all I would look at some utube videos for self IM injections. Be warned, some are very poor , but there are good ones . Then make sure that you have a fine needle for the injection - at least gauge 25 , up to 27 . Always use a different needle to withdraw the B12 , because it can be blunted when you try to get the last drop of B12 out of theottom of the ampoule . I use a long one, 1 1/2” for withdrawing and a 1” for injecting . A fine needle will make injecting much easier . The needle will go in straight and come out straight .

[Yellowkangaroo in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks wedgewood, I think my problem is I have 1.25 inch needles so don't put it in all the way, hence it wobbles about a bit. Will persevere!

[wedgewood in reply to Yellowkangaroo]

Yes , I think you would find a 1” needle more manageable . Medisave.uk have them in 25 gauge . All the best !

[Hidden]

I have used one of these auto-injectors for over a year now for my weekly injection, and have always found it easy, simple and painless. I have the 3ml syringe version, I use BD 1.5" green for loading the syringe and BD 1" blue 23g for the injection, in the upper outer region of the thigh, alternating sides week to week.

unionmedico.com/product/sup...

[Jenkinsaj]

Just be careful that you don't go too low on the thigh as you could hit the sciatic nerve. Good luck.