First SI - fainted!

[Laundretta]

Decided to SI b12

I’ve got 2ml glass vials of cyanocobalamin from a pharmacy in Spain and the 1ml insulin syringes with the very fine needles, so need to do 2 injections for each vial.

I’ve watched some videos and practiced on an orange and injection number 1 into the top of my left thigh went very well. Bossed it.

5 mins later, injection no. 2, new needle. All was going well until I noticed a bit of a twitch a couple of inches above the injection site as I took the needle out.

Felt faint, think I went out, got it back. Not sure if I tried to stand up, but next thing I know I’m on the floor drenched in a cold sweat.

I have a record of being a total wuss (sometimes needing a lie down afterwards) with injections and blood tests, so it’s maybe just that? But I’d be interested to hear your collective thoughts in whether I’ve done something to cause this reaction.

They’re 12mm needles, so the injection was subcutaneous, I’d tapped and pushed the air out, put it in at 45 degrees holding a big pinch of flesh, pushed the plunger gradually and it didn’t bleed.

Feel fine now!

Slight edit aimed at anyone reading that I might otherwise inadvertently put off of self injecting - I've managed a further 6 injections over the last week since this post and they've all been absolutely fine!

[wedgewood]

I always thought that sub-cutaneous injections of B12 were usually into the tummy, and Intra-Muscular into the outer middle1/3 portion of the thigh .

But I would say that you had worked yourself up into a bad case of the nerves . . .You will have done yourself no harm at all . Don’t give up whatever you do ! Best wishes .

[Laundretta in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks for the encouragement! I am a bit more nervous about the next one I must admit! I’m not scared of needles but my subconscious seems to disagree with me!

[wedgewood in reply to Laundretta]

You will overcome that feeling eventually . I was shaking like a 🍁 the first few times ;( large G&T helps) Just get a thin a neddle as possible , at least 25.

[Laundretta]

Hopefully a one-off! I’ll find out next time. I keep finding new faint- related bruises so think I’ll start on the floor next time just in case! 🤦🏽‍♀️