New to self injecting b12.advice needed please!!

well I took the plunge.felt so crap the last few weeks (even got myself upset at work) that I decided no more and I ordered my b12 to start self injecting.

All my supplies (b12 and needles) are arriving today.

feeling excited but also super nervous. will I be able to do it?

any advice? where to inject? any tips?

I would really appreciate your help.

[wedgewood]

Just want to say that I perfectly understand your nervousness . I remember when I first injected 3 years ago . I was shaking all over . I had to have 2 large gin and tonics before I could proceed !

I S.I. into my thighs . You can find several videos on utube , some are good , some not so . You can also inject sub-cutaneously into tummy fat . But I don’t know anything about that .

I inject into the outer middle 1/3 of my thigh , where the muscle is nearest to the surfaces. . I lay out a piece of fresh kitcen roll and put all I need on it Withdrawing needle ro take the B12 from the ampoule , the injection needle ( 1inch 25 Gauge ) and a 1ml syringe as I use 1ml ampoules . Swab the injection area first it dries quickly . Break ampoule at the spot on the neck where is breaks easily . Cover ampoule with swab , or you can get a nasty cut. Fix withdrawal needle onto syringe .With draw b12 from ampoule with the long withdrawing needle , which will get blunted from contact with ampoule. , Discard into sharps box .Place injection needle on syringe , flick to move air , then depress plunger until a tiny bead of B12 appears on the end of the needle 💉. Ready to go ! Chuck needle at the injection spot entering at 90 degrees , press home and then press plunger very slowly , until syringe is empty .Done . Injection needle into sharps box ( most chemists accept full box for disposal ) You will be amazed how quickly you will get accustomed to S.I. Especially when you feel the benefits .Very best wishes .

[Hidden in reply to wedgewood]

thank you. I am very nervous. I got my NHS injection last week and still don't feel great so I know I need to do this.

[Ritchie1268 in reply to Hidden]

Hi.

I mirror everything wedgewood says & the help when I was in your situation from wedgewood was invaluable.

I had a massive phobia of needles & sat sweating & shaking for 2 hours before I finally managed it after throwing 3 lots away from failed attempts.

Just to add a few little things which have helped me along the way.

As wedgewood said, it doesn't take long for the skin to dry once swabbed but I always do this first as it can sting slightly if the area isn't fully dry.

I also stretch the area of my thigh I'm injecting which helps make the needle going in painless.

I also warm the ampoule up, rubbing between my hands so it's warm, I found this to also help when the Hydroxocobalamin is being administered into the muscle.

Lastly, i just couldn't get the knack of snapping the ampoule off cleanly, so I bought an "Ampoule breaker" off Amazon & have found it to be a great little tool & just snaps the ampoule off clean every single time.

You will feel so proud of yourself once have managed your first time.

All the best 👍

[Hidden in reply to Ritchie1268]

I've just ordered an ampoule breaker.thanks

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

glad I did because I ve cut my finger a bit opening my 1st one lol

[Eowyn1 in reply to Ritchie1268]

I concur with the stretching the skin at injection site. I just found out about this and I swear it does not hurt. I couldn't believe it. It is still wierd and gross but without the pain I think I can do it!

[wedgewood in reply to wedgewood]

It’s just dawned on me that there is something called an “AUTO-INJECTOR” from a company called Union -Medico . They are in Denmark . I believe they are quite expensive — about €77.00 They are apparently very good for people who are terrified of self-injection . Have a look .

[Hidden in reply to wedgewood]

I'll have a look thanks. my husband said he'd help me doing it too.

quick question. where do you store your B12.

all my supplies have now been delivered. 1st one tonight.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

well we've done it.i say we because I got everything ready but couldn't put the needle in.my husband did it.it hurt slightly because he did it a bit quick.

oh wow can't believe we've done it.

felt a bit sick due to stress.but am ok

[Hanneke12 in reply to Hidden]

Fridge - and that is very important!

[Hanneke12 in reply to Hanneke12]

Also, rub the area afterwards, so the 'bump' of accumulated B12 gets spread over the muscle. That prevents said bump from hurting the rest of the day.

[Catman1]

Yes - Wedgewood is right. Thigh. First time can be nerve wracking but gets much easier after that. Good luck