First SI: Just done my first sc b1... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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First SI

Nackapan profile image
21 Replies

Just done my first sc b12 injection. I had alot of trouble snapping the ampule.??Had bought an opener but it came with no instructions and seemed too big?so I gave yk trying to worm that out. I lost some of the b12 . Put it in my stomach okay just stung a bit when I pushed in the fluid.i used a 30G 1/2" needle so I think deep enough

So onwards and upwards I hope. Nothing like an IM one .

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Nackapan profile image
Nackapan
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21 Replies
CarlaEP profile image
CarlaEP

Well done Nackapan !

I’m waiting for my SC injections to arrive. Found the IM in my thigh not as stingy as in the top of my arms.

Hope they help you.

Carla

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toCarlaEP

Hope you get your supplies soon. If you do IM you will be a pro for sc .

I'm still going to have IM at the surgery

fbirder profile image
fbirder

Well done.

I use this ampoule opener - smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produ... - Not cheap, but works exceptionally well.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply tofbirder

Thanks.

I think its money worth spending

Peasncarrots profile image
Peasncarrots in reply toNackapan

I use this one - really easy to use and never had a problem amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01...

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toPeasncarrots

Thank you

Ritchie1268 profile image
Ritchie1268 in reply tofbirder

I've always used the same one as fbirder & it works a treat.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toRitchie1268

Yes thankyou. One ordered last night. I wonder what colour will arrive?

Ritchie1268 profile image
Ritchie1268 in reply toNackapan

Mines blue 😁

They are really easy to use

Dg54vuf profile image
Dg54vuf

There is usually a little dot on the ampule to show you which way to push. I use a cotton pad to open it, makes it easier to snap it open. Hope this helps.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toDg54vuf

Thank you. I did try at the white dot . I just didnt have the snapping knack.

New skills!

Dg54vuf profile image
Dg54vuf in reply toNackapan

I think we have all lost some of the serum at least once when self injecting....I was so paranoid about injecting air in that I lost it every time I injected the first few, now I don’t worry about it.🤪

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

Thank you. I did do that . Took much more pressure than I thought and the liquid seemed quite high up

I found the white dot. I was more nervous doing that than sticking the needle in!!

I've decided to try a different snapper as tried and tested by fbirder and Ritchie 1268

I've a pale pink patch where I did it and a headache this morning

I used to get one every injection but not for a while. Perhaps different brand??

Far less weak though

BadHare profile image
BadHare

Yay! 🤗💉🩸

I bought a cheap opener but I’m not much safer using that.

Press on the skin either side where you insert your needle for inserting somewhere like your thigh, or pinch your skin up on your stomach. It’s an acupuncture thing for reducing pain on needle insertion.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toBadHare

Thanks I did and squeezed too hard I think !!

BadHare profile image
BadHare in reply toNackapan

Ouch!

You’ll find it easier next time!

The pressure takes the pain out of the prick, & pinching up the area to inject ensures your needle won’t puncture your bladder.

JanD236 profile image
JanD236

The vials I get from my local pharmacy using my prescription, which are the same that my GP practice uses, snap easily at the narrowest part whichever way they face.

The vials I get from Germany have a small dot on the narrowest bit and it’s crucial that this dot faces you, and then you snap away from you.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toJanD236

Thank you .

I did have the dot facing me . I tried and eventually did it but alot harder than I thought.

Am trying another snapper now.

Cherylclaire profile image
CherylclaireForum Support

I smashed mine to smithereens a few times at first : tense muscles and desperation !

Also made injecting hard: once I hit the muscle, it was like trying to inject an avocado stone after practising on an orange. Made a bit of a pincushion out of myself. Relaxing muscles when stressed out not an easy task.

But that was way back then.

I followed advice from a youtube video, where the sensible-pants man wrapped the wrapper from the syringe around the neck of the ampoule, with the white dot facing him. snapped the top part backwards and down (away from the dot) gently with thumb pad.

When doing intra-muscular injection, warming up ampoule lightly in hands (if storing in fridge)- helps make it less viscous, more fluid, so less painful. Some tuck it in their bra !

Also stings initially if a drop of B12 left on end of needle (flick syringe to remove it), and if you push plunger too quickly- smoothly and slowly better.

Never done sub-cutaneous, so unsure if this helps ? Hope so.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

Anything helps thanks . I think I had a drop at the end as some squirted into the air when getting it to the top.

Can laugh now.

Feel lousy today but can do day after.

Yes practice makes perfect.

Gutfeelings profile image
Gutfeelings

Hi

I'm a nurse, now sadly non practising due to illhealth but wanted to add a couple of tips. The ampule will snap open easier if there is no liquid at the top, to get the liquid out of the top hold the ampule at eye level and twist round fairly quickly if you can similar to action whisking an egg but you are holding it up, once or twice should bring the solution inside back down. Snapping the ampule is easier if you gently rub your finger over the dot about 3-4 times then snap quickly if possible, using something to protect your fingers like a piece of kitchen roll etc can help avoid a cut.

Hope this helps, stay safe...

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