First Time B12 self-injecting today... any advice?

[lohrdmureth]

Hi

I usually get quarterly B12 from my local surgery in the UK (for Pernicious Anaemia )but for obvious reasons this isn't happening at the moment! So I've followed a lot of links here and gotten everything ready; vials from Germany, needles and swabs and stuff... I'm all set for the injection, just one thing left to do.... and am somewhat nervous!

I usually have intramuscular in the arm, but am probably gonna go for my thigh if I'm doing it myself. Have watched a few vids and am pretty confident I've got the right area to go for, but just one question - how deep in does the needle go? Don't want to go too shallow and certainly don't want too deep! If anyone has any advice I'd much appreciate it

Thanks

[spacey1]

Look at the thickness of your thigh, and look at the needle (not being personal, just thinking about human anatomy :))

You can go virtually all of the way in, and you will be fine. I push the needle until most of it is in, then inject. The first time is super-scary, but then it's OK. Good luck!

[lohrdmureth in reply to spacey1]

Awesome, thanks for your help I have 1" needles so will get a feel for things first before I go in lol! Am used to injecting cats and have even done a gecko (that was fun!) but when it's on yourself it's a different thing I guess

[jacwright]

up to the hilt, too shallow it would be subcutaneous, used for insulin injection. this must be I.M. Just ram it in, the more you think the more your brain says its going to hurt! best wishes Jac ( retired nurse endoscopist)

[JanD236 in reply to jacwright]

Ouch! Ramming it in wouldn’t do for me. I go slowly and carefully, pausing now and then if I feel the need to relax self or the muscle.

[lohrdmureth in reply to JanD236]

I'll be going for a slow and careful ram!

[lohrdmureth in reply to jacwright]

Thanks! Will be doing it on Monday now, up to the hilt it shall be - I bottled it once I realised the ampules had to be snapped, I'm not needlephobic but I am broken-glass-phobic lol.... so waiting for an ampule cutter to arrive from Amazon!

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to jacwright]

You can inject subcutaneously. I’ve seen people si into thigh sq also. It says you can on the packet and other countries recommend this.

[jacwright in reply to Bonjourtristesse]

what countries are you talking about? its IM in the UK. Hydroxocobalamin, Accord healthcare ltd Harrow UK, leaflet in packet.

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to jacwright]

Yes but it's licensed for sub q in other countries. The German ampoules state this on the box. Pretty sure that Nackapan's doctor okayed it too. Think Australia and US suggest it also.

[lohrdmureth]

Done it!!!!!! The Ampule snapper arrived yesterday , so no more excuses.... woke up this morning and went for it. Shaking somewhat beforehand, my wife and I got everything set up.... then the moment came, and it was kinda easy - went for my right thigh, the needle went in a bit and I thought *there's no bleddy way I can do this" but kept gentle pressure on and before I knew it, I was good to go. That bit was simple.... then I was a gibbering wreck for a few hours afterwards, but yaaaaay I did it! And less pain than usual....!

Thanks for all your help, and thanks for all the advice on here! <phew!>