Should a B12 injection be given slowly ?

Hi all, i have my B12 injection every 8 weeks, just recently when having i have noticed that nurses give the injection slowly and others seem to inject me in less than a second, it makes me sometimes wonder whether i have received my B12 at all. Does anybody know if the injection should be given slowly or so fast as it makes me think has it been given.

[Nackapan]

I dont think it really matters. I prefer it a bit slower as appears to be less painful. However yesterday was quick and didnt hurt??

I think IM hits your system quicker then SC which at the beginning especially is a good thing.

I think I've answered your question with more questions !!

Main thing is just getting it into your system.

[fbirder]

It will make no difference. It takes somewhere around 3 hours to get from the injection site into the bloodstream.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

All nurses probably develop a technique of their own to some extent.

I prefer to inject slowly myself, as to me it seems less painful.

When I was first getting injections from the NHS, I never felt any of them no matter which nurse it was. I really couldn't ever tell if they'd started, finished - or were halfway through and walked away for a cup of tea.

Because I was also feeling no benefit either in symptom relief, and in fact got a lot worse, like you, I started wondering if I was actually getting injected at all.

It took about 9 months before I felt any sensation - not pain at all, just knowing that it had been done. The lack of any sensation was due to B12 deficiency. Probably likewise the mild paranoia. Sometimes you really don't know what you've got till it's gone !

The whole thing is exacerbated by the lack of information given, the lack of understanding generally within the medical profession about what B12 deficiency is and what it does to you. Causes a complete lack of preparedness in patients.

For example: I think I was on the 5th of my loading injections when I found out through the nurse that after the 6th, I would be having regular injections for life.

It helps to be able to develop a feeling of mutual trust with a nurse, like you would with your GP, and have some continuity. You might never find one who is a B12 deficiency expert, but more important is finding one who cares and will listen- even when busy.

Good luck, Graham.

[Miss-guineapig]

It is a very painful injection, and I say that as a nurse, so I prefer it given quicker but it makes no difference to its absorption. Wishing you well Graham x