Self injecting.

[barbegrub]

I have all I need for self injecting. I'm not confident about this. Anyone got links to a good video for me to watch and, hopefully , learn?

Also how do I store the b12 liquid safely?

[fbirder]

If your B12 is single-use ampoules then you just need to keep them in the dark at room temperature.

[wedgewood]

Just google for I.M self - injections and you will find no end of videos . I use my thighs for I.M. injections ( Intra-muscular). Swap thighs each time You inject .( use the outer middle third portion of the thigh, where the muscle is nearest the surface .)

You can also inject sub-cutaneously , which requires a shorter needle, into the tummy fat or into the thigh.

[Nackapan]

Make sure you are taught how to I ject.

I have IM by a nurses.

I chose to inject subcutaneously at home as shorter and finer needke as type one diabetics uses.

Havi g had both now for 7 months I now realized no differences in effectiveness.

Initially I was unsure as had had only IM and thought it might stay in the system.longer . In my experience in my body it dorsnt. You can I ject in tour stomach 2" away from your belly button. Thighs arms hip flesh.

Both methods once practiced should not cause pain .

Nothing like actually being shown.

Are you having them by a nurse too ?

Are you going to use the same sort at home?

Hooe you get over your first one soon. Remember yo relax the muscle. Take tour mind elsewhere. The thought is definitely worse than the reality.

Slow but sure . Steady.

[bethmoggie]

I was a bit nervous when I started injecting. I have a problem loading the b12 as I have Dupuytrens contractor which affects both hands so I get it ready slowly and clean my arm taking it all slowly so I don't panic. You Tube has many films that will help, I found a US nurse instruction video, that was very good. As long as you take your time you will be fine. I inject into my arm as they do at the surgery. This gives you the freedom to apply when you need it and feel well. Best of luck.

Kind regards, hope this is helpful.

[bethmoggie]

Forgot to say, when you have the needle in your muscle push the plumber in as slowly as you can, this alleviates excessive stinging and an aching arm.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Have you got green needles for extracting B12 from ampoules, then blue needles for injecting ?

Reason : thicker longer green needle (1 1/2") gets B12 liquid up into syringe but is then blunted, thinner shorter blue needle (1 1/4") sharp still and easier to use for injection.

How to avoid pain:

Like wedgewood said, use outer middle third of thigh if injecting intramuscularly, and alternate left and right legs. [ I usually do right leg more often as it's easier for a right-handed person. ]

If using antiseptic wipes (a lot don't any more) make sure injection site dries before injecting.

Make sure the tip of the needle has no drop of B12 (from removal of air bubbles) on it as this will sting- flick syringe and wait a moment.

Once needle is in, depress syringe plunger really slowly and smoothly - no jerky or sudden movements.

It shouldn't hurt or be difficult: stop if you encounter pain or obstruction: you might have scraped a small blood vessel or reached muscle that is too tense (can feel like trying to inject through brick!) Anxiety will cause tense muscles. You can always chose another site or stop for a moment and relax more before continuing.

There are a lot of videos, and some of them are quite poor, so watch carefully for health and safety and handy tips - and things that just look wrong. [In the end, sensible pants were the deciding factor for me !]

Of course, none of this is comparable to being taught properly by a medical professional.

My GP told me to ask the nurses for help and advice, but none of them would do it, so I had no choice but to get information from videos. Didn't have a computer either at the time, so I had to watch videos in the library and take notes- as I had memory and cognitive issues.

This of course is not ideal, but if I hadn't eventually resorted to self injection, I would never have recovered sufficiently to return to work. Desperation not choice.

Good luck - let us know how you get on and any questions you have, just ask on here.

PS: Practise injecting using water and an orange: this is to give you a "feel" for it.

[Blackbobby]

hi use a blue needle. inject in the upper arm near the shoulder area. inject slow to fast it will sting . or ask your practise nurse to demonstrate.

[Hidden]

Biggest problem I had was the very first time. Staring at a 1 1/4 inch needle hovering above my leg and plucking up the courage to push it in was really scary. The brain says “this is going to hurt a lot” It must have taken me a good 20 mins before I took the plunge. The truth is, it doesn’t hurt at all, some get a slight sting, others a small ache afterwards, I get neither in my right leg but strangely a tiny sting in my left.

I found a distraction like putting on the radio helped and once you’ve done it a few times and got over the ‘mind games’ it becomes much easier.

[barbegrub]

Thank you mancave. I'm nervous about it.

I'll have to be brave.

[barbegrub]

Sorry for late reply. I've had some upset at home but it all seems to be righting itself now.

Thank you all for taking time to advise me about SI. I bought the needles and ampoules as recommended by fbirder. (Thank you fbirder. You made it easy for me.)

I dont know what size needles I have because I've forgotten. 🤔 I had my b12 injection at the surgery 10 days ago and it is just today I began to feel a bit better. I will reread all of the advice and watch some SI videos.

Many thanks.

Barbegrub