Frequent b12 injections in arm becoming more painful - muscles irritated

[Purplegirl2]

I’ve been doing once a week b12 shots for a few months. I alternate arms. At first the pain from the shot was very mild. Lately over the last 3 shots, the pain afterward has increased a lot. I check and other than one time, the technique is good.

I think getting the injections frequently in my arms is irritating my arm muscles more. Its not standard to get these shots anywhere else, but should I ask to start getting the injections near the hip region instead?

I have to go to a clinic to get my shots.

[Squiggletree]

Most likely irritation/muscles.When I got my heparin injected in my stomach every day after a blood clot many years ago. First few not v painful but by end of week so painful I was crying and dreading next one and started bruising.

Can they find another area?

[Purplegirl2 in reply to Squiggletree]

Thank you! I will ask for another area

[wedgewood]

I find that an injection into the thighs ( the Vastus Lateralis muscle ) is the best location . It is a larger site than the arm . But I self inject . At a clinic or surgery they want the arm because it’s convenient - not so much awkward undressing . The thighs are an approved site for I.M injections and also for sub-cutaneous . You will find diagrams on the internet .

[Purplegirl2 in reply to wedgewood]

Makes sense, thanks. I’ll see if they can do a different area next time.

[Nackapan]

Yes I found that. I'd had eveth other day for months then weekly then 2 weekly.My shoulders clanked and one arm muscle got so sore I left It alone for a while.

I now self inject with a prescription and stuff I buy.

Never uses my arms.

Thighs hips stomach as do sc at home.

Have an IM one 6 weekly at the surgery in Upper arm. So theh get a 12 week break which is okay

The protocol j think with 3 monthly in mind after loading. In the community and hospital the thighs are used. Not buttocks anymore

You could always ask for !a prescription to self inject at home . The use your thighs,,,,,?

I asked but the nurses will only do upper arm.

[Purplegirl2 in reply to Nackapan]

Oh I see. I may have some luck asking them to do it in a different area -maybe the hip region - so I’ll do that next time! ThanksI would self-inject but the clinic prefers that I go there (and the injections are covered by insurance there).

[Christine48]

I always have mine in the buttock far less painful. Good luck.