afraid of scar tissue IM b12

[Purplegirl2]

I've been getting many IM injections in my arms. I usually alternate arms but overall my left arm has received more injections. I was not told by anyone that I needed to be careful about rotating where I get the injections done. Now, I have decided to get them done subcutaneously because my arms get more and more painful after any injection/vaccination in the arm and take a long time to heal. I am afraid I may have scar tissue there or delayed healing.

So if you get IM injections - the standard at my clinic, be careful not to get in the same place too many times. I think the arm isn't a good place to get the b12 shots.

[Nackapan]

I agree my arms got very sore. Arm muscles clanky snd sore shoulders. I get a prescription and do sc at home

I've been having IM by a nurse every 4 -6 weeks as agreed with Gp.

I'm seriously thinking of stopping these as find no difference . I thought they may stay in the system longer or somehow be more effective

I have not found this.

Regime has been for just over a year.

I always give a good time to trial lol

Easy to rotate sc. Thighs, hips ,arms . Stomach.

[fbirder]

I inject into my upper thigh, twice a week. So each leg has been injected once a week for a few years. No problem.

[sueeaton in reply to fbirder]

Where in upper thigh do you inject? Have always had IM injections into my arms. Initially with a doctor, then the practice nurse who then showed my husband how to do the injections.

The last couple have been very painful and we were wondering about the thigh as a site.

Regards

Sue

[fbirder in reply to sueeaton]

There are two areas on the thigh you can use for IM. See this link. nursingtimes.net/clinical-a...

[sueeaton in reply to fbirder]

Thanks.

[Hidden]

I have problem with left muscle in upper arm, shoulder to elbow. Yesterday got attacked by a wasp, I swiped at it,And the pain in that arm took my breath away. It was only 30 or 40 seconds but my god that hurt. Never have problems in thigh. So next week injection at surgery is the right arm. Is it connected to injection?

[KEFNB]

I was told years ago here in the states by an MD that Subcutaneous is just as effective as IM. I have only been doing SC injections since. Also, I have graduated to an insulin needle. The benefits of the injection are equal to the IM as far as I can tell

[VellBlue]

Apart from the arm, there are other places that intramuscular injections can be given. I get mine in the hip or upper buttock and that is the norm where I live.

You can ask them to give the injection in the ventrogluteal site (that's the lateral hip) or in dorsogluteal (upper outer buttock).

With both of these, I lie down (on my side or front) and slightly lower my trousers to expose the site for the injection. Think it can also be done seated.

🙂

[Purplegirl2 in reply to VellBlue]

thank you. I had mine done in the upper buttock. I was told it should hurt a lot less. It ended up hurting more than ever. I'm guessing the technique might have been off or something. I'll try it again next week on the other side.

[VellBlue in reply to Purplegirl2]

Yeah, I find how painful or unpainful it is, is pretty variable, but generally it doesn't bother me too much. As you say, technique can be a factor, the sharpness of the needle, or other random variations. Definitely worth giving it another try. 😊

[Ghound]

Hi, yes you're correct, it is good practice to rotate sites.Just a word of reassurance, I had I'M B12 injections into my arms every second day for nearly six months , and since then I inject myself into my arms weekly with no I'll effects.

I know it's painful for you, but there probably isn't as much damage done as you fear. 😊

[Purplegirl2 in reply to Ghound]

Thanks! Good to know