I’ve been self administrating (IM) b12 for around a year now since my GP decided to stop my once a month injections.
After deciding to up my dose to once every two weeks I have since increased the frequency to once every 10 days to try and head off the ‘lagging’ that occurs before I’m due my next shot. You know the feeling, like your batteries are running low, yeah.
After much trial and error I seem to have found the right amount for myself. What I’d like to know is how often should you change the injection site?
I try to alternate but have to admit I do tend to prefer and inject more into my right thigh, I guess that’s because I’m right handed. 🤷🏻♀️
Anyway, would be interested to read others views and advice.
Kind regards x
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SallyRees
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Wow, so sorry, Nackapan. That must of been so scary.
I couldn’t imagine using my other hand. That really is a special skill. Great tip about changing chair or leg position though, thank you. I usually do it on the bed once I’ve come out of the bath.
Best wishes to you and your husband x
I inject into my upper arms and alternate every time,at one time I did have an issue with a kind of heaviness and pain in my left arm muscle as I used to forget where I’d last injected I was doing so many.I now have the shots down to once a week and I make sure I alternate every week,you could try your arms I manage fine doing I.M but I know many people can’t or prefer thighs.
You are another who has the special skill of being able to use both hands 😃 I hadn’t considered the arms though, which sounds silly but have just always stuck to my thighs.
I always change site, I’m EOD or daily, I prefer sc into my stomach.
Tried IM thighs for awhile - right was too painful even though that’s my dominant hand. (I’m left footed - known from sport). 🤷♀️
Yes, my battery is always low - every afternoon.
Another way, I describe fatigue to explain to others, is ‘imagine you are in the sea and a big wave comes towards you and sweeps you off your feet. (That’s the crash in chronic fatigue terms).
Interesting!🤔 I guess the only difference I’ve read is that IM injections are absorbed quicker and as I’d always had them that way with my GP I’d never considered doing S.C.
So good to read you’ve progresssed. Pretty much the same, myself. Found out how much I need and what works.
Just make sure it’s not exactly the same area. The mid thigh is quite big so vary area used. Also relax properly so fluid enters easily and is absorbed. Stops collections firming and you’ll be fine!!
I’ve been SI for 3 years roughly. The surgery did it before that, but only once a month, and I need a few a week. I inject into my arm muscle alternately, and every now and again in my thighs. But it hurts more in my thigh, so I mostly do arms!
In case there’s any new people on here, I’ll give you the 2 best bits of advice that I have taken from the others.
1) invest in a ‘Snapit’ ampoule snapper. They make the whole process so much better! £22 from Amazon and worth every penny.
2) once you’ve injected the B12 liquid, keep the needle in your arm for 5-10 seconds longer. What a difference! Before I did that, most of the B12 would shoot back out! Now it saves wasting it.
I was in the same boat only injecting in my right thigh for a couple of years because I’m also right handed. I then tried the left thigh and am just as comfortable now injecting there as the right. Just takes a little getting used to. I also leave the needle in for 10 seconds after administering serum to encourage absorption in the muscle. Good luck!
I self inject every three days in my thighs. I alternate with the following plan:Right thigh - Upper
Left thigh - Upper
Right thigh - Middle
Left thigh - Middle
Right thigh - Lower
Left thigh - Lower
It’s funny how we are all different. I’m right handed too but find injecting into my left thigh to be easier because when I grasp the leg/muscle with my left hand I don’t have to reach around. If that make’s sense.
Oh, there is no way I can remember! I have a spread sheet I keep in my bag with all of my injection supplies and then highlight off after I do my shot.
Hi. I’m interested in how to self administer vB12 injections as I’m IF positive and can’t trust GP to continue injections ? Appreciate your advice. Thanks CJ
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