Alternating injection site… - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Alternating injection site…

SallyRees profile image
24 Replies

Hi all 😊

Just need a little advice.

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 profile image
SallyRees
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24 Replies
Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

I think its best to aim never to Inject in the same place .

I have IM and sc

My husband dioes 4x a day sc and fell into the trap you describe .

More do as has to fo it when out

It did overtime cause a problem of ( can't remember name given) but a toughened small mass unseen.

It means it holds whatever Injected and then suddenly releases

In his case in a warm shower .

He collapsed and had a fit

That won't happen to us as that was insulin

However sc or IM csn gives that problem I've been told.

I have learnt to use my left hand too bug for sc.

Try changing thd chair position, leg position .

Narwhal10 profile image
Narwhal10 in reply to Nackapan

Oh my goodness Nackapan

I’m sorry to hear about your husband.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply to Narwhal10

Oh it's not recent Awful though as he blocked the fridge door where his emergency injection is.

Yes he has been through the wars

Injecting 4x a day much better

He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 26 years ago

Fortunately generally fit snd well.

I have seen so many A snd Es unfortunately between my husband snd one of my daughters and elderly mother.

Infact the last time was the night before my collapse !!!.

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to Nackapan

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.

Best of luck x

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to

Hi Happypensionerclub (great name!)

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 may try my left arm next time.

Thank you x

Narwhal10 profile image
Narwhal10

Hi SallyRees,

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).

Best wishes

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply to Narwhal10

A good description.

Before I was diagnosed I'd try snd describe the fatigue as a rope pulling me backwards like a strong wind when on my bike or swimming.

Going nowhere .

Gp didn't get it

I remember it very clearly as I just couldn't make sense of it .

I

Made it worse by pushing as thought I was getting unfit !!

Mind you can't swim or ride my bike yet

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to Narwhal10

Hi Narwhal10

What a great why to describe that feeling! Sadly, I think the majority of us know it all too well.

Do you still do IM or just SC now? What difference did this make to the way you felt? Was it just as effective?

X

Narwhal10 profile image
Narwhal10 in reply to SallyRees

Hi SallyRees,

For me, I don’t really notice much of difference with regards to effectiveness. But I have progressed a lot & its 18 months.

I just S.C now. Although, I am allowed my 1 every 3 months at GP which is I.M. arm.

Mainly changed for ease, access to stomach, nice flabby area & less painful.

Hope you are doing ok (if not better).

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to Narwhal10

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.

Thank you for your reply x

rosyG profile image
rosyG

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!!

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to rosyG

Thanks, RosyG x

Morning SallyRees :)

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.

Have a good day everyone :)

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to

Hi Disco5 😊

Many thanks for the tips! Fortunately I do own a Snapit and can totally confirm this makes life so much easier and it is well worth every penny.

I also leave my needle in for a few seconds after injecting.

Before I started doing my own shots so many wonderful members gave me so much invaluable advice. I’ll never be able to thank them enough for it.

This forum is the gift that keeps giving 🎁

Thank you so much for your kind reply x

mcg-woo profile image
mcg-woo

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!

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to mcg-woo

Thank you, mcg-woo 😊Practice makes perfect eh. It’s obvious I have to alternate my injection site so hopefully it’ll become second nature soon.

lambuth_eagle profile image
lambuth_eagle

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.

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to lambuth_eagle

I think if I used that method I’d have to write down what I’ve done and where or I’d just forget or confuse myself 😅 but I actually might try.

Thank you for sharing x

lambuth_eagle profile image
lambuth_eagle in reply to SallyRees

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.

Injection Site Rotation Sample
SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to lambuth_eagle

That’s a great idea! 👏🏼 I must do one 😃

Thank you so much x

andepande profile image
andepande

I alternate between each thigh . As that what my once every 8 weeks in my arm is .

PAapr22 profile image
PAapr22

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

SallyRees profile image
SallyRees in reply to PAapr22

Hi CJ

You’ll find all the help advise you need here.

So many helpful forum members who I can never thank enough for the help they gave me.

If you search the posts or start one of your own you’ll hopefully be advised by more knowledgable people than me.

I’ve sent you some information via msg that was sent to me.

I wish you all the best.

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