Self injections

[Annielecurie]

Hi, I'm not due my three monthly jab from practice nurse for another month but tongue is very sore as are my hands and feet. I've injected twice daily into my stomach the last two days and have felt no benefit. Now I'm wondering if I am not injecting correctly. Are there any links here someone can share please so I can watch a video and check I'm self injecting properly? Or can anyone please signpost me to better information on self injecting. I inject below my belly button either to the right or left of it and a good few inches away from it and grab the fleshy part of my stomach. I hoped to feel better but I am still exhausted with the above symptoms. I have previously injected into my thigh but am more comfortable injecting into my stomach. Thanks.

[Annielecurie]

Please disregard my post, I've just found a pinned post admin have added about self injecting.

[jade_s]

Just very quickly because I need to leave soon...

It can take a while to notice improvement. You may get worse before getting better. Nerves repair very slowly. Keep at it, i'm sure your injection technique is just fine. I use a 27g x 0.5" for tummy. Higher gauge is ok too. Longer needles are for IM into thigh and not for tummy. I do 2x daily but most are fine on daily or eod, fyi. I do 2x because by the evening i would be tripping over myself and hitting the walls.

How are folate levels? They need to be good in order for b12 to work properly. Consider taking some folic acid or methylfolate.

Make sure the b12 isn't exposed to light or heat as that can inactivate it. I keep mine below 22 C.

Keep a logbook as subtle changes may be difficult to detect on a day to day basis.

[jade_s in reply to jade_s]

I see you were injecting frequently before. Did you reduce since last year? Or have you just continued to have symptoms?

[Annielecurie in reply to jade_s]

I did reduce as started feeling better so that's probably the answer. I obviously got complacent. I suppose I've been self injecting recently and expecting immediate improvement.

[Annielecurie in reply to jade_s]

Thanks for this and apologies I've only just seen your reply now. I'd forgotten id posted this question, shows how my mind must be at present! I think keeping a log is a great idea so thank you again and for the info on injecting.

[jade_s in reply to Annielecurie]

No worries, we've all been there. Hope you start feeling better soon!

[Annielecurie in reply to jade_s]

I've just ordered a load more vials from the German online pharmacy Wedgewood recommended. Then I'll start keeping a log of when I inject and how I feel. I've today tested positive for covid for a second time despite three jabs so my usual malaise has increased tenfold! Thank you for your advice and support.

[jade_s in reply to Annielecurie]

Good plan! But oh dear I'm so sorry to hear that! Hope you feel better soon!

Just a small tip, in the future try to order when temperatures are cooler, since the b12 can potentially get damaged in transit when it's very hot out.

[Annielecurie in reply to jade_s]

That is a good top, I didn't even give that a thought so thank you Jade.

[Annielecurie in reply to Annielecurie]

Tip even.

[Hidden in reply to Annielecurie]

Look after yourself, hope you get well soon !

[Annielecurie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sallyannl, I think with PA and B12 we are used to not feeling great!

[Nackapan]

Also ask fir 2 monthly at least from your gp.Best to set a regime and stick to it for a while.

I have sc in tummy and thigh 30g needle. 27h fine too .

1/2 " long.

I. Sure yiu are doing it right .

IM I have at the surgery.

[Annielecurie in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks a lot Nackapan, I'm due my three monthly shot this month so will mention to practice nurse.