Advice for self-injecting.: Hello, I... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Advice for self-injecting.

DocAJB profile image
20 Replies

Hello,

I am going to experiment with self injecting.

Have ordered this off amazon.de:

Pascoe® Vitamin B12 Depot Injectopaz 1500 μg 10 x 1 ml

Ingredients:

1 ampoule 1 ml contains: active ingredient: hydroxocobalamine acetate 1500 μg. Other ingredients: sodium chloride, water for injection purposes.

Directions:

Liquid for injection

It arrives next week. I have not idea what to do next... what type of needles should i get. Where best to get from?

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DocAJB
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20 Replies
Mixteca profile image
Mixteca

It depends on whether you're going to inject subcutaneosly, into your body fat (SC), or if you want to inject into the muscle (intramuscular, IM). It will also vary a little depending on your body weight, size etc. I've started IM into my thights and bought my needles from Medisave. (Not sure if you can find these details in any of the pinned posts, but B12 society website has a downloadable file with that info, including where to source supplies) I use Emerald 2ml Hypodermic Syringe 3 piece (without needle) luer slip concentric; the drawing up needle I use is BD Eclipse with smartslip, 21g x 1.5" (0.8mm); I inject with BD Eclipse hypodermic safety needle, 23g, 1" (25mm) - good luck!

DocAJB profile image
DocAJB in reply to Mixteca

Hi is there any difference between sc or im other than preference? When people share all their kit with mm it just confuses me so shall look up the file.

Mixteca profile image
Mixteca in reply to DocAJB

Didn't mean to overwhelm you. I think it's more a case of preference, what you feel most comfortable doing and if you've a needle phobia. IM is also absorbed more quickly...:-)

Lincsangel1 profile image
Lincsangel1

Hi there... I self inject daily.. with the pascoe hydroxocobalamin you have just ordered.

Are you in the UK?

DocAJB profile image
DocAJB in reply to Lincsangel1

Hi, yes am in England.

DocAJB profile image
DocAJB

I guess it must help if it's something you continue to use?

Lincsangel1 profile image
Lincsangel1 in reply to DocAJB

I've been using the pascoe for around 6 months now.. and noticed some great results with it

You were asking about needles etc..this is what I use

BD 2 ML SYRINGES

BD 25G 1 INCH NEEDLE TO DRAW UP THE B12

BD 30G 1/2 INCH NEEDLE TO DO SUBCUT INJECTION

medisave.co.uk is the one I use

You will also need a sharps bin from there

I do subcut injections in my belly.. as unlike IM it's totally painless .. needle is very thin and short

DocAJB profile image
DocAJB in reply to Lincsangel1

Thank you. Very useful. I will follow this up.

Lincsangel1 profile image
Lincsangel1 in reply to DocAJB

All of the above (100 of each) with the sharps bin and postage come to around £20

do you know about co factors needed when injecting B12?

DocAJB profile image
DocAJB in reply to Lincsangel1

Hi, i take a multi vitamin daily. That's it atm.

Lincsangel1 profile image
Lincsangel1 in reply to DocAJB

Do you know what your folate..ferritin..potassium and vit d levels are? B12 needs folate.. and if you are deficient then B12 injections will have little effect

I inject daily and take 5mg folic acid

You also need a good ferritin potassium and vit d level

Treesong2023 profile image
Treesong2023 in reply to Lincsangel1

Hi Lincsangel1. Hey? Are you inject every day because you are loading up on B12...? Or just routinely doing everyday as it works for you? Could you share how it works for you? Do you exercise a lot?

Thanks and such. 🌻

Lincsangel1 profile image
Lincsangel1 in reply to Treesong2023

Hi.. I inject daily to try and heal my neurological symptoms.. and because I don't seem to be able to function properly without it... I started having symptoms around 10 years or so ago.. but was only diagnosed in April last year.I have noticed some improvement but healing can be slow and sometimes take years.

I don't exercise.. but do try and walk when I feel able.

Exercise..I've been told can hinder healing so shouldn't be done I excess in the early days... hope this helps x

Treesong2023 profile image
Treesong2023 in reply to Lincsangel1

Hello Lincsangel. And thank you. 🌻 I think you are being smart about your approach. If I may say that. Its like optimising the level and the use of the b12 for recover and regeneration. I read on other posts that some find raising their exercise levels causes dips. So, I feel it makes sense. I thought I would ask you, as I am starting my B12 injections today. Though I am a real wimp with needles. I ordered Pascoe cyanocobalamin by mistake but I think they will be a good start. I thought about doing everyday with them as I picked up that Cyan does not persist as long as Hydrox version.

Anyways, in terms of sharing a little from my side, given your focus on recovery.

I found a couple of Clinical study papers that recovery from b12 Deficiency neurological symptoms could ( in some cases ) be improved by certain steroids.

I am no expert at all, I have just been looking for answers for over two years with a Dr Doolittle GP. But it's something I am going to look into further. Hope all goes better and well for you. K🌻

Wwwdot profile image
Wwwdot

hi yes good advice above. I have been self injecting now for a couple of months now into my tum which is how the consultant showed me and yes … a lot less painful for me than into my muscle.

Also get some swabs to be ultra careful and reduce infection risk. Fraction of a penny! I found snapping the glass ampule without crushing the glass the biggest challenge so I also have a snapping tool which is brilliant I got it off Amazon.

Some useful you tube videos in Self injecting too.

Best of luck.

DocAJB profile image
DocAJB in reply to Wwwdot

Hi,

That's great that a consultant showed you how to!! I guess they're ok with you self injecting then?

My best friend is a registra so I'm going to ask them to show me how.

Wwwdot profile image
Wwwdot in reply to DocAJB

it makes sense as my GP is a 30 min drive each way on a good day and booking an appointment when you need it is virtually impossible. I am needle phobic cannot watch injections on me, my family of even on the TV! So self injecting is a big deal for me.

I check date on phial then warm the phial first by holding it in my hand for a couple of seconds. I load and clear the air then place it loosely back in the needle sheath. I only inject into my tum - sub cutaneous. I focus on the liquid not the needle, once I place the needle against the chosen spot I have to look away! I do slightly off vertical 🙈.

Once I feel the needle has punctured the skin then I look 😵‍💫 and focus on emptying the liquid from the syringe as slowly as possible. Then I leave the needle in fully supported for around 20 seconds. Then sheath onto needle and into sharps bin ASAP! 🤪. I then swab the area again and massage it for a minute or so. I also sit still for a few minutes as I can feel the adrenalin rushing around🙂

But everyone is different and it may be much more in your stride. But message is … if I can do it then you certainly will be able to. Best of luck.

Baklava22 profile image
Baklava22

Hi, I use the Pascoe and find it efficient. I only need to inject every 5 to 7 days at this stage. I use a 21X 1.5 needle and inject into my thigh… alternatating thighs. It’s relatively painless. If you’ve got thinner legs you could use 23 X1 inch and you won’t feel a thing. Watch a YouTube on how to inject and you’ll find you’ll be an expert in no time. Best wishes

HeartyGilly profile image
HeartyGilly

The first time is always worrying, but if you watch the YouTube instructions you will be fine.

You might need a cotton wool pad for wiping your leg after the jab and a small plaster to put on the prick hole.

MarthaPetunia profile image
MarthaPetunia

It took me two months to do it myself. :) I alternate on my thighs at different places roughly front center of either.

Before you draw out the B12, make sure the needle is tight or tighten the needle if it’s already pre-attached. Keep your motions with the syringe straight, no twisting. Twisting can cause the needle to bend or detach from the syringe.

The secret is speed.

Go fast like a bunny.

1. Place the needle barely touching your thigh.

If you know you are coordinated enough not to twist, you can even do the next three parts without looking.

2. Using you index and thumb push the needle down fast and straight down - no torque. It will stop on its own. 😂

3. Push the plunger of the syringe down quickly. If you go slow it may sting. It doesn’t when I go fast.

4. Pull the needle straight out (no twisting) quickly.

5. Place the needle cap back on carefully.

6. Twist and dispose of needle in sharps bin.

7. Rinse out used syringe and dispose.

8. Congrats!

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