I’ve always only done my thighs for the last 7 years so worry the tissue may not absorb as well anymore-is this a possibility? I did try my tummy the other day but it has left a small round red mark which hasn’t gone away yet.
Can I SC SI at the top of my arms where I get my NHS injections IM? Anywhere else? I read there are 4 potential sites but can’t find what the other is. Thanks lovely peeps 😊
If the small red mark is more of a pink stain, then that is just the B12 pooling under the skin and will be absorbed in a few days. I always inject in my tummy and quite often get a 'Barbie' stain as I call it 🙂
Thanks!😊 I’m not sure if it is a ‘barbie’ stain as you describe (ha ha). It’s about 4mm & a perfect red circle. It has faded slightly but still quite noticeable. 🤷♀️
I also often get a pink stain after SC in the tummy. Nothing to be worried about.
One thing I did get was something like an allergic reaction - awful itching, some swelling. I started putting a tissue between my stomach and my trousers and that stopped it. I think the sweat was reacting with the injection site.
I can't remember all the SC sites sorry! But if you google it, look for hospital or NHS websites, for example this one has some nice examples, scroll down to see the images mskcc.org/cancer-care/patie...
Thanks so much. I have a friend who injects with insulin syringes into her buttocks. The website you mentioned suggests that too.
The buttocks were recommended to me by a private GP I once used; however I now note that that is warned against due to the possibility of hitting nerves or blood vessels. Ventrogluteal muscle is thought safe but nowhere else.
Thanks, I’ve never tried this as it’s a tricky spot to see.
I ruled it out as I can't get to it easily. Definitely you need someone to do it for you, and if you have help I'd go for the deltoid every time.
I inject into the glutes IM, but it is very dangerous! Can potentially paralyze yourself.
I had a nurse train me. Basically she said I have to draw the glute (one cheek) I to quater sections then the upper outer section is where to safely inject. I'm sure there are videos. I don't have enough fat to inject anywhere else comfortably.
For IM the last thing you need is fat. Straight into the muscle is what you want. Into fat is more like SC unless you have a very long needle. You're absolutely right about method used by nurses but it's not recommended for self-injection because of the danger you mentioned. I use vastus lateralis every time. My skin is thin enough to see underlying vessels and avoid them.
Blimey, I haven’t tried that but I didn’t realise it was so dangerous! 🥴
I use the flesh around my hips. It will absorb from your thighs.
I don't use upper arms as like to hold a small roll of flesh.
So tricky.
Can't see why it wouldn't be okay ax it's just going into the fatty part before muscle.
I only very occasionally get a pink stain.
Try putting it in very slowly.
Count to 10 before withdrawing the needle and add momentary finger pressure on needle site .
It's good to rotate sites.
My husband does 4 sc a day of insulin.
Once as over used a site the insulin sat unabsorbed .
Can't remember term but area had become 'thick'
Resulted in a hypo as injected again as getting symptomatic and blood sugar rising .
On having a shower the Insulin suddenly released into the blood stream so an over dose then !!
This was after many years though and once only .
Lesson learnt to rotate rotate.
And that's 4× a day .
Warmth always helps.
Room temperature for b12
I like you have IM at the surgery and sc at home .
What frequency do you need ?
Out of interest
Thanks, that’s very helpful. I started Si every day about 4 mths ago (from twice a week) as my levels had dropped very low. I am now experimenting with twice a day. Up until now I had only ever used my thighs for 7 years.
I always think it’s ironic when medics disapprove of us Si when diabetics do it all the time. I was also prescribed blood thinners to SI when I had my leg in a cast. No instructions whatsoever & they really hurt & left huge bruises!
I inject IM its best for absorption. I do it on my outer thigh, halfway between my hip and my knee. I have thought of SC but I think if I can manage IM then that's the better option! 
I do not need injected B12. But I cannot see why IM or SC and absorption is an issue?
The word absorption seems most often used for getting something from outside our bodies inside them. Thus a tablet needs to be absorbed in/by our guts. But an injection is going straight in.
SC or IM might affect the profile of blood levels. Or have other effects. But I think I am entirely missing an obvious "absorption" issue?
I'll have a hunt and find the study I read that stated the body can utilise a higher percentage of the b12 when injected IM. On absorption I mean that it is utilized faster than SC. Intramuscular injections quickly disperse medications into the bloodstream so that the body can rapidly disperse it where it is needed.
I'm a human guinea pig of 3 years of having IM and sc injected b12.Im still waiting for the IM b12 injection to last longer .
In theory it should as deeper.
IM certainly goes into the body quicker.
At times a disadvantage as can get buzzy at times which isn't pleasant wanted to do everything at once and can't.
Other times a headache .
SC too subtle at times but works realise effects have happened .
Getting me back on track.
I keep up the 6 weekly IM at the surgery to stop getting 'phobic of I jection ,for 'contact '
New surgery ( last one closed)
Nurse 'gets it ' as pushing for more frequent b12 injections herself .
Very interested I do SC at home.
Again no research on SC
I initially hesitant but we were in lockdown .
Neurologist suggested SC before this.
Mightily relieved to see IM and SC on the German bought b12.
Just not licrnced here in the UK so on my prescription stuff says IM.
I definitely utilise both routes of administration.
Can't get any effects from tablets ,sprays unfortunately.
Yeah I don't receive any relief from sprays, or tablets so has to be injections. It's just not even worth the mess around when I know the injections work.
Maybe might give SC a go, but then I'm a creature of habit! I don't really have any side effects from doing IM sometimes it goes in like butter, other times it pings off my muscle where I'm tensed but apart from that, no issues.
I just know when I get low I need the b12 to be in my system as soon as possible so that's why I lean toward IM.
I stopped my monthly b12 injections at the doctors as they just haven't a clue what they're doing or what they're treating, also wanted to take my health into my own hands!
Out of interest what ampoules do you use?
Thank you for the reply!
I use single use ampoules. Accord
Neo'cytomen
Gareth and lannoch
Still have Rotexmedica in date.
I get a prescription to self inject and choose yo have 6 weekly IM at the surgery .
Want it on my medical notes
Want awareness out there among the medics
Also like two sources of suppliers !!
I agree very little knowledge.
My surgery has a little more now!
Unlike you have got used to SC at home .
I may have not been clear its only a matter of hours between IM and SC I feel the effects.
Sc more gradual if appears and stays in the system just as long .
I think I wee more on day of IM
Maybe quicker in quicker out??
Who knows really.
It's what you get used to as you say and what works fof you .
I for sure too scared to change much.
"Dispersal" would describe it better. Non-dispersal means it just stays in the tissue where injected, not getting into tissue fluid and on into blood. I always massage the area for a couple of minutes after injecting.
Locations for SC injection 
Self injecting - tips please
Self inject links please
Self injecting advice, please
Advice on self injecting please
