beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
Fernando:
I have to ask you this basic question. How muscular are you and how much do you weigh? Actually, you don't have to answer that.
I am 5'-3", weighed 115, and had muscle atrophy before starting Bicillin treatments. Because of this, I did not have enough muscle mass to handle the larger needle and/or the larger concentration of med.
I have to take the injections in two 1.2 unit shots in 2 different muscles each week. One 2.4 unit shot whould put 1/2 the med in my muscle and the other 1/2 would be lost to the surrounding area aoutsied of the muscle. As it is, I can barely absorb the 1.2.
The size of needle and dose of med. is often determined by your MD based on your weight and muscle mass.
posted
The 2.4 is an awful lot to put in one spot, even if you have well developed muscles. It would be better to put in 1/2 and move it over an inch or so for the rest than tear the muscle by forcing in more than it can take. Just pay attention to how it feels as it goes in IMO, and don't force it.
One thing about those 2.4 Bicillins... the rather long 2" needle is very capable of reaching the sciatic nerve (depth wise) on an average person. Standard IM needles are 1 1/2", and the 1.2 bicillin's are only 1 1/4". Ths Sciatic nerve on an average person lies 2 1/4" to 2 1/2" below the skin (I got that from a regional anesthesia website.)
If using the "upper outer quadrant of the buttock" method to determine where to put it, be aware that the inside lower corner of that rectangle passes very close to the sciatic nerve's path. (Your anatomy and your accuracy may vary!)
Be extra careful with the extra long needle. None of us needs an injured nerve on top of the problems we already have.
By the way, just because it comes with a 2" needle there is no law saying you have to drive it all the way in to the hub. You just want it deep into the middle of the muscle mass. 2" on some people might go all the way through the other side.
[This message has been edited by James H (edited 03 March 2005).]
Posts: 714 | From San Antonio TX | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I would definetly divide that shot up on both sides...its quite a lot to get.
Also you can have your LLMD order smaller needles and transfer the meds into it..I did that for a long time b/c I did not have enough mass for the needle it came with.
posted
Wow! 2.4M U in one shot! How many times a week? I just started my shots (after over a year on oral abx). I am getting one 1.2M U shot three times a week.
I do concur with what has being said before, giving two 1.2M U shots in differente areas instead of the single 2.4M U shot is likely to be better absorbed and do less damage to the tisue.
Posts: 29 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
Thanks a millin for all the knowledge. I have only had a couple of shots so far. One 1.2 shot twice a week. Just trying to gage my shot options as I move forward with these things.
I am 190 and 5'7" and HAD really good muscle for all the hiking in my rear. That has change though as I have had muscle athropy.
You guys a real big help!
How about two shots on Monday (2.4U) and one on Friday? There for reducing the planning and shot prep and eliminating one day? I seems to be absorbed really slow anyway?
MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
I do 2.5cc twice weekly in one shot. MADDOG
Posts: 4001 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
David95928
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3521
posted
Nurses who have previously worked in STD clinics have told me that the standard treatemnt for gonnorhea was TWO shots of 2.4 IU Bicillin at the same time! Of course, it was a generally a one-time treatment and, perhaps, the system was accidentally-on-purpose punishing people for "misbehavior." I think I would divide it into two diffenet spots, even if in the same cheek. David
Posts: 2034 | From CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/