posted
i have 1 inch needles and i double checked with the pharmacy as they seemed really long for subcutanous injections......but they said that was correct......gave it in my stomach............was fine...........you can google or ask.com.........the procedure and it gives you all the sites....etc.....make sure you have it in the correct place and get a shorter needle..............
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
When I first started them, I had a very small needle, probably 1/2 inch or less. That prescription was really written for my 12 year old.
I tried to get that same size, but have ended up with a 1 1/2 inch needle. I try not to put it in all the way, but usually it goes in further than I intend. The only part that hurts a little is when it first goes in.
Sometimes it does sting a little bit, but not very often.
My LLMD acted like it was not a big deal if some of it came back out like that.
I think you can ask the pharmacy for a smaller needle. I was able to get a smaller one at one point, but when I switched pharmacies, they went back to the big one.
You will get used to it. I was freaked out about the big needle recently, but it really isn't that bad.
Posts: 984 | From US | Registered: Dec 2007
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
My dose is 25MG/ML injected daily. I use a BD 3/10cc needle.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Florence1- I was told not to inject into my stomach...is that right? I guess it is fine since you do!
jkmom- Thanks for the info! I was thinking I had to push the needle in all the way. That really helps. I guess I was thinking I had to push it all the way in so that I could get to the muscle.
I am going to try to get a smaller needle if I can.
I am such a baby! I just can't get past stabbing myself with a needle...I guess that will come with practice.
Posts: 27 | From Cottontown, Tn | Registered: Jun 2010
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janet thomas
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7122
posted
Why not your butt? Hurts a lot less.
-------------------- I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice but only my personal experience and opinion. Posts: 2001 | From NJ | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
Janet- do you give it to yourself in the butt or does someone do it for you?
Posts: 27 | From Cottontown, Tn | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
I give myself the shot in the 'fatty' part of the waist area, what I can twist and do towards my back. Pinch it together, that way it doesn't hurt at all. I was told to use the longer needles that in time, if you do not get deep enough, it could discolor my skin.
-------------------- Lyme, Babs, Fry Bug..... Whatever it is, may a treatment be discovered to make us all whole again! Posts: 941 | From AZ-MT | Registered: Oct 2004
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janet thomas
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7122
posted
Yes i do it myself-also IM Bicillin-it is very easy after a few times.
-------------------- I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice but only my personal experience and opinion. Posts: 2001 | From NJ | Registered: Mar 2005
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Did you ask the pharmacy if you are supposed to stick the needle in at a 45 degree angle, or perpendicular to the skin (which would be 90 degrees)?
Mine is supposed to go in at a 45 degree angle.
I would just call the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist how to inject. Ask them if they would like you to pull back on the plunger before injecting to see if you hit a vein (aka, look for blood to come into the syringe.
For mine, they didn't tell me to do that, but my shots may be different (don't know the length of my needle) than yours.
Also, sometimes I have medicine leak out when I pull the needle out. I don't think that is a big deal. But I would check on if they want you to pull back, to see if you hit a vein or not.
I wouldn't stick the needle in halfway. I'm sure they gave you that length for a reason. Also, if it's in halfway, it seem like it would be easier to accidentally pull it out while injecting.
I would call the pharmacy with a list of questions, and get all of them answered. I would also ask where on your body they want you to inject.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I am injecting myself with glutatione and MB12 combined and I also put my injections into the butt. Really easy and no pain at all. I use a very fine needle, 25G 1 1/2" long.
Posts: 40 | From New York | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
Thank you all so much for the help and advice! I am so lucky to have found this support so early into my treatment!
I am calling my pharmacy a.s.a.p. in the momrning with my list of questions!
Thanks again!
Posts: 27 | From Cottontown, Tn | Registered: Jun 2010
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'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
My LL N.D. always suggests the upper leg muscles (thighs) for the methylcobalamin shots- every other day for me- & alternate between legs.
Ya just wipe the desired area with 91% isopropyl alcohol & pop [what's usually] a 3/4" to 1 inch needle fully into the muscle mass (remember- these are spozed to be Intra-Muscular shots) & s-l-o-wly inject the (typically) 1 ml dose. Try not to twist or tilt the needle.
As I'm quite lean, my LL M.D. said a 5/8" needle-syringe would be acceptable. These are a lot less "threatening" looking as the B-D brand 5/8" disposable syringes only Hold 1ml!
However, most adults are more "full-figured" than I & will need Atleast a 3/4" needle, if not 1".
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Mine are labelled as being "subcutaneous" ("under the skin"), so I believe that's different than the intramuscular ones. The subcutaneous go in at 45 degrees, so the medicine goes under the skin.
I think with the subcutaneous, the needle is shorter and that's why you don't need to check to see if you hit a vein.
So I think calling your pharmacy, giving them your prescription number, and asking them how they want you to do the shots is the best bet.
As you can tell, there are different ways/methods.
Good luck!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I was just going to say that..it seems some people have an intramuscular injection prescription and some subcutaneous (fatty tissue under the skin)............so you need to check what yours in..........that will make a difference..........and then the length of needle will change depending if you need to get to muscle or not..............
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
My doctor has me do intramuscular B-12 injections, with the longer needle. I usually do it in my thigh, and sometimes I barely feel it, but other times it really hurts. I've begun taking them in my hip, which seems more comfortable. Be very careful, though, as placement in the hip is important, so that you miss the sciatic nerve. A call to your MD might be a good thing.
Posts: 6 | From Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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