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Alternative injection sites for the lean and mean...?

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Posted 2/2/2007 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
especially in my legs. There is nothing to grab. The belly, if i sit down and hunch over a bit and hold it so I don't have to press it in I think it will work.
But the legs...i am at a loss. Where else can I go. I already have the auto-inject set to lowest level.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
Posted 2/2/2007 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
I know they tell you to rotate the injection sites...but I've always just injected in my belly, being sure to avoid any areas that might be red, and certainly the exact injection site of last time...but I can't do my arms, so it's my belly and upper thighs, or nothing...

Posted 2/2/2007 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Buckeye

I"m sorry, no suggestions here...just had to let u know i just love the mental image u gave of holding u'r belly just right! hahahaha Now...when u get in that position...can u still hold the auto injector? ;) Have a great day buckeye!
Posted 2/2/2007 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
They told me not to play favorites with the sites. Something about it breaking down the fat, messing your muscles up and they atrophy.
Posted 2/2/2007 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
rhondab~ yah i can.
You should see what I have to do to inject my arms. Right hand on red, left foot on blue...LOL
Posted 2/2/2007 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
I have one helpful tip for self injecting your arms.  When I was on Rebif I used it and it was the least painful site for me. 

 

Lets see....I sat on the floor next to my bed and propped my upper arm flat on the edge of the bed so that the fleshy part fanned out, then I injected it.  You can also do it while sitting side ways in a chair and propping your upper arm flat on the back of the chair.

 

I hope you can visualize this, it's hard I know! LOL!

Posted 2/2/2007 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I dunno. I've been injecting Betaseron for 12 years now...almost exclusively in my belly, and have had no negative consequences. Just luck, I guess.
Posted 2/3/2007 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi buckeye,

 

    The thighs are...well painful as least for my husband, and hes not all skin and bone either.  The thigh area you can inject in is actually a lot bigger than its described.  If you have more of a place to grab further up the thigh instead of closer to the knee area you can try that see if that makes a difference.  I believe the area is like 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin.  And yes, they will tell you that rotating is best, but in some cases it's just not possible.  We asked his neuro about that and she said as long as we are staying at least two inches from the previous injection it's fine.  All docs are different though.   

Posted 2/3/2007 7:53 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Buckeye,

How about your BUTT?  I get my fiance to do that one... it's a bit challenging.  I hate the thighs but I do them anyway when I'm feeling brave.  I guess I'm greatful for my nice jiggly belly as it's usually pain free..  lol.

Shar

Posted 2/4/2007 6:52 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't know my butt was an option!?!? I am on Copaxone and have an autoject so that would be easy. It just doesn't show it on my "suggested areas of injectons", so I didn't know it was an option. Thanks. I'll try it!
Posted 2/5/2007 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi 

I found this site which has a good diagram of the butt area injection sites:

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/glatiramer_pi.htm

My nurse said to stay away from the waistband area where your pants may rub and irritate the site.

:-) Shar
Posted 2/5/2007 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
I've seen the site you recommended but it doesn't show the lower butt area. Like the part you sit on (smile) It shows more of the upper hip area. If I have more fat in the lower part, why not use that part?

Posted 2/5/2007 12:19 PM (GMT 0)

MSBLESSED said...
I've seen the site you recommended but it doesn't show the lower butt area. Like the part you sit on (smile) It shows more of the upper hip area. If I have more fat in the lower part, why not use that part?


I think the idea is to inject into fatty tissue, and AVOID any areas where you might irritate the injection site. Like, avoid areas where clothing may rub (waistband, pantylines, sleeves). Avoid areas where you'd be pressing down when you sit. Avoid areas that you've injected recently, which might be irritated or swollen. If the injection sites get irritated, they can get infected, and then you've got a much more serious medical condition on your hands.

I'd probably avoid the area of my butt where I sit...but that still allows lots of other injection sites all around my lower torso.

Posted 2/5/2007 11:23 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Buck,

I had the same problem when I was injecting. I even talked to my doctors about it. They told me that guys especially, have a problem with upper arms and thighs. Some even with butts (whoops can I say that here)

Anyway, what they told me was two things. One, don't inject there. Rotate the stomach and butt and if absolutely necessary the arm. But Thighs are horrible. Two, if you use an autoinjector set it for the smallest needle insertion. You will probably get more red marks, but it does work on some. And.....they also said that you can go in at a 45 degree angle in some spots.

When I asked them about the instructions and what the nurses said etc....they told me that they give you a general outline for MOST people.  They continued, that diabetics have the same problems and have had to vary and adapt.

So for what it is worth......A lot of macho guys, with six packs and huge guns, tight butts and hard thighs (cough cough) have this problem.  (And so do skinny guys)

Contact your Doc, and talk to them about it. Nurses deal with this all the time and have lots of tricks it seems.

Good Luck

Dog

 

Posted 2/23/2007 7:33 PM (GMT 0)

I rotate all 7 areas.  I use the AJ.  My hubby does the rear/hips, and both arms.  If I am ever alone.  I will compress the AJ closed (being careful of course!) and I will take packing tape and tape it closed so it is activated.  I then hit the button with one hand and it's done.  I've done this many times but I always make sure the tape has a good hold on it before I attempt the injection.  :-)

Posted 2/24/2007 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe it's the MS, or maybe I'm just tired tonight, (or both) but huh?!? I so didn't get that. I have the Autoject2 as well and just cant get a visual of what you are saying. HELP!! Or maybe I'll just read your post first thing in the morning when my mind seems to be most clear!! :-)

P.S. I've got my packing tape on stand by!!!
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