My first self injection using Bimix

The doctor made it look so easy last week in his office. He started with .3 ml and I received about an 80 %. He told me to try .4 or .5 ml. and that I should get the "FULL" benefit. It was quite different at home with the needle in my hand!   Problem number one: The shakes … I was shaking just inserting the needle in the vial to fill the syringe and then starting to think about where it was going next. The Bimix is kept in the refrigerator and I was told to let it warm to room temperature, so I used that time to calm my nerves.   After all what I was about to do was for the betterment of mankind (please, remember   ... this is my world!)   Problem number two: Doc had said to alternate sides. Since he had injected the right side I was to inject the left side. I am right handed so this made the voyage a little rough from the get go! (I would suggest that all doctors ask if the patient is right or left handed and select the opposite side so that when the needle is in our hands for the first time it makes it a little easier.)   Problem number three: NERVES or lack thereof. I was using a 30g 1/2" long needle that (in my mind) grew longer and thicker as it approached the target area.          It took five approaches before penetration. Once the skin was broken, I knew it was all or nothing and I had to plunge ahead (pun intended). By the time it was fully inserted (I was certain the needle would be protruding out the other side) my heart was racing full speed. Problem number four: Even though I thought I had properly located a clear point of entry ..... I  hit a small vain!      It was not the same ease of entry feeling as when the Doc did it last week.  There was a little resistance and a minor sting ... since I had read up on the procedure I knew what had happened. I took a deep breath and continued insertion ever so slowly. Problem number five: Okay the needle is “IN” and being held in my left hand while my right hand is holding on and trying not to move. At this point my dog decides to enter the room so see what ole dad is doing. How do you brush away a 100lb dog while both hands are occupied? (note to self …   remember to fully close and lock all doors prior to needle play). Problem number six: The plunger has to be pushed all the way in/down using my left thumb while my left hand is holding the syringe and my right hand is still holding Mr. Scared to Death as he is now trying to retreat into my body and I am trying to pull him out and keep him steady. This is a feat in itself for a right handed individual. Problem number seven: As the needle is withdrawn, blood appears on the scene.   Scary, but not a huge factor, just a small drop. At this point we now have blood, sweat and no tears! The blood leaves a small bruise under the skin about the size of a pencil eraser. I will consider it a battle scar until it fades, too bad I can’t show it off! Twenty-five minute later we had success to the point of about 95%, very useable with only .4ml …. WOOOOOOOOOOWHOOOOOO! And next time I get to use my right hand! Moral of the story: Put your fears to rest it’s never as bad as your mind makes it out to be!    

Hi Jeff, Thanks for the suggestions! I've noticed before that our stats are pretty close. I looked for the auto injector all weekend at several different stores with no luck. I even looked on line this morning thinking I would postpone the first try if I could locate an injector. Where did you find yours? Did you have to get different syringes and needles to fit it? Larry

Since you get to switch hands from left to right will that keep hair from growing in your palms? Sorry couldn't resist.

larry

Larry -- I've never had hair grow on the palms of my hands. You never see grass on the playground .... it gets worn off! lol I was going to say I had to use both hands, but I thought some might get the wrong impression. WINKS! Thanks David ... I've been reading your post, glad you're back a doing a little better! Congrats on your new reading! Keep down the good work.

Hi Larry,

STOP,,, Run, don't walk to a drugstore and get an auto injector, you will be shocked at how much easier it is,, in all aspects