Anybody have a trick for making injection easy?

Seems like lately my syringes are hard to operate. The plunger is sort of stiff. Wondering if there is a trick to make it slide better. My hands want to shake a little anyway, so its struggle enough. Maybe its in my head, but I dont think so. Any ideas?

[coeric]

you could try turning the plunger in the barrel.  grasp the syringe barrel in one hand and twist the plunger a turn or two, prior to pushing the air out of the syringe barrel.
eric

[beeblessed]

It is harder to push when it is straight out of the refrigerator, so I leave mine out about 20 minutes prior to the injection and that does help a lot.

[GINGERPAL]

it is the same way for me.   it is easy for me to shake too...so i have to talk myself out of that when injecting.    I have found the plunger stiff too....and once when i was pulling back on the plunger, the plunger piece came out of the back because it separated.  and i have also had a problem getting the needle cap off.   try not to do too much with the syringe....be easy with it...and just shoot away.   i think it will get easier.   good luck.   ginger

[JasmineT]

I haven't had this problem.  I can give the instructions given to me in case that helps.

Take the meds out of the fridge about 15 minutes prior to use.  It's stings if it's cold.
Always inject within two inches around the belly button, rotate around each week. You do not need to pull the plunger back out if you inject here because there is nothing significant to hit in this region.  This makes it much easier.
Alcohol the site prior to prepping the needle so the alcohol dries and does not sting.
Prep the shot
Pinch the flesh around where you wish to inject and inject at 45 degrees so you get under all layers of skin but not into the muscle
Push the plunger in and hold it for 5 seconds after depletion to ensure no med comes back out.

[pooh55811]

I think the interferon is NOT supposed to be injected WITHIN 2 inches of the belly button.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a604005.html

"Do not inject near your navel (belly button) or waistline or into an area where the skin is sore, red, bruised, scarred, infected, or abnormal in any way."

[slideman]

I dont shoot next to my belly button, nor do I shoot next to a site thats still showing a red spot. I go to my thigh when my stomach is not useable. I think as time goes on the easier it is for me to freak myself out about the whole thing. The last 2 or 3 just seem real stiff, and the when I think I am done and puul it out, I can squeeze a drop or 2 more out. I hope I'm getting it all.

[orphanedhawk]

My neupogen shot is the most difficult.
My nurse told me to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes prior.
Then use a piece of ice on the spot where I'll be injecting, to numb the area. It works!

[working dog]

i noticed some boxes of needles are easier then others that way...billy

[rjm66]

I simply alternate between my left and right thigh.  I just find this a lot easier than the belly.

[JasmineT]

Hi pooh, I am on peg interferon alpha 2a, not beta 1a as in your link.  Not sure it makes a difference though.  Could not find that statement in any of the papers I have for alpha 2a but am definitely a bit stressed now.  Thanks for pointing out it may be a problem.  The pharmacist/doctor was very specific during training and went through it with me repeatedly.  Doesn't mean she knew what she was talking about, even the docs seem t get it wrong sometime.

[belle19]

i've only done the shot on my thighs.  i pinch, inject and then it's hard to plunge because it seems i really need 3 hands.  oh well, so far i've managed but it still scares me after doing 15 on my own.  take care.  belle

[JasmineT]

Found it on a third paper I have on alpha 2a.  "Avoid your navel and waistline".  Need to call I guess.  Definitely did not misunderstand the trainers, she was very clear and did not have the brain fog yet, hopefully above and below are somehow not an issue.  Will let you know.

[slideman]

Its not at all unusual to find Dr's with conflicting info, thats why I spend lots of time on here. Not all the things here are right, but when I see most people here thinking the same way, I bring it up with my Dr. I have found this to be a wonderfull source of info. When a question like this one comes to my mind, I post here. I am so greatful to have this kind of help. I did tx in 2001 and there was nothing like this then. It really makes my day to think that somebody finds new info that  is helpfull.

[James10500]

You're taking the syringe out a letting it get to room temperature? Tapping to get the air bubbles to the top while it's upside down? Pushing the plunger to 180mcg's, pinching stabbing release pich inject, let syringes in for 5seconds before removal?

As long as the meds get in there it's all good!  Good luck with the rest of tx!

[flcyclist]

I recall reading to avoid injecting within 2 inches around the navel. I usually inject just above the beltline since the pressure from the belt could cause further irritation of the rash that sometimes forms around the injection site.

[beeblessed]

Hello again,

Here is a link to a step by step, including a diagram of the proper (if you're doing tummy) injection site; always well below the navel and midline:

http://www.pegasys.com/pegasys/injecting/pegasys-syringes.htm

You might want to call your nurse too, if none of this makes it easier for you.  But I know for a fact that the plunger is harder to push when the medication is cold.