Injection Site

[fuzzy1dar]

I was wondering if anyone else has lingering red/bruise marks at the injection site. I have taken 6 shots so far and still have a red bruise mark at injection site after six weeks. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if this is typical. Could someone please help me out here. Kinda nervious about giving the shot tonight.

Thanks, Darla

[jmjm530]

Sounds normal.

It's mostly not the injection but what's being injected that causes the lingering redness. Peg, for example, can leave red spots/irritation for some time. This tend to happen less, for example with Procrit.

For this reason, very important to rotate your spots with the Peg, and depending on your reaction, not hitting the same spot more than once  every six weeks would be prudent. This can easily be accomplished just in the belly area (avoid waistline and around belly button) and even more of a rotation can be accomplished if you add the outer thighs. Back of arms require a second person or better than average dexertity as do the buttocks. Ladies, feel free to post your buttocks pics in your profile area so the men can help you pick out the ideal injection site.

As to changing the needle, this will not help the Peg reaction, of course, but it can make for an easier injection experience in cases where the first needle has to pierce a rubber stopper, as with Procrit and I imagine Peg that comes in vials. If your Peg syringe is pre-loaded, then no need, of course.

B-D has something called the "Luer-Lok" system that I used with Procrit. Drew up the Procrit with a larger needle, switched needles, and then injected. Big difference as the rubber stopper dulls the needle as it's punctured.

I've been shown 45 degree angles, 90 degree angles, and even just under the skin -- by NP's at the same hospital. LOL. Personally, I did 45 degrees for the Peg and closer to 90 for the Procrit, but not sure there was a rhyme or reason. The "book" I think says between 45 and 90. I imagine how much fat you have plays a role, so if you can pinch that inch :) wouldn't worry about the angle as much.

There are rx creams available for those that get bad injection site reactions.

[Deb_c430]

I suffer from this also, I take at least one shot a nite,  plus 4 more in the week.

My syringes do have another needle, one to draw and one to inject with.

You can move to legs, and if you have help back of arms.  

Though I haven't tried this yet.   Make sure your going in the right way.  

Take care and good luck

[charm27]

You are not suppose to inject in the waistline.

[fuzzy1dar]

Thanks for the info. Getting ready for the dreaded shot now!  I don't think you're suppose to inject in the waistline or in the same spot twice. I read somewhere that the injection causes tissue damage, maybe thats why the mark stays so long. Good luck to you all!

best wishes, Darla

[rinica]

My husband has just started treatment and has the same marks @injection site.  It is quite normal.  If it were possible to change the needle on the syringe after drawing up the medication it might minimize some of the redness,  but he is in a study and they are not likely to give some extra needles to anyone.    Also,  my husband was taught to do the injection @ a 45 degree angle,  whereas it can actually be done at 90 degree angle (as long as you are not too thin) and this might also minimize the redness as the med is slightly deeper in the subcutaneous tissue.  Also,  try not to rub the area after you inject.

As far as reusing the site,  It definitely is best not to.  This can further breakdown the tissue and can lead to an abcess.  Try substituting four areas on the abdomen & four or more areas on the outer thighs,  this will buy you some more time until you have to even get close to the same site.  

Good luck!

[desrt]

I could get about 3 shots on top of each leg and 5 in an arc over my navel, by that time they'd be faded and I'd start over.

[pKinCA]

Hi Darla,

I was just gonna post a similar question!  I have the same marks that you describe... I'm pretty sure they are quite common and I've heard they can last 4 to 5 weeks...

My question is:  How close you can get to those marks with the new shots?  Can they overlap?  Can you reinject in the spot after they fade?

Does anyone know the answer?  It feels like I'm running out of room already and only on No. 5 tonight :-)

Thanks!

pK

[desrt]

It's typical. They're a good way to keep track of what places have been used. Mine would start to fade after a month or so.