bruising with Injections

[jibjen]

Hey all...Just wanted to throw this out there. I am on Avonex and started the Avonex pen about 2 months ago..I noticed my last shot I bruised up. I bruised one time before with syringe..

Is bruising sometimes common when injecting???

Should I worry?

Darn it I thought I had this down pat. LOL

Jibby

[maxthecat43]

Is there a way to check on needle depth with this pen?  I've never seen it.

[Sidesteps]

I think the problem is it doesn't "release" unless you push to a certain point.  wait for it to release then push - I am not getting the marks as much as I was early on but I still have bruises and scabs from nearly every shot. I am bleeding more too - I don't get it at all.

[jibjen]

Hi,

Thanks so much for your advice. I am going to try not to push down so hard next injection..funny how something so simple can seem so difficult...

I will work on it..Seems like it should be the simpler way to inject but we will see.

Jibs

[jibjen]

Hi girl-

I almost think I liked the other way too but glad I am not alone :o)

Maybe I am pushing don tooooo hard because I do have a ring after I inject from the pen..

I am agreeing with you sides- may not be the way I want to "stick" long term either but will ry to not push down as twopack describes.

hope you feel better
jibs

[twopack]

Generally, when an auto-injector or pen device is used there should be contact with the skin but no pressure.  If the end of the barrel leaves a circular mark on the skin you are pressing too hard.  

With my Copaxone I steady the barrel where it contacts the skin with one hand and use the other to trigger.  By doing this I anchor the position and end up keeping the injection depth consistent.  It is important to be sure the pen is 'hopping' into a different position as you trigger it.

Auto-injection devices can sound loud and overly powerful.  The snap is caused by the mechanism making initial contact with the plunger head.  If you watch a health care worker give an injection you will see them use a very similar dart throwing type motion.

[Sidesteps]

I am bruising more too - I am also noticing it seems to "hurt" more to me.

I think the injection pen is administering the needle/medication quick and fast. That spring is super fast!!  

I also find that pushing down firmly on my skin seems to make the base of the needle push against my skin.

I am not sure it's the way I want to go long term. I actually felt it was easier on me self injecting.