Injection blunder

[Simon]

I mentioned awhile back that my T levels were really low for someone on a standard dose (but every 10 days at the time) and post hysto (Total was 295 and Free was 10.2). I think I figured out why that was. I was injecting with a 1" needle when I needed a 1.5 inch needle. Basically, I was doing SubQ injections in my butt, lol.

If I am not mistaken, don't SubQ injections disperse the hormone quicker than IM methods? I'm almost certain that is the case but as I've never been prescribed to take my T SubQ I don't really know.

Right now I'm on weekly injections that are the level that many take pre hysto so I'm kinda worried my levels might be high now. I don't feel any bad effects or anything but I'm trying to find a low cost way to get my labs done. It's over $400 at my Endo's office, yikes.

[LordKAT]

Hysto doesn't change your dosage. Weird I know but it doesn't really make that much difference.

[Simon]

Hysto doesn't change your dosage. Weird I know but it doesn't really make that much difference.

That's the first time I have been told that. I'm not doubting what you're saying, it's just I've talked to and read a lot from guys who say their Endo dropped their dose a small bit after a hysto.

My Endo raised my shot schedule from 3 to 4 a month after I came back with such a low number and we couldn't figure out why. Then I bothered to look at at old needle I have that the hospital gave me vs the new ones and noticed the length difference. Even the feel of the injection is different. Before with the smaller needle it stung a little like when I used to take SubQ shots for blood thinners. Now that doesn't happen (the initial jab does feel a bit worse though).

Now that you've told me that I'm not too awful worried that my levels are through the roof. Now that I am doing the injections properly that could have an effect so still going to get it checked as soon as I can. Thanks 

[Chamillion]

I believe it's actually the reverse, it takes longer to absorb through subcutaneous than intramuscular. Surprisingly, I can't find that much info on this with a google search so I'm not sure on that.

Anyway I'm not sure how much of an effect it would have on your levels. I've been on subQ since I started T and my levels have always been good, 600 or so last time I got checked. I do slightly less than the 'average dose'. Dunno.

[Simon]

I believe it's actually the reverse, it takes longer to absorb through subcutaneous than intramuscular. Surprisingly, I can't find that much info on this with a google search so I'm not sure on that.

I'm having a hard time finding results on this topic with search engines too. Not sure if you're right or if I am when it comes to how fast the absorption is. I just look at it like diabetics do sub q to get the insulin in quickly. Not sure if it would be the same for T but one would think so.