First Shot Questions

[CR]

I don't understand how people can always let someone else do their shots.  You're always relying on someone else that way.  If you really want it, I figure you should be able to do your own shots. 

Just my opinion.

[thatboyfresh]

The same reason people get others to rip off a stuck on bandaid. I respect your opinion but, I think it's just a matter of preference. I have never been able to purposely cause my self pain ( even for my own benefit) it's a mental thing.

Also for some it might be a psychical thing. Me for example are not thin enough nor flexible enough to be able to safely inject into my own butt. I know there is other places to inject but I should be aloud to chose the injection site of my liking. Or if there is some other factor limiting someones ability to self inject. I don't think it is fair of you to insinuate that someone who rely on someone else to inject them is "not really wanting it"

[AdamMLP]

I don't understand how people can always let someone else do their shots.  You're always relying on someone else that way.  If you really want it, I figure you should be able to do your own shots. 

Just my opinion.

I think it's a good idea for people to know how to do their own shots, just incase,  but if someone finds it easier/the only way they can cope with needles and accepts the risk that there might not always be someone around who can do it then it's up to them.  The likelihood is that they know the theory at least, so if push came to shove they would be able to inject themselves if there was no one around for weeks, which is unlikely unless there's an apocalypse when, frankly, it'd be the least of your worries.

Here in the UK the only two types of T that are normally prescribed is topical gel, or Nebido injections which are always given by a doctor.  Does that mean that everyone in the UK doesn't really want it?  Nope.

[spacerace]

About SubQ shots - the person prescribing me T said, "Grab a roll of fat on your tummy and stick it in." That's it.

Now, IM shots - I would have to do some serious soul searching every week I had to jam that needle in my leg.

[therewolf]

1. Do you do your own shots or someone else for you?
I do my own.

2. How did you feel after your very first shot?
A bit surprised that that was all there was to it. Worried that I would hate being on T or that I would become an enraged gorilla. (Pft.)

3. What is your injection sched? ( Mine will be bi-weekly to start but I heard some guys really don't like this)
Once a week. I am looking into getting an implant, as now that the novelty has worn off I am as likely to forget my shot as I am my keys or the mail or someone's birthday.

4. What was the first change you noticed.
The first change I noticed I was not sure at the time was a change. I did my first shot with a doctor on the other end of the state and had a four-hour drive home, and I felt really, really chill. I wasn't sure if it was the relief of tension, or the T, but I know now that I get a good couple of hours of placid temperament after every shot. Also, I stank within 24 hours.

Don't forget if you're worried about pain that you can numb the area with ice first, and you can ask for thinner injection needles. No shame in that. The one they gave me to do my first shot with was like a 28g or something like that and it was AWESOME. I talked my current doctor into giving me 27s, and I find it is well worth the extra effort/time it takes to push the oil through the smaller needle. I do all of mine in the thigh, and the pain is fine with ice. It's not fun, but it's not traumatizing.

I think I am the only person I know who hates subQ. I had to do a couple of antibiotics shots subQ after my hysto, and they creeped the living f*** out of me. Don't know why.

[spacerace]

I talked my current doctor into giving me 27s, and I find it is well worth the extra effort/time it takes to push the oil through the smaller needle.

You can draw through a larger needle and then switch it out before the shot.

[thatboyfresh]

1. Do you do your own shots or someone else for you?
I do my own.

2. How did you feel after your very first shot?
A bit surprised that that was all there was to it. Worried that I would hate being on T or that I would become an enraged gorilla. (Pft.)

3. What is your injection sched? ( Mine will be bi-weekly to start but I heard some guys really don't like this)
Once a week. I am looking into getting an implant, as now that the novelty has worn off I am as likely to forget my shot as I am my keys or the mail or someone's birthday.

4. What was the first change you noticed.
The first change I noticed I was not sure at the time was a change. I did my first shot with a doctor on the other end of the state and had a four-hour drive home, and I felt really, really chill. I wasn't sure if it was the relief of tension, or the T, but I know now that I get a good couple of hours of placid temperament after every shot. Also, I stank within 24 hours.

Don't forget if you're worried about pain that you can numb the area with ice first, and you can ask for thinner injection needles. No shame in that. The one they gave me to do my first shot with was like a 28g or something like that and it was AWESOME. I talked my current doctor into giving me 27s, and I find it is well worth the extra effort/time it takes to push the oil through the smaller needle. I do all of mine in the thigh, and the pain is fine with ice. It's not fun, but it's not traumatizing.

I think I am the only person I know who hates subQ. I had to do a couple of antibiotics shots subQ after my hysto, and they creeped the living f*** out of me. Don't know why.

Implant??

Also I have heard some guys have trouble with seepage. Would that be less likely to happen with a thinner needle or is that they are injecting incorrectly? What about numbing cream? Or is that a no no as with tattoos and the like.

P.S thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge!

[Jack_M]

If you do it in the lateral thigh, pinching the skin and muscle and pushing the needle slowly with your leg hanging off a counter or anywhere where your leg isn't touching the floor (so you can't tense the lateral muscle of your leg) it doesn't hurt. It's a much better site than the glute for not hurting. You need to stand to inject in the glute, there's easier nerves to hit there which hurt like heck and because you're standing, fear can make you tense up and that could hurt. I literally do not feel a thing when injecting myself in the lateral thigh. It's almost disconcerting to watch a needle go into your body and yet not feel it!

As for seepage, if you make sure to add a little air and flick the bubble to the top of the syringle at the plunger and push it out at the end of the injection, this will push the T further into the muscle, it's a conservation method and is safe. Then you leave the needle in for 60 seconds after injecting and then yank it out fast and put pressure on the site for 60 seconds. Don't rub the area at all! This can lead to T escaping the muscle, pain and bruising. Light pressure is all you need. And if you do that for 60 seconds, you won't even need a band aid!

Also, you can go to any clinic and have them do it. It doesn't have to be your own doctor or friend/partner. They can often teach you how to do it yourself too.

[thatboyfresh]

If you do it in the lateral thigh, pinching the skin and muscle and pushing the needle slowly with your leg hanging off a counter or anywhere where your leg isn't touching the floor (so you can't tense the lateral muscle of your leg) it doesn't hurt. It's a much better site than the glute for not hurting. You need to stand to inject in the glute, there's easier nerves to hit there which hurt like heck and because you're standing, fear can make you tense up and that could hurt. I literally do not feel a thing when injecting myself in the lateral thigh. It's almost disconcerting to watch a needle go into your body and yet not feel it!

As for seepage, if you make sure to add a little air and flick the bubble to the top of the syringle at the plunger and push it out at the end of the injection, this will push the T further into the muscle, it's a conservation method and is safe. Then you leave the needle in for 60 seconds after injecting and then yank it out fast and put pressure on the site for 60 seconds. Don't rub the area at all! This can lead to T escaping the muscle, pain and bruising. Light pressure is all you need. And if you do that for 60 seconds, you won't even need a band aid!

Also, you can go to any clinic and have them do it. It doesn't have to be your own doctor or friend/partner. They can often teach you how to do it yourself too.

Thanks for the great info. It is all very informative and really relaxes me even more. You said any clinic. Do you mean health walk in clinic, medical clinic like docs office.

[Mattfromengland]

This is a brilliant thread. It should be made a sticky

I'm sure many a pre hormone FTM could gain from reading through the replies here

Either way, great stuff and glad I found the thread,

[thatboyfresh]

This is a brilliant thread. It should be made a sticky

I'm sure many a pre hormone FTM could gain from reading through the replies here

Either way, great stuff and glad I found the thread,

Yeah man. It is really helpful to see every ones different methods and how T effects people differently. Also to see the different options available and to know that what might work for some might not work for others. The response I've gotten is excellent!

[Jack_M]

Thanks for the great info. It is all very informative and really relaxes me even more. You said any clinic. Do you mean health walk in clinic, medical clinic like docs office.

Any walk in clinic should do it.

The only thing about clinics is them doing everything "right". Medically it will be right but in terms of T conservation and the least pain, likely not. They don't worry so much about conservation and may use same needle that they used to draw (the needle is dulled when pushed through vial), then not pinch leg and just fire it in. They'll also likely pull the needle out as soon as they've finished injecting.

Another conservation thing I forgot to mention was that after you draw to whatever dose you've to take, check you have enough and before switching needles pull the plunger back so that you get all the T that was in the needle. Basically, you want to be sure you get all the T. Again, if a clinic does switch the needle, they might kiss this step.

It's a good fall back though; if you chicken out, there's somewhere that'll do it for you.

Also, for remembering when to inject, google calender is awesome. I have it on my computer and phone and I set up on the computer so that I could put Shot L (left leg) to reoccur every 4 weeks and then Shot R to reoccur every 4 weeks inbetween (so they were 2 weeks apart). This way I can't forget as my phone and  computer remind me. It's also handy because remembering which leg isn't always so simple! Lol. It's best to alternate legs because scar tissue can build up if you only use one side and that will affect T uptake. I like this calender though because you can set any reoccurring period, so if switching to something more awkward to remember, like 10 days, it's simple enough to set up.

[LordKAT]

A slight correction, you do not have to stand to give yourself a shot in the tush.

[aleon515]

I don't understand how people can always let someone else do their shots.  You're always relying on someone else that way.  If you really want it, I figure you should be able to do your own shots. 

Just my opinion.

If you like and are able to do your own, more power to you. But there are people here with needle phobia and just don't like the process so much or whatever it is. They are just as much "men" as you are. Most shots people give themselves are not IM.

On another point, subQ seems only used in certain parts of the country. No one hear does it, AFAIK. I wouldn't mind doing this, I think. I don't think the person not liking subQ is the only one. I think the T itself is stingy and it's thick stuff.

--Jay

[thatboyfresh]

Any walk in clinic should do it.

The only thing about clinics is them doing everything "right". Medically it will be right but in terms of T conservation and the least pain, likely not. They don't worry so much about conservation and may use same needle that they used to draw (the needle is dulled when pushed through vial), then not pinch leg and just fire it in. They'll also likely pull the needle out as soon as they've finished injecting.

Another conservation thing I forgot to mention was that after you draw to whatever dose you've to take, check you have enough and before switching needles pull the plunger back so that you get all the T that was in the needle. Basically, you want to be sure you get all the T. Again, if a clinic does switch the needle, they might kiss this step.

It's a good fall back though; if you chicken out, there's somewhere that'll do it for you.

Also, for remembering when to inject, google calender is awesome. I have it on my computer and phone and I set up on the computer so that I could put Shot L (left leg) to reoccur every 4 weeks and then Shot R to reoccur every 4 weeks inbetween (so they were 2 weeks apart). This way I can't forget as my phone and  computer remind me. It's also handy because remembering which leg isn't always so simple! Lol. It's best to alternate legs because scar tissue can build up if you only use one side and that will affect T uptake. I like this calender though because you can set any reoccurring period, so if switching to something more awkward to remember, like 10 days, it's simple enough to set up.

This is something I will most likely have to do. I have a hard enough time remembering to grab my keys before I leave the house. Good idea for using your phone because lets face it. How many times do we actually look at a conventional calender these days. My GF is coming to the injection training with me so I can have an option rather then having to depend on a stranger who might do it incorrectly

[Kreuzfidel]

I don't understand how people can always let someone else do their shots.  You're always relying on someone else that way.  If you really want it, I figure you should be able to do your own shots. 

Just my opinion.

I know how to and can do it if I need to.  I choose not to because I have someone willing to do them for me. *shrug*

[Tossu-sama]

I don't understand how people can always let someone else do their shots.  You're always relying on someone else that way.  If you really want it, I figure you should be able to do your own shots. 

Just my opinion.

If I relied on myself to do my shots, I would still be on gel-based T which is utterly terrible IMO.
If one really wants it, they can always find someone capable to do the shots for them.

1. Do you do your own shots or someone else for you?
My fiancé does 'em for me at the moment. I don't have a needle phobia nor am I afraid of pain, I just can't stand to look at the injection.

2. How did you feel after your very first shot?
Right afterwards, nothing special. The next day, my whole arm was useless (we tried to do the shots to the shoulder muscle at first, didn't work out at all).
Other than that, I was just happy I was finally off gel.

3. What is your injection sched?
The prescription says every 17-21 days, and in my case it's the minimum of 17 days. Any more and I get cranky like a bear that's been shot to its ass.

4. What was the first change you noticed?
Muscle growth (thank you, physical job) and libido going haywire.

[AJarrah]

Hey,

Shawn Here
22 years old and 7/8ths
Pre-t

My first shot is coming up fast.  Aug 26th to be exact!  I am super beyond excited. Even more then for the release of GTA 5 and PS4 combined. I have been waiting for so long and it's finally happening. I have a few questions peeps more experienced with T, specifically injections.

1. Do you do your own shots or someone else for you?
2. How did you feel after your very first shot?
3. What is your injection sched? ( Mine will be bi-weekly to start but I heard some guys really don't like this)
4. What was the first change you noticed.

Thank you to who ever answers in advanced!.

P.S This site is really awesome!

1. I do my own injections, I'm too much of a control freak not to.
2. I think I was just nervous, not knowing what to expect. That and overwhelmingly excited since I'd finally reached the goal I'd wanted. As far as literally/physically feeling something different, I felt a little more energy but that could easily be from the nervousness and excitement :/
3. I do my injections weekly. My doctor tried to move it to every 10 days, but I kept forgetting since it wasn't as simple as "it's Thursday, can't forget my shot". (She wanted to move it to 10 days to see if it helped my anxiety, but it didn't.) So I started on every 7 days, moved to 10, back to 7. I seem to not have any problems if I'm doing it weekly.
4. I think the first things I noticed were wanting to bone everything and my chubby cheeks thinning out. Followed by my voice gradually dropping and more hair everywhere. I'm starting to be convinced I'm half monkey.

Hope those help

[thatboyfresh]

1. I do my own injections, I'm too much of a control freak not to.
2. I think I was just nervous, not knowing what to expect. That and overwhelmingly excited since I'd finally reached the goal I'd wanted. As far as literally/physically feeling something different, I felt a little more energy but that could easily be from the nervousness and excitement :/
3. I do my injections weekly. My doctor tried to move it to every 10 days, but I kept forgetting since it wasn't as simple as "it's Thursday, can't forget my shot". (She wanted to move it to 10 days to see if it helped my anxiety, but it didn't.) So I started on every 7 days, moved to 10, back to 7. I seem to not have any problems if I'm doing it weekly.
4. I think the first things I noticed were wanting to bone everything and my chubby cheeks thinning out. Followed by my voice gradually dropping and more hair everywhere. I'm starting to be convinced I'm half monkey.

Hope those help

Yo thanks for the input man! I really hope I don't get that much more hair. I already have thick dark hair on every inch of me. Soon I might invest in a weed whacker or something. I am looking forward to a possible higher libido though. Did you find that it calmed down when you started regularly using T or that it is generally higher then before injections?

[thatboyfresh]

If I relied on myself to do my shots, I would still be on gel-based T which is utterly terrible IMO.
If one really wants it, they can always find someone capable to do the shots for them.

1. Do you do your own shots or someone else for you?
My fiancé does 'em for me at the moment. I don't have a needle phobia nor am I afraid of pain, I just can't stand to look at the injection.

2. How did you feel after your very first shot?
Right afterwards, nothing special. The next day, my whole arm was useless (we tried to do the shots to the shoulder muscle at first, didn't work out at all).
Other than that, I was just happy I was finally off gel.

3. What is your injection sched?
The prescription says every 17-21 days, and in my case it's the minimum of 17 days. Any more and I get cranky like a bear that's been shot to its ass.

4. What was the first change you noticed?
Muscle growth (thank you, physical job) and libido going haywire.

For your libido, did you find it leveled out and is back to "normal" ( meaning before T) or that it is generally higher then before.