First follow up blood test

[KayXo]

I tried subcutaneous and I find some of the solution always leaks out vs IM where this rarely ever happens. Also, subcutaneously, a mass sometimes forms underneath the skin and is somewhat painful. I personally don't like this. In my own personal experience, I much prefer IM. Subcutaneously, it should absorb slower as there is less blood supply there.

I used to fear needles and faint just at the sight of them. Now, I do my injections myself and have absolutely no issues. It's all in your head, it can easily be overcome, you just need to be willing and persistent.

[Rambler]

I tried subcutaneous and I find some of the solution always leaks out vs IM where this rarely ever happens. Also, subcutaneously, a mass sometimes forms underneath the skin and is somewhat painful. I personally don't like this. In my own personal experience, I much prefer IM. Subcutaneously, it should absorb slower as there is less blood supply there.

I used to fear needles and faint just at the sight of them. Now, I do my injections myself and have absolutely no issues. It's all in your head, it can easily be overcome, you just need to be willing and persistent.

I read about the leaking and I was so worried about that, but I must have done it right and had no issues, I noticed a bit of tightness in the injection site last night but no pain or lump. I thought that perhaps subq should absorb slower for the same reason but the experiences tend to suggest it is quicker if anything. And yes, I'm sure there is a mental component to the act of stabbing myself in the gut. I'm sure it will pass as I get more used to it. I'll keep up with subq until my next blood test in September as long as there aren't any problems in the meantime.

[Devlyn]

I have extreme needle phobia, it's listed on my medical records. Healthcare professionals take it seriously because needle phobia can, and does, result in death. Here's the information on it. Not liking shots is not the same as having a phobia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_needles

Hugs, Devlyn

[Rambler]

I have extreme needle phobia, it's listed on my medical records. Healthcare professionals take it seriously because needle phobia can, and does, result in death. Here's the information on it. Not liking shots is not the same as having a phobia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_needles

Hugs, Devlyn

Huh, that's interesting. Especially the info about a vasovagal reaction! I wouldn't say that I have a phobia of needles and have never thought of it that way. They know I don't like needles from my blood tests, because I tend to tense up, breathe heavy, and go a little pale, but I've never had a reaction from a needle before. All of my previous interactions with needles have always been intravenous though, so that might have something to do with the response.

[Devlyn]

Ya, the last thing I see after the needle goes in is the ceiling tiles turning into gray static.

I like to remind people who don't understand that you can learn to eat cauliflower even if you don't like it. You can't learn to  eat cauliflower if you're allergic to  it. The "it's in your head, get over it" mindset isn't always helpful. 

Hugs, Devlyn

[Barb99]

I've been doing subcutaneous injections for a year now. I have had leakage a few times but only a small drop or two. I have to agree it does leave a small lump under the skin most of the time, but for me there is no pain from it. Does itch sometimes though!
I like the subcutaneous method because I do it up front where I can see what I'm doing and the needle is so small that I feel almost nothing when injecting.

[Rambler]

I've been doing subcutaneous injections for a year now. I have had leakage a few times but only a small drop or two. I have to agree it does leave a small lump under the skin most of the time, but for me there is no pain from it. Does itch sometimes though!
I like the subcutaneous method because I do it up front where I can see what I'm doing and the needle is so small that I feel almost nothing when injecting.

Just out of curiosity, how often do you administer and have you noticed low levels close to the time of dosing?

[Barb99]

I inject once a week on Saturday mornings. I have noticed a slight euphoria on Tuesdays, but that may be in my head. I have never felt like my levels were low at the end of the cycle.
I do my blood draws on Wednesday afternoons so I'm right in the middle of my cycle. My levels always come back right around 600 pg/ml and we are able to predict how a small change in dose will effect the levels.

[Rambler]

Charley, that's exactly the information I needed, I'm feeling much more confident now! So far everything is still good. I started experiencing some tightness and soreness in the injection site last night, but nothing I'm worried about based on my reading.