Disadvantages of Injections

[Teknoir]

I was a little stiff after the first 2 shots in each side, but it's all good now. You get used to it.

It's got a lot to do with technique. I've had shots by 4 different doctors / nurses in the last 2 months, and each one has been slightly different.

One guy is way too fast and I'm usually stiff the next day - but that was also standing and in a new site. He also said to wiggle my toes on that leg... bad move. Same again with no wiggle? Much, much better.

Last shot was by a new doctor, and she sucked. Got too close to a nerve or something. It hurt a fair bit going in, and my muscle involuntarily contracted (like a flinch). Luckily, its the side I normally use so it didn't get overly sore the next day.

The most irritating thing about injections is the inconvenience of having to see a doctor every 2 weeks (no self injecting over here).

[LordKAT]

The no self injecting thing would suck. I am lucky in that I have  nurse who is a sis do it usually. Can you do that over there? Find a friend or relative to do it?

[Tay]

Teknoir - I know an Aussie guy who self injects. Maybe there are different rules for different clinics? I know some people over here in the UK who can self inject and some who aren't permitted by their doctor.

[Devin87]

Why wouldn't you be allowed to self-inject?  They teach 7-year-olds over here to self inject when they get diabeties and stuff (can you imagine having to go to the doctor 5-6 times a day for shots).

[madzam]

I wanted to add that its not like you inject yourself every day, there is a time period between shots which gives the area time to heal not to mention that most people rotate sites. Unlike heroine addicts...

[jet3]

My doctor also told me never to inject in my thigh, she gave me a reason but i dont remember what she said. I just followed her intructions. I've never had any pain in my injection site. I can feel where i injected for maybe 2 or 3 minutes after my shot but after that, nothing at all. Maybe im just lucky. I've never heard of anyone saying they had problems injecting after a long period of time. When I first started transitioning I use to talk to and older trans guys who had be on T for 8 years and he said injecting became easier for him as time went on. He is the only guy i've talked to though who has been on T for over 4 years.

[Randi]

At first I was nervous about giving myself a shot. I use the thigh and alternate legs. I vacillated between going fast like a dart throw or the slow and steady approach. I finally decided to go with slow and steady. The needle kindof pops thru the tough skin layers but then slides on the rest of the way like going thru butter-if you don't tense up all should be fine. I have never gotten sore at all but had a small bruise once. I used patches for my hormones for a few months and while the concept works ok I had problems getting them to stay in place. For me injections are the way to go. FWIW, I have not used a filter needle and have had no problems with glass particulates (from breaking of the glass ampules) at the injection site.

Randi

[Arch]

Unlike heroine addicts...

You mean, like, big fans of Wonder Woman and Supergirl?

[Teknoir]

Teknoir - I know an Aussie guy who self injects. Maybe there are different rules for different clinics? I know some people over here in the UK who can self inject and some who aren't permitted by their doctor.

Not really sure what you mean by "clinic". My endo doesn't have any rules regarding who injects my T. He just supplied the script and the rest was left to me.

That's interesting though. I've never met a transguy that self-injects here. Of the two endo practices I've spoken to (the two that I know of in Sydney) - they said they tell everyone to go to their GP or a nurse. I asked about self injecting and needles, and was pretty much outright told that chemists don't (and won't) stock them.

It's not that it's illegal or anything - it's just difficult to get the needles. If one could find a reliable source of needles, then self injecting wouldn't be an issue.

I could probably track some down if I really felt the need to self inject, but it's honestly not that big an issue (and I'm lazy. I'd rather someone else do it. It's free, the local place is open until 22:00, no appointment needed, and the wait has always been under 30 mins). I'll be switching across to the 3 month shot anyway once my levels are sorted, stable and documented.