Hi all,
I have been on T for a while (8 months) and have a question regarding self-injection.
When I do my shot (in my upper arm but also would happen when I did it in my thigh) it often leaks out. I don't know how much is staying in and how much is leaking out, it looks like a lot. The nurse said it usually isn't as much as it looks like, but I want to make sure I get all the T, obviously. What can I do other than making sure the muscle is relaxed??
Thank you!
Z-track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GqUFFz9Ou4
I do subcutaneous injections and get tiny oil leaks sometimes too. It used to freak me out. To gain perspective I tried placing a square of clean toilet paper to absorb the leak. Then, I took the syringe I used and drew up some tap water, same quantity as my T dose, and emptied it onto a separate square of tissue to compare.
The leak was tiny in comparison to what the full dose would look like, obviously not worth freaking out over. Additionally I get leaks less often with a slight modification in technique. After injecting I keep the needle in for at least 15 seconds, still applying pressure to the plunger. Have a square of tissue handy, quickly withdraw the needle, and place the tissue over the site to check.
Bottom line is that your T levels be stable within target range. If that's the case then clearly a dribble of oil now and then isn't screwing things up.
Thank you. I'll have them do levels next time I go to the doctor.
I always have some T leak out, but it's a drop or two at most, and as blink said, that's TINY in comparison to how much I inject.
I do my E shots in my thigh and it seems hit and miss. Sometimes it leaks what seems like a lot, other times a tiny dribble. Sometimes nuttin.
In the grans scheme of things it is miniscule. I'd say far less then your measurement error drawing into the syringe. It still doesn't keep me from getting upset over "Hey! That's MINE! Get Back in there!"