With gel, I only needed the box it came in, and a trash can and I was set. There is a lot more stuff now that I've switched to injections, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to keep it all together without letting it take over my bathroom or bedroom storage spaces. Ideally I'm thinking a small case, but I'm not sure what all is out there in terms of options.
- What do you keep your T and associated supplies in?
- Do you like it enough that you would recommend it to other people?
I'm planning to stay on injections, so I'm willing to make a decent investment in something durable.
So far, I have most of the stuff in the ziplock bag it came in. But I'm keeping my eye out for a box I can keep everything in, as well as a smaller case I can travel with, to contain just one or two dose supplies.
Great question.
I bought a small metal tin a few months before I first started doing at-home shots, and that's what I ended up using. I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with the tin when I bought it since it was too small for my mass of first aid supplies, but I really liked the thing (it's a vintage art deco first aid tin; I'm a total sucker for art deco :laugh:) so I bought it anyway. I was extremely pleased when I found out it was the perfect size for all of my supplies!
The tin is 7.5x5", and about 1.5" tall. It fits the vial of T (in its box), 6 syringes, 6 needles, and a nice stack of alcohol wipes and bandaids. I also keep all the prescription documentation at the bottom. It could probably fit a little bit more, too. The sharps container is obviously too big to fit in there, so I just keep it in its box and keep the two items together. It works out perfectly, so if you could find a box of a similar size, I would highly recommend it.
I've got one of those clear plastic storage bins that snaps closed. It's like shoebox sized and I'm able to fit my sharps container, alcohol swaps, gauze pads (I'm allergic to band-aids), and T vials in there along with some syringes. Though I personally don't keep syringes in there anymore because I had to order them in bulk, so I just keep them in the box they came in. But you can get these storage boxes in clear or solid colors so if you don't want others to see what's in there, that's an option.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F31bTxPb1zlL._SX300_.jpg&hash=7193a220a5d344088063517867a822e8483bd88e)
Guys, come on. You know what to use. Get a small tackle or ammo box. That's what you should get, really.
Just passing on experiences of the men I've known in my life. My advice is free and worth every penny.
;)
Cindi
I use a small Pelican case. It's very sturdy, holds everything I need for a month or so, closes securely -- it's ideal for travel, and it's even waterproof, in case it ever goes in the river on a long canoe trip. It measures about 9" x 6" x 3".
Perfect:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1262.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii610%2FTysilio%2FPelican-closed_zpswmhnwfrs.jpg&hash=d2f2e7d57a6388de7693f01e8b351bb867c2c845)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1262.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii610%2FTysilio%2FPelican-open_zpsliou5uvc.jpg&hash=7079059274d6fb2f9c8680b6d7dfcf796c83aea7)
See? That sort of looks like a tackle box. Very manly. ;)
Cindi
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpuu.sh%2FgPLrS%2Fd5c5da8b12.jpg&hash=fb2cceb0f2960f905471f4e9f912a51b430d5a8a)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2F3esAAOxyfS1R2xkT%2Fs-l1600.jpg&hash=dd24c4db0469d494e1cb8267e30057350b01d1f0)
I use this amazing thing.
It's even more manly than a tackle box. They make versions for guns. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefiringline.com%2Fforums%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Ftongue.gif&hash=635dd8fbd198d13e75e7b21e12e5f405e686d654)
(There's an old term for a guy's junk -- his "courting tackle." Hmm.)
Showing my age here: Coffee cans are the universal storage container. My injection stuff is in said coffee (no longer a can) can.
And there are a few filled with miscellaneous screws in the garage too.
The good hinged style sunglass cases work good for that type of thing. I am usually too lazy to keep my sunglasses in them anyway. If it is good enough to protect a couple hundred dollar pair of sunglasses it should protect other stuff. Also a lot less conspicuous when you need to be mobile. Easier to stash in a bag or glovebox if needed also.
Quote from: Dante on March 25, 2015, 01:38:42 PM
I bought a small metal tin a few months before I first started doing at-home shots, and that's what I ended up using. I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with the tin when I bought it since it was too small for my mass of first aid supplies, but I really liked the thing (it's a vintage art deco first aid tin; I'm a total sucker for art deco :laugh:) so I bought it anyway. I was extremely pleased when I found out it was the perfect size for all of my supplies!
The tin is 7.5x5", and about 1.5" tall. It fits the vial of T (in its box), 6 syringes, 6 needles, and a nice stack of alcohol wipes and bandaids. I also keep all the prescription documentation at the bottom. It could probably fit a little bit more, too. The sharps container is obviously too big to fit in there, so I just keep it in its box and keep the two items together. It works out perfectly, so if you could find a box of a similar size, I would highly recommend it.
I love vintage stuff! Can you post a pic?
I'm wanting to make my storage thing special, but sill something I can wipe down inside to keep it clean. I've been keeping my eye out at antique shops.
Quote from: MacG on March 25, 2015, 10:12:12 PM
I love vintage stuff! Can you post a pic?
I'm wanting to make my storage thing special, but sill something I can wipe down inside to keep it clean. I've been keeping my eye out at antique shops.
Sure!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1054.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs497%2FTheUnforgiven137%2Ftumblr_nlt0q7CxWp1rpeqelo1_1280.jpg&hash=bbc2a81ee64a0f1fb87a125d1efbf8e8427616ef)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1054.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs497%2FTheUnforgiven137%2Ftumblr_nlt0q7CxWp1rpeqelo2_1280.jpg&hash=f25fe5acaa36d98113dcabcfb79f0649078c2c62)
The thing's a bit beat up but I kinda like it that way. Gives it character, I suppose. :D I just used my last syringe yesterday, so there's not much in there but the vial and some plastic bags at the moment.
Antique shops are obviously a good choice, but you might also check out regular thrift shops and stuff! Depending on the stores you've got nearby, you might be able to find some cool vintage stuff there, too. I've found some pretty interesting things before.
Shaving kit, courtesy of my sister.
Dante, that thing is madly cool.
Dante - so cool! What a terrific find.
I'm a total thrifter, so for sure checking out the thrift shops. Plus yard sale season has begun where I live.
I ended up going with the tackle box idea, thanks Cindi! I've got basically 5 months worth of supplies, and a small tackle box seems to work nicely, for only $5.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1072.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw362%2Fmonsterbot13%2F485319337_zps6085b2c9.jpg&hash=b088a98beab9403f2dcfc70da6f3377416eaef56)
I also found a small watertight container that I can fit one or two doses in when I go backpacking. Also for less than $5!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1072.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw362%2Fmonsterbot13%2FIMG_0150_zpsfd607d90.jpg&hash=3f9a85749c4c4fd3537da0c621caacde79e74be2)
Thanks for all the input everyone!
ftmax,
That box looks good to me. What is the brand name on that? I am looking online and not seeing any that just have two large compartments on the top tray like the one you have. Thanks.
I keep everything in a box that Lipton tea packs are in until I can get something more durable.
I use a lunch box. If you want to get fancy a tackle box can do a lot, or an art supply box. There's also storage boxes that would work well.
Quote from: Nygeel on March 26, 2015, 10:13:43 PM
I use a lunch box. If you want to get fancy a tackle box can do a lot, or an art supply box. There's also storage boxes that would work well.
I bought an art box for class (art school) and I won't be using it for art stuff, this is a good use for it! :O
Quote from: CursedFireDean on March 26, 2015, 11:03:49 PM
I bought an art box for class (art school) and I won't be using it for art stuff, this is a good use for it! :O
Could put a sharps bin in the bottom part.
Quote from: Tysilio on March 26, 2015, 08:25:23 AM
Dante, that thing is madly cool.
Quote from: MacG on March 26, 2015, 08:40:26 AM
Dante - so cool! What a terrific find.
I'm a total thrifter, so for sure checking out the thrift shops. Plus yard sale season has begun where I live.
Thanks! ;D
MacG - You're bound to find something cool eventually, so keep at it!
ftmax - Glad you found something you like! That thing looks like it holds a ton, dang.
Quote from: Brett on March 26, 2015, 08:44:45 PM
ftmax,
That box looks good to me. What is the brand name on that? I am looking online and not seeing any that just have two large compartments on the top tray like the one you have. Thanks.
Brett,
It is made by Flambeau Outdoors. Got it at Walmart for $5. Unfortunately I'm not seeing it on their website, but I was able to find a few on eBay and other places online. It looks like they also have similarly sized utility boxes and medical boxes, though I'm not sure what the tray situation on those is like.
I put all my needles and stuff in a ziplock bag which I keep with my T in a small-ish tupperware container with no lid. It's nothing fancy but it does the job and didn't cost anything since the container was just lying around.
I put all my stuff in the corner of a dresser drawer dedicated to the purpose. No need for a case yet since I very rarely travel.
I just stash them in one kitchen cupboard in a small plastic bag that I get from the pharmacy. |D I usually pick up my T and needles+syringe a day before (and I'm on Nebido so a shot per three months) so I don't need anything too fancy.
My fiancée provides the alcohol swaps, lol.
a cardboard box.....i dont think it matters what u put it in....put it in whatever u want....
Quote from: CursedFireDean on March 26, 2015, 11:03:49 PM
I bought an art box for class (art school) and I won't be using it for art stuff, this is a good use for it! :O
Quote from: Nygeel on March 26, 2015, 11:15:40 PM
Could put a sharps bin in the bottom part.
Thanks for the ideas, gentleman. I now have one art box (with handle) with a quart size sharps container at the bottom! ;D
Quote from: Brett on April 03, 2015, 08:22:12 PM
Thanks for the ideas, gentleman. I now have one art box (with handle) with a quart size sharps container at the bottom! ;D
Nice! I just moved all my stuff to my art bin but sadly the sharps container barely didn't fit. But I did manage to fit my ridiculous amounts of syringes in there instead!
I keep everything in a shoe box with my sharps container being a hard plastic peanut container.
I know it's not as awesome as an antique first aid tin or military ammo can, but it works for now and it's easy to clean. Also I like being able to see everything without unpacking layers to see what I've got.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1383.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah320%2Fthequerin%2FSAM_3459_zps3rpedbvx.jpg&hash=b4f27d0014b76ab9c9fafe55d8236133844691ea)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1383.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah320%2Fthequerin%2FSAM_3463_zps7gwux9ks.jpg&hash=c7645f192463597f693760e973190b44fe86f3f6)
Quote from: zero.cool.crash.override on April 06, 2015, 08:34:22 PM
I know it's not as awesome as an antique first aid tin or military ammo can, but it works for now and it's easy to clean. Also I like being able to see everything without unpacking layers to see what I've got.
I think what you have is perfect. It's intetesting that for some, it's totaly utilitarian, for others it's something that has meaning beyond simple storage, and some? Both!
I ended up finding a wooden box with a design on top that belonged to my recently-passed-away grandfather. It's clean, fits all my stuff, and has meaning to me, which is something I wanted.
I keep it all in the subscription bag. Not the best practice but I just throw it in the top shelf of my closet every week! I live with my girlfriend and our animals so nobody who doesn't know just walks into our closet.
I am not on T right now but I keep mine in my computer hard drive box.
Right now I have everything in a Keebler Saltine Cracker tin but I am thinking about converting a hat box that one of my hats came in for this,, but I will probably keep the cracker can for now.
Coffee can is a good idea, or a small toolbox. Right now I just use a Dickies work shoe box with a pillow case lining the inside. It's pretty bulky but it works, I just store it on a shelf in the closet and the sharps case in a drawer. I might switch to a coffee tin though.