So my doctor was going to have me on subq injections, which is what I wanted, but I think I have IM needles.
Originally I had a prescription for 1 inch needles, but the specific gauge and size needles weren't in stock, so my doctor gave the pharmacy the okay to give me larger needles that are 1 and a half inches. They taught me to just stick the needle in straight but if I have a longer needle can I still do that or do I need to do something differently?

I'm kinda frustrated about this now, because I get anxiety over needles and it's much worse with longer needles than shorter ones. I just want to make sure I can get my T injected without going into my muscle, but I'm scared of needles this big. What should I do to ensure I stay subq?

As a Paramedic when this happened such as being low on certain needles for sub Q. We just lightly pinched and brought up the skin only and only ran the needle an 1/8" (approx.) deep at an angle somewhere close to 30 degrees or so to inject subQ, but not into muscle. Pierce the skin shallow, Inject, withdraw and let the skin down.   

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on September 08, 2014, 01:08:03 PM
As a Paramedic when this happened such as being low on certain needles for sub Q. We just lightly pinched and brought up the skin only and only ran the needle an 1/8" (approx.) deep at an angle somewhere close to 30 degrees or so to inject subQ, but not into muscle. Pierce the skin shallow, Inject, withdraw and let the skin down.   

Thank you!

Anytime little brother!! 

Next step get my hands to stop shaking

Quote from: CursedFireDean on September 08, 2014, 01:31:21 PM
Next step get my hands to stop shaking

Eww, Can't help with that one. Most of the time my patients had mine shaking too! 

Apparently it helps me to go slowly. I hear it hurts more that way but my mind won't let me just stab myself.

Quote from: chipper on September 08, 2014, 01:54:54 PM
Just pretend the needle is a dart and that your thigh is a dartboard.

Also a shot of Jack in the pub you are playing darts with helps also! 

Quote from: CursedFireDean on September 08, 2014, 02:24:39 PM
Apparently it helps me to go slowly. I hear it hurts more that way but my mind won't let me just stab myself.

I put the needle in very slowly as well; just to be on the safe side.

That is fine, just do not stick in all the way.

Quote from: CursedFireDean on September 08, 2014, 02:24:39 PM
Apparently it helps me to go slowly. I hear it hurts more that way but my mind won't let me just stab myself.

Me too. Exactly.