Self injecting

Many people, e.g. type 1 diabetics, inject themselves. I think you should ask the nurse at your surgery whether you could do this and get her to show you the correct technique. Then you can decide if you could manage it.

You'll also need to make sure you have the correct paperwork for the medication if going through airports etc.

petra - it sounds as though you have an injection by needle, rather than the pen types diabetics and folks like me, who inject biological treatments for inflammatory arthritis.

If you are using a pen, no problems at all, its easy and relatively painless.

You will need a customs letter from the body that delivers your meds.

Iam64
Can I use one of those pens for these injections?

Petra, I too have B12 injections and it is a hassle working out when to make the appointment as my GP suggested every 10 weeks was the best timing. We go away quite a lot. The injection is inter muscular and I don't think you could DIY. Last year I took the B12 'stuff' to Scotland with me and the nearest health Centre were more than happy to oblige. Not quite the same in England, I would have to deregister at my current surgery, register as a temporary resident in the SW where we will be, then reregister when we return home.....! Best of luck!

B12 is a viscous fluid so would be given by syringe and needle not pen. It is a depot injection absorbed over a period of time.

Not forgetting that this is an injection into the muscle so for self injecting it'll be the thigh area.

from what Sealover says, it sounds as though you're stuck with a 'proper' injection Petra, though it's worth asking.
I inject weekly, so have a customs letter to help me through the security at the airports.
When I was away several years ago, I needed weekly blood tests. I was in a small Greek village,where the private clinic took the sample and gave me a paper print out of the results, cost E20, cheap at the price I thought. It sounds as though you need a discussion with the nurse at your practice who covers all things travel. Best of luck

My DH self injects as he is diabetic and my DD had to do it every day after her hip replacement. They are both the most squeamish people I know but they both managed fine.

I think the issue here is whether the injections are delivered those easy to use pen type things, or in a traditional injection needle. Diabetics use the pen delivery I use, easy peasy but I'm not sure I'd manage so easily if I had to use a traditional needle.

Diabetics are also taught to inject with a syringe in case the pen fails. We always have a supply of syringes for that purpose. I don't find the syringe any more difficult than the pen , in fact sometimes it's easier if there is any arthritis in the hands as the pen can be a little stiff. Diabetics inject into the outer thigh, stomach , the top of the buttocks or the outer arm. With the thigh and stomach it's usual to pinch the fat up a bit . I don't know if that helps , but I have never found it difficult to do.

I'm not brave enough to do it myself so it would be OH.
What could go wrong? Don't hold back, I need to know ?

I inject Clexane which is a blood thinner into my stomach area every day it's a doddle, sometimes it hurts a bit mostly it doesn't but I'm covered in bruises where I inject. I don't use a pen it's a preloaded syringe and it's definitely better to do it yourself.

So could I ask my Dr for a pre loaded syringe?
I would trust my OH to do it, he has very strong hands.

I don't think that you would find it hard to do if you were shown how to do it properly. Type 1 diabetics inject themselves from a very young age and usually take to it like a duck to water. I think it is just being taught the correct technique.

I don't think you need strong hands you just depress the plunger with your thumb. I have feeble hands my joints are shot and it's not an issue.

Thank you all. I'm feeling a lot more confident now.

Good.

B12 is an intramuscular injection with 1ml of fluid to be injected with a syringe and needle. It can be in the arm, buttock or thigh. If DH is giving it then the buttock is easier - divide the preferred cheek into 4 and it is the upper outer quarter. The arm is a smaller muscle and harder for a non medical person to do. To do it yourself would be the thigh. it should be every 10/12 weeks not monthly so should discuss with GP as this is very strange timings. At most 2 monthly if symptoms return. Ask your practice nurse to show you first.

Elaine1
Thank you for that information RE where to give it.
I did have 3 monthly injections but it wasn't enough.
My Doctor assures me that you can't OD on B12,