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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Trex Bruising
        
(Message started by: lionsound on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 3:16pm)

Title: Trex Bruising
Post by lionsound on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 3:16pm

Hello.
I have got this bruise on the side of my thigh about the size of a half dollar from a full trex stat dose shot from a week ago. it was kind of like a knot there for a while. I'll take the bruise over the pain. Is there a way for this not to happen?

Been keeping low pain at bay with ice and showers.

I'm really not that vain, but soon I will look very purple polka-dotted if I keep this up. No way I'm shooting it in my arm.

Thanks,
lionsound

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by don on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 3:20pm

Try injecting in a less sesitive area.

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by marlin on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 4:07pm

I get them sometimes. I still have one from a week ago Sunday when I decided that I'll hit the back of my arm above the tricep muscle - more fatty tissue - less chance of hitting muscle. Didn't hurt but a couple of days later I noticed a deep purple silver-dollar-sized bruise. My wife says its from either hitting a vein or possibly a capillary.

I have never re-used a injector and have never bothered to swab the area I intend to shoot. Never had any ill effects. Is it worth it to bother swabbing w/alchol?

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by lionsound on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 5:25pm

Yes, Marlin, I do alcohol swab the area I'm going to inject with trex...if I can. I keep those pre-packaged wipes around in the house and car.

And Don, I'm not so sure that there is a less sensitive area would mean less bruising for me. I think it's in the administration method, but I don't know what to do different. I'll be trying a different spot anyway next time.

Thanks, gentlemen.:)

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 8:26pm

Here's a suggestion Lionsound ...

When I grab for the Trex, I'm usually crazy and tense from the pain. I noticed that sometimes I'm so tense and anxious for the pain to end, I squeeze the area I'm going to inject really tight and press the injector hard against my leg (I always use my thighs). Anyway, when I do that, I almost always get a bruise. I also wonder sometimes if I start pulling out the injector before it's done.

If you notice yourself squeezing up the skin when you inject, try to stop. When you squeeze, you're compressing the tiny blood capillaries under the skin. That's what bleeds and causes the bruise. You could also try pressing down on the injection spot for a minute right after you pull out the needle.

Just a couple thoughts from one Trex lover to another!

Kris

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by don on Nov 22^nd, 2004, 9:53pm

Good point. The injector should just be laying against the skin. Otherwise you may be injecting to deeply.

Try the back of the bicep or just under your shoulder on the upper arm.

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by lionsound on Nov 23^rd, 2004, 4:11pm

OH...I did not know that......

Part of the problem is that I have to stop being a wuss and give myself the trex injection. My husband did it last time and I think he did push the trex injector too hard into my leg. And I tend to tense up too, which is less than helpful.

I'll try your suggestions next time as I'm sure there'll be one.

Thanks for the helpful advice!
-lionsound

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by Gator on Dec 2^nd, 2004, 4:03pm

I don't like the Stat dose pen. I don't like that waiting for the plunger to punch the needle through my skin. I always used the stat dose trick and used half a shot. It's a heck of a lot easier (at least for me) when I am in control, so I went to the vials. Using the vials and a .5cc insulin syringe with a 31 guage needle, I barely feel anything at all when I inject. I've never had a bruise from either method, though.

Give it a try.

Gator

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by becky8 on Dec 2^nd, 2004, 8:23pm

Because of Don and Gator, and of course Kris_S I am a regular old junkie now. I can shoot in the dark!!! Side ways and on the upper back side of the arm. Did I ever thank you guys for those tips!!! Works everytime! Oh, I have vials and 27" needle(kinda big)

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 2^nd, 2004, 8:53pm

For use with Imitrex vials - 1ml 27G1/2 (0.4mm X 13mm) Reorder# 309623

I've got a bruise that never goes away because I keep hitting myself in the same place (upper arm) .... and yes ... I can do it in the pitch dark, quickly ;;D

Unsolved

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by Mr. Happy on Dec 2^nd, 2004, 11:38pm

Quote:

I have never re-used a injector and have never bothered to swab the area I intend to shoot.

Quote:

I don't like that waiting for the plunger to punch the needle through my skin. Using the vials and a .5cc insulin syringe with a 31 guage needle,

Quote:

The injector should just be laying against the skin.

Quote:

push the trex injector too hard into my leg

Quote:

For use with Imitrex vials - 1ml 27G1/2 (0.4mm X 13mm) Reorder# 309623

You folks make me proud.....
RJ

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by chris on Dec 17^th, 2004, 3:51pm

ocassionally you will hit a muscle when injection is given, it will swell up like a little mole hill on you. Just rub area with finger till it goes down. Currently have one on my arm from 3 days ago. No big deal! Has happened to me prob. 5 times in about 6 years. About 800 shots given. A bruised arm and a knot is much better than a cluster anyday. Chris

Title: Re: Trex Bruising
Post by t_h_b on Dec 17^th, 2004, 6:53pm

Giving Yourself the (Subcutaneous) Injection

Select your injection site. This must be an area that has a layer of fat between the skin and the muscle. This is called subcutaneous. The following parts of your body have subcutaneous layers:

* outer surface of the upper arm
* top of thighs
* buttocks
* abdomen, except the navel or waistline

1. If you are very thin do not use the abdomen as an injection site.
2. Do not use the same site for injections each time.
3. Rotate your injection sites in a regular pattern. You should be at least 1 ½ inches away from the last injection site. Jot down on your calendar where you gave you last shot. This will help prevent giving the shot in the same place too soon.
4. Select a site and cleanse the area (about 2 inches) with a fresh alcohol pad, or cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
5. Wait for the site to dry.
6. Remove the needle cap.
7. Pinch a 2–inch fold of skin between your thumb and index finger.
8. Hold the syringe the way you would a pencil or dart. Insert the needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle to the pinched–up skin. The needle should be completely covered by skin. If you do this quickly, you will feel very little discomfort.
9. Hold the syringe with one hand. With the other, pull back the plunger to check for blood. If you see blood in the solution in the syringe, do not inject. Withdraw the needle and start again at a new site.
10. If you do not see blood, slowly push the plunger to inject the medication. Press the plunger all the way down.
11. Remove the needle from the skin and gently hold an alcohol pad on the injection site. Do not rub.
12. If there is bleeding, apply a bandage.
13. Immediately put the syringe and needle into the disposal container*.

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu/corner/howtoinject.html

If you follow these instructions it should reduce the frequency and intensity of bruising. Excessive bruising could be a sign of nutritional deficiency, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist--an occasional bruise is normal.