Smallest IM needle?

Tkeys · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 08:01 PM

Okay - I just did my first stim injects tonight (yay!). I've done the Follistim before (I use the pen), but it was my first time with the Luveris (ouch - that stings!!). I had to use the long 22 gauge 1 1/2 in needle to mix the Luveris, and I started to freak out again about the trigger shot (did I mention I'm needle-phobic?). I use the 29 or 30 gauge needles to inject everything sq, but I have to do an IM for the trigger, and I'm terrified of that 1 1/2 inch 22 gauge needle. So - what is the smallest needle I can use for the IM injection?

Oh - and any tips you can give me about the IM injections, I'd appreciate.

Mommy Wannabe · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 09:00 PM

Unfortunately, 1.5 inch. For the trigger, I use a 25G. Here's the good news. If you ice before and stretch the skin taught before stabbing it like a dart, it doesn't really hurt. I SWEAR. Sometimes, I don't even feel them. I completely freak out, too, but they are not bad. They can ache later, though, but not too bad most of the time.

hollywog · #3 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 06:41 AM

If you are a small person (size 6 or less) then you may be able to use a 1" needle. My pharmacist let me use a 1" for my PIO shots.

Good luck!

hollywog · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 06:41 AM

You can go to YouTube and type in IM injection or PIO injection. There may even be some HCG trigger injection videos that show how to do them. I found these helpful!

Tkeys · #5 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 07:18 AM

Thanks! I wish I was still a small person, but alas, the size 6 ship sailed quite a few years ago. At my thinnest these days, I make it down to a size 8, but with all these hormone treatments and stuff the past few months . . . well, let's just say even a size 8 is a thing of the past!

I think I'm going to ask about the 25 gauge needle, and I'll definitely check out those videos. I am trying to figure out if I can do the shot myself, or if I have to have DH do the trigger. Lucky for me I don't have to do PIO!

bebedoc · #6 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 12:25 PM

I'm fluffy and I used 25G 1 1/2" needles for my IM's. They work just fine.

Tkeys · #7 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 03:28 PM

fluffy

want2beamommy13 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-29-2008, 03:36 PM

Hey T,

Just wanted to let you know that my RE says NO ICE!! She says it affects the absorption of the meds. Every RE is different but I just wanted to throw that out there (sorry Carrie, not trying to step on your toes, just sharing my experience).

I was beside myself before my first IM injection, I was SO nervous that I really thought I was going down for the count! I told DH I was finally ready, after a song and a dance, and he told me he was already done! I promise, like the other ladies said, its really not that bad.......the anticipation of it is 100 times worse!!

GOOD LUCK! And I'm glad you're on track!