B12 prescribed to self inject?

[AnneLovesGilbert]

I get my b12 injection done by the practise nurse every 10 weeks and wondering if they might prescribe it for me to self administer at home for my next one or two so I don’t need to use an appointment. Has anyone done this?

[AnnaMagnani]

If you ask to do this, I suspect they will be thoroughly delighted.

The way we deliver care is changing overnight and will probably never change back - many people would be entirely capable of doing their own injections.

I work in a different field and we are urgently looking at getting family members to be able to deliver injections to poorly patients, something we never contemplated a week ago.

You would need some training to make sure you were doing it properly but it isn't difficult - I suggest you ask your GP surgery.

[AnneLovesGilbert]

Thanks for replying, that sounds promising. I’m at the surgery for DDs 12 month jabs Monday (wouldn’t fancy doing those myself!) so I’ll ask then.

I’m more than happy to self inject, I was doing two fragmin a day for the whole of my pregnancy so I’m fine using needles. It might just be the angle as the b12 goes in the top of my arm but sure DH would oblige.

Thanks again. And good luck in the weeks and months ahead, thank you for what you do.

[ISeeShapes]

I do this and inject it into my thigh rather than my arm, as when the doctor was teaching me it became pretty obvious that it was hard to do it in your own arm.

[AnneLovesGilbert]

Thanks Shapes. How does it work, do you get several doses at a time? How often do you have them?

I feel a bit thick for not thinking of this before now...

[ISeeShapes]

I am in Canada so they seem to do it differently. My levels were low when I started so I was meant to have two injections a week I think. Then moving to weekly. As that was a lot of visits to the doctor she taught me how to do it over about 4 visits and I have done it since. I inject once a month now.

I hadn’t thought of my leg either - it was the doctor who suggested it!

[Walnutwhipster]

I have them monthly in the UK. I can't absorb B12. It's never been suggested I do them myself, although I have a full blood count done at the same time. They have cancelled all routine appointments at my GPs surgery but they called on Tuesday for me to go in on Thursday and have this month's shot.

[UpTheLaganInABubble]

Mine are prescribed for me to inject at home... I was prescribed 2 years of 3 injections a week and now prescribed 1 injection every 2 months

[ArriettyJones]

Yes, have done this. It’s pretty easy as it goes into a muscle. I can do my own upper arm one handed now and it didn’t take to look to get proficient. It’s easier to learn these things in the age of YouTube, although the practice nurse did give me a single demo.

[ArriettyJones]

Too long to get proficient^

I also buy the stuff (legally) straight from a German pharmacy so I have a supply when the surgery hits gridlock. Not that the gridlock of recent years is anything like this current situation.

I think there will be a move towards more self healthcare after this crisis.

[AnneLovesGilbert]

So useful, thank you everyone. I’ll ask the nurse tomorrow and hope they’ll prescribe it.

[AnneLovesGilbert]

They’ve said no as they’d only perceive pre-filled syringes and they get B12 in ampules. But worth a go n

[AnneLovesGilbert]

Prescribe!

[PetrifiedPusscat]

My jab is due in 3 weeks. My GP has stopped all face to face appointments so don't know what will happen. I have to ring them and see. Will they still give it me? I have it every 12 weeks and have done for 13 years. Its essential I have it.