Jammed Pen - any advice?

[SylviaPsyoplath]

Went to do 3rd dose this morning.
Primed pen, all fine but nownit won't turn to the dose, just completely stuck!
I've changed needle, checked liquid is clear etc but still nothing.
Obviously I've contacted my supplier but I'm worried I'm going to miss a dose and have to start again and seeing as I've not lost more than 2lb in total I'm keen to get to 5mg as soon as I'm able...

Anyone had this and got a magic trick to fix it?

For me it was my needle when this happened! Changed the needle and then it worked as normal.

I had hoped that would be the issues, but I changed the needle and no difference 😞

Can you get a syringe and draw it out to inject? Obviously still complain to your supplier about the faulty pen, but it will keep you from going too off course with your injection schedule.

Some are available on Amazon, or if you know someone who a hospital?

Oh that's a good idea, thank you !

Some people need to change a couple of needles, it is not unusual for two needles to go wrong one after the other.

Does you pen look like only 2 doses have been dispensed?

If it does you have a choice between buying a syringe or asking provider for a replacement (there will be a delay).

If buying a syringe google 1ml 8mm 32G and buy from a medical supplier such as UK Medi (not off Amazon who are not allowed to sell human grade syringes so you have no guarantee what you are getting).

I've tried 2 needles, but weirdly it looks like the picture of week 3 or 4.
I've certainly only had 2 doses, ordered it on the 17th March, fiesta dose 21st, then 28th then today - or not today as it seems.

Yes and then you should also be able to get a 5th dose out the pen.

There are lines on the vial which mark where the plunger should be after the 2nd, 3rd and 4th doses.

If you have only had 2 doses and it is showing well beyond the 3rd dose line and the pen has locked something very strange is going on.

One to discuss with your provider, but I wouldn't be surprised if they put it down to user error.

Get into the habit of checking each new pen when it arrives - whenever I get a new pen first thing I do before putting in the fridge is open box, check it is clear and full so I can report any issues immediately. Then check plunger position before and after each dose to make sure you have had your full dose (take photos as reminders).

Do you prime with just two clicks? Is there someone else in your home who might be using or playing with your pen?

I had a jammed pen (for the first ever time in 9 months). I tried 2 new needles and it still wouldn’t work. Was stressed but gave up and went to bed. Tried again the next day with a third needle and it worked fine. Phew!

(Rang my supplier afterwards and they sent me replacement needles).

I recommend trying another new needle. I always line my needle up carefully so it goes on straight, as having to adjust the angle as it goes on could easily bend the interior part of the needle.

I think this is why I've successfully done over 75 shots and never had a faulty needle. (I do mine and my DH's shots.)

Good luck, hope you get a resolution soon. MJ has been amazing for us!

From your dates, it does sound like you've only had 2 doses but could you have forgotten and taken one earlier or could you have over primed, so instead of the 2 clicks or the longer line right next to the 0 as detailed on patient info sheet, have you gone further and lost more fluid that way? Or has someone else used it?
Next time before you use a pen there are many YouTube videos on how to use your pen and its also shown step by step on the info sheet on the box. Would be a good idea to have it next to you and take your time to go through it

I totally followed the instructions, so I'm really confused.
Noone else has access to it, other than the cat and she's still podgy so...
Urgh, maybe its a sign to give up

Can you take a picture of your pen OP so we can see how many doses look to have come out of it? It’s strange and next time you get a pen I’d make sure to check the window before and after each dose.

I've obviously messed up.
Feeling really stupid and despondent, maybe this just isn't for me.

@SylviaPsyoplath Whatever the issue is, it’s easily solved and doesn’t have to be any barrier to you continuing if you want to. Please don’t beat yourself up about this!

Do you want to upload a picture of your pen? It may be that there’s nothing wrong with where it’s at.

Even if you have somehow messed up it doesn’t make you stupid at all. It’s not something you have any experience of doing and it’s totally understandable.

The first week I got so confused by one of the instructions that I was one handed frantically googling while holding the primed dripping pen aloft.

I am also convinced my week 2 didn’t actually go in because it mysteriously didn’t work for that week but did for weeks 1, 3 and 4.

Do you think perhaps there’s a deeper feeling coming up here? Do you maybe worry it’s not going to work or have some sort of apprehension about whether you should be using it at all? Do you worry you shouldn’t be spending the money or feel like you “should” be able to lose weight without? (I’m not expecting an answer, just asking rhetorically for you to consider).

I ask because giving up over of a mistake with your first pen (that still could easily be caused by a faulty pen and isn’t necessarily you) feels extreme if you are otherwise doing ok with it.

I hope you feel better soon OP.

You are starting off and its just a temporary hurdle, please don't give up. Take your time next time you jab have the info sheet next to you. I log all my doses on my phone calendar and I use the shotsy app which gives you a reminder of when you're next one is due and how many you've done so far in your journey. You can also log your weight etc. It's free to download. I have an 18.5 year old cat who has lost weight since I started my journey...maybe the cats thumbs are in use and they'll soon take over the world

Someone on MN went to Boots when they had a similar problem and bought syringes then and there. Boots wasn’t their provider or anything.

Had this happen the first time I used my 10mg pen , changed needle same thing so really twisted it round and then it worked I thought I’d have to send it back

Ok, so ....
I've put my toys back in the pram and decided to just draw a line, assume I've made a mistake (even tho I'm really embarrassed if I did).
I've reordered and they were super helpful and turned it around in the day so will be quick delivery.

Feel like a bit of a twat after the drama, so might find the April starts thread and never speak of this again 😆

Thank you all for being so nice ❤️

Please buy some insulin needles to get the 3rd and 4th doses out.

https://ukmedi.co.uk/products/1ml-bd-plastipak-luer-slip-syringe-bd-303172-ukmedi-co-uk

You will probably need these for the bonus dose too (5th dose in each pen).

Otherwise you are throwing about £60 worth of medicine away.