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Medical Self-Injection Issues (piefed.blahaj.zone)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/autism@lemmy.world
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So, I am on the spectrum and have recently had to start using a medication that requires periodic intramuscular injections. I'm fine with the little bit of pain and the rest of the process, but there is an intense hesitation to do the initial jab. If I don't use enough force to penetrate the muscle, I have to push again or start over and that is way worse of a sensation and pain.

No matter how many times I've done it, I can't get over that intense hesitation. My brain just won't let me do it. It's not the pain since I have a really high pain tolerance. It's just some inability to intentionally use force to injure myself or something like that.

So, anyone else had similar issues or have any tips for tricking my mind into allowing me to do the jab?

Thanks!

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[–] 2 points 3 months ago (3 children)

Do you use an autoinjector or a needle? For a needle, I just slowly push through and that works better for me. But the medicine I use that way can be IM or subQ, so I don't really worry if I don't go all the way to the muscle.

Autoinjectors don't have that option, but it might be easier to find someone to do that for you. I give my brother his autoinjector medication. You just have to commit once it activates and keep it from coming out and leaking. Easier to do when you aren't the one experiencing it.

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

    Yeah it's a needle. I find pushing slowly to be both really uncomfortable and a ton more painful than a quick jab. Especially since I also have a hard time relaxing my leg muscle for it. An autoinjector would total solve the problem, but I have to draw the right amount from a vial, clear bubbles, etc, so there aren't pre-filled cartridges with the right amount.

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  • [–] 4 points 3 months ago (1 child)

    There are autoinject devices you can put a syringe into. I've never tried them out, but I've seen them suggested (granted, for medication that could be taken subQ or IM, so depending on the volume you have to inject, it might be harder to find ones that work).

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