Yet More Hormone Questions

[Guest Soph]

I know I haven't really posted lately (sorry) but a lots been going on.

Well, I saw Dr. Seltman Monday. I expected him to be really gruff and to the point (probably considering how many patients he has or something), turns out I was way wrong. Hes a really nice guy, in case anyone near Pittsburgh is still looking for a doctor. And he likes Jimi Hendrix :D:D

Anyways, he said that it was up to me whether I did the shots, a patch or cream (I think he prescribes cream), or pills under the tongue.

I'm leaning toward the shots, as I've heard they work fastest.

He said that I would be taught how to inject it on my own. So, my question:

Is the shot intramuscular or intravenous? That I will be able to do it alone suggests that its easier, so intramuscular, but they tend to hurt quite a bit (at least in my experience), so that wouldn't be ideal. I don't normally have a thing about needles, but I think looking ahead at regular shots is a bit daunting.

Any feedback appreciated

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

I know I haven't really posted lately (sorry) but a lots been going on.

Well, I saw Dr. Seltman Monday. I expected him to be really gruff and to the point (probably considering how many patients he has or something), turns out I was way wrong. Hes a really nice guy, in case anyone near Pittsburgh is still looking for a doctor. And he likes Jimi Hendrix :D:D

Anyways, he said that it was up to me whether I did the shots, a patch or cream (I think he prescribes cream), or pills under the tongue.

I'm leaning toward the shots, as I've heard they work fastest.

He said that I would be taught how to inject it on my own. So, my question:

Is the shot intramuscular or intravenous? That I will be able to do it alone suggests that its easier, so intramuscular, but they tend to hurt quite a bit (at least in my experience), so that wouldn't be ideal. I don't normally have a thing about needles, but I think looking ahead at regular shots is a bit daunting.

Any feedback appreciated

from what i have heard all hormone shots are IM, intramuscular.

[Guest Janis]

the shots are intramuscular if I remember correctly. I'm not sure off hand because I opted for pills

Janis

[Paula ult]

Shots are given in the muscle usually in the butt, i take pills but friends that do the shots take EV IM once a week.

When i see my

Paula

[Guest Leah1026]

He said that I would be taught how to inject it on my own. So, my question:

Is the shot intramuscular or intravenous? That I will be able to do it alone suggests that its easier, so intramuscular, but they tend to hurt quite a bit (at least in my experience), so that wouldn't be ideal. I don't normally have a thing about needles, but I think looking ahead at regular shots is a bit daunting.

Any feedback appreciated

They are intramuscular. Intravenous (IV) medications would require a nurse.

Pain: If done with good technique shots should almost be pain free.

Frequency: The most common regimen is one shot every 2 weeks. Soooo much more convenient than having to remember to take pills multiple times a day.

Training: The doctor's office should train you on giving your own shots. It's not really difficult. The main thing is getting over the psychological hurdle of doing it the first time.

Technique: Two tips. 1. Be sure the needle goes straight in, perpendicular to the skin's surface. This minimizes tissue damage and makes for a painless injection. The natural motion of our arm is an arc. When your arm moves as an arc is when the injection hurts because it's cutting more tissue than necessary. Go straight in for a good shot. 2. They will also teach you to aspirate. That is after the needle is in you pull back on the plunger first, before going forward and injecting. This is to make sure you're not in a blood vessel.

Don't worry, after a couple injections it will become old hat. The doctor's office will teach you all you need to know.

[Guest Soph]

Thanks everyone, especially Leah.

I guess I have just been disenchanted with intramuscular because of my last tetanus shot, in which the nurse essentially stabbed my arm with wanton disregard for my nerves.

Shes a mean nurse.

[Guest IGotThatGoodGood]

I take the shot in my thigh muscle. They been teaching me it but I don't think I'll EVER be ready to do it myself.