I totally had this song going through my head on repeat as I left the doctor’s with my first T prescription. I had never given a shot before, let alone to myself, but I knew I would have to stomach them in order conserve time and resources. I wasn’t about to go all the way to the doctor’s every two weeks for my 200 mg.
Now, as someone who feels lightheaded at the thought of a string tied tightly around a fingertip turning purple, I consider myself squeamish. I did not like the idea of puncturing my muscles and injecting hormones into them while avoiding fatally inserting air bubbles into my bloodstream. However, I knew it had to be done. So I assembled a team of four close friends to make sure I didn’t screw up, and to rush to my assistance in the event that I did. I sat there with the needle hovering over my alcohol-swabbed thigh, stopped thinking, and plunged the point in. I watched with surreal fascination as I pulled the syringe back to check for blood and pushed the liquid into my body. Then the needle was out, my friends applauded, and I was left in a happy daze.
Ever since I have had no problems giving myself T shots, and I don’t even need to call friends over to supervise me. I still have to turn my thoughts off in the moment right before sticking the needle in, lest I become mired in the reality of how weird and scary self-injection is, but it’s getting easier.
Here’s a video I find helpful for self-injection:
A DIY Guide to Injecting Testosterone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdlduQ4G20g
Also Happy National Coming Out Day tomorrow!
I was totally the same way when I was injecting E, so much so that I’m just taking pills now. My cismale fiancee who has low T is going to be having me do his shots when we get the at home script cause he can’t cope with needles.
I’m not on hormones yet, but being diabetic, from when I was 4 – 8, I needed insulin injections, and never did them myself. Now, for the past 11 years, I’m been on an insulin pump, so no shots, but I still freak out whenever I do need them. Not sure how I’m going to survive hormones. I’ll probably just use the patch or something. D:
oh god i completely forgot about the injecting yourself part…. i’m not so sure if i wanna start T now……. :$
Times like these I’m really glad I finished acutane, It was nice having largely clear skin but I do not miss the monthly blood tests
: / I wish it was this easy in actuality.. I’ve been trying to get hormones for 5 months. Waiting list bullshit. > n <
If Mel hates needles that much, why not get testosterone gel?
This is pretty much the only reason why I’m dead-scared to start T. I am HORRIBLE with injections – I’d hate to think how bad it would be if I had to do them myself!!