Shaky hands and injecting

[ColdNorth]

I have a weird problem and didn't quite know where to post. Move this if it's in the wrong place.

I have got really shaky hands (and legs) recently, I am guessing it's due to being on lithium for a long time. I quit lithium a few months back and didn't tell my psychiatrist. When injecting, I keep slipping a lot due to that. It usually happens when I register, the friction on the plunger is another problem. I was wondering if there are any tips that I'm not aware of to keep the needle steady? I try to lean the hand I hold the needle with against my arm, but this shaking happens spontaneously and ruins it often. If anyone has had a similar problem or has any tips, I would be grateful to hear a solution.

 

[xstayfadedx]

I don't know what to tell you man.... Shit I get the shakes because I'm hypoglycemic (however you spell it) and when my blood sugar gets low I shake like a motherfucker... My shaking isn't as bad if I do eat instead of skipping meals like I usually do. Other than that because of my shakes I found that shooting up is a bad idea. I would so miss my shots every time if I tried to. So I only have my trusted friends shoot me up whenever I feel like I want to IV which isn't often. Its hard to tell you how to stop the shaking when its something that isn't as controllable as mine. I think another method would be better but lol we all know that's not going to happen (us users will still do things even though its not the best solution). I mean try to do this with your arm on a flat and hard surface....kind of how a woman would rest her arm while putting on liquid eyeliner so it doesn't smudge. Make sure both arms are steady... Just go slow about it and don't shoot until you can make sure enough that you haven't slipped out of the vein ect.. There really isn't much we can suggest though. Its going to be difficult no matter what... Maybe go back to your doctor and see what they can do about your shaking?

 

[ColdNorth]

I don't know what to tell you man.... Shit I get the shakes because I'm hypoglycemic (however you spell it) and when my blood sugar gets low I shake like a motherfucker... My shaking isn't as bad if I do eat instead of skipping meals like I usually do. Other than that because of my shakes I found that shooting up is a bad idea. I would so miss my shots every time if I tried to. So I only have my trusted friends shoot me up whenever I feel like I want to IV which isn't often. Its hard to tell you how to stop the shaking when its something that isn't as controllable as mine. I think another method would be better but lol we all know that's not going to happen (us users will still do things even though its not the best solution). I mean try to do this with your arm on a flat and hard surface....kind of how a woman would rest her arm while putting on liquid eyeliner so it doesn't smudge. Make sure both arms are steady... Just go slow about it and don't shoot until you can make sure enough that you haven't slipped out of the vein ect.. There really isn't much we can suggest though. Its going to be difficult no matter what... Maybe go back to your doctor and see what they can do about your shaking?

I suppose that's a good idea. He's the one who prescribed the lithium in the first place. Only, when I tell him I'm off the lithium he might stop my bupe prescription. Oh well. The weird thing is, when I play guitar, my hands don't shake or falter at all. It's only apparent when trying to do something like soldering etc.

 

[xstayfadedx]

Yeah its probably due to the fact you're trying to concentrate more when you shoot up. Like your mind is saying "oh man I'm going to start shaking, please don't shake." and then when you do that it makes you end up shaking lol...weird things our body does. So anyways I would go to your doctor and see what he says.... Hopefully he doesn't take you off your other med but I feel your best bet is to go see him. This shaking isn't fun to live with.

 

[nAON]

It's probably gonna be psychosomatic, though you could try eating a banana for the potassium or eat something sugary like xstay said.

How are you holding it? It might help if you actually rest the syringe on your forearm instead of holding it directly above the vein.

 

[ColdNorth]

It's probably gonna be psychosomatic, though you could try eating a banana for the potassium or eat something sugary like xstay said.

How are you holding it? It might help if you actually rest the syringe on your forearm instead of holding it directly above the vein.

I'm afraid the shaking happens all the time, it even prevents me from falling asleep sometimes..from what I can tell it's permanent. Apparently it happens often with lithium. But I'm open to ideas, I'll try if a banana makes it better. Also I'll try holding it against my arm. I'm still quite new to this so my technique sucks. On and off for a bit over a year and now doing it more. Thanks for the ideas. =)

Edit: Just did a shot and damn, you should see how it shakes. It's like a needler going back and forth 4-5 times per second. Managed to pull it off with your idea about holding it against my arm but I really gotta do something about this.