Many hours have been spent researching information on the topic before this post. Please do not discredit this fact. While some concerns have been discussed, there are still concerns regarding this situation.
Briefly, this user is relatively new to IV use of opiates but was introduced by experienced users and combined with the research done, he feels confident with his methods. For the most part, that is.
The main issue recently has been dealing with the identification of arteries vs veins. Now while the most common injection sites are being used, the user wants to try and practice proper rotation of sites and what not. In doing so, he has ran into a few concerns with his choice of locations. Also, because of this, he is having some difficulty in differentiating between what it looks like to register in a vein and an artery. Despite numerous hours of reading and studying diagrams, pictures and posts, there is still a certain level of insecurity.
While using the top of his hand, he has found some areas that produce no problems and others that do. For instance, on the right hand towards the bottom where the wrist connects there is one site that seems fine. However if he moves up the hand towards the knuckles, there is a Y shaped "vein" that feels unpleasant but not unbearable like when missing. Again, towards the bottom on the outside of the limb where the hand and wrist meet just above the bone that sticks out slightly is another area that is sometimes unpleasant. Now tonight, while using the underside of the forearm, he registered, began to inject and started to feel this unpleasant feeling for the first time at this site. Unconvinced that these are arteries, he still uses these sites from time to time. There is concern that they could be arteries, however. He knows that arteries have a pulse (not detected in the hand locations), produce bright blood (not the case) and have high pressure behind them. How much pressure exactly are we talking about? The plunger does not move back on its own, only when pulled on. The blood will flow into the rig usually following the top, maybe half way back into the dose? He really wishes there was a video showing the difference, something he has been unable to locate thus far.
The next issue has to deal with using the inner elbow crook (probably the most recognized site). If he holds out his right arm to prepare, there is the main vein that is right in the middle of the crook which runs from the inside to the outside. Now if he moves just to the left (inside the body), there is another major vein which comes up from the middle of the forearm towards the inside and up the arm. If he is using the inner most location, he can feel a pulse that runs from the crook up the arm. Isn't this the basilic artery? Here is the kicker: the user takes his rig and aligns it so it runs parallel to the arm and injects then registers. The blood is dark and has little pressure. So he proceeds. The unpleasant feeling from the hands is not felt. He has become rather confused because of this situation. The elbow site is his favorite almost because it is a guarantee every time. But when rotating, he has concerns. Is it possible to hit an artery and not have any complications? He knows from reading that people say hitting an artery causes extreme swelling, burning, bleeding, etc.
Without dragging on any longer, hopefully the post is understandable and not too lengthy. Any input/advice/etc. is appreciated.
Briefly, this user is relatively new to IV use of opiates but was introduced by experienced users and combined with the research done, he feels confident with his methods. For the most part, that is.
The main issue recently has been dealing with the identification of arteries vs veins. Now while the most common injection sites are being used, the user wants to try and practice proper rotation of sites and what not. In doing so, he has ran into a few concerns with his choice of locations. Also, because of this, he is having some difficulty in differentiating between what it looks like to register in a vein and an artery. Despite numerous hours of reading and studying diagrams, pictures and posts, there is still a certain level of insecurity.
While using the top of his hand, he has found some areas that produce no problems and others that do. For instance, on the right hand towards the bottom where the wrist connects there is one site that seems fine. However if he moves up the hand towards the knuckles, there is a Y shaped "vein" that feels unpleasant but not unbearable like when missing. Again, towards the bottom on the outside of the limb where the hand and wrist meet just above the bone that sticks out slightly is another area that is sometimes unpleasant. Now tonight, while using the underside of the forearm, he registered, began to inject and started to feel this unpleasant feeling for the first time at this site. Unconvinced that these are arteries, he still uses these sites from time to time. There is concern that they could be arteries, however. He knows that arteries have a pulse (not detected in the hand locations), produce bright blood (not the case) and have high pressure behind them. How much pressure exactly are we talking about? The plunger does not move back on its own, only when pulled on. The blood will flow into the rig usually following the top, maybe half way back into the dose? He really wishes there was a video showing the difference, something he has been unable to locate thus far.
The next issue has to deal with using the inner elbow crook (probably the most recognized site). If he holds out his right arm to prepare, there is the main vein that is right in the middle of the crook which runs from the inside to the outside. Now if he moves just to the left (inside the body), there is another major vein which comes up from the middle of the forearm towards the inside and up the arm. If he is using the inner most location, he can feel a pulse that runs from the crook up the arm. Isn't this the basilic artery? Here is the kicker: the user takes his rig and aligns it so it runs parallel to the arm and injects then registers. The blood is dark and has little pressure. So he proceeds. The unpleasant feeling from the hands is not felt. He has become rather confused because of this situation. The elbow site is his favorite almost because it is a guarantee every time. But when rotating, he has concerns. Is it possible to hit an artery and not have any complications? He knows from reading that people say hitting an artery causes extreme swelling, burning, bleeding, etc.
Without dragging on any longer, hopefully the post is understandable and not too lengthy. Any input/advice/etc. is appreciated.
