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Harm Reduction IM injection site getting pink/red

FnX

FnX

Bluelighter
Joined
Apr 8, 2009
Messages
749
Okay so long story short, I did an IM injection from K crystals without using a micron filter in my right thigh. I used boiled tap water (it's relatively clean around here but yes, it was stupid) and lot's of rubbing alcohol on my gear (except the needle) and myself. Equipment was sterile and unused. Now two days after injecting, I wake up and notice the injection site has gotten somewhat pink/red and it's still sore and slightly swollen, this has not happened before. I'm worried and panicking a bit, is my leg in danger? What should I do? I would prefer to avoid seeing a doctor and telling him everything, but if it has to be done so be it.

Currently, there isn't much pain, it was worse yesterday when it wasn't red yet. It hurt more yesterday and I was walking a lot, even had to semi-run a bit to catch a bus. Could this be a reason for the red coloration, or is it 100% sure bacterial/viral infection? What should I do? What things should I be looking out for? I need to go to school for a few hours soon, I will then be back home/here.
 
I know its scary, but just sit, relax and chill.

Most likely what you are experiencing is a bruise of sorts which is why you are experiencing lingering effects. Bruises take a few days or so to go away.
 
^no, it doesn't sound like a bruise at all. the swelling and red colouring is a good indication of an (sterile) abscess which could quickly turn into an infectious abscess. inflammation, redness, heat, swelling, pain are signs of an abscess. we don't even know whether the K crystals were pure or may have some nasty cut in it. and in the case of it being cut the chances of it being an abscess increase that much more.

there's really not much you can do at this point beyond keeping an eye on it over the next 24 hours. if it worsens then it is time to get to a doctor, pronto. using a heat compress may help with the swelling and help ease the pain a little. using a triple antibiotic cream such as neosporin will help prevent it becoming infectious.

an easy way to determine whether it's worsening is drawing a circle around the lump, if it grows with the 24hrs then get to the doctor.
 
Ha that is exactly what I was going to say!

if there is a clear demarcated red area, draw a line round that too. If that is increasing, get yourself to a doctor ASAP.

The local signs of infection are redness, swelling, heat and tenderness. General signs are fever, aches and pains, generally feeling unwell and lethargy. Don't hesitate to get it checked out if you are concerned, it's really not worth the risk..
 
Thank you for the answers, the pain and swelling have eased a bit although the redness is still there, not sure if it's increasing, I will mark it somehow to see if the area gets larger. There is a general feeling of unwell and quite pronounced lethargy and somnolence (literally slept ~11 hours last night and today I've been sleeping throughout the day), but the lethargy and somnolence could also be caused by clonidine medication I recently started, I think I was prescribed a bit too much. I'm also feeling unusually cold but I can't check my body temperature. I'll see how it is tomorrow and possibly go see a doctor.
 
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