How long is considered "too long" to keep using the same vein? I found one and it works well, but I'm new to injecting and not very ambidextrous (and drugs is expensive!), so I don't want to risk missing a shot by using my left hand to hit the same vein in my right arm, but I also don't want to fuck up this vein. I know I can use other veins in the left arm, but I'm just wondering when it is a good idea to switch to a new vein. I suppose I could make a shot of saline and practice with my left hand, but that doesn't seem too appealing.
it's dependent on a few things like how often you're using the vein (numerous times daily vs a couple times a week, etc), which vein you're using (the bicep vein is big and sturdy compared to veins in the hand that are smaller and finer), technique (missing partial shots vs clean shots) and gauge size.
you yourself are going to know best when you need to change spots from the physical appearance (bruising, scar tissue, inflammation, colour of skin etc) of the area you've been using, so it's also going differ from user to user.
as a rule (and example for all veins) i always like to start as low down the bicep vein (in the crook of my elbow) and work my way back up the vein towards my shoulder, giving sufficient space between each insertion as well. you don't want to punch in right next to each other, 5mm+ or so distance between has always worked for me. so if you're missing partial shots it's safer (
still not a great idea, best to use a new vein) to move further up the vein as to avoid shooting through the area which has been damaged.
while there's no rule of how many time you should use a spot over and over, it is best practice to rotate spots as often as possible, most especially if you're injecting multiple times a day, everyday. if you're only using a few times a week then i see no problem in using the same vein, around the same area, as long as your technique is fine and the spot is given time to heal properly.
if you're going to be IVing on a regular basis it's probably a good idea you get comfortable with using other veins or switching right handed to left handed.
which vein are you using at the moment?