Heroin IV: can't seem to find the deeper veins... what angle should the needle be

[fuckingjunkie]

Hi all

I've been IVing for about a year... all was fine with the H - I was able to rotate sites and keep my arms/wrists/hands in pretty good shape. But I have recently started shooting coke which has caused a bit more wear and tear.

I tried for this one vein on my forearm... I can see it (faintly blue) but I can't feel it on the surface cause it's deep enough down. normally I shoot at like a 30 degree angle.. so I guess my question is should I be pointing my needle like way deeper? Could I hit anything bad if I do? I use short-tips, 31gauge...

 

[deadphish91]

I would suggest trying to find another vein. You run more of a risk hitting an artery or nerve the deeper you go and that can cause serious problems.

Surely you can find another vein closer to the surface, try finding a diagram of veins on Google that might help you find a
less common vein you didn't know about.

 

[lazylazyjoe]

Use a 1/2" length to go deeper... For shallow the vein, I use an angle more parallel to my skin. While a deep vein I use a more perpendicular angle. Remember too, if it has a pulse, it's an artery.
I second Google Body, nice way to tell what's supposed to be where.

 

[ykm420]

They have rigs with an actual short needle on them? If so, I'm going to have to snag some!

 

[mainvein]

amazon has some 5/16" needles which are perfect for getting those normal veins. 1/2" is the best if you need to do some searching.