Harm Reduction Safety of IV into Foot/Ankle?

[mjl22881]

I'm hoping I'm posting this in the right area, if I'm not please let me know. Also, if it's been covered elsewhere please do the same.



As I've mentioned in previous posts I've been a near daily opioid user for many years but only since the first of the year have I been an IV user. Well, it's really hard for me to find a vein. I'm in good to great shape, they just roll away and are hard to find. Even the old "pros" who taught me the art of shooting shook their heads when I first started my career as a needle jockey.


They've since figured out a few spots in my arms that are easy for them to hit but when I'm by myself I'm at a loss. The only vein I can successfully hit when I'm on my own and no one is around is right below the ball on the inside of my ankle. I used it half an hour ago and I've used it a few times over the past few weeks.


Can any of my more experienced friends here at BL tell me if there are any dangers, beyond the normal risks we're confronted with through IV use? I know that it itches a little more at the site when I do it and seems to take a few more seconds to get the rush. Other than that I haven't noticed anything different. Anything I need to be watching for? Is it closer to an artery or anything like that?


Thanks in advance for the help to my friends here at BL!

 

[svacheme3]

The bloodflow is slower, so among the ramifications of that, any complication from missing would be slow to heal, and absorption would be even slower than a miss in the arms. And rotating sites is more important because the veins take longer to heal. But really there's just the same dangers as using the hand (i.e. more dangerous than using the arms). Lots of things you don't want to hit, like nerves/tendons that could get damaged and affect your mobility. Personally I've found I'm more prone to miss in my feet, but it could just be me.

Honestly you'd probably be better off working on your technique if you have good arm veins. Lots of these "old pros" use terrible methods, so don't go by what they say, try other methods. If the rolling is really bad, inject close to a tie off (but release it after you're in; don't want things blowing out). To find veins, do some pushups, make sure you're getting strong blood flow-- your hands should feel warm, not cold.

 

[mjl22881]

Right on, thanks for the quick reply and the info. I took your suggestion and just did a wash off the spoon I was using so I didn't waste any precious gear whilst experimenting and it worked like a charm! Got down and did a couple sets of push-ups, tied off tight just above the elbow. BINGO! There was a beautiful vein bulging right in the bend of the arm and I got it in on the first try. As a newbie in the world of IVing that's a beautiful thing to see that blood flow in the barrel of the rig! Moving up in the world, errrr or maybe down hehe. Thanks again!

 

[BlueHues]

^Avoid using your foot if you can...If you must, keep it clean and dry...It's constantly getting sweaty, dirty etc. You're much more likely to have problems with infection down there...

check out the IV megathread for detailed info on how to safely inject:
IV Megathread

 

[Mr.Scagnattie]

Yeah feet should really not be used unless you absolutely have to and have no other options left.. They are much more prone to infection and complications because they're usually dirty and sweaty and they also heal slower because they are an extremity.