Track mark paranoia

[tathra]

maybe its because i've been certified to do veinipuncture (even tho i learned how to IV long before that via phreex's faqs), but if i ever had a serious needle habit, i've got some latex catheters and saline locks that i'd put in (good for 72 hours, just flush with some saline before each shot), and if anybody asks i could just write it off as being there for medical purposes... its unfortunate you cant get them at your local pharmacy, but it should be just as easy to order them as micron filters (which nobody uses either lol).

 

[Bojangles69]

"Most people don't notice track marks"

Really? Because I seem to notice them on a lot of people. Especially in NA.
And if I see scars on someones inner elbows what else am I suppose to think? Prob the most obvious thought to any persons mind is gonna be that person uses drugs.

I just wanna say the OP is scared for a valid reason.
I disagree with the idea that most people don't notice them. My dad notices them and never banged drugs, my brothers noticed them on other people visiting me in rehab.
People are a lot more attentive then you may think. I'm not talking to the OP or trying to make him more paranoid. I'm talking to the general consensus in this thread.

When I look at someone no I most likely won't be focusing on their inner elbows, but if I'm around them all day I'm sure as hell noticing track marks if they have short sleeves on. But it obviously has to be developed enough to resemble a distortion on the skin.

People notice blemishes, moles, hair on old drs ears, corn in teeth, toilet paper on your friggn feet when you leave the bathroom, why would track marks be any different? I'm sorry I just think its too idealistic to say most people won't notice them.
If they're out there in the open more people will notice them than you think.

Even though you lost the job in the future I say yes go for the wrists as much as you can or even rotate back and forth if you must. Wear make up and LEARN how to use it. Make up is very affective for a variety of purposes. And I'm not talking blush and lipstick lol get something legit that movie artists might get from a hobby shop or the like. You don't need to really bug anymore but if you can't let them heal fast enough (or stop shooting all together) its really your last choice if you're ever in that situation again.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

maybe its because i've been certified to do veinipuncture (even tho i learned how to IV long before that via phreex's faqs), but if i ever had a serious needle habit, i've got some latex catheters and saline locks that i'd put in (good for 72 hours, just flush with some saline before each shot), and if anybody asks i could just write it off as being there for medical purposes... its unfortunate you cant get them at your local pharmacy, but it should be just as easy to order them as micron filters (which nobody uses either lol).

I have been considering doing this, I don't know how many times you would have to IV during the day for this to become economically more affordable though.

I think a large thing to do with the tracks is what gauge you use, 31's don't leave much of any track whatsoever. Some veins (the smaller ones) tend to bruise more often, none of the main veins I use bruise whatsoever.

And people DO use micron filters, I do. %) I wrote the Micron Filtering Mega Thread and FAQ </self thread promo whoring>

 

[TJ5]

Ok my guy can't spell, but no time to correct. He's experienced I.V. user 22 years though. I'll quote him, what he wrote in my harm reduction club,"a green conceler put on first nutralizes red, and yellow netralizes blue check "
phyisions formula" @ drug store they have cheap trial sizes member to powder to
set" --- Erik aka Kupid

 

[versd]

maybe its because i've been certified to do veinipuncture (even tho i learned how to IV long before that via phreex's faqs), but if i ever had a serious needle habit, i've got some latex catheters and saline locks that i'd put in (good for 72 hours, just flush with some saline before each shot), and if anybody asks i could just write it off as being there for medical purposes... its unfortunate you cant get them at your local pharmacy, but it should be just as easy to order them as micron filters (which nobody uses either lol).

i agree with this one. if you're shooting very often, it can really help. whenever i go on a iv spree, i usually put in a pvc (peripheral venous catheter). flush with saline before a shot, saline flush afterwards. the pvc line fits onto syringes where you'd usually attach the needle on a 10cc barrel.

done properly, depending on what you're shooting, you should only come away with the small puncture hole into the vein. no chance of missed shots either provided you have inserted the pvc correctly.

depending on the type of catheter you use, theyre usually rated for 72-96 hours (3-4 days).

the one thing to consider is that its tricky to set one in your own arm - its really a two hand job. also if you arent quick with your hands, you can get an awful lot of blood everywhere when taking the insertion gear out and capping the line.

 

[swevil]

I'm in school to become an Ultrasound tecb. I have to take courses with the medial assistants first. I have stopped shooting but I still have scars that are noticeable. I'm SURE that a certain teacher noticed. Heck she even noticed a guy at traffic court with track marks. The first couple of times I shoot up I didn't think it was noticeable so I didn't wear a long sleeved shirt under my uniform. Now i do. That was two weeks ago, with a week off for summer break. When I did my final go around with the needle & drugs period. I messed up and missed a lot. & went nuts on my arms. Making one elbow bruise BAD and marks up and down my arms. I have tried makeup but these are medical teachers. They know what to look for. Plus recognizing this kind of thing is what they do. It's only been 3 days since my last use. I can't keep wearing long sleeves in this heat. does anyone know of anything other then makeup for you body that would cover this?

 

[kiki916]

I myself have used cover up and it has worked for me. mabey it will work for you also.

 

[Missykins]

Chillllll mon. My friend trips out like this too, even when its a tiny mark.

Nobody can fucking fire you for shooting up. Nobody can fire you for having scars. Fuck em. You don't have to explain yourself to nobody. imo you should address the paranoia just as much as the scars...

It's hire-and-fire at will. And many workplaces are "drug-free" which means they can test you, and then fire you.

I don't get why people shoot suboxone given that it has naloxone, but that's another forum. Not to mention the shit you shoot into your veins when you shoot pills.

You can try Mederma. I slipped on the wet bathroom floor once and had a deep gash on my brow bone that I was certain would scar, but Mederma cleared it up. Of course, it won't work if you keep shooting drugs.