(URGENT) Groin injection incident - need advice!

[Morphoid]

OK, I'll be quick about this because I'm panicking. I'm an addict and in a foolish STUPID STUPID act (Having run out of veins) decided to go for my groin. I read every single booklet, watched every video, studied it as much as possible - and then went for it.

Now here's what happened and why I am concerned/confused. I found my femoral artery pulse, made sure it was covered and then went to inject well away from it towards the centre of my body with a 1.25 inch 23G needle and 2ml rig. I hit a vessel and pulled back, blood gushed into my syringe and the blood looked fairly dark, but it was difficult to tell. I then panicked a little and slowly removed the needle and pulled out (without injecting anything) as I was desperately worried I'd hit an the artery. Now underneath where I had injected there's a swelling of what feels like blood that has leaked out into the tissue in that area. I just couldn't tell whether or not it was venous blood or arterial. But the point is - there was no pain. None whatsoever. So I'm assuming it can't have been the artery, right? Because perforating the femoral artery would be agonisingly painful, considering everything I've read. About 60 seconds after pulling the needle out, I began to sweat profusely and feel very very faint. I think I was having a panic attack, but then I began to panic that it was blood loss and that I was bleeding internally. I've felt the area now and the swelling does seem to have gone down and I am in no pain, but I feel a bit woozy and nauseous but I think it could be psychological.

Considering the complete lack of pain, what do you think happened? I'm very scared and still sweating profusely, mainly because I think I'm panicking. Help.

 

[T. Calderone]

Oh damn. You're probably having a panic attack making you all sweaty and dizzy. Keep a close eye on it though.
My first thought for swelling would be apply an ice pack if you can bear it.

 

[Morphoid]

Thanks bro. It's been 15 minutes now and the swelling has gone down a fair bit. I'm in no pain and my circulation doesn't seem compromised on my right leg. I'm white as a sheet and still sweating but I'm sure I'm just coming down from a panic attack. I have a weird feeling in my abdomen but it's probably just psychosomatic.

Addition:
Shit ... one other thing I've just thought, I took 600mg of aspirin earlier for a headache. That's probably why it bled so much. It's been a sobering lesson though. I'm 99% sure it was the femoral vein I hit, since there was no pain and the bleeding afterwards was continuous, not pulsing, as would be expected from the artery. Nevertheless, it was fucking scary. I don't care how badly I'm rattling in future - I'm never attempting that again.

 

['medicine cabinet']

I think you are going to have your bits cut off now....just kidding.

seeing as how you didnt inject anything into the spot i think its just a like a bruise, blood under the skin. ive known ppl who has literally used all the viable veins they have but youd be surprised at some of the places you can find one. yes including your groin but i would def not fuck with that. try your hip.

 

[Morphoid]

I assure you, I'm never fucking going near my groin with a needle ever again. Although I really have exhausted all other sites now. Hands, forearms, back of arms, crooks, back of hands, wrists, palms, feet, thighs, back of knee and biceps are all useless now - hence my stupidity in going in the groin.

I'm going to have one mighty fucking bruise there tomorrow.

 

[T. Calderone]

I don't have many good veins. Last time I was at hospital, the phlebotomist kept stabbing and I ended with with a hematoma. Then she gave up and called another woman to help out. Unsuccessful, they had to put the IV in my hand which was uncomfortable for the three day duration. Arggghhh!

Are you feeling calmed down yet? We can just tell you funny stories to get your blood pressure back to normal. Hang in there.

 

[szuko000]

I assure you, I'm never fucking going near my groin with a needle ever again. Although I really have exhausted all other sites now. Hands, forearms, back of arms, crooks, back of hands, wrists, palms, feet, thighs, back of knee and biceps are all useless now

Well I think it's time for you to quit. After going through all those sites you should just stop, how hard could it be?

Or for an easier option grow more veins, probably a lot easier then quitting

I think you'll be fine. Never it anything other then veins, well short of the stabbing through various muscles and fleshy parts we all do in the beginning. You probably had a panic attack from being upset and worried, happens to people all the time. Just monitor the site and what not, sure your experienced in IV complications comes with the territory.

Much luck!

 

[Swimmingdancer]

I'm glad you're ok! Sounds like you just pierced the vein then had a panic attack, although we can't know for sure over the internet (and puncturing an artery doesn't always hurt as far as I know). Stay away from the groin please!

I agree that destroying all your veins can be an indication that it's time to quit - that was definitely one of the major factors that prompted me to quit. But it had gotten really bad by that point - I'd be spending my entire day just trying to hit veins and feeling pathetic and crying. My veins have never recovered since and I really wish I had done things differently. But if you aren't ready to quit or until you are, do some more research on the best ways/places to hit - before you're feeling dopesick, desperate and willing to try anything/anywhere. Or better yet, try another ROA. I know it can be hard to fathom doing anything other than IV, but plugging can really work.

Have you tried the great saphenous vein on the inside of the leg? That one was a life-saver for me. Also drink lots of water, have a hot bath, and use a fresh syringe for every single poke - that makes a huge difference. I have tons more tips if you want them, or there are some good threads on here.

 

[mareseatoats]

I had a panic attack just reading this thread..