Steps To A Hormone Shot

Woohoo! Ok, I wish that before I actually started this someone would have outlined the actual process, so now I will.

Materials needed:

- Testosterone vial
- Syringe with regular needle
- Extra little needles (the ones you stick in you, I use 1 inch 20 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
- Maybe some gauze/band-aids

Ok, so here goes!

1. You'll either a) have a brand new vial in which case you pop off the top and go to step 2. Or b) have a semi-used vial in which case you alcohol swab the top off.

2. Pull the plunger on your syringe down to your dosage level. Yes, just filled with air. Then insert your syringe into your vial. Push your plunger down. Now pull back on your plunger to fill your syringe. Then remove your syringe from the vial.

3. Once you have the proper amount of medicine, twist off the capped needle and replace it with the other one.

4. Prepare your injection area by wiping with an alcohol swab. (My doctor told me I should always do it in my upper, outer thigh region.)

5. Insert the needle into your body. Pull back on the plunger a little bit. If you see blood, you went in the wrong spot. If not, you're good. Push down on the plunger to put the medicine into your body. (Yes, you have to push really hard.)

6. Pull the needle out. Wipe blood away with gauze if necessary. Also use band-aids if necessary.

So basically that's it. It sounds a lot more complicated and intimidating than it is. *shrug* Oh, and then your leg hurts for a while afterwards.

I've noticed some changes, but nothing ridiculously drastic. I'll keep you posted with some picture if I look like Chewy anytime soon. Hope all is well with everyone around. 15 days until surgery!