Dull Needles?

[rhmason]

Hello everyone,

My Urologist recently moved me from Edex mc20 to trimix 30mg papaverine 1 mg phentolamine 10mcg aprostadil. The needles that came with the trimix are the same size as the ones that come with the edex, .33 mm x 12.7mm. It seems as if it takes a lot more pressure to get the needle through the skin with the insulin syringe than it does with the edex syringe. I'm wondering if I got a batch of needles that are dull or if that's just a characteristic of this particular brand Sure Comfort (please see attached photo). Has anyone else have difficulty using this brand of needles? What is the trimix syring that most users prefer?

Any input is greatly appreciated,
Ray

[james4326]

I get 50 units or less, 29 gauge, 1/2" needles from my local Sam's, and they work great.

[Martin6469]

Compare needles with a good magnifying glass.

I use "BD Insulin Syringes" 31 gauge 8mm. Always nice and sharp. (Smaller needle diameter = less pressure needed.)

[bldoink]

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[rhmason]

James,
I'm a Sams Club member; I didn't think of using their pharmacy, Thanks!

Martin,
Thanks for replying, I've read where the BD syringes are especially sharp. But here and on Amazon reviews I've read the plunger is very stiff.

Bldoink,
Lots of great info thanks! I live in eastern Hillsborough County, FL and use Publix quite frequently, didn't think about their pharmacy.
Also wasn't aware some needles are lubricated, some are not. I'm sure that would make a difference.

Ray

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[dxchase70]

Plunger resistance is important to me as I depend heavily on that to determine if my needle placement is correct. Generally the smaller the capacity of the syringe the lower the plunger resistance. That's why I recommend using the smallest capacity possible based on your dose volume. You probably aren't used to that technique as it's difficult with the Edex cartridges due to their large double stoppers you have to push. And of course determining correct placement by aspiration is impossible with the Edex cartridges as they aren't designed to allow that.

Bldoink, can you clarify plunger resistance with regards to needle placement? I think I've read somewhere that if it's difficult to press down on the plunger, that means the needle not in a good spot? Just wanted to make sure I have this right. I remember on one of my earlier attempts to inject Edex, it was really hard to press down on the plunger. I think I pulled back the needle a little bit and then it was easier to press the plunger.

Performing a proper injection has been a bit hit or miss for me so far. I think I've injected 8 times so far and I believe 3 were unsuccessful. Although I'm not exactly sure if they were unsuccessful since I did get a partial erection.

[rhmason]

Bldoink,

Are you referring to Lake Thonotosassa? I'm in Seffner.

Do you have a preference for the 1/2 cc syringe over the 1cc?

Thanks,
Ray

[bldoink]

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