I've given it to myself for a SF reaction. I'd recommend trying an expired Epi on a grapefruit--and the trainer of course.
I get bruised every single time I train someone to use it for DS (I bruise easily). I just consider it part of the deal. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
I definitely had to work a little to get it in during my reaction--had to jab. But it didn't really hurt. There's a thread about this somewhere from the last year--not about the jabbing, but about how it feels. I'll try to find it.

Has anyone here given EPI through jeans?

Only through panty hose. Killed 'em.
Just happy I thought to pull my skirt up. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by Adele:
[b]Has anyone here given EPI through jeans? [/b]
No, but Dey (manufacturers of Epi-Pen) will tell you that the needle will pierce right through jeans...

My allergist's nurse used a trainer to demonstrate how to use an epi-pen. She said, 'don't do this through jeans'.
I remember reading here about the needle bending on someone's epi-pen.
The fear of having a reaction in public (a restaurant) is enough to keep me on the straight and narrow, but the thought of revealing my dimpled thighs to the world is enough to keep me from ever eating anything in public.

My son has used his epi pen thru his jeans. I taught him to avoid the seam. The first two times he used it went fine, the third he went into the mens room and I guess removed his jeans.
I went nuts and reminded him to not go off on his own during a reaction. He knows not to do that but was a bit freaked out.
Peg

Thanks for the information Peg. This is good to know - and I'll remember your warning about the seam.
Adele

Adele there are jeans and then there are jeans. The ones that stand up by themselves? I would not try to inject thru, but the nice soft stone washed ones you've been wearing for years? Yes.
My son is mostly a Docker guy anyway.
All in all if I had PA and found myself having an ingestion reaction I'd whip my pants down and inject the epi even if I were in Macy's window.
I thought my son would find it less horrifying if he could inject thru his clothes. I'd hate to have him at some event filled with women and he's afraid to use his epi or they will see his underwear.
Remember we started out when he was 5. He's 22 now and in college so I imagine dropping his pants in a room full of coeds works fine for him right now.
Peg

Quote:Originally posted by Peg541:
[b] He's 22 now and in college so I imagine dropping his pants in a room full of coeds works fine for him right now.
Peg[/b]
Ahhhh - youth. I remember!
I just bought a new pair of jeans a few days ago. The main reason I didn't buy Levi brand is because the denim was too heavy. I bought a pair with softer, lighter denim just because I knew an epi needle would go through it.
Gads, what a way to choose a pair of pants!
(edited), I was taught to swing the epi-pen towards the outside of my thigh. If you keep your arm straight, it will hit about mid-thigh. Don't inject on the front - just the side. The needle is short so you won't hit bone there.

OK this is just my opinion.
I am not in favor of the swing and jab method of delivering an epi pen injection.
I think especially if you are going to do it thru clothes with a seam.
You are going to be anxious, I've seen that feeling of doom enought times to know that. Your aim could be off, you might only have one epi pen or need that second one while waiting for help to arrive. You don't want to miss with your first one and wonder if the dose will be delivered if you missed your mark.
My feeling is to do this in a calm manner, this will help you stay slow and steady getting things right the first time.
I taught my son to lay the epi pen exactly where he wants it injected, push, hear the click, count to 10 and remove the epi pen.
I hate the words "swing and jab" because they have a violent sound to them and you just don't know how much someone is going to swing.
I know someone here recently said she would rather swing because the wait for the needle to enter your skin seems awful to her.
This is not something you are hopefully going to get to do frequently (right?.) So I can't see anyone "getting better at it with practice."
I'd rather go for the more controlled calmer method and be sure every drop of the epi got delivered instead of wondering.
As a nurse I was able to train myself to get quieter and calmer in an emergency situation so I could react and get to work. That infuriates some people who would rather do the chicken running around thing but it certainly works for me.
I hope for my son as well.
And I think the swing and jab thing got started when soldiers were given some drug in an epi pen like apparatus to inject themselves in case of toxic gasses. I remember my brother had learned this while in the navy back in the 60's. If you are a soldier in a foxhole fighting for your life it seems more likely that swing and jab will work for you.
Us here injecting ourselves or our babies? I'd rather be controlled and calm.
Peg