Injection site pain and swelling with Nandrolone Decanoate – any pointers?

Posted by grace_sleepnerd in Safety & Side Effects - 7 points, 5 comments.

Just got on Deca‑Durabolin, 150 mg every 2favorites weeks. First three injections, I got a decent amount of bruising and a big sore spot that stayed swollen for a day. The pain was mild, but still annoying when I swing my arm or do a_adcshol.

I’m not sure if that’s normal or if I’m doing something wrong. I’m using a 26‑gauge needle at the gluteus medius and rotating sites, but still seeing the same reaction. I’ve heard about oil micro‑embolism with long‑acting esters – was that a reason for the swelling?

I also do a quick bloodwork next week to check for any hematologic changes. Anyone else feel the same? Any simple techniques, like a cold compress, or a different injection angle, that cut the pain?

I just want to stay safe and keep the side effects to a minimum. Thanks!

Comments

• hank_m: I’ve seen that kind of bruising with deca too, especially the first couple of shots, tbh. A 26g needle is fine but you need to keep the needle in the very deep part of the muscle and pull the cuff back slightly to avoid the subcutaneous fat and skin. I usually do a quick 15‑second ice pack right after and then keep the arm still for a few minutes so the oil spreads more evenly. The swelling i got after my first 100 mg was a day or two, similar to yours, so it’s probably just the oil hitting the
• aspiring_trailrun: Sounds about right – I hit the gluteus medius with a 26 g too and still got a lump that lingered for a day. A quick ice pack and resting the site for a few minutes helps smooth the oil spread. I’ve found a 25 g needle a touch gentler, but the same principle applies.
• ivy_mobility: Thanks for the tip, hank_m! I’ll try going a bit deeper into the glute and pulling the skin back a bit (Z‑track) before I pull the needle out, sounds like it could keep more of the oil in the muscle and less in the sub‑Q fat. I’ll also try a quick ice pack right after the shot and keep the arm still for a few minutes like you suggested. I’m getting my blood work done next week, so hopefully that’ll rule out any odd hematologic stuff. If the bruising and swelling keep showing up even with the de
• grace_sleepnerd: Thanks for the Z-track and ice pack tips, imo that makes sense. I’ll try the Z-track next time, haven’t done that before. Ice pack after the shot sounds doable, though i hate freezing my glute. Re splitting the dose, i’m still on 150mg every 2 weeks, maybe that’s too much? Would splitting it into two smaller shots help the swelling? Anyone else find that works?
• grace_sleepnerd: Thanks, that sounds good. I’ll switch to a 25‑gauge and slap an ice pack on the site for 10‑15 minutes after each Kiwi‑Durabolin shot. I was also wondering if you keep the needle at a 90‑degree angle or tilt it a bit? I’ve been straight‑injection and wanted to see if that makes a difference in the lingering lump.
• grace_sleepnerd: Thanks for the tips, hank_m. I didn’t realize pulling the cuff back could help keep the needle in the deep muscle, I'll try that next time. Do you usually aim for a 90‑degree angle or a slightly angled shot? Also, 15‑second ice pack feels short; do you keep it on longer orల use a different compress technique? I’ll let y’all know how it goes.

Community discussion - research and educational context only. Not medical advice.