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Giving myself the injection! Help!

JennyMay
JennyMay
I am travelling to Hawaii in 3 weeks, and in my efforts to find someone to give me my Clexane/Lovenox injection and am beginning to realise that giving it to myself is the best option. I am terrified of needles, and I HATE the clexane injection, it's soooo painful. I'm scared that I'm either not going to inject it in the right spot, or it'll insert the needle too far in, or not far enough. Or that I'll pull the needle out by reflex after only injecting half the fluid (Because it hurts too much)

I think Clexane is very similar to the Lovenox injections others talk about on here. Has anyone else had to give themselves the injection? I need to do it in my stomach :S Can anyone offer advice or support? I suggested to my bf that he do it but he doesn't want to hurt me :P I doubt he'll have the guts.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i had to be put on fragmin for my entire pregnancy due to a positive dvt in 2002. I had a nurse do it the first two days with me watching and then i injected myself infront of her for a week before i was comfortable enough to do it on my own. i had prefilled syringes and it only let the needle go in so far. i had the fear the tip would break off. after a few days you feel comfortable with doing it. its just getting over the initial fear
deleted_user
deleted_user
Here is another suggestion. I had pre-filled syringes as well as needles I had to fill myself. I much preferred the needles I filled myself. There were a number of reasons for this, but the main one has to do with needles size. When you get pre-filled syringes, they are a standard gauge, but when you buy your own needles you can pick the gauge you want. So, I chose 27 gauge 1/2 inch needles and they were awesome. I also found that they were smoother going in and out. Just another idea to assist you...
deleted_user
deleted_user
Follow the instructions on the leaflet. Generally:
1. Check your dosage is right (sometimes you have to push some liquid out - your pharmacist should advise you)
2. Pinch (don't let go until the needle is out)
3. Push needle in all the way
4. Inject all the liquid (don't worry about air bubbles) REALLY SLOWLY!!!!!!!!!!
5. Pull needle out
6. Let go of pinch.
DONE :-)

PS: I was a total needle-phobe before I had to do this but it's surprisingly easy. Was even proud of the big bruises I sometimes produced...!
JennyMay
JennyMay
So it turns out I have to have three injections before the flight, not one. So I'm having the first one at the doctors surgery, they'll supervise me doing it myself. And then the next two before the flight I have to do myself.
deleted_user
deleted_user
LOVENOX and CLEXANE are the same drug made by sanofi-aventis.

LOVENOX is used in the US and Canada, CLEXANE in all other countries
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was on Lovenox for a week before my Coumadin levels became therapeutic. I got over my needle fear very quickly after all the blood draws needed while in the ER and hospital, but you're right- that stinging sensation is the worst!

I'd just put some upbeat music on, wash up, sanitize and recline in bed with the needle. Sometimes I'd be able to count down from 10 and just do it, and other times I'd call my boyfriend to have him talk on the phone so I could distract myself and just get it done.

It also helped to think that the pain only lasts for about 45 seconds. Maybe you could think of it this way: the quicker you get done with the injection the quicker you can get outside onto the beach! Just grin and bear it, shout if you need to, and get 'er done.
PamelaHope
PamelaHope
I am so sorry. I had to do it for three weeks at the end of my pregnancy. I hated it and I counted down the days till it was over.

I wish I could give advice. I do understand. It is terrble but just do it fast. Don't think about it and just do it. Pretty soon it will be over..
Best,
Pam
mycatownsme
mycatownsme
My doctors would not let me leave the hospital unless I self-administered lovenox and had a PCP to manage my coagulation.

A nurse showed me how to do theinjection. The first time I stabbed my finger, but then I got it in my stomach..thinking about it was worse than actually giving myself the injection..
deleted_user
deleted_user
After getting the injections for about 3 weeks sitting down, I finally had a nurse tell me to stand up and take them. I found this was a whole lot less painful. I couldn't give them to myself, even though I have given shots to others. I had help from my fiancee and my family. I really don't mind shots, but just the idea of taking them in my stomach kind of freaked me out. Hang in there, hopefully, they will get your blood level where it needs to be soon, and you can quit taking the shots. Hope this helps a little.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Whatever you do and whatever the nurse of the day tells you, DON'T PUSH THE LIQUID IN QUICKLY!!!!!
If you do it really (really!) slowly, it won't sting afterwards. That's the secret to it :-)
dero
dero
Now is that really, really slowly or really (really) slowly, 'cus there is a difference... or the really in the () was an affirmation?
lol
deleted_user
deleted_user
Haha, it had to be Dero!
You try it out first then and tell us which one works best :-)
JennyMay
JennyMay
I'm bumping this post, because I'm giving myself the first injection this afternoon and I want as much advice as I can get!
dero
dero
Just do it!!!!
rmb
rmb
Keep your wits about you and just do it, no hesitation, not fear. You're in control of the situation. We're all there with you.
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