Heparin shots for newbies

I had Lovenox... in the belly.  I had to do it for a month after I got out of the hospital.  It was easy to inject into the belly as that's where most of us have fat.  Also your shirt covers it which long sleeves cover your arms but the bruising lasts a long time after you stop. 

Just my experience but I would do it again in my belly without hesitation.

Edited for typo.

I had three heparin shots, the first hurt like hell (in my thigh) and the next two they diluted with saline and did it super slow - little to no pain.

I'm happy that I only had three though! My friend was on them for a few weeks because of his size, he had to inflict that pain on himself. Ouch

I had all of mine in the IV.  There was no pain I did not feel anything.

I think I should share not our of fear but an attempt to give full disclosure. I did have bloodthinners, not sure which kind. They were too much for my body and caused me to get too thin. So they were stopped I think the evening of day 2 when I started having uncontrollable nose bleeds and was bleeding through my drain. It was IMMEDIATELY addressed, Dr H was paged and they took care of me.

This is why I tried even harder to get up, sit up even and move. Also, as directed STERNLY by Dr H, to stop whining about my leg pump things.

If they are tolerated and usually they are with no probs at all, they are a miracle!

Great information, actually.  I didn't realize that could happen and everyone should be aware that if this happens to them, they have to make their nurses and surgeon aware immediately.  Even if it's a rare occurrence, knowing all possibilities is smart!

"Love handles" is the accepted place to do heparin and lovenox (low-molecular weight heparin).   I can see a justification for doing it in the arm after an abdominal surgery, as the bruising from the injection site could mask something going on.   On the other hand, it might just have been the nurse not wanting to take time to move the bed clothes, the gown and explain why the injection is being given in the stomach area.    A lot of people are very skeeved out about having anything injected in or near the abdomen.

Dennie

 I guess I thought they always gave them in the abdomen (or maybe they are to be given close to the area where the surgery occurred)?       Dr. A. gave me my own ampules of the stuff and empty syringes and told me to be sure and stick one there each day, for several days following my surgery.   It was no big deal for me, as I was used to shots by myself from many years of diabetes, and it didn't hurt.  

  But great topic that needs to be brought up on here from time to time, Krissy, and thanks for bringing it up. 

  It is SO important to get those shots after your surgery, to help prevent life-threatening blood clots.  Due to your size and inactivity, you will be a prime candidate for them right after surgery.   This is also especially important if you are going to be taking a long flight back home (Dr. A. told me to save one shot to take just before departure), as being inactive for hours while on the plane always increases the chances for blood clots in the lower legs and feet.  Always get up at least every hour and walk to the bathroom at the back (or front) of the plane. 

  In the past, we have had at least a couple of DSers who died witin a few days after surgery due apparently to blood clot issues.    

 While we're on the subject of anti-clot measures for surgery, two other things to talk with your surgeon about beforehand, esp. if you have a history of clots or fear you may get them, are "Green screens" and venadyne (sp. ?) stockings. 

  Some surgeons will insert a Greenfield vema cava filter (sometimes called a "Green screen") before surgery in a vein in the thigh.   This filter acts like a sieve and is designed to catch clots during or right after surgery, should any get into your circulatory system, before they can do any serious harm by lodging in a vital organ.  Some surgeons insist on using them, some do depending on the cir****tances, and I know one WLS surgeon (not a DS) *****fuses to use them at all (he claims the insertion/removal of the filter itself increases the dangers from clots).   

   Venadyne stockings look like oversized pantyhose, and are slipped over the feet and lower legs usually right after surgery.   A machine applies gentle current to the stockings though wires, and through sensor pads on the stockings a gentle squeezing occurs in a rhythmic, wave-like fashion to the limbs, helping keeping things moving along in the circulation of that area, thereby decreasing the risk of clot formation there.