Question:
I am going to need to inject myself for one week after surgery for bloodclots

I was just told I am going to need to inject myself for one week after surgery. Anyone else have to do this? My doctor requires this of all patients, and I hate needles!    — Amy E. (posted on October 17, 2003)

October 17, 2003
It is not really that hard. I have had to do it and am now giving my DH his Lovenox injections after his RNY. The needles are very fine and you really do not feel it going in. All you need to remember is after you cleanse the area with alcohol is to grip the skin between you thumb and fingers (don't squeeze or pinch it) and stick the needle in on a slight angle and press the plunger down 'til empty. Ask your doctor's nurse for a lesson on how to to do it. They can use a syringe that is filled with saline to teach you how to do it.
   — ChristineB

October 17, 2003
I had to do Heparin shots every 8 hours for 14 days after surgery. The needles are very small and didn't hurt at all...at first. Around day 11, I did get some minor pain and tenderness (I did all my shots in my thighs) but I think that was because I was hitting areas that were already bruised. I am 2.5 months post op now and the bruising completely vanished about 3 weeks ago. My doctor also requires that all his patients do this post-op. It wasn't hard to do at all....I nearly had a panic attack in the Dr.'s office when they were going to make me give myself a "practice" shot, but I just pressed the needle tip onto the top of my thigh and was very surprised at how easily it just slid into my skin. Not bad at all.
   — Jen D.

October 17, 2003
I had to have shots in my stomach, and it was a piece of cake. It's just the thought of it that gets to you. My roommate had a nurse come to her home to give the shots and the insurance paid for it. Maybe this would be an option for you. Good luck.
   — kkubinski99

October 17, 2003
It looks like Life if giving you a chance to overcome another fear. . . .Do you have a friend that could help?. . . .Just remember: . . . "Fear is the 1st natural enemy a woman must overcome on her path to knowledge. Besides, you are curious. That evens up the score. And you will learn in spite of yourself; that's the rule." DJuan
   — Marrilee M.

October 17, 2003
I've had to give myself Heparin and Lovenox (and insulin) shots during various times in the last year and a half. I always thought that the needle didn't hurt going in, (unless I hit a nerve---OUCH!) but what did hurt was the medicine going in. I also learned to rub the spot really hard for about 10 seconds after injecting. It helps cut down on bruising, and it helps if it hurt. Don't be afraid to give yourself these shots. You can do it. It's much better to do these shots than to risk getting a blood clot and risking your life. The shots are nothing, pain wise, but a blood clot hurts like h**l!!! You can do it. Just stay positive and keep reminding yourself why you're doing it, and you'll get through the week easily! Good luck!
   — blueeyedrdhed

October 17, 2003
Hi, Amy! I also had to give myself Lovenox shots when I got home from the hospital. I had to watch a video about it at home, first, and I did my own in the hospital in front of the nurse to make sure I was doing it correctly. I only had one that hurt, and I think it was because I injected it into one of my many stretch marks! LOL! Seriously, it's very common to have to give yourself these shots for about a week after surgery, but it's really no big deal. Just remember to alternate sides; one day give yourself a shot on the right side of the belly button, at least a couple inches away from it, and the next day do it on the left side. You will see a teensy tiny little mark where you did the last injection, so you will know to stay about an inch away from that particular site. If you're like me, there was PLENTY of room on my belly to go around! The needles are VERY fine and didn't hurt at all going in.
   — Moysa B.