Community› The Bump Message Boards› Infertility
Infertility
New Discussion

PIO tips please!

futuremom2bfuturemom2b
in Infertility

I'm starting PIO tonight and I'm pretty nervous about since I've never done this before.  Does anyone have any tips for me? 

Do you prefer laying down or leaning against a counter/table when you receive your shot (if your DH does it for you)? 

Does it hurt? Truthfully.  Indifferent

What time do you do yours?  Should it be done right before bedtime or anytime in the evening ok?

 Anything else you can think of to add would be great - thanks!!!

Report Reply to Post

Re: PIO tips please!

  • bmbeck6614bmbeck6614
    Here is what I do... Put an Ice pack on about 10-15 minutes before your shot. My nurse said to put your hands on the wall and whatever side you are going to do the shot bring your knee up with your toe still on the ground so your knee is like touching the wall.. does that make sense? Trust me after the 3rd shot I would try anything and I swear by it!!! Then of course after the shot I will sit on a heating pad for awhile... I will tell you my backside hurts when I am sleeping and roll on it the wrong way.
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Chase is Watching you!!!!!
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • lovemymonkeylovemymonkey

    I know some people are against icing, but my nurse recommends it so I've always iced. I think it helps a lot!

    I put an icepack on the area for about 15 minutes, then lay on my stomach on the sofa or on the bed, and then DH does the injection. Usually I can't feel anything. On occasion, I'll feel a pinch if he accidentally hits a nerve. Immediately afterwards, I put a heating pad on the injection area and DH massages the area so the oil can disperse.

    Trust me, the idea of the PIO injection is a lot worse than the injection itself.

    good luck!

    After 5 years of TTC, 3 IUIs, 5 IVFs, 2 FETs, multiple losses and an adoption that wasn
    Report Reply
  • epphdepphd member

    Oh you haven't started yet?  OK, never mind my last post ;)

    The PIO shot does not hurt - really - it doesn't. You'll be sore the next day, but the shot doesn't hurt.  Ask you doc when to do it - I have to do it in the a.m.

    I lie down on my stomach and I do NOT use ice - that just makes your muscle cold and the oil pool in the muscle.  And, I personally don't think you need it; the shot feels like the tiniest pinch - or nothing at all. So I warm up my bum and the oil, this helps it get in and get distributed much easier.

    Just have your DH shoot it like a dart, slowly inject it, and then rub the area pretty vigorously afterward.  Go back on the heating pad for a while and massage to help distribute the oil.

    You'll be shocked the first time - for such a big old needle, it really doesn't feel like much!

    GL!

    image
    image

    I am a runner, knitter, scientist, DE-IVF veteran, and stage III colon cancer survivor.
    Report Reply
  • krissyh21krissyh21 member

    Ditto Elizabeth, do not use ice. My nurse strongly suggested not doing that because all it does is prevent the PIO from spreading out. You want the oil as warm as possible, ice will prevent that.

    The needle itself doesn't hurt, it is the muscle pain after that is painful but if you use a heating pad after a couple of days the pain wears off.

    Good luck! 

    A lot of years and a million tears finally led me to you.
    After 7 years trying to concieve, 3 failed IUIs and 2 failed IVFs, my third IVF was a success!
    My Christmas baby turned into a turkey bird! Dillon Richard was born at 34 weeks, 5 days on November 28, 2009 after 10 weeks on bedrest for preeclampsia.
    <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v705/arriinthere/PJ/?action=view
    Report Reply
  • futuremom2bfuturemom2b

    Thanks ladies!  For what it's worthy, my nurse also advised AGAINST using ice for the same reasons you guys mentioned.  It's the anticipation that's really getting to me! I was like that for the tummy shots too though and I handled them just fine (for the most part).  Wink 

    I'm sure I'll update you guys tomorrow on how my 1st PIO shot went! 

    Report Reply
  • katybostonkatyboston

    I found that if I warm up the oil prior to the shot that helps, I draw it up and then tuck it under my arm (kind of in the armpit) for about 5 minutes. Also rubbing the injection site afterwards to distribute the oil is a good idea. The few times I skipped these steps I got some pretty gross itchy bumps. Not positive if that's the reason but now I'm superstitious. 

    As for whether it's painful- I didn't think so at all. On the second and third day my a$$ was so sore I felt like I had run a marathon (and not painful just achy) but then that went away and I had no further problems.

    I actually asked my RE to switch me from supps to PIO and am much happier with PIO.

     

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"