giving yourself shots?

erbear · June 2010

I know this doesn't make me hr, but I'm hoping one of you has some advice.

I just found out that, due to a clotting disorder, I have to give myself a shot of Lovenox every day for the rest of my pregnancy. I'm trying not to be upset but it's bumming me out I'm supposed to give it in my stomach, which seems so weird!

Anyone done this? Any tips?

MrsAJL · June 2010

I give myself 8 injections a day of insulin, usually in the stomach. I don't know how much Lovenox you have to give yourself which would have an impact on your syringe size, but I use 31 guage, 5/16" needles (i.e. short and really thin.)

I think you can definitely manage the one shot/day. Your doctor or nurse should tell you how to give yourself the injections and it's really easy. The biggest obstacle is really mental.

Maybe some ladies who have to be on Lovenox can chime in about how they deal with the injections.

Good luck! I think you'll be a trooper and do great. Smile

fmoore723 · June 2010

Thought this handout may help you.

https://www.lovenox.com/docs/pdf/LovenoxAtHomeBrochure.pdf

Being a prior OB nurse, this isnt uncommon and will become second nature to you soon. Youll give them in your 'love handles' and rotate sites with each injection. They come prefilled, so you dont have to worry about drawing them up or anything. Just read through and look at the pictures. Its a VERY straighforward handout. Good luck!

PS. Use an old apple juice bottle as a sharps container and take it to your OB once its full for biohazard disposal.

Mrs.Butter · June 2010

I've been on Lovenox since 12 weeks (I actually recently switched to Heparin for the remainder of my pregnancy). It sucks at first, and it was an adjustment getting used to it, but it's just second nature now.

I always ice the area before and after the shot to reduce bleeding and bruising, but you should still be prepared for a little bruising, I think it happens to most people.

What clotting disorder do you have? I have Factor V Leiden, homozygous, which does actually make me high risk and I consult with a high-risk OB and get a couple extra ultrasounds to check growth and blood flow through doppler. There's also a Lovenox check-in on this board, I think every Wednesday. Everyone is super helpful, so be sure to stop by if you have any more questions. Good luck!

punkrockabye · June 2010

I will be doing this when I become pregnant. In fact, my mother had to do it when she was pregnant with me, and now here I am!

Because there's a chance that I have the clotting disorder she had, the MFM I will be working with is letting me choose to go on Lovenox when the time comes. Due to one positive test result, she said it is very much up to me, and she will support me if I do it.

It's a wonder drug, in a sense, because it has allowed SO many women to have healthy babies when they otherwise would not have been as successful. I'm definitely nervous, and I have occasional bouts of "how can you be crazy enough to CHOOSE to do that?!" but then I realize that for one, it's why I'm even here, and two, it will be an infinitely small price to pay once I have a child in my arms. Good luck, mama! You'll do great!

gringa78 · June 2010

You can inject Lovenox into any fatty area...so your love handles, back of your arms, your butt...just inject slowly and don't be worried if you bruise...you will. It stings for a minute or so afterward, but overall it's pretty painless.

Pamela05 · June 2010

gringa78:
You can inject Lovenox into any fatty area...so your love handles, back of your arms, your butt...just inject slowly and don't be worried if you bruise...you will. It stings for a minute or so afterward, but overall it's pretty painless.

The lovenox manufacturer's site says only to use your abdomen/love handles. And using the other areas causes it to distribute more quickly that it is designed for and will cause more pain/bruising.

erbear · June 2010

Thanks ladies. I did it this morning. The injection was fine (once I got up the nerve) but the medicine hurt like crap going in and for about 10 minutes afterward. I iced it and it felt better. One down, 224 (roughly) to go!

ckred27 · June 2010

Im in a similar boat, i had my insulin tutorial this morning for GD! had an upset stomach the whole time, a shot twice a day in the stomach. At least the needle is tiny and cant really feel it. Totally bummed me out too! i HATE needles, guess ill have to get used to them.

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