Nervous about injects

[Anonymous]

I'm about ready to start my first cycle of clomid - gonal F - ovidrel - IUI. I know I will need at least 2 injections, possibly more if I need to do the gonal F more than once.

I just went to the injection class and while the nurse did a great job, explained things very clearly, and had a lovely calm demeanor, I'm finding myself very nervous about having to do this. I have to do it by myself. Dh did not come to the class, and frankly I trust myself more than I trust him to do it properly (I can see him panicking, accidentally stabbing himself with the needle, dropping or knocking something sterile onto the floor, etc.). So I'm on my own here.

I know I can do this (b/c I have no choice). But it'd be nice to hear from someone who's done it & survived!

[Anonymous]

You will be fine!!!! I was really nervous, but it is really not that bad. Gonal F is easy to mix and ovidrel is pre-mixed so you're in great shape. I watched web videos/DVDs of how to do injections a few times before starting out, that made me feel better.

[Anonymous]

i've only done the sub-q injections, and do them daily for at least 2 and a half weeks. they are super easy, and it doesn't hurt when i give the shot to myself in my tummy. i use menopur, and i think the annoying part is the mixing...more annoying than sticking myself.

i'll occasionally have a tiny spot of blood at the injection site, and then maybe a tiny bruise - but nothing to get overly worried about. oh and sometimes it's a little tender at the injection site too.... but not at all bad or worrysome either....

you'll be fine!!! good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

I have done two IUI cycles and one IVF cycle and I always find that the anticipation is MUCH worse than the actual shot, especially with sub-Q shots. We always pull up the videos on the computer and use them while we are mixing and doing the injection. They are extremely detailed and very helpful, and they are available through Shady Grove's Website. I have my husband do almost all of my injections and he was totally terrified the first time, but he did a great job and I think it really brought us together in a weird way. I have some friends who prefer to do their own, so you just have to figure out what works for you. Before I did my first shot I made myself a strong drink and I think that helped too. I know that some people don't drink while they cycle but I had to make an exception that time. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

i used to the biggest chicken when it came to needles and injections. i would keep on thinking about how difficult it would be to do and work myself into a frenzy and then not be able to do it.

finally, i realized it's mind over matter. i just began by not thinking that i have to do the injections in 2 hrs from now. i just did it. now, i find giving shots the easiest part of the ivf cycle.

good luck. you can and will do it.

[Anonymous]

You may prefer to be in control, but consider sitting DH down and asking him seriously to take on the responsibility of preparing and administering the shots for you. You're the one who has to go through ALL the appointments, side effects and getting stuck constantly (besides all the invasive procedures). I am petrified of needles and my husband took care of all the prep, etc and it really helped to be able to stay distracted right up until it was ready. I'd ice my arm or leg a few minutes beforehand to cut down on the sting and it was over in a second. It helped maintain my sanity and felt like it helped balance the burden.

[Anonymous]

I second PP about the ice. When I first started injections, I was a complete wuss and made DH do it. Then I started with the ice. Hold an ice cube directly against the prospective injection site for 60 seconds---until the spot turns a little pink. You shouldn't feel a thing.

[Anonymous]

We didn't even do the class and it was fine. I was afraid of needles, so I made DH do it while I looked away. By the end of my cycling, I was doing it myself.

Just make sure you/he grabs a good amount of stomach fat to stick the needle into - it hurts less that way. And give yourself plenty of time to prep at first, so you don't make mistakes. After awhile, you'll be doing it like a nurse.

[Anonymous]

Thanks ladies!

Ice is a great idea - I will definitely try that!

(I'm hoping I don't have to do this enough times to actually become good at it, but it's still good to know that it gets easier each time!)

[Anonymous]

OP here.

I DID IT!!

(All by myself b/c DH is out of town.)

And it was no big deal. I didn't even use the ice, and it didn't hurt at all. The only hard part was pushing the stopper in to inject the meds b/c my hand was shaking so much! The anticipation was MUCH worse than the actual injection.

Thanks for the advice & support!

[Anonymous]

Congrats, OP! I'm in awe - I have never been able to do the shots myself. Always made DH do them. You have nerves of steel.