advice on giving injections after chemo

Hi Lulu.  Have they given you the syringes with the springs that automatically retract?  I had these and found them easier than I thought.  I pinched some flesh on my tummy and then gently but firmly pushed the needle in - straight down.  When in i then pressed the plunger and when fully down it automatically retracted and the needle was out.   I took them out of the fridge 45 minutes before i used them. I wasn't given antiseptic wipes.  But if you are make sure that the area is dry after use before injecting otherwise it can sting.  I found a couple of videos on you tube that helped.

It was easier than i expected  . . . .

Hi lulupop

I also have a needle phobia and no way could I have done them myself. My husband done them all for me.  I done the same as  advised and took them out fridge for about 40 mins beforehand and just used an antiseptic wipe before the injection. 

Good luck with rest of your chemo

S

Hiya lulupop i didn't think i would be able to do the injections either but as i live on my own i had no choice but to do them myself, i will tell you that not one of them hurt, even though i expected them to.

I did like AnnJac and took the injection out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before as the nurse told me if you did it straight from the fridge it could sting. I was also told to do them just before bed as sometimes they can cause aches and pains but nothing major, because i did mine before i went to sleep i never had any.

I was told i could have a district nurse come and do them but they wouldn't be able to give me a time so it would mean sitting in all day waiting.

Hello.First few rounds of chemo I booked appts with the nurse on the chemo unit.so I went to the hospital but I was living 5 min walk from the hospital.The nurse injected for me.I wasn't confident to do it and my husband either.But last 3 rounds of chemo I got tired to go there for the injection we found on the internet how to do it and my husband did it.And was ok.Dont forget to change the injected sites not always the same place.

I wish you good luck with your treatment I am 2 years after treatment and doing well.

Deniss

Thank you,yes they said they retract bit worried about my husband being heavy handed but I'm sure it will be fine.

Thank you, just get the first one done.

oh well done,very brave it must be very hard on your own.

Thank you for your reply I feel much more confident now.

It’s like many things in life, the first time is often the most scary. I had 10 days worth of injections x7 rounds of chemo! No way was I going to the hospital or getting any sort of support from the district nurse.

Once you’ve braved your first one, the rest are not bad. A nurse friend suggested letting the antiseptic wipe dry before injecting, otherwise you push a little bit of it into you and it stings! Pinch a bit of tummy fat near your belly button an push firmly but gently. The needle is so fine it shouldn’t hurt. The spring loaded injections make the rest of it easy. Swap sides each day.

 But boy was I was pleased when I got to number 70! 

Just to let you know, I was completely fine on chemo and my wbc actually went up. Sepsis is no joke and if these keep you safe then it’s worth it.

Good luck with your treatment. It’s hard but doable.

Sue

My chemo unit arranged for the district nurse to come everyday to do my injections. Apparently a lot of patients have the district nurses come out to do their injections.