Going to have hysterectomy

My husband gave me the injections but some people manage to do their own. Mention it at the hospital

Thanks

• Thanks for that Galanthopile, he's also scared of needles

Hello

I understand how you feel because I was really nervous about it too.  A nurse showed me how to do it before I was discharged from hospital and she let me practice lots of times on a mattress!  I actually managed fine and just saw it as one more step on the way to recovery.  The thought of it was worse than doing it!  However, I think if you really don’t feel able, then a district nurse might do it for you - I heard of someone who had that.  Try not to worry - there’ll be a way to make it work.  Well done for being so brave with everything - you’re a star!

Yes 28days of dvt I done them myself after the first few it’s not to bad xx

My hubby gave me mine, even though I’m a nurse, I was too scared to do them myself

Hi Sunshine122,

The injections were easy to give but I didn’t like them. Had to use for 28 days. I made a calendar to strike off each day and used an ice pack before and after the injection which really helped. 
it’s a very small needle, have you got anyone at home that would do them for you?
All the best for your operation, do let us know how you are.

Honey

Hi Sunshine122, I had to inject but only for 5 days.The needles were very short, so it was not like when they insert a cannula or take a blood-sample, I didn't have to find a vein. It was more like pushing a little pin into yourself. I am sure we have all done that by accident when sewing. Hmm, maybe just me then! I am not scared of needles but I am quite clumsy. Nurse told me how to do it before I went home and I didn't find it difficult. From what I recall it was just: pinch up a bit of flesh, jab the little needle in, squeeze the (little) plunger, pull needle out and drop it into the small container they give you. It was all over in a moment. I took the container of used needles back to out-patients for disposal. I also had to wear thick elastic stockings to prevent DVT. I wore them for 4 weeks and they were more of a nuisance in that some clothes and footwear wouldn't go on over them although let's face it after leaving hospital I wasn't planning any high-fashion outings for a while. I had 2 pairs so I could wash and change daily. Good luck, and keep asking here if you have questions. I didn't know about this site until after my operation and I was like a rabbit caught in the headlights when I went into hospital, not knowing what would happen next.

I had 28 days worth on injections, the nurse in the hospital showed me how to do it, I injected in my abdomen alternating sides, I did have some bruising but it didn’t hurt too much, the needles are small around 1cm couldn’t feel them but sometimes the area stung a little straight after, I was advised not to rub if I was stinging as this can cause bruising. They were more annoying than anything

The nurse on the ward showed me how to do the injection before I left the hospital (although I was so groggy from the op earlier in the day I didn't take much heed of the instructions).

At home, I used my roll of tummy fat, side and side about, to inject into. I found that I avoided bruising if I lay on the bed, pinched a roll of fat in one hand, and injected with the other. It worked best if I injected to a slow count of ten (to minimise bubbles), and didn't take the needle out for another count of ten (to stop contents leaking back out the needle site), while holding the roll of fat throughout (took a bit of juggling first few times!).

By two weeks in, I seemed to have got the knack but still dreaded my 8pm injection time each evening. Definitely avoid rubbing, even if the site is stinging like mad - helps to stop the bruising (that's what I was told).