Hi, can anyone share with me the link on ivf procedure pls? How do anyone overcome self jabs? Thanks.
Hello, I was also really afraid of self administering the injections. The first time I had to do it with the nurse, I cried before we started (but crying is my way of stress relief and I always feel better after crying). Then the nurse did the first jab for me. I was amazed it didn't hurt at all when the needle went in but it hurt when she was pushing the medication in (she later explained it is because the med she used is less concentrated unlike the pen filled injections I will use at home). Then it was my turn to inject myself with the pen filled needle. Again it didn't hurt when the needle went in and when I push the med in, it didn't hurt too. After that, I was laughing with the nurse. She said I'm so funny, cry and laugh... So I just want to tell you the pen filled needles are very easy to use. No pain and no blood after injection (even for my skinny body).
The second type of injection is the normal needles they use at the hospital. This one looks more intimidating and more steps to follow but if you learn to do the following, it will be fine too:
First, do not be overwhelmed by the long needle you use to draw the med into the syringe. This does not go into your body.
Second, make sure you remove all the air bubbles by tapping the inverted syringe. Injecting air in hurts.
Third, always find a good spot on your tummy (3 fingers away from the belly button, not too low and not to high)
Fourth, while preparing the injection, ask your hubby to put an ice pack on the area you are going to inject to numb it (about 10 minutes and you will need time to dissolve the med and transfer to the syringe anyways)
Fifth, once area is numb, wipe off the water from the ice pack on your tummy so it is dry
Sixth, use alcohol swap to clean area and fan it so it dries completely (it hurts if the alcohol or water goes in during injection so make sure your skin is dry)
Seventh, pull up sufficient flesh with your thumb and finger, in a swift motion, push the needle into your flesh (no pain if you are fast)
Eighth, push in the med slowly then count to 5
Finally, remove the needle and press the alcohol swap in the area to prevent bleeding. Do not rub as rubbing will cause the blood to clot and result in bruises.
I normally rotate my left and right side so there's time for the area to rest before the next jab. For me, there is not much pain during the injection when I follow the above steps but I do feel some slight pain in the area after injection maybe because the med is working inside.
I hope this helps you! Be brave!! Hubby is super supportive and will do anything on command during this period when he saw me braving the jabs every day for two weeks. On top of this, I made sure I reward myself to keep my spirits up. Another way to encourage myself is to think of what diabetic patients go through everyday. My grand mother had to have these diabetes jabs before she passed away and thinking of this gives me strength. It is not easy but we women are actually very very strong. We can do it if we want to. Good luck!
PS when you go for your blood test and scans and you see so many women carrying the same purple IVF bag, then you know you are not alone. That is another source of strength.
Sorry, another super long one from me! I'm very long winded!! Haha