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Would you be able to inject yourself?

185 replies

UltimateWednesday · 07/07/2020 18:36

DH has to have daily injections. The District Nurse has been coming to do it but obviously they'd prefer he did it himself.

He really can't. I've done it today and will do them from now on but I'm not sure I could do it to myself.

OP posts:
Mamadoop · 09/07/2020 22:28

IVF for 11 years.

Finally pregnant then needed Dalteparin Sodium as a blood thinner due to a suspected blood clot.

Was finally off injections for 15 months.

Now on a weekly Biologic for a chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthritis with no cure in sight.

There’s no alternative but to self-inject.

lampygirl · 09/07/2020 23:25

I’m diabetic but also horrendously needle phobic. My tiny little one are fine because you can’t really feel them moving about and you are in control of them really no bother, but I am 100% not OK with big needles to the point of collapse. It’s not ideal to be honest but nobody will do anything to help me after 2 sessions of talking therapy did not help and as my body shuts down it’s not something I can just get over.

jellybeanz1212 · 09/07/2020 23:30

Yeah 8 times a day for 19 years
Inject or die

Ceara · 09/07/2020 23:40

I have a proper full blown phobia. Fainting, the works. If it offers hope, a graduated exposure approach worked for me. And I did my own injections for two rounds of IVF. I had lots of time to prepare myself and work through the phobia, though. It wasn't something I think I could have done overnight if I'd found myself unexpectedly needing regular injections.

Sarahplane · 09/07/2020 23:42

@CarlottaValdez

Yes I did those blood thinning ones for a week after I had DS. It was fine
I did these too and it was fine
Whatelsecouldibecalled · 09/07/2020 23:42

Yep. Ivf. Fine once you do it once

DestinyIsAll · 09/07/2020 23:50

I have a genetic condition that requires frequent treatment with an intravenous drug. I’ve been trained for many years to do this myself and I keep it at home, this means no hospital visits for meds which was the (awful) norm before I learned.

I have dc with the same condition, so when they became symptomatic I was trained to treat them and when they became old enough, high school age, they were taught to self treat. It enables them to lead an almost normal life. They are bloody brilliant at it, very proud of them. Youngest dd is 13 and because she had very small and awkward veins she has only just learned, she’s been practising on everyone recently. We do each other’s too if necessary.

The condition I have also put me at risk of dvts in pregnancy so each time I had sub-cutaneous blood thinners throughout and for 6 months after. Years ago now though but I have also recently had to start another sub-cutaneous drug on a permanent basis, but only once every two weeks. Stomach is easiest.

I would much rather give myself an iv injection than a sub cut, it’s obviously technically much more difficult but definitely less painful.

I sympathise with people with needle phobias and can understand the fear, but our condition is completely debilitating with a considerable fatality rate if not well managed, so you just get on with it. It becomes as normal as making a cup of tea believe it or not.

Shelby30 · 09/07/2020 23:55

I've had 2 c sections and had injections for 10-14 days within each one. I wasn't given an option of someone coming to do it. Was told I cld do it or husband.

First time round I cldnt do it but he was rubbish and kept hurting me. Puncture wounds all over my tummy. Second time round I did it myself and it was so much better. I didn't think I'd be able to do it. I felt in control I cld put the needle in slowly or apply pressure or take it out and try a different bit of it was too sore.

WhatKatyDidNxt · 10/07/2020 00:06

Yep, from doing IVF. Despite being a qualified nurse. I prefer jabbing others with a needle!

Ceara · 10/07/2020 09:08

@lampygirl I recognise that "just get on with it when you have to". Needs must when the devil drives and all that. Staring down the barrel of not being a parent was a strong push to overcome my phobia. I can imagine "not die" is a great motivator too!

Every sympathy with fellow needle phonics though. The NHS had no resources to help beyond two generalised sessions which weren't helpful to me. A pity as it's a major factor in people avoiding medical checks and treatment and so being more I'll when/if finally seen, and phobic patients must also make ths job harder... I found a book called "Overcoming medical phobias" which was spot on in its advice, helped me understand the phobia and see how I could help myself. I still have a phobia now but it is way less restricting.

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