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Original poster

Could you give yourself injections?

103 replies

FinnyStory · 04/08/2020 20:46

DH has to have daily blood thinning injections in his stomach for the next few weeks. He's an ex soldier and afraid of nothing, I'm the squeamish one in this house.

After he was discharged from hospital, they sent the district nurse to do the first one and to teach him how to do it himself. He real really can't, so I'm doing it. I've surprised myself and am rather proud that I can just get on with it

I get it, I'm not sure I could do it to myself, could you?

Also,I'm allowed to tease a little bit, aren't I?

OP posts:

Treatedlikeamaid · 04/08/2020 23:20

Yes, during Chemo. It’s a bit freaky, and I found it interesting mentally- and was dead proud of myself!

cantstopsinginglittlebabybum · 04/08/2020 23:28

Yes all through pregnancy and for 3 months after the birth.

Tempusfudgeit · 04/08/2020 23:45

From week 26 to 6 weeks post partum, so 20 weeks of blood thinners. My stomach was covered in so many bruises that my toddler asked if the baby was trying to kick her way out 🤣

Miljea · 04/08/2020 23:46

@StopGo

I had to inject DH through several courses of blood thinners during his cancer treatment. Sadly I gave him the premeasured syringe that killed him. I will never inject anyone again.

Presumably he needed that treatment. You maybe administered the one immediately preceding his passing. That doesn't mean you killed him.

I upped my MIL's morphine dose (via a battery driven syringe driver) on the phone on the instruction of a HV (all abroad), as MIL wasn't coping with her cancer pain, at home on palliative care.

She passed away the next day. I don't hold myself responsible for giving her the medicine she needed.

Insideout99 · 04/08/2020 23:51

Yes I have and can. Husband is diabetic and does it many times daily. You just need to crack on.

FrenchBoule · 05/08/2020 00:22

I never thought I would. I had to so I did it. Absolutely shocked with myself

immagicx · 05/08/2020 00:25

No I can't. DH has done mine whenever needed.

Halo1234 · 05/08/2020 00:32

Its really a choice for many people is it? They have to do it. Its not about could u. If u had to u would. Your dh has u to do it for him. Others don't have that and have to do it themselves. If u have to u will. My son is diabetic and I hate it when people say they couldn't inject themselves like its a choice. If it keeps u alive u find a way. U need to.

HermioneMakepeace · 05/08/2020 00:34

I did 3 rounds of IVF which required daily injections. Then I had a haemotoma so had to continue Progesterone injections for 6 more months.

coastergirl · 05/08/2020 00:44

It was a huge surprise to me after my first c-section when I was told I'd have to inject myself with clexane for ten days. My instant reaction was that I couldn't do it, and my 1-2-1 midwife would have to come every day to do it. But then I managed it. Second c-section I was prepared. It still wasn't nice (and clexane fucking hurts) but I went from thinking there was no way I could do it, to just getting on with it.

Gingerkittykat · 05/08/2020 01:02

Yes, I've been doing it weekly for years.

I was nervous the first couple of times as I didn't know how much pressure was needed but the nurse nudged the practice needle under the skin and it was fine.

I used to use a syringe and would end up with bruises o my stomach a lot but with a pen that has never happened. I do hit a nerve or small blood vessel sometimes but it's no big deal.

Pimmsypimms · 05/08/2020 01:08

I had to have these after my caesarean for about a week I think. I just couldnt do it though! Had to get dh to do it!

Missthechips · 05/08/2020 01:18

Yes I did for about two weeks after giving birth. Nervous at first but given I could barely walk due to my lady parts being torn to shreds, the injections were the least of my worries

ViveLEntenteCordiale · 05/08/2020 01:54

I've done them several times after surgery. I didn't enjoy it and had to psych myself up as there was no way DH was doing it! I was proud of my technique after 6 weeks. Oddly I was almost needle phobic as a young adult and now I've had so many injections, blood tests and canulars that they really don't bother me... I guess familiarity does breed contempt!

squeekums · 05/08/2020 03:29

Nope, not a chance
Extreme needle phobia. Was deemed unsafe to take blood in pregnancy. DD is now 10 and i still dont know my blood type.
DP takes dd for her vaccinations
I have full out of body reactions like running away, fighting like im being murdered and when i come to, i have no idea how i got there or what ive done.
I broke a dr nose at 10, while being restrained by several people when he went to give me the MMR vaccine. We were already doing it at his home, he a gp who was neighbour and it still wasnt non medical enough and i flipped out. That was after i hid in a tree for 6 hours, only busted cos i needed to pee

Id be in serious trouble if i needed to have many injections.

minmooch · 05/08/2020 08:12

Yes I did when pregnant. Not pleasant but you do what you have to do.

Alternated each thigh and stomach.

Crunchymum · 05/08/2020 08:25

Yes. Did when I had gestational diabetes. Albeit I was only on insulin for a few weeks

DC3 will have lifelong daily injections. We do them now but as she gets older she'll learn to do them herself

FWIW, I found it a million times harder to inject my child rather than myself. She was just a baby when the medication started (now it's a part of daily life but she isn't a fan!)

Allflightscancelled · 05/08/2020 10:17

I did it during chemo. If it's into the fat on the stomach it's easy when you get the hang of it. You just need to remember to pinch the skin good and tight!

dangermouseisace · 05/08/2020 11:24

My 12 year old does it about 8 times a day (diabetic).

Putting an ice pack on the area first for a few mins helps apparently. I can imagine it is hard if you are not used to it.

InOtterNews · 05/08/2020 11:44

I do this daily as part of cancer treatment. I'm currently injecting daily to stimulate stem blood cell growth (so I can have transplant)

The first injection is the hardest. It really is mind over matter. The hospital let me practice on a dummy rubber stomach and then just before I watched a youtube video. Now I don't even think about it.

Top tip - the more slowly you release the syringe, the less painful it is

SpringSunshineandTulips · 05/08/2020 11:50

If my 8 year old can inject her self at least 4 times a day (type 1 diabetic) then I’m sure an adult can if it’s needed.

JoeCalFuckingZaghe · 05/08/2020 11:53

I’ve never had to but think I could. I remember helping my Nan prepare her insulin injections back in the 90s. I was so fascinated by the little bottles and the rubber seals and how they didn’t leak even with a needle going through them weird child.

Imonlydoingwhatican · 05/08/2020 11:55

I had to into my stomach after my last baby, hated it and my poor tummy was so bruised and sore. But i did it.

Noitjustwontdo · 05/08/2020 11:55

Yes, I’ve had to do these injections twice after c-sections. They’re not pleasant but it takes two seconds.

cookiemonster5 · 05/08/2020 11:59

My husband did mine after I had my last csection. I'm going to hospital on Friday to learn how to administer medication to my child via injection. If you have to do it you just suck it up and get in with it.

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