Anyone self injecting Gonadotrophin (FSH)?

[Vikks]

I?ve just been told that this is the next step in my treatment and I?m very anxious about injecting myself. Got my induction on Thursday and AF due next Tuesday so treatment starting just after that. Would love some advice from anyone who?s gone through this. Any tips to make it easier? Success stories? Words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

I didn't use that drug, but did have to learn to self-infect another fertility drug when trying to conceive.

My clinic gave the option of coming in and letting them do it, but I decided to give it a go myself. I was (and still am) quite needle-phoboic, but decided that I was going to learn alot of things having a child (some fabulous, some not so pleasant), so decided that I needed to conquer my anxiety and just get on with it.

I swabbed skin with alcohol first, and then injected with needle at a slant. Didn't put it in very deep (maybe an inch??) and all was fine.

You can do it. Take your time, and you'll be fine.

Thanks Earlybird. My clinic didn't give me any option, and when I suggested DH could do it they said no I had to learn! I guess when it comes down to it we?ll do anything it takes and I know I have to conquer my fear.

You'll be able to do it. Somehow it helped knowing that I was in charge of when the needle went in. Fwiw, I always sat on the edge of the bath as it was easier to be on a firm surface than sitting on a chair or the bed.

I also thought about the number of things that happen to me most every day that hurt more than a needle (bumping into things, accidentally burning my hand when pulling something out of the oven, etc).

Once you've done it a few times, it won't be a big deal ( won't be anything you look forward to either! ).

Just keep telling yourself that this is something you must do to try for the baby you so badly want. It really is a small thing when put in that context.

from what I remember its a subcutaneous injection it only needs to go a little way into the sking and the needle is only about an inch long - I just used to stab myself in the belly to one side on my belly button.

Although it feels a bit odd it really didn;t hurt.

If you are nervous - ask your pharmacist about EMLA cream which is an over the counter numbing cream - its a bit of a faff becasue you have to put it on for about an hour before but it does work. And it may be enough to get over the initial hurdle of self injecting.

Now if you want to know about self injecting progesterone... thats a whole other story altogether!

You're right it's so worth it! I'll try and be strong. Did it work for you?

I did just as Kewcumber describes - in the belly, to one side (or other) of navel.

I had 4 attempts before conceiving dd. But, I was (and am) an 'old bird'!

Thanks Kewcumber. I've read a few posts saying that it's easier in the belly. I might try without the cream to start with if I'm brave enough?!

no it didn;t work for me - ds was adopted but my problmes were many and varied!

also don't faff around too much being gentle, just hold it like a toddler holds a crayon (in a fist), take a deep breath and stab hard!

OK thanks for the advice it's good to know I'm not on my own. Do you think they'll get me to 'practise' during my induction on Thursday? Did you do your first one with the nurse?

no I didn;t - they just explained what to do and left me to it. I think They did make me practice drawing up the liquid.

Vikks

Firstly, you can do this so dont worry!

The nurse will show you how to mix injection powder with the liquid and how to draw up liquid into syringe. It basic common sense but do pay attention as the first time you do it at home you will prob forget what they told you.
Ask the nurse to show you the angle to inject at and ask for the best place to inject, my first round I injected into my thigh, second round into tummy and found that to be better.
Remember to get everything you need at hand before you start, run through a mental checklist.
Swab skin with alcohol wipe and most importantly dont think about it too much, deep breath, needle in (i drew back on syringe to make sure no blood was coming in, but that is a habit for me due to my job) and inject. It may sting as you inject, this is normal. needle straight out and into sharps bin. I found it helpful to use a cotton wool ball to rub area straight after injection.

It amazing how quickly your confidence will grow and you will be doing it without a second thought.

My DS is now 11 months old though I did not conceive through treatment. All the best and if you are unsure about anything ask on here or phone your ACS unit, they will be more than happy to help. Dont be afraid to ask them if you can go to them to be injected if your not comfortable with self injecting.

Glasgowlass - Thanks for the advice. I hope after a few I'll wonder what all the fuss was about. I'll meet the nurses tomorrrow, I'm sure I'm not the first to person to panic and I won't be the last. They'll have seen it all before but they'll have their work cut out for them!

You will be fine, write any questions down you may have and they will answer to the best of their ability. Its amazing what we put ourselves through to have a child but please trust me, you can do this and you will be fine.

let us know how you get on tomorrow.

That's a good idea about writing down the questions, thanks. I'll post again tomorrow after I've been. Fingers crossed x

Well I?ve been today. The nurses were really great and talked me through it all. They don?t know which drug I?m getting yet, my Doc?s gonna decide tomorrow. They did suggest that DH does the injecting, I must have seemed nervous. So he?s coming with me next week to learn, I figured that when I get used to having them I might have a go myself. Thanks for all the advice ladies; I?m feeling a lot more positive about it all.

Glad to hear it went well!

Fingers crossed for you!