Heparin/Clexane/Fragmin injectors - a question please..

[ohthegoats]

.. I'm 19 weeks and have been injecting Fragmin since the day after I got a positive pregnancy test result. I had a serious DVT in 1999 and have Factor V Leiden, so knew before I was pregnant that this is what I'd have to do. I've been injecting for various reasons on and off since the DVT, so am pretty used to doing it.

BUT, I'm running out of spaces to inject. My lower belly is just about one huge bruise constantly. I'm really trying hard not to inject into existing bruises, but almost have no option. I can't inject into my thighs because... I just CAN'T. Urgh.

So, where else above my legs can I do it? Can I get my boyfriend to do them somewhere on my hips or my bum?

What places have you been told?

I injected clexane all through my preg (and 6 weeks post) due to antiphosphoid lipid syndrome. Started in my stomach like you but had to move to my thighs - can't remember exactly when, maybe around the start of the third tri - as the baby was moving so much that injecting into my stomach just didn't feel practical, even though I knew it was safe. It was as if she knew I was going to do it and would kick just at that moment! I hated the thought of doing my thighs but actually it was ok. Was told that was the only other option - sorry. Worth asking your doc though?

Congrats on your pregnancy

Like you, I couldn't do my thighs (although I could get DH to do it there). I did my tummy throughout my pregnancy with DD2 and found I got much better at it and the bruising was much less as I went on. It also gets easier as your tummy gets bigger as the skin is more taut.

That was with Clexane though, and IIRC the needles are smaller than the Fragmin ones.

The side of your bum could work I guess - if you can pinch at the side or get your boyfriend to do it. I think any bit of soft tissue works.

Upper arm, although you'd need someone else to pinch the tissue.

I injected clexane all through both pregnancies and I looked like I'd been beaten up, so I sympayhise it's awful. I ended up injecting into my muffin top hip as it was less painful for me.

I know it's not nice but try your thigh too, ime it hurt less than the stomach.

One thing to consider- ask your pharmacist for different needles. I have found a brand packaged in Hungary (my pharmacist gets them just fine) with "Klexane" (not Clexane) on the box has very fine needles - it improved things AMAZINGLY for me.
Made thigh injections possible! Totally reduced bruises too, compared with the great bit fat 'click seal' ones.

I am 21 weeks and have been injecting since 4 weeks. The thinner needles make thigh injections possible, but other places I rotate to are:
-'love handles' (well, they're JUST fat!)
-Side of my bum
-right at the top/side of my thigh (far less muscular/scary than further down or the top).

I also found this pdf quite useful for tips/finesse: www.stockport.nhs.uk/documents/PIL/34646_Med44.pdf

Try changing the angle the needle goes in. Instead of sticking it straight in at a 90 degree angle to the pinched fat, try more like a 45 degree angle. I have lots less bruises since doing it like that.

Yeah, I've done the 45 degree angle thing - it still feels quite random as to whether I bruise or not though. Sometimes I can tell that it's going to bruise, sometimes not. One time I ended up with a hard lump under where I'd injected it too. Nice.

Thanks for the suggestions though. I think muffin top is the way forward I think - and it's time for my boyfriend to man up on actually doing them too, cos I'm sick of bigging myself up to do it. I've tried doing it while having a wee - you know, something nice to go with the something horrible. You know it's bad when a 'wee' is something nice. Haha.

I've had this problem with my two previous pregnancies ( not quite there yet with this one) once I ran out of space on my Tum, I did thighs, but did end up running out of space there, so got my hubby to do it in my upper arm for the last few weeks ( unfortunately you do end up looking
Like you've been beaten though! ) I was fortunate enough with last two to be pregnant over winter so easy to cover up, but this time I will be flashing my attractive bruised legs and arms over the summer. I would recommend only using your arms as last resort as it hurts a lot more.

Good luck!! :D

Oh! Oh! I just remembered my number one revelation tip.

Gently poke the skin with the needle or your finger nail- if you immediately get a sharp pain, that area is rich in nerves/blood vessels, it will hurt and be more likely to bruise. Move the needle 1-2cm away and try again.

By doing this, I have really improved things!

Yep yep, I definitely do that one! I've also had a 'needle in a bit... ouch, needle out' moment a few times.

Top tip on that NHS link is basically to make sure there is no drop on the end of the needle too - sometimes I find that makes a difference to me, but not others. Maybe I'll be more consistent in doing that.

You've got bruises prob because you've rubbed it after, it can be injected sub cut in any area, upper arms Not buttocks tho

Beckie the leaflets and consultants all say buttocks OK!

Also bruising can occur regardless of rubbing, if a capillary is hit.