Clexane

[TT112]

Hi all. As my mum had PE but not pregnancy related, im over 35, hiģh BMI and had IVF i have been told that i need to take clexane daily injections. I have needle phobia (mum injected me during IFV) Also going on a 2 week trip around America. Has anyone heard of any alternative to daily injections? Very panicky about this.

[Caroliono4]

Hi TT112

Sorry I can't help with any alternatives to Clexane. I've used it for seven cycles and this current pregnancy. I've got a bmi of 29 and so have a roll of flab round my middle and have generally found that the injections don't hurt at all. I do them first thing in the morning so I'm usually a bit sleepy / relaxed.

I usually inject at the sides of my abdomen just above my thighs and gently squeeze to form a small roll before finding a good site. I then just prod with the tip until I find a place that doesn't hurt and then push in slowly at 90 degree angle. The needle is quite short so it doesn't go beyond the fat layer. Occasionally I'll get a bad bruise but just avoid the site next time around. You can also inject into the top of your thigh as an alternative but I've never done this to can't compare if it is less painful.

I have heard of other ladies using a numbing spray before injections (usually for the intramuscular progesterone ones in the bum, which are more painful), might this help?

When travelling abroad I've asked the clinic or my consultant to provide a letter stating that my medication needs to be carried in my hand luggage. Only had to use this for travelling by Eurostar so far, but they were fine about it. If it's a long haul flight I'd mention to the clinic and see whether you would need to take additional injections, or other precautionary measures.

So sorry to hear of your anxiety over this. I really hate flying but use hypnosis / relaxation audiobooks to help me get through it. I wonder of there is anything similar for needle phobia you could use?

All the best x

[Poppy_2018]

Hi, there are oral blood thinners available but they are not suitable in all situations - these would have to be discussed with your dr. Also, are you pregnant? If so, clexane is the safest option in pregnancy and the oral alternatives are not suitable as they may harm the baby. Caroliono has given some good advice around the clexane and I can 2nd that the clexane injections are not too bad (although I dont have a needle phobia so know that it is easy enough for me to say that, and will be completely different for you), I am currently using them now too as i have a family history of clotting and my consultant was worried about my clotting risk during ivf with all the hormones I would be taking. Sounds like you managed the injections really well during your IVF - do you have someone that could do the clexane injections for you I'd this makes it a little easier for you? xx