hello I’m super worried about starting my injections next week - I just wondered if anyone has any tips on clothing to wear? I have a feeling that my tummy will be sore and sensitive so wondered if certain clothes were better? (Injection tips welcome too)
Any other tips are welcome on how get through the egg collection. I’m currently so anxious and think I might “bottle it” when I see the first needle. I already have health anxiety so this is bringing up all sorts of stress.
I will be FET so just trying to focus on egg collection stage for now.
Thanks 😊
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Autumn_Rain
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hi Autumn_Rain you’re going to be fine, no great! Because you’re on a path to improve your chances of a baby so keep that “why” in mind.
Things that help me with the injections were
- having an ice pack ready to numb the area just before and just after the injection - I didn’t bruise once this way
- have a routine so you know it’s coming - I used to get in from work, have the TV off & a candle lit to make it nice, and I wrote in an IVF journal each time so I logged where on my stomach we injected so that we didn’t do the same place twice in two days
- have a little treat ready - so we had a huge block of mini egg chocolate ready and we broke off a piece each, to “celebrate” after each jab,
I didn’t bloat until day 7ish onwards and then until egg collection and for egg collection I did have something loose or elasticated ready. I did look 2-3 months pregnant by then tbh but that might have been the chocolate! This round I’ve bought myself a leopard print tracksuit to look forward to wearing there & back 🤣
You'll be grand! It can be a little overwhelming when you see the bag of syringes, so it's great you are prepared for those feelings. The needles aren't as bad as they look. It can take a few times to figure out what position and technique works best for you. My advice would be if you're struggling to get it in, don't panic - just take some deep breaths, relax, and try again. It will go in.
I found it easiest to inject while sitting down. I'd slouch over, grab a little roll from my stomach and go in at an angle either side of my belly button. I initially made the mistake of thinking it would be like a vaccine and be a quick in and out, but it was more comfortable to take it slow and steady. Then, after you've injected it, hold the needle in there for about 10 seconds to give your body a chance to absorb it (sometimes if you take it out too quickly some of it can dribble out). It's also useful to know that, if you do feel any discomfort, it's not because you've done anything wrong or you've done any damage. Something as simple as injecting where there's a hair follicle can cause a little discomfort. So, again, don't panic. Also, alternate sides if you can. You don't want to continuously inject yourself in the same spot as it can make the area sore.
You'll quickly become a master at it, but don't put pressure on yourself to be great at it immediately (I fumbled it the first few times).
Once you've started STIMS you'll want to wear comfortable clothes as the hormones can cause a bit of bloating (plus it's nicer to feel cosy anyway - especially in autumn!).
Hi Autumn_Rain, I'm due to start injecting within the next few days too. I did my first round last year and I was also so nervous about the injections. It was honestly fine. I love the idea above about a little treat just after the injections. I think I'll use that too this time around. My biggest piece of advice is just take it all one day at a time. You got this xx
Thank you - I was so worried before my first injection and had a little wobble after the first scan but just trying to surrender to the process and as you advise take it a day at a time. Hope things are going okay for you this time! Good luck and thanks for your reply
you can wear normal clothing but if you are going to wear jeans try to avoid injecting at the waistband line just before you put them on as it can irritate a bit of injection site is where the button is. Other than that life is as normal and they really are no big deal the stims at all (physically) so I really wouldn’t worry 🤗 once you’ve done the first one it will help you relax about them. Egg collection is actually the best wee nap I’ve ever had, I’ve done it 5-6 times now and each time can’t remember a thing, the nurses and doctors take amazing care of you and it’s been less sore than period cramp afterwards. I was terrified the first time too and didn’t sleep a wink the night before so I actually felt amazing when I woke up from the sedation 😂 it all sounds much worse in our heads than it is in reality but it’s all to improve our chances and positive health steps if that helps your mindset 🤗 best of luck to you! Xx
That’s so true - these things are so much worse in our heads. You are right I’ve found the Stims ok so far. I just feel super tired at points of the day - I take a bit to drift off at night but then sleep so well which is great cause before starting I was stressed that I wasn’t sleeping well. Maybe i will get caught up at the egg collection haha - I will try and think of it like that now since you had that experience! Thanks for your reply
Hi, I wore high waisted trousers that went over the injection sites. Once I started bloating I stayed in pyjamas because I was working from home for the duration. For egg collection I wore loose trousers.
I can’t look at needles so my partner did all my stims and I held an ice pack on the spot while the injection was prepped.
If you’re on cetrotide it can sting a bit and you may come out in a rash in the area but this is normal and it didn’t last long for me.
Thank you! Yes I’ve made my partner chief nurse for me. I couldn’t do it myself. I’m trying to just get cosy before it and have the tv on as a distraction. That’s helpful for the clothing thank you! And yeah it does sting a bit more that one and I get a rash that lasts like maybe half an hour - I just try not to look at it!!
Hi, the injections are absolutely fine and your tummy won’t hurt. I worried about them before hand too but then it was an ‘oh was that it’ moment after the first one. The needles are so fine and tiny - they slip in so easily you will barely feel it. I never had any bruising or a sore tummy and I did 5 rounds plus a mock round. At first I used an ice pack on my tummy then realised I didn’t need it. Honestly - you get so used to it too. You’ll be a pro in no time. I’ve seen the odd person with a bruised tummy and wondered how on earth they’ve done that? Maybe they have a stabbing technique rather than gently pushing the needle in? Dont stab- push it in and it honestly goes in easily x
You are so right - it wasn’t as bad as I thought so far. I just have one bruise when I started doing the second injection - I think the needles isn’t as good as the pen one. I do feel a short pain when I do it but maybe I’m just a bit more sensitive- but i was expecting a black and blue tummy by now! Thanks for your reply x
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