Self injection after operation

[webbs8]

Just wondered if anyone can help with a curiosity trying to remember something!! I had a lobectomy 3 years ago and had to self inject to prevent blood clots after!! Well I'm not the bravest with needles but seem to remember I actually had something that didnt show needle and that you put it against tummy then pressed! Has anyone else had this? My son has just had op on knee and has the type where you have to put needle in tummy 1st then press and he just cant get the courage to do it yet and me neither!! We got friend kindly doing at moment! So just curious if I was actually braver than what I thought 🤣 x

[Denzie]

The Lovenox injector uses a very tiny needle. Perhaps that is why you were able to tolerate it so well.

[webbs8 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie and yeh perhaps it was!!!

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear webbs8

The blood thinning injection Enoxaparin ( Loveknox)has a very small needle that you may not even have noticed, which goes into the skin of the abdomen to administer the medicine. The needle is so small it is designed to only go into the subcutaneous layer of your skin where it is easily absorbed into the body for its use.

Areas to avoid around the abdomen is 1-2 inches around the belly button, near any scars of bruising. It is also advisable to rotate sites around the abdomen where the Loveknox is going to avoid a lot of bruising or tenderness. It is very kind of your friend helping out.

If you are unsure you could either check with your pharmacist or your practice nurse.

Our freephone nurse led helpline number is 0800 358 7200 if you wish to discuss anything.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[webbs8 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thanks very much for all the info 😊

[Hidden in reply to webbs8]

I have a chest blood clot for some reason, and I’m currently self injecting Fragmin every day through my fat tummy. The hypodermic is preloaded. The needle is very thin and most times I can barely feel it.

I know it’s easy to say, but the first time is the worst!

[webbs8 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Tdoy and would prob help if my son had fat tummy like you!!! Yeh you so right it's the 1st time, but I am still so sure I couldnt see the needle when I did it 🤔

[rottenrunner]

Hi webbs8, I used these for six months after being diagnosed, felt quite pleased with myself as didn't bruise for ages, but nearly a year later you can still see the slight marking where I did bruise, they were easy to you, but get it in the wrong spot and it can be a bit painful, being bold with it is the best option I think, and a different side each time, avoid the excat spot, and try not to touch it as you take the needle out, thats how it bruises. good luck with this

[webbs8]

Thanks rottenrunner and wow 6 months you did them for!!! Think you right about being bold!! The longer you sit there looking at it and thinking, the worse it is!! 🤣 thanks for the tips too