I wasn't scared of needles or my P17 injections until...

[Deleted]

I got these in the mail today. The blade on these suckers is at least 1.5" and it's very fat. Trying to remind myself to keep my eye on the prize, but OMG!!!

[shevacc]

Yikes! If you don't mind my asking, what's it for? If you'd rather not say, I'll just assume it's necessary for a healthy baby and mind my own business. I'm sorry you have to use those!

[TrudyCampbell]

You can do it! The first one will be the worst and then you'll get used to it. Where do you give the injection? I had to inject my own stomach while TTC and it wasn't bad at all (but I am/was also a nurse).

[Beener]

Oh man I would be scared, too, but you are stronger than I am. That baby will be so worth it!

[spaghetticat]

Yikes. Good luck!

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2013 19:21:53 GMT -5 shevacc said:

Yikes! If you don't mind my asking, what's it for? If you'd rather not say, I'll just assume it's necessary for a healthy baby and mind my own business. I'm sorry you have to use those!

P17 is a progesterone supplement that can successfully reduce my chances of going into preterm labor again by roughly 30%. It's 1 injection per week from wks 16-36.

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2013 19:30:11 GMT -5 TrudyCampbell said:

You can do it! The first one will be the worst and then you'll get used to it. Where do you give the injection? I had to inject my own stomach while TTC and it wasn't bad at all (but I am/was also a nurse).

Hi thanks! The MFM wants my DH to give them to me in my bum. I'm afraid he'll hit a bone that needle is so long.

[oso]

Ouch! You're a brave woman!

[Beener]

Ok let's look at the positive: reduced risk of pre-term labor (HUGE bonus here), you won't have to do it yourself, it is going in your bum so you won't have to watch, it is only once a month (as opposed to weekly or daily) and it is only for 20 weeks.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

[ruby412]

Yikes!! No me gusta needles. You will be the bravest needle taker when this pregnancy is over, for sure!

[kandrze1]

The ice trick will help, but there is also a numbing cream I used to have to use for injections in my stomach (I can't remember if I needed a prescription or not). I'm not sure if it's safe for pregnancy, but it might be worth asking if you're nervous. 
I've been a type one diabetic for over 10 years and I still freak out about needles sometimes!

[vthokie]

You can do it lady! I remember the switch from my Lovenox to Heparin came with big fat scary needlies. It only took 1 or 2 to get used to them. It was twice a day in my belly. Eye on the prize!!

[rubber pants]

Omg why are they so thick!!!?? Bless you, my dear.

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2013 20:00:20 GMT -5 @therealmc said:

Also, do your best not to tense up when you know the injection is coming. This can make you bruise and be sore.

I know! But how can you relax when that's about to stab you in the bum?!

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2013 20:03:17 GMT -5 rubber pants said:

Omg why are they so thick!!!?? Bless you, my dear.

I keep asking myself the same thing!!

[katfco]

It's not that bad! I promise. They have to be thick because the solution is thick. It helps that you can't actually watch it going in. It also needs to be in the rear/hip area, so there's little chance of a bone being hit.

Trust me, you can do it. All you do is drop your drawers and hold still.

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2013 20:05:21 GMT -5 @therealmc said:

Jun 25, 2013 20:03:28 GMT -5 @vsalt31 said:

I know! But how can you relax when that's about to stab you in the bum?!

Sometimes my H would do my stomach injections (lovenox - blood thinner) and I would look away. He would just chat to me about nothing in particular so I had no idea when it was coming. It worked most of the time.

[

Ill have to find something gossipy to talk about so I'm extra distracted!

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2013 19:46:17 GMT -5 Beener said:

Ok let's look at the positive: reduced risk of pre-term labor (HUGE bonus here), you won't have to do it yourself, it is going in your bum so you won't have to watch, it is only once a month (as opposed to weekly or daily) and it is only for 20 weeks.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Thanks!! It's actually weekly but at least it's not daily!

[orriskitten]

I'm sorry you have to do those! I overcame a paralyzing fear of needles and sooo get how scary they are! I heard somewhere that the only pain you feel is when you break the skin. I always thought of that while I was doing my injections (and don't any of you dare tell me it isn't true or else I'll never face getting an insulin pump!!) and it helped keep me in a good place.

I was with a lot of ladies getting their P17 shots while I was getting NST/BPPs during my pg and none of them said it was bad! It'll be a breeze and then you can brag to your LO what you did for them

[creamsiclechica]

You are super strong and dedicated as a momma (we know that for a fact, you've proven it a million times over), so you've got this! This is just another level that proves how absolutely awesome you are!

[jaime183]

eeek!
eye on the prize, it's worth it for sure

[Deleted]

This may sound lame but it works for me when needles or pain is involved. I totally sing my abc's. My mom used to make us sing it when she put our earrings in.

[shevacc]

Thanks for letting me know. You can do this! Definitely worth it.

But you should certainly milk it for some sympathy from DH...a massage maybe? Or ice cream/flowers/some pampering?

[Deleted]

Thanks ladies! Maybe it's my ridiculous hormones, but your wishes brought tears to my eyes!! Have a good day everyone!

[katfco]

A tip: don't do a lot of walking the first day you get it. You get used to it after a while, but the first shot (or maybe first couple of shots) can make you a little sore that day. It helps if you have someone who knows how to give a shot well.

Also, prepare your H for some possible hormone reactions. Mine weren't too bad, but I did notice an effect.