I found out today that my progesterone dropped quite a bit, which wasn't a huge shock to me since my symptoms seemed a little mild. The beta was great though so no panic.
They're putting me on progesterone injections every other day (am already on Endometrin) but didn't give me any instructions, so I'm wondering if this is just like a trigger shot? Is there more to this? I've heard of women developing lumps or needing to warm things so I was hoping for a little more guidance if you have any!
pear / 1531 posts
I actually had to have DH do my PIO shots, although I did all my other IVF shots. This is because they are intramuscular so have to go in the, ahem, derrier, so it's hard to see back there!. I actually had the nurse draw circles on the injection site in markers, but the Freedom Fertility video shows where to do it.
Not to scare you, but the needles are big! Thinner needles won't work because the PIO is so thick. They hurt more than the other shots but not too bad, especially after a few days. I was sore back there though. I think because you are doing them every other day, that will be great because it will give you a chance to recover. I would still alternate sides though. I never heated the oil up--I just kept it at room temperature and held it in my hands for a minute or so. Just don't ice the area because that will inhibit the oil from dispersing. Also, I tried to be active after the injection because that prevents the oil from collecting and forming lumps. The nurse even suggested doing lunges afterwards. Lol.
Good luck and be brave!
coconut / 8475 posts
That is so odd that they didn't explain anything to you.
I would take it back to the pharmacy and ask for a quick consult with the pharmacist as he or she will be able to explain how to use the medication.
I used injections for 6 weeks and then got switched to suppositories.
I could inject them in 3 places as directed by the pharmacist.
1- my lower belly (right & left sides)
2- where back meets butt cheeks (right & left sides)
3- fattiest part of thigh (right & left sides)
I only ever did my belly and upper butt because thigh hurt too much. They told me to alternate side of the body so I wouldn't get sore.
@runningelley: used these too
My husband did them for me because I could never.
pear / 1531 posts
Btw, I saw your other post. Your levels seems good to me--my clinic always wanted us above 20. But I suppose better safe than sorry!
honeydew / 7916 posts
@TurtleDoves: @raintreebee: Thanks! DH is definitely doing them for me because I can't reach back there. We did a few IM trigger shots so I guess this is sort of like that?
pear / 1531 posts
@spaniellove: Yes, it will be the same basically. Just with a longer needle. Make sure you use the different needle to draw up the oil because you don't want it blunted when you inject it. Did you get it from Freedom?
GOLD / coconut / 8266 posts
Everyone else gave great tips. I iced the area for a few minutes before DH gave me the injection, watched Gangnam Style while he did the injection, and then used a heating pad on the area for a few minutes afterward. The Gangnam Style was so I was as distracted as possible!
honeydew / 7916 posts
@raintreebee: I got it from Success Meds because it's easy for me to just pick up while I'm out.
honeydew / 7230 posts
The biggest tip I have is to lay down! The first time I was standing and my husband stabbed me (I mean, gently poked me) in the butt and I jumped a mile. I bruised, had a lot of bleeding, the medicine got all over, etc. After that we watched some videos online and one suggested laying down. So what I do now is ice the side for a few minutes, then lay down on the couch and practice slow, gentle breathing. My husband brings all the stuff over to me, sticks me and it's over! I don't ever jump and hardly have much bleeding anymore. I do get really bad hives all over my bum, but my dr said that's not uncommon so don't be shocked if it happens to you!
GOLD / coconut / 8266 posts
@twodoghouse: yes, I laid on my bed while DH gave me the injections. That definitely helps!
kiwi / 589 posts
I was on injections for 10 weeks. DH did them and we warmed up the oil before (I'd just put it on a heating pad for a few seconds. I also found it helped to put a heating pad in the injection site and massage it a little to avoid lumps. Pay attention to what kind of oil yours is, I began to have a reaction after a few injections. Got really itchy. Once we switched, i believe to olive oil, it was much better. My nurse claimed that wasn't the problem but it resolved once I switched. Also definitely lay down, it helps your muscles to relax! It's all worth it!!
honeydew / 7916 posts
Thank you guys for the great advice! I'll be sure to do the Gangnam Style along with the lunges 
Is it fine to just leave the vial uncapped and all once you've punctured it?
honeydew / 7230 posts
@spaniellove: Yep, we leave ours uncapped with just that spongey thing in the middle exposed. We just swab with alcohol wipes every time.
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