Lovenox Tips and Tricks
Lovenox is used for people with blood clotting disorders. I have been put on it in order to reduce clotting risks that could have contributed to miscarriages in the past.
I’ve read a few things online, some have been helpful and some have not worked for me. That being said, these tips may not work for your body or your schedule. I always say if you’re going through pain, stinging, or major bruising, it’s worth trying something new. I also have to say, this is not medical advice coming from a doctor. This is personal experience and second-hand reported conversations with nurses/doctors.
Before sitting down for the shot, I make sure to have: washcloth, ice cube, injection syringe, alcohol wipe, glass of water/tea/coffee, and anything I would need for the next 30 mins. I used to also have gauze in case of bleeding, but since using all the tips below, I have not bled or needed gauze. I do have a box of tissues within arms reach.
Use a real ice cube
My doctor mentioned this is particularly effective in minimizing pain and bruising. I use the smallest ice cube I can find in my freezer and ice for about 1-2 minutes, moving the ice cube in small circles with a wash cloth/tea towel to catch drips and keep my fingers from going numb. At this point, I don’t usually feel the needle breaking the skin. I tried using an ice pack, and did not have the same effects.
Sit down with your feet up, slightly reclined
This is just something I’ve done and has worked for me. I sit on the couch and rest my arm on a pillow so it’s steady. I also get everything I would need over the next 30 minutes and make sure it’s next to me so that I can stay still afterwards. This usually includes my phone and a book.
Use an alcohol wipe prior to injecting
…and let it dry before injecting. This is supposed to help minimize the stinging.
Bevel Up, 45 Degrees, No veins
If you inject too close to a blue vein, this can be painful and cause bruising. Usually you can see them near the skin, or you can use a flashlight to check. Dr. V said to inject with bevel up (this gives you more of a slicing motion providing more finesse and control, but also injects the medication just below the skin, no deeper than needed) and do not stick the needle in the whole way, half should be good. The nurse instructed me to go in at a 45 degree angle. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand. Some say pinch the skin, but I’ve found it tricky to do that especially when my belly is taught. I’ve also found less pain when I don’t pinch. This has worked for me thus far!
Inject as slowly as humanly possible
When I say as slowly as possible, I mean you have to look super closely to see that the syringe piece is moving. It can take up to 2 minutes for me to do this. I know, sounds insane, but my belly seems to be happy with it.
Clock method
In the past, I have had Dave inject into the back of my arms because I was so scared the needle would get close to the baby. Dr. V hilariously mentioned that this is impossible given the length of the needle and every layer that is between my skin and the baby. He said it’s like when people abstain because men don’t want to disturb the baby. In the words of Dr. V “don’t flatter yourself!” That being said, this time around I have been injecting into my stomach. Initially, I was alternating between left and right side, moving an inch away each time, but after our 20 week meeting with Dr. V, he mentioned going in a circle like a clock about one inch ish from your belly button, then moving outwards to do another circle around that initial clock. Once you get through two or three circles (depending on how big your belly is), you should be able to move back to that initial inner circle. This has been a game changer! I highly recommend
Rest
After doing the injection, I usually sit still for anything from 10-30 minutes. I do not touch the area, do not bend or move, and I air out the area. It’s a great time to read a devotional or book, pray, or watch a show. I also avoid wearing tight pants over the stomach.
I hope this helps!
