Lovenox injections

[manonthemoon2]

Since my recent surgery I've been having these injections.

In the hospital a nurse did them. One time a nurse hit a small vein (or capillary) and I bled for 24 hours. Eventually it stopped.

Since I've been home I've been doing them, no problem for me as an ancient diabetic. However the problem is the bruising.

As I have another week of injections can anyone recommend a way without leaving a bruise. The injection itself is fine, doesn't hurt but the bruising is uncomfortable.

[Blaze]

Pathca could perhaps suggest something to help.
Otherwise, have you tried taking Arnica tablets ?

[manonthemoon2]

Pathca could perhaps suggest something to help.
Otherwise, have you tried taking Arnica tablets ?

I think it might be too late for Arnica now, I should've started beforehand

[Polly]

Yes, best started before an op, but maybe using arnica cream a short while after injecting yourself each time would be OK? Perhaps inject alternate sides of the belly button each day - I seem to remember from years ago that you inject about a couple of inches to either side of it.

I sympathise with the bruising and the time the nurse hit a vein - I had to have blood taken on Friday and I’ve extremely narrow veins, so very tricky. The record is 10 tries to take it, in hospital and even using an ultrasound scan. This time it was only 4 tries, but I’ve large areas of bruising, and the one that worked continued bleeding - I’m on blood thinners.

I hope that you’re coping well, MOTM, and not itching to do more than really necessary. Is your husband back with you now?

[manonthemoon2]

Yes, best started before an op, but maybe using arnica cream a short while after injecting yourself each time would be OK? Perhaps inject alternate sides of the belly button each day - I seem to remember from years ago that you inject about a couple of inches to either side of it.

I sympathise with the bruising and the time the nurse hit a vein - I had to have blood taken on Friday and I’ve extremely narrow veins, so very tricky. The record is 10 tries to take it, in hospital and even using an ultrasound scan. This time it was only 4 tries, but I’ve large areas of bruising, and the one that worked continued bleeding - I’m on blood thinners.

I hope that you’re coping well, MOTM, and not itching to do more than really necessary. Is your husband back with you now?

Yes he's been home for a few days.

I can't inject into my belly as i have a big scar with bruising, so have been using my legs.

[Pathca]

The main thing for bruising is,although the injections do tend to be very stingy afterwards resist the temptation to rub or scratch the site ,also varying the site as Polly says .

[manonthemoon2]

The main thing for bruising is,although the injections do tend to be very stingy afterwards resist the temptation to rub or scratch the site ,also varying the site as Polly says .

I alternate my legs, and pick a spot in between the bruises. I've been chilling with ice before and after injecting, and keeping pressure for a while on the spot. Oh, the things we go through

[Doug]

Big probs with bruising, some do others never.
I'm of the last type luckily with the number I've had over the years don't even feel the needles going in.
Mami on the other hand only has to see a needle and she bruises.
Good to hear that I'm not the only person who believes in homeophatic treatments, been using them for many years for all sorts of troubles, there again with Mami they never work except for arnica gel.
Do hope that you are soon over your troubles MOTM.

[Blaze]

There's an essential oil that's brilliant for bruising : Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) or curry plant. I've also used it on ankle sprains and severe bruising on myself and others and it's quite miraculous. Like arnica cream, it's best to avoid the needle site(s) but it's better than arnica.
As far as the tablets go, it's not too late, they can be taken any time.
It's always best to check with your doc - he might have some good suggestions.

[manonthemoon2]

I bought some helicrysum italicum today, hope it works