Shots Shots Shots (and Not the Tequila Kind)!

So today lets talk about the shots (the fun aspect of the egg retrieval process).  If you missed Parts 1 and 2, you can read them here and here.

The medications prescribed during the egg retrieval (ER) / IVF process are injections.  Depending on your doctor and your protocol, some shots are given subcutaneously and others intramuscular.  Regardless of the method, the bottom line is you (or if you are lucky enough to have someone, someone else) will be sticking yourself over and over and over again.

When I was first diagnosed with MS, my medication were given via injection.  However, and this is a big however, the MS meds came with a handy injection pen so that all you had to do was load up the shot, and push a button. You did not see the needle going in.  Pushing a button was relatively easy.

Here, you are sticking yourself.  Like throwing a dart…but it’s toward your belly.  Apprehension anyone?  I actually went as far as to ask my doctor if I could just swing by the office everyday for my shots…but no, given the fact that my shots have to be administered between 6 and 8 pm each night, that was not going to work.  So I had to put my big girl pants on.  Boy, I’ve never been more thankful to have a little muffin top.  Some nice fat to diffuse the poke.

The first couple of shots will be the hardest.  So what are some tips to help dive right in?

1. Watch a couple of videos ahead of time on how to mix the meds and actually give yourself the injection.  I waited to do this until literally 30 minutes before my first injections.  Bad idea.  I’d suggest spending some time the night before so that you are prepared.  Trust me.
2. Pick an injection time you can stick with.  My doctor stressed that the injections need to occur every night at the same time.
3. Give yourself at least 30 minutes or so for the first few days to mix your meds.  Honestly, this part was the most challenging for me.  Not kidding.  Those air bubbles are no joke!
4. Ice the injection area for at least 15-20 minutes before your injection time (I typically put the ice pack on while mixing the meds).  When the area is a little numb, it makes sticking yourself so much easier.
5. And most importantly, just relax.  The subcutaneous needles are pretty small.  It won’t hurt that bad.  Promise!
6. Once you’re done with your injections each night – treat yourself with something.  If you have something to look forward to, it may make it easier to get on with it.

Good luck! Here’s to shots!