need help with PIO shots

[sskeele]

We started our PIO shots yesterday and haven't really had any training. My husband is putting it in about 2/3rds of the way in and is unsure whether he should push it all in there or bring it up to spread it around. I thought he should put it all the way in and inject it all there. He also doesn't seem to be putting it in fast enough for my taste. Any suggestions? Also do you draw it out of the vial and then inject with the same needle?

Shell

[BC-donor]

Hi Shell,
First of all, he HAS to push it ALL the way in. The shot is supposed to be an IM shot & if the needle isn't going all the way in, it may not get into the muscle. So, tell him to put the whole thing in, all the way to the base of the needle & inject it all there, without moving the needle until the plunger is empty.

As for speed of injecting, tell him to do it dart like. Doing it fast makes it easier for the needle to go in all the way & is less uncomfortable for you.

No, he should not be using the same needle to draw it up as he uses to inject you. When you put the needle through the rubber stopper, it dulls the needle. Another thing is that he could accidentally bend the needle putting it through the rubber stopper, or when pulling it out, which could make it a little painful for you when you get injected iwth it. So, he should always change the needle after he's done drawing up the PIO, that way you're getting a nice & super sharp, straight needle. It'll make it easier on you!!

Good luck!!

[CTATigger]

Your clinic nurse should do a demo for you and DH at the clinic.
Make sure that your hubby sticks the needle all the way in. The PIO is thick so sometimes it's slower to inject.
Make sure he shoots you in the upper, outer quadrant of your buttocks/hips--not in the middle. In the middle there are more nerves and it HURTS.
Have DH rub/massage the area after the injection to spread the medicine so it doesn't pool underneath and leave you with a lump.
You can apply ice before the injection and heat afterwards if you have soreness.
Good luck! They are literally a pain in the butt, but the results are worth it!
Baby Blessings,
Christine
9w3d singleton

[hbby]

You sound exactly like DH and I when we started I have two pieces of advice:

First, make sure that DH stretches the skin tight between two fingers when he is inserting the needle. The tighter the skin, the less you will feel it go in. Don't be surprised if you involuntarily flinch or jump a little my RE told us that was completely normal. It used to scare DH to death. I like for my shots to be near my hips - close my fabulous love handles The more we get into my cheek area, the more it hurts. I always lay on my stomach with my feet turned inwards, it makes your rear relax.

Second, try to warm the oil a little before. I usually rub it between my hands. I have heard some ladies sticking it in their bra for about ten minutes. This makes the oil less dense and easier to inject. I have DH rub the area and I also soak a wash cloth in warm/hot water and hold there until it loses heat. For some reason heat works better for me.

I start my last week of PIO on Monday, the end comes faster than you think it would. Best of luck!! They are worth it!

[sskeele]

Thanks so much ladies - all good advice. We'll use it tonight.

Shell