Question:
How to give a shot
How do you give yourself a shot in the stomach? I have to do this today. Having surgery tomorrow. — Pamela T. (posted on November 3, 2002)
November 3, 2002
After 10 days of blood thinner shots after my surgery, I'm a pro! =) All
you have to do is find a good area... probably somewhat towards the lower
part of your stomach. Rub it with alcohol to clean the area. Then just
stick the needle in. You might have to stick pretty hard but it's a short
needle. Then pull back on the syringe a little to be sure you're not in a
vein or anything. If you don't see blood, just push the syringe in and
you're done. If you're taking blood thinner (Lovenox, etc.) don't wipe the
area when you are done. The nurse in the hospital told me that this would
cause bruising. I don't know if you have to continue the shots when you
come home, but it's less painful if you give yourself the shot kinda close
to your incision since the nerves have been cut. Hope this helps. Good
luck with your surgery!!! You'll do great! =)
— Tanya B.
November 3, 2002
Hi. A few additional pointers. Some people like to pinch up a couple of
inches of skin using the thumb and forefinger of their non-dominant hand
and give the injection into this skin. As far as holding the syringe, use
your dominant hand and hold the syringe like you would a dart. I think it
also helps to say to yourself, "one, two, three" and then JUST DO
IT on "three." Don't be tentative about it. Also a
clarification on the previous post. Don't pull back on the syringe...
you'll pull the needle out of your skin. Pull back on the plunger slightly
(helps if you use two hands -- one on the barrel of the syringe, the other
on the plunger). This will create suction at the needle tip and if you're
in a blood vessel, you'll see a bit of blood come into the syringe. (This
is rare.) If no blood, then push the plunger in slowly and steadily. Good
luck! JK, RN
— Joya K.
November 3, 2002
DO NOT PULL BACK ON THE PLUNGER BEFORE INJECTING THE SOLUTION IN TO YOUR
STOMACH!! The injections you are giving yourself are blood thinners and
what causes the bruising afterwards, is you bringing blood up to the
surface by pulling back on the plunger. I have been a nurse for many years,
trust me. The best thing to do to avoid bruising is to select an area away
from your belly button and no where near a visible vein. Again, do not pull
back on the plunger when giving yourself Heparin, or Lovenox injections.
Just wanted to educate everyone.
— Rachel W.
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