General Chat

:-( I have been on anti-coagulants since the late 1980s but yesterday at the hospital my INR reading was very low so they said I had to have a series of heparin injections.

Injections really freak me out and I told them no way can I administer them myself, this didn't go down well with them at all nor with the district nurse who is coming out to do them insisting 'I will be given tuition on how to do it myself '

I have asked if my GPs nurse can do it answer no not allowed to only district nurse, my question is why am I allowed or a family member. :-S

Update..

Phew been to hospital today and INR is between permitted levels so no more Heparin injections (I hope) got to visit hospital next Wednesday but I'd sooner go every day than have alternative treatment.

For you AnnCardiff my worries sink into insignificance after the week you've been through so all my thoughts and best wishes are going your way.

Frances <3 <3 <3

difficult situation Frances - I used to be scared witless of injections but when I had to have a weekly one in my rear end during pregnancy to stop miscarrying I knew I had to get a grip and I taught myself to rlax - mind over matter and it worked and I no longer have any fear of injections

However, injecting onself is a different kettle of fish.

Then I think, diabetics have to do it on a regular basis and somehow they must have mastered how to do it - wonder if you know any diabetics who have to self-inject who might be able to help you?

And no, you are not a wimp <3

Thank you Ann

I guess I am fortunate that I don't know anyone who is diabetic, but that is the remark what was said to me very disdainful ( my opinion) by the DN who phoned me this am. to be quite honest I feel that my BP will be sky high by the time she arrives.

I am not afraid of injections although not a fan ;-) it's the thought of self administering.

Frances

fully understand whwere you are coming from - and that District Nurse should be ashamed of herself and if I were you I would complain in the strongest terms about her behaviour - she should have some sensitivity when dealing with issues like this - you most certainly will not be the first to react the way you have

Frances - I am an insulin defendant diabetic and have to inject my self four times each day, easy to say I know but there is nothing to be scared about, it will very quickly become second nature to you and you will wonder why you worried about it - good luck and hope injections improve your INR readings <3

http://www.hughes-syndrome.org/resources/factsheets/HSF-APS-SH-How-to-inject-Heparin.pdf

Like OFITG my dear Mother was insulin dependant and for over twenty two years had to inject four times daily. At first just like you she was very apprehensive, but she had great support from her GP and hospital. I know it sounds a weird thing to do but she practised using the syringe “injecting” a banana. She soon mastered it, and it just became part of her daily life. Good luck, I am sure you will be fine.

When my sister was a trainee nurse, they practised giving injections with an orange, before being let loose on real patients. Apparantly orange peel has similar resistance to human skin.

Thank you OneFootinTheGrave

I guess you are right but I think to expect me to do it myself after just being shown once through screwed up eyes. At present it's only two today and then I'm back to hospital for INR re-test then hopefully my anti coags will be sufficient.

Frances

Thank you Paula and Andysmum

Your support is appreciated.

Frances

@ AndysMom. I think you are right it was an Orange. Can't think why I said Banana, but it was along time ago. :-D

Frances <3 <3

Frances you are NOT a wimp!

I had an op when we were in Europe, and was sent home with a box of 10 injections, they said it was to avoid any blood clots. I had to stab myself in the stomach every day.

First day, I sat & stared at my stomach, OH kept walking in and out of the room!

After about half an hour, I said "I can't do this!"...... so OH took over...... he got hold of the stabber, and almost threw it (like he was playing darts!). I got the giggles, he was red in the face....... and it took another half an hour before he finally did it! We were both soggy from laughing & sweating!

If you're a wimp, so am I :-D

I think many of us would be the same and that District Nurse needs talking to. Maybe if your GP's nurse is not allowed to do it, she could give you tips and encouragement on how you should do it. Our GP nurses are lovely and always helpful.

Thank you ladies for your support much appreciated, LadyScozz your comment really made me laugh my hubby wouldn't even stay in the house whilst it was being done.

Will have to see what my INR is tomorrow when I go back to hospital.

Thank you again one and all

Frances <3 <3 <3

well do come back and let us know how you got on <3 :-)

I will Ann, fingers crossed it's just back to taking the pills. :-D

No, you certainly are not a wimp. Most people would be daunted having to inject themselves. I am not needle phobic but I would struggle to inject myself too.
Fingers crossed that your INR levels are stabilized tomorrow..... good luck!

Thank you Kanji fingers crossed it's just back to taking the pills. :-D

Frances

Nudge

My late Mum had to learn to inject herself when her type 2 diabeters turned fullblown after a heart attack at the age of 69, she practised on an orange first but soon got the hang of it.

Hope you are back on the pills now and no more jabs

Lizx