Opened my med bag and Lovenox Injections ~ I didn't know

[SouthernBelle69 20]

Ok, I picked up all my meds on Friday and was wondering what cost $94. To my surprise when I opened the bag to find Enoxaprain (Lovenox) syringes. It really freaked me out!!! ONLY instructions was to inject under the skin. Now I'm on Youtube trying to figure out how to do this. SURGERY is tomorrow. My nerves are everywhere all weekend.

[x0CheekzVSG 77]

They will start you in the hospital and train you so you are comfortable doing it on your own when you are sent home

[Debbie Jean 406]

This is a blood thinner which helps prevent post-op clots. I needed them for several weeks after both of my knee replacements. They really are idiot proof and very very easy to use and dispose of. Although they look huge, the injections, which I self administered in the belly, aren't painful. They can leave large black and blue marks... these simply fade over time.

They will likely start you on the Lovonox in the hospital and show you how to do them then. Not bad at all and very worthwhile!

[bruni 38]

you just stick your belly...it's easy and the needles are small - they are for after surgery and as said above, they will show you

the under the skin parts refers to the fact that they are subcutaneous - aka right under the skin, vs having to go into the muscle...

[Stevehud 1,790]

thankfully neve had to do that. never had clotting problems, even with venous insufficiency just the typical heparin injection in the hospital was fine.

[SouthernBelle69 20]

Thanks all!!! Just another element to add to my anxiety. I can do this! I can do this! I can do this!

[butternut 9]

You CAN do this! You really can.

[Sarah Kjeldsen 1]

You can do it! The injections are hardly painful at all. I had to use them for a few months after I had blood clots. They're real simple to use. They are normally already prefilled with the amount your doctor requires. I had to use them twice daily. You just grab a bit of skin on one side of your belly and inject the blood thinner. In the evening, you inject on the opposite side of your belly. Your belly will bruise very easily and it looks awful. I found the only side effect is the bruising. Your doctor will also most likely require you to have your blood drawn once a week to check your levels. It becomes second nature and absolutely no need to be anxious about it.

[Debbie Jean 406]

Thanks all!!! Just another element to add to my anxiety. I can do this! I can do this! I can do this!

You definitely can! Best wishes for your surgery tomorrow! We'll see you over on the losers bench ☺️

[kyrickchick64 468]

It's so easy and I'm a huge chicken. Just grab a big chunk of your belly just above your leg but lower than your belly button and you won't even feel it.

[JustBeth13 35]

Anybody know if the injections are still used even when I already take blood thinners? My cardiologist says I don't need to be "bridged" (that is, switch from Coumadin to Lovenox before surgery). Instead he said I'd just stop my regular blood thinners a week before surgery and then restart as soon as the surgeons want me to. It may depend on how soon after surgery I'll be able to take pills again....hmmm......

Edited March 24, 2015 by JustBeth13

[Elode 8,093]

Make sure you alternate sites, don't stick yourself in the same place over and over again.

[HappygoSusan 296]

I take Plavix. I have always stopped it 5 days prior to surgery, and inject Lovenox instead. Post WL surgery, I went back on Plavix as soon as I left the hospital ( they injected Lovenox in the hospital). Post Tummy Tuck, I had to continue Lovenox for another 5 days at home.

Susan

[Debbie Jean 406]

Anybody know if the injections are still used even when I already take blood thinners? My cardiologist says I don't need to be "bridged" (that is, switch from Coumadin to Lovenox before surgery). Instead he said I'd just stop my regular blood thinners a week before surgery and then restart as soon as the surgeons want me to. It may depend on how soon after surgery I'll be able to take pills again....hmmm......

I would think that since you are on s blood thinner, yours would be a special case. Definitely check with your surgeon and cardiologist and make sure they are on the same page.

BTW, although I had to inject Lovenox after my knee replacements, I did not have to after my sleeve. I got the injections in the hospital, but my surgeon doesn't continue them after release unless there is a reason. Docs seem to vary on that.

[Bino 44]

The nurse in the hospital showed my husband and I how to do it. And she gave us a dvd to watch. It is very easy and the needles don't hurt at all. I have one more week of twice a day. It's definitely better than the alternative of blood clots.