Ok... did anyone else struggle with the heparin injections (mandatory blood thinner post-op) I am needle-phobic and seriously terrified to inject myself 3 times a day for 14 days... any trick/tips?? When I was in for my pre-op appointment the nurse tried getting me to inject myself (to practice) I went pale and got teary eyed and COULD NOT do it... I know I sound like a total wimp (especially to any diabetics out there) but I just am scared! Surgery is tomorrow...

Why did you have to do that? I didn't have to give myself any injections.

Wow!! That's a lot of heparin. I got one injection of it right before surgery. Do you have a history of clots?

Wow!!! I had three shots at various times while I was in the hospital overnight, and that was it.

No history of clots...young and healthy... I guess that is just their policy... I can't believe that no one else had to do this!! Uuggghhhh

Dont worry i had to do the same thing !

Mine was due to having migraines , it put me at risk of strokes ( clots cause strokes)

The needles DO NOT HURT, they are SO SMALL I PROMISE, give them to youself in your stomach .

Your going to HAVE TO DO IT OR YOU PUT YOURSELF IN SERIOUS Danger ! Your doc has you doing these for a reason ! SO DO IT !

Seriously . I am not trying to be mean but you have to figure out a way to do it . either than or if you live with someone or knwo some one is Willing to come OVER 3 TIMES A DAY and give you your shots , those are your ONLY 2 OPTIONS !

HTH

Mindy

In history of strokes in the family ? do you smoke ? or did you just quit ?

and or on the pill and smoke ?

It could just be his policy ? However like i said its not a big deal , line the needle up and close your eyes and push it in !

Mindy

If you smoke or just quite before surgery do you have to have these shots. I'm scheduled for feb 28th, and have not heard about this.

I do not know . different docs have different protocals

My doc does not require everyone to do this. Its not needed for EVERYONE!

I would say if you Smoke AND take the pill your a good canidate because that right there puts you at Risk for clots !

your not suppose to smoke and take the pill. My SIL almost died from a blood clot that went to her lungs from smoking and taking the pill. So i would quit as soon as you can before surgery ( meaning as long as you can before the surgery )

Mindy

A Tip for making the shots more comfortable: Pinch your skin in the area where your gonna give yourself the shot. Hold the pinch and put needle right in your pinched skin. You really won't feel the needle. A nurse in the hospital did this on my 2nd injection and I couldn't believe it! Good luck!

A Tip for making the shots more comfortable: Pinch your skin in the area where your gonna give yourself the shot. Hold the pinch and put needle right in your pinched skin. You really won't feel the needle. A nurse in the hospital did this on my 2nd injection and I couldn't believe it! Good luck!

That is true , also i said give them in your stomach because i have A LOT OF excess skin in my stomach and I cant even feel the needles there. You feel a very tiny pinch like someone poked you with a straight pen and that's IT .

Most of us i think probably have some excess skin some where . Just as long as you get it somewhere where there is excess skin or fat it wont hurt.

Mindy

oops Also make sure to get a different spot each time . Or you WILL GET SORE!!!

Mindy

I am stunned at the amount of heparin for this person as well. WOW! I had two the day of surgery, and one the day after for a total of three. I did have a wierd breathing aparatus that I had to blow in for a few days before surgery, and once I had it, had to do it numerous times a day for several days. I was told it was to keep the lungs clear of fluid and discourage clots. I also had massage things put on my legs to discourage clots. (They actually feel good to me... I didn't mind at all) Not to mention I was instructed to get up and walk down the hall just a few hours after surgery to prevent clots. I had to walk the hall every couple hours. My tummy was sore, but it actually felt good to get out of that bed.

I am stunned at the amount of heparin for this person as well. WOW! I had two the day of surgery, and one the day after for a total of three. I did have a wierd breathing aparatus that I had to blow in for a few days before surgery, and once I had it, had to do it numerous times a day for several days. I was told it was to keep the lungs clear of Fluid and discourage clots. I also had massage things put on my legs to discourage clots. (They actually feel good to me... I didn't mind at all) Not to mention I was instructed to get up and walk down the hall just a few hours after surgery to prevent clots. I had to walk the hall every couple hours. My tummy was sore, but it actually felt good to get out of that bed.

I had the same amount of heprin ,so did a friend of mine as Seattle Girl, its a valid precaution .Obese people in general are prone to clots after surgery.

I did not spend time in the hospital , was home the same day .

but i had the same instructions you did . Get up walk around ect .

I think that is pretty standard for any surgery ! .

Heprin is not uncommon instructions for post op ! Neither is this amount .

Mindy

I've been obese for the last 17 years and in that time have had numerous major surgeries and never had heparin like that. It may be common, but it was news to me. Matter of fact, the doctor wouldn't even let me take aspirin. I was on baby aspirin for my heart and had to discontinue it because he said it would thin my blood and could cause me to bleed. So wierd, to hear such varying opinions.

I've been obese for the last 17 years and in that time have had numerous major surgeries and never had heparin like that. It may be common, but it was news to me. Matter of fact, the doctor wouldn't even let me take aspirin. I was on baby aspirin for my heart and had to discontinue it because he said it would thin my blood and could cause me to bleed. So wierd, to hear such varying opinions.

Yeah docs vary so much . That is an issue personally , i wish they would all get to gether and say " HERE is how we are ALL going to do it "

Your doc might not have wanted you to take aspirin because you were going to get heprin in the hospital and didnt want your blood too thin ? That would be my guess ? who knows ?

I was surprised I got an injection of heprin BEFORE surgery .

Mindy