My surgeon told me I will need to give myself Heparin injections for a week after surgery. Did any of you have to do this?

I had to give myself lovenox injections for 2 weeks because my mom had a blood clot post knee surgery and I am on depo (apparently birth control increases risk of blood clot). I really didn't think I could do it and it was a big deal the first three days but it became second nature. Now I don't think I'll freak out over needles again. :wub:

Thanks all for replying! I will soon know how it feels as my surgery is tomorrow. I actually think my husband will be the one giving them to me.

I had no history of blood clots. My surgeon requires post-op lovenox shots for all of his patients as a preventive measure. I had to give myself shots twice a day for 7 days post op. I was very nervous about it, but it really was no big deal. I had minimal bruising from the shots.

Did your doctors tell you this BEFORE the surgery or AFTER as part of the discharge planning?

So far no mention of it at all!

Lovenox doesn't bruise as badly as heparin! :frown:

And shar pei; it isn't that common to have to have the shots post op. Your surgeon or his nurse should tell you preop with enough time for you to practice etc.

However if you're worried (most of us don't like the idea of giving ourselves shots) just call your surgeon's office and ask if it's standard protocol for him.

Did your doctors tell you this BEFORE the surgery or AFTER as part of the discharge planning?

So far no mention of it at all!

I was told at my pre admission appointment, about a week before my surgery.

I gave myself Lovenox shots for a week after my surgery. They said I could give them to myself in my arm (since there was enough fat there to do it) and they weren't so bad.

I was told at my pre admission appointment, about a week before my surgery.

Thanks! I am not afraid of the shots...but I would think that the doctor would tell you before the surgery...so I will assume:huh2: that it is not needed in his practice. Or at least I won't be surprised if he tells me after the surgery! LOL!

holy balls! No way! I had 4 while I was in the hospital (24 hours) and that was enough! Are you doing it? Good luck!