In the shower I was bemoaning the fact that I'm up to three needles a day (four if I get blood drawn the same day) which is the most I've ever had during any cycle. Then, unbidden, the thought of Murgdan, who was told to take pills as suppositories, renaming her parts The Pill Box popped into my head. I stared at my poor soapy tummy, full of little red puncture marks (and two GIANT bruises) and thought... I'll call you The Pin Cushion.
Now, I'd been feeling pretty smug this cycle actually. I've been administering my own shots because I'd found a secret... Well, it might not be a secret, but it was a revelation to me. It hurts less when I know when the needle will be contacting skin! Plus if I felt that prick of the first contact, I can move the needle to another spot and my tummy (sorry Pin Cushion) won't bleed...or bruise up! Now, you may remember that above I have already given it away by saying that I am currently sporting two enormous ugly splotches. Turns out, this doesn't work with my Cetrotide. It doesn't hurt going in at all, but I've consistently bleed removing the needle. What is up with that?? I suppose I was getting too cocky and needed to be taken down a peg or two...
Oh well, hopefully it isn't for too much longer. Although it looks like it will be just long enough to need refills of the Gonal-F and Menapur.
Oh, and welcome any IComLeavWe(ers)! This is my first time participating, and I'm looking forward to discovering some new and exiciting peeps (and their blogs!)
Moving
15 hours ago
Ah... the human pin cushion. I remember those days.
ReplyDeleteI'm not new and exciting ;) but I am participating in ICLW with you. It's my first time too.
ReplyDeleteYour poor Pin Cushion... you are so strong to be able to give yourself and endure so many needles! *shudder*
You poor thing!!! I actually hate needles with a passion... But I love acupuncture!! Just call me the walking oxymoron. I hope your belly heals soon and after this cycle you won't have to take any more shots to the tummy! Good luck!! Ohand I'm a newbie to ICLW too. I'm glad to have found some one else doing acu!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to ICLW!
ReplyDeleteI always am impressed by everyone who gives themselves needles. I havent gotten to that level yet, but I know I won't enjoy it if I have to. I'm glad you were able to find a trick that helps.
I am in awe of people who can inject themselves, I'm not scared of needles but I don't think I could inject myself!
ReplyDeleteI hope the "Pin Cushion" heals up soon!
ICLW
I thought I might share a litte trick I learned that completely stopped the 'bleeding when the needle comes out followed by a giant bruise' thing.
ReplyDeleteI was told to pinch the skin when the needle was going in, and to keep pinching it. But I found that if I let go of the skin as soon as I had finished depressing the needle, and pulled it out really quickly (I had a pen, so it was only a little needle), then by the next day I couldn't even see where I had done the previous injection.
I hope this is all worth it in the end!
I too prefer to do my own shots whilst cycling - much better control and then if you sting or bleed you can only blame yourself ;)
ReplyDeleteAll the best for this current cycle honey! Thinking of you.
(ICLW)