Lovenox injections... how did you prevent bruising??

[princess purr]

The one the nurse did Friday she had my put pressure on and there is a HUGE dark purple bruise, the one I did last night I put no pressure on and it is a lighter bruise but still purple and pretty dark... I know you are not supposed to inject close to a bruise so I'm worried I'm going to run on out of places to inject before long. Any tips from those that have been there done that would be great!!

[Shannonlynn]

Val, get a nice, healthy pinch of skin, first and foremost. Second, I always poked the skin lightly with the needle and if it hurt I moved until I found a spot with no pain. Once I found that spot, I injected slowly. I think at first it is difficult because you've never done it before, but you become a pro. Do you do it once or twice a day? I did it twice, so right was night and left was day. I am sure they told you to switch sides if just once a day. The burn can be excruciating. It will get easier towards the middle and then when your skin is stretched to the max it becomes almost impossible not to bruise. Hope this helps.

[princess purr]

I'm just once a day, yesterday I did it more out to the side and injected slower and that bruise is MUCH MUCH smaller then the other two. The first two bruises are huge, looks like someone punched my stomach. I have been lucky pain wise, it was just a little burning. Did you try using ice? A few people recommended I try that. If it gets me PE free it will be totally worth it.

[Shannonlynn]

Ice was suggested but I never used it. After a bit, it gets to be second nature.

[princess purr]

I'm finding there are some good spots that do not seem to bruise at all. If I start to stick myself and it hurts I move over. Knock on wood, the last few have left no bruise, I can't even see where I did them!