I'm 15 weeks pregnant and was just told last week that I tested positive for ANA, ACA and LAC, all blood clotting factors that are related to lupus. The doctor can't confirm at this time if I definitely have lupus, but they have to treat me as if I do because of the risk for blood clots. So, this morning I had to begin injecting myself with Heparin, a blood thinner. I am so freaked out about doing these injections and had a major panic attack this morning. I'm just looking for some advice and support from those who have had to do this too. Does it eventually get easier? All I can think about right now is having to do my next shot tonight. My heart is racing just thinking about it!
Just wanted to thank everyone who responded with such great support and advice. It's been three weeks now and the shots are getting so much easier to deal with. It still stinks, but I've gotten to a place where I no longer have an anxiety attack thinking about it. I just do it. It really helped hearing from others who have gone through the same thing. Thank you!
I had to give myself insulin shots three times a day when I was pregnant with my last child. It freaked me out so bad at first. I would sit there and cry while I was trying to do it. I am happy to tell you that it got much easier every time I di it, and I was a pro by the time I delivered. Good Luck!
Hi J.,
I understand 100% what you are going though. I have MS and needed (when we weren't trying for baby #2) to give myself an injection once a week. All week long that is all I would be thinking about was that 2 sec shot I needed to give myself on Sunday night. It made me crazy. Then once I got used to it I realized it was nothing. It will get much easier I promise. You will be fine and before long you will realize that waxing is worse. If you don't wax, give it a try and you too will agree. LOL :)
Would your husband be willing to give you the shot? With me it was easier if my husband gave it to me. Then you can use different spots that you can't get to yourself. I thought the worst part was sitting there, shot in hand and getting ready to do it. Just do it and never sit and think about it too long. The quicker the better. Even if he would rather not do it every time, maybe every other time. Or if you need to prep the shot ask him to do that. Then all you need to do is prep the injection site and inject it. The less time you think about the better.
Good Luck J. you will do great! Any time you need to talk drop me an email.
Have a nice Holiday.
I had to do shots 2x a day with my 1st pregnancy. I had my husband do them at first. But after a while, I realized that I could do it myself and it was less painful when I did it, than when he did.
All of the pain and uncomfortableness we go through is well worth it when we hold those precious babies in our arms.
You can do it J.! Think about the prize at the end.
First, make sure they repeat the tests to be certain of the diagnosis. Second, can your spouse give you the shots, instead?
hi J.,
i had to do this with 3 pregnancies. two of which ended with healthy baby boys. my injections of heparin had to be 12hrs apart 2x a day. it got easier each time i had to do it. i had a HUGE fear of needles and i became a pro at it. i was able to do them wherever and i bought a little diabetic bag to keep my needles and vials in. i tested positive after my 3rd pregnancy loss with ACA and APA, i was tested years ago positive for ANA but i think this time i'm back to normal. i also have to take aspirin for the rest of my life.
i had to start taking shots in my belly and it became so black with bruises i had to move to the tops of my thighs. it was definetely less painful in the belly. make sure they check your platelettes - mine got extrememly low and i had to stop doing the injections around 18-20wks and be monitored very closely every week.
good luck and feel free to email me with any questions. it's defintely worth the work.
take care,
C.
Hi! I have to give myself injects for psoriasis...so i understand...those little needles really hurt! The best way I have found to get through it is to put a little ice on the spot I'm going to inject for a few minutes before I do the injection...it helps take some of the burning away. Then I just take a deep breath and go for it...only keeping my eyes open long enough to inject the needle...I close them while I push the plunger. It usually helps. I hope that everything works out for you. Good luck!
Hi J.,
Did they say what the risks of these injections are to the baby? I would recommend getting a second opinion. You can never be too careful when you are pregnant.
Good luck!
J.
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You will get used to the injections, you really will. And do stay on them, they are essential right now. However.... in the long run get checked for lyme disease as it has been known to give people false-positives for lupus. Be sure to rule that out before staying with a lupus diagnosis. I only use Igenex in California for testing as they hand-do the western blot for lyme and therefore more accurate than most labs. Your doc can order a kit from them for the testing.
I have a similar phobia of needles and had to self-inject fertility treatments pre-pregnancy and needed daily heprin shots while I was on bed-rest. It helped to have someone else do the shots (ie: your husband). When that isn't an option - just keep in mind your ultimate goal - a healthy baby...it will make it more worth it. Sorry to share that it never got easier for me. I always hated needles and always will. But it is amazing how you can face those fears when it is for a precious little baby. Best of luck to you!
