Did my first PIO injection and...

...wow, that sucked.

Am I gonna get used to this the way I did the other shots? Hope so.

Also, I read the package insert and learned it is supposed to be stored at room temperature. I've been keeping it in the fridge, as it was shipped cold with my Follistim. Oops. I hope that doesn't affect it.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

I keep mine out at room temp. I draw up the amount I need and then tuck it into the fold of the heating pad and warm it up for like 10 mins before we inject it. I ice before injecting (I know- a big no no but it works for me b/c I'm chicken. ) and then rub it for a few mins and apply a heating pad afterwards. I've never gotten a bruise or a welt or 'pocket' of oil that won't move....

ETA: You'll appreciate this. I'm laying on my bed and DH put Snow White in for me so I'm resting and watching it!

Message edited 2/2/2009 9:16:22 PM.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

Let me tell you, I think it took me an actual HOUR before I actually did the injection from one look at that needle.

But it did get easier. I know a lot of people don't say its wise, but I ice the area for 30 minutes before the shot.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

I have only dont it myself once- and don't plan on doing it myself again. I hated it.

As for getting used to it- it's hit or miss when DH sticks the needle in. Sometiems I don't feel a thing, sometimes it hurts like Hell- like last night!

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

DH gave me the shots, and they didn't hurt at all! I put the vial in a small dixie cup of warm water for a few minutes.

The sub-Q shots I had to give myself hurt much more than the PIO.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

I am so afraid of this shot. I give it to myself, along with my other shots.. Just thinking about it makes me so nervous.

good luck to you.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

Oh no!!! Cold PIO is bad!!! Not bad in the way that it's no longer good but bad in that it goes in slow!!!!! You must have tortured yourself!!!! Poor thing.

Keep it room temperature. I usually warm it in my bra for a while before I do the shot. Are you doing them long or switching to suppositories? If you're doing them long term, you might want to ask your clinic about EMLA cream. It's a lifesaver. So much better than ice.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

It becomes second nature...I kept mine at room temp.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

I ordered the Emla cream online from a Canadian pharmacy. (It is over the counter in Canada - I used to use it when I went for laser hair removal.) Didn't use it last night, but might tonight.

I let it warm up a bit before we did it. Tonight should be better and I hope to be less nervous.

Re: Did my first PIO injection and...

Having it in the fridge is part of the problem. You want the PIO to be room temp or even slightly warmer (as close to body temp as possible). Massage and a heating pad afterwards help.