Question
Hi ladies! I have a few questions about the PIO injections. I just received my meds for my first IVF -- which is what has raised these questions in my mind. First of all, I took one look at the PIO needles and felt a little faint. Our injections class is not until the end of next week, so I just have to ask now: (1) At what angle are these injections supposed to be done? Are they 90 degree angles like the subQ's? (2) Is the entire needle supposed to go in when you do the injection? (3) Do you have the option of doing these injections either lying down or standing up (we had been contemplating doing them in my bottom)? (4) Any tips on doing these? i.e., I've heard you should massage the area and walk around after the injection. Any tips on pre-injection such as either icing or heating the area? (5) Anyone know why injections would be prescribed as opposed to vaginal application? And I'm not talking about the progesterone suppositories that you might use post-IUI, I mean the progesterone that you administer in applicators that some people use for IVF cycles instead of the PIO injections. Are the injections supposed to be more effective? THANKS!!!
Answer
Being a nurse, hopefully I can help...
1. The PIO's go in at a 90 angle just like the SQ
2. Yes, the entire needle needs to go in, in order to reach the muscle.
3. Best given in the upper/outer quadrant of the bum...DH would give them to me in the am while I was still lying in bed. HOWEVER...I did give a few myself and had to do those standing up in front of a mirror. If standing...just relax and don't bear weight on the leg that the IM is going into
4. I found that icing before really helped and heat afterwards.
5. My RE says that the shots are more effective than the suppositories.
Honestly....although they look really scary and BIG! it really is NOT THAT BAD!!!!
Answer
CandM -- Thank you!! You are too kind -- not only for answering all of my questions, but also for trying to alleviate my fear of those shots!!
Answer
Your welcome!
Answer
Curious to know if laying down or standing up makes that much of a difference. I've stood up through all 3 of my cycles so far and have never tried to lay down. I don't put weight on that leg when standing but I find it hard not to keep still and sometimes it hurts!
BTW, I was also terrified of the needle but realized that it really isn't all that bad. It's painless compared to child birth, at least that's what I try to tell myself!
Also, you may want to heat up the needle (with the PIO in it), it helps it to go in smoother. My DH puts it in a glass of hot water for 10 minutes or so. Good luck!
