Taking EPO Shots

[rookiegirl]

As of Monday 01/22/08, I went to the clinic to be trained on how to administer myself EPO shots.  I don't mind so much about needles as long as I don't touch it.  Well, I had to be trained on it.

I practiced several times on a stress ball.  At first, my hands and stomach felt weak, then it got better.  When it was time for the real deal of actually giving myself the shot, I was a wreak.

I did everything right and felt really confident I was going to be able to do it.  Once I started to squeeze my right thigh and positioned the needle, I couldn't do it.  It took me 10 minutes to get the nerves up to actually do it.  I was sweating, crying and shacking.  I squeeze so hard my fingers turned white.  Finally, I got the nerve to dart the needle in and slowly pushing on the syringe.  Once I pulled it out, it was no problem.  No pain, no bleeding and to be honest, I didn't feel a thing.  I really felt stupid for being such a baby.

When I stood up, I fell backward. Thank goodness it was back on the chair.  I got light-headed.  I must have held my breath during the shot.

I have to take 9000u 3x/wk.  I use to be on Aranesp, but for some reason insurance will not cover it since I started dialysis.  I don't get it.  I really liked the Aranesp because I only get the shot once/month.  Plus, I didn't have to administer it.

My Wednesday shot didn't go so well.  I did it on my left thigh and it bled.  Now I have a knot there and it's still there?  Is this normal?  Did I do something wrong?

Tonight, I did my 3rd shot on my right leg.  It's sore but no knot and no bleeding.  I don't understand what I did wrong on Wednesday?  Now I'm afraid to go to my left leg.

Does anyone else have trouble with giving yourself shots?

[KT0930]

Mine bled a little almost everytime I did an Epo shot. I wouldn't worry about it too much, as long as it's just a little blood.

During the training, did the nurse tell you about pulling the syringe back a little bit once it's in your leg to be sure you're not in a blood vessel? Once it's in, just pull back a little bit and make sure no blood comes back into the syringe. If not, you're good to go ahead and do the shot. If it does, then pull it out, wipe another spot with alcohol and try again. Your left leg may be just a little more sensitive than your right, though, and it may be nothing more than that.

[KICKSTART]

Firstly ..well done you for injecting yourself  its not something i could or have to do! . I used to have the injections in my arm and found that just going a little lower made my arm knot like you describe , its sound like you have probably hit a muscle!! One of the docs always did a good job and i felt nothing another always left me with a sore and bruised arm ..lol. Im sure the more you do it , you will find the best spot ,so it doesnt hurt so much ..

[rookiegirl]

Well, I woke up this morning and noticed my right leg has a small bruise in the shot area.  It still feels sore to the touch.  I just don't get it?  I didn't have any problem with my 1st shot at the clinic beside the panic attack.  I must be doing something wrong. 

Come Monday, I'm going to take KT's advise and pull out a little bit to see if this works?  I hope so.

Thank you for the advise.

[Laurie]

Rookiegirl, I admire you for being able to do the shots yourself. Luckily for me I haven't had to start epo shots (and I hope I never have to). I don't think I could ever give myself a shot.
I hope things get better for you 

[kellyt]

I admire you, as well.  I started my EPO shots two weeks ago at my doctor's office.  I had my labs drawn on Thursday morning.  If my iron is looking good I may only have to get my shot every other week.  I'm supposed to start an iron supplement, too.  But last week I had the most horrific episode due to the pain killers given to me for my tooth extraction that I too scared to take iron pills at the moment (if you know what I am referring too, it was a nightmare!!!)  I'll hold off until I'm 100% regular again.

Good luck with your shots!

[sugapea]

I do my epo shots in my stomach area, sometimes it stings a little but usually no trouble.  I only have to do one shot a wekk so it's not too bad.

[petey]

You must, must follow KT's suggestion -- pull back on the syringe to make sure you don't pull any blood back (blood vessel if you see blood).  If you don't see blood, go ahead and shoot it in (push slowly on the syringe).

Marvin can't give himself shots, so that's my job, too (along with being his home hemo partner).  Since the epo is refrigerated, Marvin said it stung when it went in.  I roll the syringe in my palms for a few minutes before I give it to warm it up.  Marvin said this takes the sting out.

When they trained me, they suggested I give Marvin his shots in his tummy.  This tends to be the "fattest" part of a body with fewer muscles, etc. close to the skin and more "fat" cells.  Of course, Marvin has a little bit of a tummy roll, so that makes it easier.

Also, get the syringe at about a 30-degree angle.  That seems to go in easier.

Hang in there!  You'll get the hang of it, and it will be a piece of cake.

[kellyt]

I got a call from my neph's nurse telling me that my hemoglobin is now up to 12.4 so I don't have to get the EPO shot any longer.  Actually, I have to have my labs drawn tomorrow a.m. and again next Wednesday.  If still good then I can stop the shots.  I have to continue with the iron supplement, though.  I only had three or four EPO shots in all!

Good Luck!