Lovenox question....

[alaskacouple]

just out of curiosity.... anyone use Lovenox with their ivf/fet cycle? And if so, when did you start the injections?

My ER wants me to start the injections around O date (we are doing FET cycle). My question is.... wouldn't it be better to start sooner???  Wouldn't blood clots have already formed in the uterine lining by then? Or does the lining start to grow around O date?  (I know I know... you would think I would know that part being a 4th time IVF/FET patient...)

I appreciate all feedback.

Thanks!

[Heather5]

You know what? I actually had my DH do the shots in the beginning, but it ended up being easier to just do them myself...and I got less bruises that way too. After a while, you just kinda know how to give it to eliminate (or at least minimize) the bruising. One thing that's important with blood thinning shots, though, is to NOT rub it after, since that may cause bruises. As for the little bumps, they don't actually show, they're under the surface of the skin, but it hurts of you accidentally stick the needle into one of them. I'm not really sure how to eliminate those...but since Lovenox is a subcutaneous shot, it can be also be injected into the thighs and the back of your arms.

Take care, and best of luck with everything!

[alaskacouple]

This will be my first time with Lovenox, but our 4 IVF cycle - actually this cycle is FET.

So, what do you do when your belly is full of bruises and bumps?  Any other good locations to give a subq shot? Maybe dh could do it after I get tired of sticking myself....

I am going to look like monster size mosquitos attacked with all the lumps and bruises! LOL!!! ... nice... I already bruise like a peach!

:-D

[Heather5]

I will have to do Lovenox when I get pregnant again too. I have Factor V and have used it once for about four/five weeks (after a D&C). Have you used it before? The injections are a little tricky in the beginning. Since they're blood thinners, the injection site bruises easily, but once you get used to doing the shots, you'll have less bruising. I did get some annoying bumps underneath my skin, though, and after a while, it's hard to find a spot with no bumps...LOL!

Best of luck to you! I hope you'll be on Lovenox for the next 9 months ;-)

[alaskacouple]

oops... I keep doing that... I mean my RE.....

[alaskacouple]

thanks for the input ladies.  I have been told by my ER that if this cycle is successful, I will be on Lovenox for the entire pregnancy.  OUCH!

[sarge1]

I started mine (actually Heparin, which was changed to Lovenox when Heparin was recalled) on day 1, when I started my other shots.  I don't know the reasoning behind it. I guess every doctor has a slightly different protocol.  The fewer injections you have to take, the better, right?  By the time I was finished with injections (at 12 weeks pregnant), I'd been stuck 282 times that cycle alone (yes, I counted!)
Good luck with your IVF!

[Heather5]

I've never done IVF, but I don;t think clotting in the lining itself is the issue. I think the problem is when a clot forms in the blood supply to the embryo. So, in my opinion, starting Lovenox at ovulation should be just fine :-)

Best of luck with your IVF!