I recently started my PIO injections for my IVF journey, and wow, the injection sites have developed into massive, painful lumps! It’s frustrating and quite uncomfortable. Any advice on how to manage these huge lumps? I’ve tried heat packs and massaging, but they don’t seem to help much. Would love to hear from others who have experienced the same thing. Thank you!
I’ve had to inject one side multiple times in a row this round, resulting in big lumps and increased sensitivity. I’m also on daily PIO and feeling swollen and sore all over. Switching sides now, hoping for some relief!
I have found massages to be highly effective for me. Can a friend or partner help massage the affected area? I have found that massaging multiple times a day for 5-10 minutes helps to remove lumps. The massage can be very painful, but you will feel relief afterwards. It is important to ensure that the massage reaches deep. Avoid using ice as it can harden the oil and exacerbate the lumps. A nurse once warmed up the vial of oil in water before giving me shots.
I have had to inject one side multiple times in a row this round, resulting in big lumps and swelling. Being on daily PIO doesn’t give me a break! My left side was bothering me until today, but now it’s my right side that’s sore. 
Massaging has proven to be quite effective for me. Would a friend or partner be able to massage that specific area? I’ve noticed that massaging for 5-10 minutes several times a day helps in getting rid of lumps. The process is extremely painful during the massage, but relief follows afterward. It’s important to ensure that the massage is deeply penetrating. Avoid using ice as it hardens the oil and exacerbates the lumps. A nurse once gave me shots and would heat up the oil in a vial by placing it in warm water before administering it.
Using a massage gun has been much more effective for me compared to using just my hands. During my first cycle, I ended up in pain and sleeping on the couch due to painful lumps. However, this cycle, using the massage gun has made a significant difference.
My husband is out of town, so I have a nurse helping me with injections. She advised me to massage the lumps in the shower and avoid using a heating pad after the injections. She also recommended lying down for the injections instead of standing. Some days I repeat a side for 2-3 days to allow the other side to improve. I find that movement such as walks and squats helps, as it is worse when I don’t move around.
I got frostbite on my right side from an ice pack, so I’ll be avoiding injecting there for now. Can you try rotating spots on the left side for a week to see if it helps the right side?
I understand how difficult it is for you right now. I had my first FET three months ago and just had my second one on Tuesday. The PIO shots were causing me a lot of pain and big bumps, so I switched to Crinone instead. My doctors and nurses assured me that there would be no difference in live birth rates with Crinone compared to PIO. You may want to check with your insurance to see if it’s covered, if not, the manufacturer offers coupons. Good luck with everything! I know it’s a tough journey.