Depo Provera left a DENT in my arm!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-19-2004
Depo Provera left a DENT in my arm!
3
Thu, 10-21-2004 - 6:28pm

I am taking Depo Provera, for those of you that don't know what it is, it is a birthcontrol needle that you have injected into your arm or hip/bum 4 times a year.

I will only have it done in my arm but in July (the last time I got the needle) I had it done in my left upper arm and it hurt so much and left a 'dent' in my arm and if I push on the dent, my finger goes all the way to my bone, it seems as though all the muscle was eaten away!
I have seen people have scars from needles, but a huge dent? Now I am afraid to get it done again, and I refuse to have my ass poked!
Has anyone else experienced this problem with Depo?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2003
Thu, 10-21-2004 - 7:10pm

Hi May,

I actually just started the Depo-Provera today. The nurse didn't inject my arm though. She had to inject my hip because my arms are too skinny. It did hurt, more than any other kind of needle I've ever been poked with before, but it only lasted a few seconds and then it was done.

As for your dent...I don't know. My hip doesn't have a dent at all. I can see the small red dot where the needle went in, but that will disappear in a few days. Maybe yours will go away too :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2003
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 12:11pm
I was on the Depo a few years ago and I also noticed this same dent with the pain. I don't know what causes it or if it's a bad sign but I did notice after I quit taking it, my arm went back to normal.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Sun, 11-07-2004 - 9:21pm
I have been on depo for over 4 years and have never experienced a dent in my arm from the needle.

If your arm still hurts after a few days and the dent is still there, you should call your doctor. My arm is always sore for a few days - depo is an IM (Inter-Muscular) shot. Which basically means a big fat needle that goes in pretty deep, so it's normal to have some soreness.

Also, make sure that the nurse giving you your shot rotates arms each time. Mine writes it down so she knows not to give the same arm 2 shots in a row.

I hope your arm feels better - Call your doctors office. It can't hurt anything!

Good Luck!