First Copaxone shot...not as bad as I thought

[LIMBO72]

My kit came early this week and I picked up the meds yesterday. My MS nurse told me it would take two to three weeks before a Shared Solutions nurse could get out to give me instruction. I thought I had lots of time.......yeah right.

She called yesterday and set up the appointment for today! The nurse was great and got a giggle out of a big guy like me cringing at the thought of giving myself a shot

After a few rounds of practice, I gritted my teeth and did the manual injection. My girlfriend turned a little green as she watched, but I didn't even feel the injection!

.......after the shot....whoa..ouch. The burning started within about thirty seconds and then my leg was throbbing for about an hour. Other than that...it wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be. I can be a big baby

[Alicious]

Good for you for being tough enough to do it! Hopefully your girlfriend will get used to the shots, or maybe she can be busy getting a cold pack while you inject.

Isn't it amazing how the needle doesn't really hurt? I was terrified the first time I gave myself an injection, but it was nothing. The sting of the meds though, ouch.

Did you get an auto injector? I find manual shots to be easier, but the hip and arm are really hard to do without the auto injector.

[LIMBO72]

Funny you mention Alicious.....she was getting me the cold pack as soon as I started to put the needle in...lol. It was the burning at the site that was a little bothersome, but went away. I was terrified too before I did it....and I have several tatoos, have had lots of bloodwork lately....etc. I think it was the thought that, "I have to do this to myself everyday and it's going to hurt!"......but it didn't.

I tried reaching all of the sites and the nurse figured what my depth adjustments should be. Now that I've done it, I agree that the manual injection would be faster. I'll only use the autoject for the back of my arms and hips....unless my girlfriend wants to do those......yeah right

[Alicious]

For me, it is weird how easy the needle goes in. It's not painful, but it's sort of creepy. Thank goodness it *does* go in that easy, though. Also, getting a cold pack for you is a great way to be there for you even if the needle part is intense for her. I don't know that I could watch someone else, either!

Just think of how tough self injecting makes you. It was something I never thought I'd be able to do, and here I am, and it's not a big deal. We're stronger than we think.

[ewizabeth]

I've had nearly 3 years of Copaxone and still going strong. It gets easier too. It has the longest safety and efficacy track record so you're in good company!

[CatMom0001]

Congrats on that first injection. I hate needles, always have. But my husband and I decided on Copaxone because it had the fewest side effects.

I went with the Autoject right from the start, that way I didn't/don't have to see the needle until it's over with. I've been taking that daily injection for almost 8 years now. It really does get easier.

[Imagine]

THANKS...

for the info guys. I have Copaxone here at home and will be scheduling a time for a nurse to come pay me a visit. I'm not afraid of needles- I got used to self injections when I was using fertility meds--my daughter is 13, so that was some time ago.

I used Rebif and had a dangerous reaction to it(very rare), and I did not even realize there was a reaction until the 4th shot... major rash and so many bruises it was hard to find an area there wasn't one!

My understanding is that since Copaxone is not an interferon, there is no danger to the liver- which was the problem; for all of you using Rebiff or Avonex, please don't let my experience frighten you, as it is extremly rare.

I feel more relaxed about starting the treatment now, and much appreciate the positive experiences you guys shared. Cudos for your courage and please keep the info coming. Be Well and treat yourselves with kindness
Shalom

[Alicious]

Imagine, how awful to have had that sort of reaction! Hopefully Copaxone will go smoothly for you, and you already know how to inject, so it should be easy peasy. Definitely do the hot pack/cold pack until you know how your skin will react, and good health to you!

[LIMBO72]

4th injection this morning and the site reactions seem to be getting better. This morning I did my right arm and the burning after the shot only lasted a few minutes. I could only use the cold pack for a few moments, as I had to leave for work. I can't believe how nervous I was about doing these injections.

It's a bit of a pain in the butt, but not near as bad as I expected. For anyone out there that is getting ready to start these, don't worry....it's easier than you think.

[Imagine]

Thanks,

to Limbo and Alice for sharing such positive and supportive information... I do believe that your attitude is contagious. Limbo, please continue posting and let us know how things are going.

I'm to schedule an appointment with a nurse tomorrow-- and I'll keep you guys posted as well. Thanks again; be well. & Light... Shalom

[4boysmom]

I've always suffered with being overweight!

But my daily copaxone shot helps remind me that layer of fat is keeping me from getting site reactions

I can turn anything into a positive if I try hard enough!
Have a great day everyone.

[dilapadatedgurl]

I had been on Copaxone for about 6 months. I too was terrified of giving myself shots, but I got over that fear. However, I never stopped having site reactions. The stomach area was the only part that didn't have bad reactions (due to my layer of fat ). Everyone is saying it gets better but how long before it gets better? The doctor thought I was doing them wrong so the nurse came back over, but everything looked good to her. I stopped the Copaxone because we were trying to have a child and I worry about going back on them....I don't want to have the reactions again!

[LIMBO72]

I've now used all injection sites except my left hip. They have all had a bit of burning afterwards but that went away faster after each shot.

The only one I am having a problem with is my right arm. The Shared solutions nurse told me there could have been a drop of Copaxone on the end of the needle or I may have pulled to one side as the needle was removed. It has become swollen, red and itchy. That injection was Monday and it is getting better. Not bad for the first week! Hopefully, the Copaxone does what it is mean't to do and I can stick with it.

[mack]

I have been on copaxone for seven years and have never had a bad reaction. I also have never done a manual shot. Auto-inject works well for me. After seven years of Betaseron I was leary of daily shots. It seems to work for me. Good Luck!!

Steve

[Imagine]

okay then

[B]Okay guys. Now I'm back to the, "I don't think so," mode. I am petite and thin. 3 years ago my neurologist wanted me to use copaxone. I saw an ms specialist who confirmed that I would likely have some problems with the injections due to low body fat. [I][I]That[I] is the ONLY reason I opted for rebif, which came with the damn liver problem

Here is my plan: I will begin by injecting every other day, and go from there. I even told my ms specialist of my intention. He winked and told me that what he was SUPPOSED TO SAY...

May I get some opinions from the Copaxone users? Like my plan, don't like my plan? I'd so appreciate hearing from those who are small in stature Much Thanks!
Shalom