Going to Injection Training tomorrow....

So, tomorrow is the other big day... 

     I go back to the MS clinic for randomization ( a computer generates a code which will be my name through-out the study, and decides whether I get 20mg or 40mg of copaxone).   Then I get trained on how to inject myself, and give myself my first shot.   I have to stay a hour afterwards to make sure all goes well. 

     Needless to say, I'm scared to death.   It's not about the needles.   It's not about any pain.  I have always had allergic and/or adverse side effects which are not pleasant.  I'm hoping none of which will happen.  But I do understand that one of the rare adverse side effects, happens right after injection, and lasts about 10-15 minutes.  That, i think i can deal with.  It's the unknown that scares me. 

     If anyone knows of questions I should ask, or any advise that would help with the anxiety, I would love to hear from you.  My Hubby will be going with me.  I'm not a praying woman, but I guess it wouldn't hurt,  huh? 

     Thanks for being there. 

Hugs,

Bonnie

I think there are lots of things in life that are more intimidating in the thinking about them, or imagining what they might be like...than in the actual event itself.  Injecting is one of them. I think most of us freaked out at first, at the thought of having to do that....but it becomes easy, over time, almost "habit", and not such a big deal.  I hope that will be true for you.  As for the adverse side effect -- of course you know that doesn't happen for everyone, and you'll be surrounded by medical people so if you should be one of the unfortunate ones which it DOES happen to...they'll be able to assist you right away.  Good luck, tomorrow!

Hey Bonnie!

YAHOOO!!!! Courage + Training + Info = CONTROL over u'r situation! I am a praying woman and will be praying with and for u friend. U'll do great and in no time at all u'll look back on this and think how far u've come. I can't wait to hear how well it went! ;)

Hi Bonnie,

 

   We'll all be here rooting you on!  Best of luck tomorrow, it really does sound like you are in good hands and they'll be watching for any problems.  Please let us know how things go.

 

 

Kimber

Hello Friends,

Well, I did my first injection. It went well. I don't recall ever being stung, so I can't say it felt like that. It had burning, itching, and pain. This happened about 15 minutes after the injection. I had a golf ball size lump and it was red, but after an hour, just the lump was there. This morning I can't see where I did it (belly) but it only aches a little. Can't get the auto inject, because of the type of study it is. They did tell me that I could have the adverse side effedt any time. But I am ok with the thought.

I told them about my crampy stiff legs. I do take baclofen for this, but only at night, when I'm not working cause it knocks me out. So they put me on another med Gabapentin, This is in addition to the baclofen. I will be taking it 3 times a day. I'm not sure when to take my other injection. They said I can take it any time.

They fought with my insurance yesterday. Provigil is what they prescribed for my fatigue, but the insurance said they would decide if I needed it or not. I don't know how they can do that. But anyhow.......

Thank you all for being there for me. You don't know how much it means to me to have you all there for me.

Hugs
Bonnie

Rhonda,

I take the injections daily. They would like to see them taken at the same time everyday, but they said a 4-5 hour window is good. I did my second one today, with a little bit of punky feeling afterwards. You know that feeling you get right before you get sick. Little bit of a welt, I did it in my L thigh this time. Made a chart that i check off for each spot, for everyday. That way I can keep track of my rotations. Will have to bring tomorrows dose with me to work tomorrow.

Thank you for keeping in your thoughts. You all are the greatest.

Hugs
Bonnie

Hi Bonnie,

 

    It sounds like it went well for you!  You probably will be able to handle the manual thing pretty well with what you do for a living, and hopefully it will get easier and easier for you! 

 

    I hope the added medication helps with your spasticity, please keep us posted!  It's weird how some insurance companies are about the provigil, lets hope they see the light and approve it for you.  If not, as others have said Ritalin is a good option, and a lot cheaper too. 

 

    Good luck on your next injection!  I know you will do great!

 

Kimber