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Posted 7/27/2011 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
So i was having those reactions to Remicade and my gastro did not like it so he was able to get Humira approved, i just received the Humira Pen in the mail yesterday with a convenient little practice kit and all. My question to you guys is who here has had the pen, does it hurt? what can i do to numb the site of the injection? the thought of giving myself a shot is...well its a nervous feeling.
Posted 7/27/2011 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
I have heard a lot of people mention icing the area first and letting the pen warm up outside the refridgerator (I guess they are stored in the fridge?). I haven't used them so I am probably not the best to give advice. Hopefully others will chime in with first-hand experience. I've heard the shots sting but only for a minute after injection and that the whole process takes 10 seconds. They also said that you shouldn't hesitate. I hope this helps!
Posted 7/27/2011 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I use the pen, and I have heard of some people icing the site before injecting themselves. I just clean the area, and inject myself, then I ice it afterwards. Do you have someone who can work with you on your loading doses?
Posted 7/27/2011 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
It really doesn't hurt too badly- I do mine in my abdomen, for some reason the thigh hurts much, much more! If you let the med get to room temp, let it sit on the counter about 20 minutes, it hurts less too. The needle/pen itself is nothing, but the actual medicine stings like crazy going in! It's quick though. I can't be bothered icing the area- it's just a tiny needle, after all. Good luck!

Posted 7/27/2011 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
What do you mean if some one works with me loading doses? as in is their someone else there to do them for me? i will probably ice the area and let the pen sit to room temperature, that seems like it would work, im just nervous.
Posted 7/27/2011 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Usually, you will do the loading doses (4) at your GI's office, or they will send out a home hlth. nurse to come to your house to help. I had a home hlth. nurse come out & show me how to use them- and was actually embarassed- I was glad to have the nurse there, but they are really SO easy to do. The nurse or GI won't "do" the shots for you, but they'll tell you how to do them, then watch while you inject it. Don't be too nervous- the anticipation is far worse than the actual shot.

Posted 7/27/2011 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
I received the pen in mail as well.

My GI gave two of the four loading doses at the office for me then I started giving them myself. Lol I remember, my heart rate was jacked during this process b/c each shot did hurt a lot for me. I don't have much fat all around my body b/c I workout and do a lot of cardio everyday.

My GI said, if you give yourself the shot in the place with more fat, it will hurt less. I don't really do anything before and after giving the shot in the thigh. I only wipe the area clean with an alcohol swab to make the spot antiseptic.

I just leave out the pen outside for at least 10 minutes after taking it out from the fridge.

It hurts but definitely worth taking the pain.
Posted 7/27/2011 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
college are you still in remission? and is it from humira or that diet you went on?
Posted 7/27/2011 6:41 PM (GMT 0)

dgtracy said...
college are you still in remission? and is it from humira or that diet you went on?

Yep, I'm still in remission. I'd say, I wasn't in the best remission state just from the diet.
It's not related to any specific diet since I'm getting a lot of Carbs from potatoes/rice and eating proteins too.

I'm just avoiding flour based products as much as possible.

Humira gave me the boost reach the better remission state. Also, the LDN, too. You can check out my Humira + LDN update thread.

I plan on staying on this diet b/c I notice the biggest gains from it this diet for bodybuilding and receive the most benefit for my symptoms. Rice bulks up the stool for me.

I'm ingesting a lot of Carbs + Proteins + good fat(but a lot of eggs) that I can digest.

Even though flour based food have very similar carbs as rice based food in terms of its chemical structures and components, I seem to digest rice without any problems and with no consequential symptoms.
Posted 7/27/2011 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Have giving myself syringe shots for years, had to psyche myself by saying "this is not my leg, this is not my leg" it actually works if you treat it like an object and not YOU itself.

Started with Humira pen, if I look at the actual pain duration part, its actually about 8 seconds, its the anticipation that enhances the "problem". If you look at it objectively, can you endure 8 seconds ? I can...there may be some bruising but it actually doesn't hurt afterwards.

Icing ? Ice decreases circulation and absorption, personally I would stay away and endure the 8 seconds. If anything I increase blood circulation with a massager for 1 minute before the shot. I take 3 deep breaths and on the third exhale it goes in by sheer willpower, I get a feeling of accomplishment from it.

The Humira pen needle is thicker than the Humira syringe (which I tried and actually hurts less). Its the fact that you actually see the needle going in that may be psychologically uncomfortable...remember: its not your leg ! and it is just a slight stinging sensation...could be much worse, like a cystoscopy in the urologists office !

Nike ad: JUST DO IT
The next minute you are on with the rest of your life.
Posted 7/28/2011 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Nike: Just do it.

I like that^
Hopefully i will be giving the pen a try tomorrow but im waiting on my doctor to call to see if i even have to come in or not, i hate it when you need the phone but its busy or doesnt work.
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