Chickened out last night!
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Chickened out last night!
| Wed, 11-16-2005 - 11:24am |
OMG - maybe it was hearing all the helpful details on how to make the injection less painful that made me think about the actual injection more or maybe it was the pain from previous injections but I totally wimped out last night from doing my enbrel shot. I sat in the bathroom for almost 2 hours and got myself so worked up over it. I even had a half glass of wine (can't drink more than that because I'm breastfeeding) and my husband even sat there with me. Finally, I called the Enbrel nurse and asked if I could put it back in the fridg which I could. What am I going to do - I've been trying all day to imagine the needle going in smoothly so I'm hoping that I get the guts to do it today. Has this ever happened to anyone? This would have been my 7th shot (I do the 50, once a week).

Hey there...I'm new to all this, and am so frustrated with just getting some pain relief right now, but after reading the stories about the injections, i can so relate to your not doing it last night...my mom is a diabetic and i've seen her inject a million times...in her tummy...but i can NOT for the life of me, do it to her myself...and i have NO idea what I will do if I have to do it to myself...
I know this isn't exactly a positive, you can do it post, but i just wanted you to know you weren't alone!!!
Hugs,
keli
((((((momtonicole))))))
A few suggestions:
Next time tell dh that this medicine costs $1400.00 a month and you can't waste it. Hand him the needle and tell him to go for it! My dh had never thought he would be injecting me either, but it happened. The first time I tried at home, I just shook and cried, there was no way I could inject it. It was ready to go and my dh had no choice.
Lell has suggested practicing on an orange with a used needle, just so you feel more comfortable doing it. I think this might help you.
If the above doesn't work, maybe your rheumy will let you come in once a week and have his nurse give you the injection. Do you have a friend or neighbor that would give you your injection? My neighbor next door is a nurse and she has offered to give me the injection if my dh is unavailable. Do you know anyone that is a nurse?
Also, maybe if you try the injection in the morning when you are fresh, it might not seem so overwhelming. I know what you are going through and I understand. I fought using Enbrel for over a year, before I said okay to my rheumy. It did put me into an eight month remission and continues to help. The whole ordeal is worth it.
Sending lots of moral support and hugs,
Vicki
It's OK, Momto.
Molly
(((momtonicole)))
I feel your pain!! I've been giving myself injections for over 2 years and there are still somedays when it is too much for me to handle.
Everyone has already offered so much great advice. I will only say this - don't let yourself dwell on it. If you find yourself sitting there staring at the needle getting worked up then just walk away. Calm down and try again. Try having your DH talk to you about anything that will take your mind off of the needle.
The thoughts that gets me though my shots every week are these... I want to feel good and I know that my shots help. I want to be the best mom (someday) and I know my shots are fighting my RA. And even though I have ins that pays I know there are so many out there that aren't lucky enough to have these drugs to help.
Good luck with your next shot!!!!
Smiles, Jen
It is just really a fear thing and confidence handling a syringe & needle. I really suggest you practise with an old syringe until handling it becomes second nature, do this everyday for a few weeks drawing up (some water) and injecting into a bit of orange skin.
Fear can be overcome easily it is only yourself you are fighting with. Stick to your tummy area this really does not hurt at all. My thighs I sometimes feel the inital prick but that is all.
Honestly popping a little needle into your tummy is NOTHING compared to the pain of a flare so you really are doing yourself a favour. Be responsible for your own health care. Familiarity breeds CONFIDENCE.
I get up on my "needle days" and say thank god,for me it means 48hrs of being okay most of the time and I wish I could have one everyday.
I think the key is to make yoru injections less clinical. for me it is just a part of my routine. I switch on the jug to make a cuppa. get the enbrel stuff out of the fridge. mix it all up at the kitchen table...leave it sitting there whislt I have a cuppa & a shower then after I am dress just go and pop my needle in. All just a matter of routine.
Just dont think about it, in the scheme of things giving your self a little jab once a week is nothing. So enough of being a chicken and just do the deed without emotion, its just a job you have to do. Lell.
Thank you all so much for your helpful tips and support. I took an old needle last night and practiced a couple times, iced my leg, chickened out again a few times but finally got down to business and did it. I realized that part of my fear was poking a muscle instead of just skin too so if next week doesn't get better, I think I will go to my dr. office for a lesson again. I may even try to do the shots on Thursdays because there is a very small window between when my daughter goes to bed and the good shows come on that it may help to have some motivation and pressure.
Thanks again everyone!
Molly
Good girl, you will get the hang of it in no time.
Keep practising with an old needle, the chances of hitting the muscle are very slim unless you have no fat or skin on your body, just a 45 degree angle is fine or just tip the needle a little at a sideways angle, I dont bother much myself with the 45 degree as I have a heap of fat and no way is a needle that tiny going to make it deep enough for a muscle hit.
And I promise you that a needle in the tummy doesnt hurt ( for me it is more like trying to see over some giagantic boobs to see what I am aiming at !! )
PS Over the years I have taught diabetics to give themselves their needles and I always started with a practise needle/empty ampolue filled with water, and an orange or soft sponge. I would get them to practise assembling the needle & syringe, drawing up then giving it into the spongfe over and over again until they felt confident handling every thing first..then after that they were okay giving themselves their own needle.
It seems people on other injectable meds dont get the same education, just a one shot practise and a video to watch!! And setting up your own routine like you suggested after your daughter goes to bed and before a TV show you want to watch will help. Lell.
Molly