Pegasys injections now hurt: Hi all, I have ET and... - MPN Voice

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Pegasys injections now hurt

FashionLover profile image
26 Replies

Hi all, I have ET and have been injecting Pegasys weekly since around March this year. I always choose my abdomen as my thighs are a bit solid and it never used to hurt but the past few times it hurts when the needle pierces the skin. It often takes two or 3 attempts and now I’ve built up a bit of a complex about it. Has anyone had similar issues or does anyone have any tips? Any replies are much appreciated, especially as today is injection day :(

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26 Replies
IrishSarah profile image
IrishSarah

I’ve found it varies, I think pain tolerance can fluctuate with hormones and where I’m at in my menstrual cycle. When I first started PEG i put an ice pack on the injection site for 10 minutes before, or a dab of numbing cream available from the pharmacy. As time went on I got too lazy for that level of preparation so I just take a deep breath and go for it 😂

Totally normal to feel apprehensive or nervous! You’re asking your brain (who’s primary function is to protect you) to “harm” your body. That can definitely kick off some anxiety which feeds the pain cycle.

Best tip I could give you is to try the mind over matter approach- I sound nuts when I’m doing it but I thank that little vial of magic medicine for the good it’s about to do for my body, tell it I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to choose treatment and protect my health etc etc

Hope it goes well for you today 💚

IrishSarah profile image
IrishSarah in reply toIrishSarah

Also when I’m picking an injection site I’ll pinch a roll and kinda poke around with my finger to find the least sensitive spot x

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toIrishSarah

Thank you for your advice, there are some good tips here 😊 x

gvibes profile image
gvibes

Hi. Your probably know this but make sure the chamfer edge of the needle is up. Sometimes I have trouble seeing it. Good luck.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply togvibes

Thank you, I often struggle to see it properly too as it’s so tiny

Wyebird profile image
Wyebird in reply togvibes

What do you mean by the chamfer edge of the needle?

gvibes profile image
gvibes in reply toWyebird

the needle is cut at an angle. In the pegasys instructions somewhere, they say place the bevel up. as you are going in at a 45 degree angle, it makes for a cleaner injection. If the bevel was pointed down, then there is more friction and maybe a larger hole ( I think) for the needle to get through the skin.

Wyebird profile image
Wyebird in reply togvibes

Agh, thank you. I drew blood last week maybe that’s why.

hunter5582 profile image
hunter5582

I have never had that issue. I have to be watching carefully as I cannot really feel it going in. I am wondering if you got a bad batch of needles. Sharp is good!

Like IrishSarah I use the pinch an inch method on the abdomen. I always switch sides and do not inject the same location often.

These injections really should not hurt with such a small sharp needle. hope you get it sorted out soon.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply tohunter5582

Thank you, I wonder whether I’m trying to inject in places that I’ve already injected previously but it’s not always easy to tell

Mustang50 profile image
Mustang50

I’ve heard you can use Emla cream put on 5 mins before helps, don’t use it myself but maybe people on here that do🤷‍♀️.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toMustang50

Thank you, may be worth a try

NCB1983 profile image
NCB1983

I recommend a relaxing bath beforehand, it makes the skin supple whilst also calming the mind. Similar to what others have said: I always "pinch an inch" and I alternate sides each week, making sure I avoid previous injection sites (which for me are obvious as I bruise at the site of the injection). One other tip is to not use the injection straight from the fridge, I take mine out of the fridge when I get in the bath. Hope these tips help.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toNCB1983

Thank you, I wonder whether I’m trying to inject in places that I’ve already injected previously but it’s not always easy to tell. I usually wait 20mins to half an hour after taking it out of the fridge

Threelions profile image
Threelions

Hi,I always thought thighs were a bit too solid but was really surprised when I first tried it as it was completely pain free.

Thighs have been my favourite injection sight since, so why not give it a try?

Emla cream always a good suggestion also.

All the best.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toThreelions

Thank you, I have no flab to pinch on my outer thighs (plenty on the belly!) but there is some on my inner thighs

Tylerdog1 profile image
Tylerdog1

I’ve been injecting Pegasys 18 months now and have this happen every few weeks - have always just put it down to the needle not being well made/sharp

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toTylerdog1

Thanks, that could be the case. Might be hit and miss with the needles

Hopetohelp profile image
Hopetohelp

I definitely find positioning the bevel makes a difference. The pointed part of the needle should be closest to the skin. I go in at a 45 degree angle. It is difficult to see but I found the ‘writing’ on the syringe is always in the same place so I held it near the window once where I could see more clearly and then looked at the writing and applied that when I was ready to do injection. Hope that makes sense. I always pinch and inch (or 2😂) and go in at a 45 degree angle. Good luck and let us know how you get on

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toHopetohelp

Thank you, that’s a good idea

jon1972 profile image
jon1972

I personally have found that one area of the skin is not as sensitive as the next, even just a centimeter apart. I poke myself lightly with the needle and if it hurts I just move it over a tad and repeat until I don't feel it and then inject in that spot. This works very consistently for me. I don't know the exact reason for this, but suspect that nerve endings don't cover the entire skin evenly and you can find those gaps in coverage for a less painful experience.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply tojon1972

Thank you, that makes sense

Vicki_02 profile image
Vicki_02

I inject into my tummy - I imagine it’s the face of a clock and go round it so that I’m shifting each time and that gives a nice break between injections, hopefully that makes sense. My tummy did start to become more sensitive so I have recently started using my thigh (defo have an inch or two to pinch😂) first time was uncomfortable but second time much better. I think sometimes it’s that I am more sensitive to pain and sometimes I just have a bit of a mental block because I don’t want to do it. I agree with the ‘mind over matter’ bit, it’s working wonders for me and it’s therefore the best thing but some days I just get a bit petulant that I have to do it😕I hope you find an area that works for you.

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toVicki_02

That’s a good way to do it. I do find other than bruises that are a couple of weeks old, I do find it hard to remember where I’ve injected previously. Definitely mind over matter and trying not to get freaked out are important

Hearingu profile image
Hearingu

You can buy EMLA cream from chemist and it numbs the area before you inject . It is great . Costs approx £4. Good luck 🤞

FashionLover profile image
FashionLover in reply toHearingu

Thank you 😊

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