Pegasys injections now hurt

[FashionLover]

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

[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 in reply to IrishSarah]

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 in reply to IrishSarah]

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

[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 in reply to gvibes]

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

[Wyebird in reply to gvibes]

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

[gvibes in reply to Wyebird]

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 in reply to gvibes]

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

[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 in reply to hunter5582]

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]

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 in reply to Mustang50]

Thank you, may be worth a try

[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 in reply to NCB1983]

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]

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 in reply to Threelions]

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]

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 in reply to Tylerdog1]

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

[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 in reply to Hopetohelp]

Thank you, that’s a good idea

[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 in reply to jon1972]

Thank you, that makes sense

[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 in reply to Vicki_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]

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

[FashionLover in reply to Hearingu]

Thank you 😊