Injections

[Cathy616]

Has anyone ever tried or heard if you can use a numbing gel or cream on the injection site before you do your shot? I know you probably couldn't leave it on to do your shot but if it numbed the area a bit to help with the needle pain!!!

[Hidden]

Yes!!! I did when I first started and it helped me a ton. After a few months I didn't even need it anymore. I would also stay away from auto injectors as those make it worse!! Just use a regular syringe.

You'll need a prescription so talk to your primary and let them know your struggling with your injections due to pain. Mine prescribed a lidocaine + prilocaine cream, the generic of Emla.

You put it on the site ~1-2 hrs before, I would cover with plastic wrap not to get the cream on anything else, then after 1-2 hrs wipe the cream away, and the site will be numb.

[Cathy616 in reply to Hidden]

Hi DeeAma, thank you for your reply and the information about lidocaine/prilocaine. This is for my daughter who was just dx in June. She started with the auto injector but it caused her too much anxiety so she started injecting manually but she's started to have a hard time with that now. She tries so hard but between the pain of the needle and the medication (Copaxone) burning she's gotten discouraged and I know with all this just being new and trying to adjust to her dx she's overwhelmed. Her neuro doesn't recommend she take any of the oral meds bc of the possible side effects bc she suffers from migraines and also has POTS syndrome which her main symptom from that is rapid heart rate, feeling lightheaded and nausea. I hate this for her bc I feel helpless so that's why I'm trying to find out from others how they get through their injections. I've called in about the cream but waiting to hear back. Thanks again.

[Bobby59]

Hi, I use to use cold packs on the area. That seem to help me. Have you tried going to the website of your med. They my have some help and free things also. I wish you all the best.

[Cathy616 in reply to Bobby59]

Hi Bobby59, I haven't yet. When the nurse came out we asked and she said you could use anything except the warm or cold compresses. She's tried both ways and it hasn't helped. Just wishing there was better med options. But appreciate the advice I've received from everyone, it helps so much!!!!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Cathy616 that's a good question. I just suck it up and cringe ugh

[Cathy616 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Hi jesmcd2, I'm glad you're able to do the injections and I wish it wasn't so hard for my daughter. I just have to keep praying and keep reaching out for advice so I can help her through this.

[lauranell2u]

Gels are ok, but I didn't think we're worth the trouble. Get you a shotblocker from Amazon. they are a lifesaver.

[lauranell2u in reply to lauranell2u]

Were not we're. I hate auto correct. It should be my choice on whether to not to misspell something!

[Cathy616 in reply to lauranell2u]

Made me laugh though and I needed it!!!!!

[Cathy616 in reply to lauranell2u]

Hi lauranell2u, you told me about the shot blocker and I ordered it, it should be here Monday. So I'm hoping that helps but was just thinking about the numbing creams as a backup or using both. I just wasn't sure if anyone had used any of the numbing creams. Also got the liquid Benadryl you told me about for after the injection. Thanks again!

[lauranell2u in reply to Cathy616]

oh yea...I forgot who I mentioned that too. I need to start using sticky notes. LOL!! good luck.

[Cathy616 in reply to lauranell2u]

It's okay lol!!!! Thanks again

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

I was going to suggest The lidocaine cream. You need to get Rx from your doctor, Lynn

[Cathy616 in reply to CalfeeChick]

Hi Lynn, thanks I'm going to try and get the dr to prescribe it for my daughter. Really needing something to help her and I can't express to you and everyone else how much I appreciate the information and support!!!!!

[Justrubl]

When I was doing shots I found alcohol preps with topical numbing in them. Would let it sit on the area for about 10 min

[Cathy616 in reply to Justrubl]

Hi Justrubl! Thanks! Were did you get those kind of alcohol preps?

[Justrubl in reply to Cathy616]

I got them at Walgreens

[Cathy616 in reply to Justrubl]

Thanks, I'll check them out too!!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Cathy616]

I'm gonna ck them out to lol and isn't there a numbing spray? Idk lm gonna have to ck that out.

BTW Cathy616 how old is your daughter? And at the beginning of the Copaxone journal it tells you how to set the depth of needles

[Cathy616 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Idk about a numbing spray either. I'm still waiting to hear back from her dr about the other. Kinda fustrating bc it always take them so long to get back with us. She just turned 18. It's all just a lot to deal with even though I'd say she's doing good it's just the injections are getting her down the most.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Cathy616]

I found the freeze spray on amazon. Just type that in and click the medical one. I added it to my cart. I love amazon lol Might work for your daughter. And taking a deep breath and letting it go. If you relax l dont think it hurts as much. Keep us updated

[Cathy616 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Hi Jesmcd2! Sorry I haven't gotten back with you until now. Me and my daughter had a yardsale yesterday so between Friday and all day yesterday we were swamped but we did good!!! Yay!!! Thank you for the info on the freezing spray. I'll look into too and I'll let you know how things go. Thanks again sooo much!!!

[Hidden in reply to Cathy616]

I had my first episode Just around my 20th Birthday. I was misdiagnosed, then had my second episode when I was 26, and started treatment after about a year of doctor appointments and tests. Tell her to stay strong!! I'm sure she is on Facebook, and there is a group called "The Mighty" and I find inspiration from reading about other survivors of chronic illness, their experiences, suggestions, & stories. They also have a website I believe, and have different groups for different types of illnesses. I survived undergrad with RRMS, and am working on my PhD, doing everything I can to finish it even with the MS effects, Rebif side effects, and taking care of myself. I have 2 cats and can't say enough about how they give me a reason to live everyday, as do my family & friends,but animals are non-judgmental and it's a relief for me to feel they understand my good and bad days. One of my goals in life is to finish my degree, so I can have a job, and rescue animals to give them a better life. I remind myself when life gets hard, that it could always be worse, and there are people who would rather be in my shoes, and live the life I have, so I need to cherish even the most challenging days. Best wishes to your daughter!

[Jamie92]

Ice pack before to chill area and Benadryl cream after on injection site. Worked great when I was on copaxone

[Cathy616 in reply to Jamie92]

Hi Jamie92! Thank you. Would you just leave the cream on or wipe off after the burning stopped? How long did you take Copaxone if you don't mind me asking.