Injection day! my 3rd round of Cimzia...: Today I am... - NRAS

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Injection day! my 3rd round of Cimzia...

Savannahseger profile image
24 Replies

Today I am tasked with injecting myself not once but twice with my new biologic medication, Cimzia, however this is the first time I've done it on my own without a nurse.

How do others 'psych' themselves up and get motivated to do their injections on dreaded injection day?

Any helpful, fun and silly tips please :D

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Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger
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24 Replies

I close my eyes and think of Scotland or Wales .😉 Actually I dont find the injections to be too bad, although benepali certainly bites a bit more than the methotrexate shot. I always use my stomach.

Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger in reply to

Did it phase you the first time you did your stomach? I've always been too scared! Also I've done them now - the best thing I find is to make sure the house is really warm because when I'm nervous I get the shivers!

in reply to Savannahseger

Oh well done!

No it didn't really phase me. On the other hand I never do them in my thigh, I figure that would hurt more. I've got a bit of a spare tyre! I was just in so much pain I shoved it in first time no problem.

I hope it makes you feel better. 😁

Bradclew profile image
Bradclew in reply to

Do it in the stomach pinch a bit off fatty area if you have it you won’t feel it much if you do it therexxgood luck

beanieboy profile image
beanieboy

Hohoho the thigh hurts if you get it into muscle I found. I ended up doing in the stomach....one injection left side....next the right. I actually found the injections better than the tabs as they immediately made me nauseous. That was with methotrexate up until they all made me violently ill and had to take the folic straight away.

Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger in reply to beanieboy

I have always been told to try stomach but It kind of freaks me out, I don't know why.

sjhewitt42 profile image
sjhewitt42

Yeah I agree, stomach is much better than the thigh... xxx

Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger in reply to sjhewitt42

I've just never had one there so can't get my head around it. It also seems like it would feel awkward in my hand with the position? xx

Bubblyb profile image
Bubblyb

I just say to myself “one...two...three...GO”! I have learned the hard way that if I’m timid about pushing it in, it hurts! So I just quickly stab it in and it’s better. I have only taken MTX, not any biologics yet, so I may have to up my courage a bit, if and when that happens. I am proud of all of us that have to get courageous and just Do It! 🌷

Becky

Scottishlad profile image
Scottishlad

Like some others I find I have fewer problems with the belly area than the thighs. Make sure the syringe is out of the fridge for 30-40 minutes and it doesn't sting. I rotate round the navel area upper right, lower right etc. Meaning that it is 8 weeks before I come back to the same area.

Floralqueens profile image
Floralqueens

I always inject in the thigh, I prefer a firmer bit of flesh, I can’t face injecting in the tummy (a bit wobbly!) I just sit down, go through the process very methodically and voila it’s over with for another week!!! No pain, bruising or side effects of any kind except for the usual nausea, but then that goes along with taking MTX!!! Small price to pay to help manage my RA. Keep on and you’ll be fine, I’ve managed 3 on my own and it does get easier each week!!

Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger in reply to Floralqueens

That's exactly how I feel! I find the Cimzia injections are quite violent with the needle spring though, it always bruises me and the bruises last for 2 weeks. :( x

Floralqueens profile image
Floralqueens in reply to Savannahseger

If you apply pressure for longer than you think you should you won’t bruise. The application of the pressure results in the bleeding stopping and thus not developing into a bruise. I do the same for my fortnightly blood tests and I’ve never been marked. PRESSURE, PRESSURE, PRESSURE!!!!

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

I look at it as the day I get a wonderful drug into my body that will make me better and prevent further damage. I welcome it wholeheartedly. All the best.

Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger in reply to stbernhard

Good attitude to have :) xx

MagsLough profile image
MagsLough

And relax......... I find if I can do that it’s not so bad as if I’m tense.

MTX is a breeze compared to Benepali so I hope yours isn’t so bad.

cathie profile image
cathie

Try deep breathing and the needle goes in on an out breath.

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5

I would smile😀 and countdown from 5,4,3,2,1

beanieboy profile image
beanieboy

Heck guys we’ve got RA, a small needle is nothing compared to the pain we have daily! Embrace the nip of the needle for the joy of not getting a flare up 👍🏻

Savannahseger profile image
Savannahseger in reply to beanieboy

It's not the needle that hurts unfortunately, the drug is a very burning sensation and it's nothing like the pain from my joints :( It's also a very violent injection pen, I would prefer a syringe type application where I was in control of the needle going in and out.

beanieboy profile image
beanieboy in reply to Savannahseger

Oh that sounds terrible, can’t they give to proper ones hun?

Kracker55 profile image
Kracker55

I have been poked and jabbed so many times I don’t even flinch anymore. Some people ice the spot to numb it

Momof2ga profile image
Momof2ga

I took my second dose today and I can't do it. I tried over and over, I cried a lot, anxiety kicked my behind and I called a friend to come do it for me Good luck. I'm scared I'll never be able to do it myself.

Whezziewhoozie profile image
Whezziewhoozie

I too am on Cimzia and I was great to begin with but now have to really psyche myselfUp. I have had a lot of one two three go and then I don’t do it.

Someone once said put something tasty in your mouth at the same time and it distracts from the injection.

I have found a bit of chocolate works

Good luck

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