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
Written by
Savannahseger
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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! 🌷
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.
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!!
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
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!!!!
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.
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 👍🏻
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.
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.
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