Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group How do you prepare yourself for TNF injections

Whatup everyone,

Just wondering how everyone else goes about preparing themselves for an injection. Personally, I have only injected myself twice (with no notable improvement as of yet) but I have found it incredibly emotionally deteriorating. I get so nervous and anxious before injecting myself. The other day it took me literally an hour sitting against the wall with the pen pressed to my stomach and I just couldn't push the button. I got myself so wound up and nervous about it.

Any tips for self injecting? I guess it is something you will hopefully get accustomed to over time?

well i get someone else to do it.......someone efficient who doesn't dither is easy................is only an injection don't let it get larger than that in your thoughts

Hey seb, 'sup -

Saw your title and knew I had to dig this one up from at least 10 years ago Strutsy's post about injecting MTX

I stopped MTX after a couple of years, and have had a long needle-free hiatus (was on remicade which was IV). Started Humira last autumn, so am back to injecting myself fortnightly.

I'm that many years on in my training, so realise that helps me a great deal, but I still think there's a bit of a mental block between injecting other people (if you're in a job where you do this) and injecting yourself. MTX was a particular stumbling block because it was bright sickly yellow. As if I needed another reminder that I was putting a poison in my body! My Humira is clear, which helps alot, but it hurts like *stink* no matter where I put it (and believe me, I have enough subcut tissue to go around! )

The first time I injected my Humira I nearly fainted - part of it was the surprise of the pain of the injection (I likely went IM and like I've already said the device hurts like stink no matter where you go, though I do find tummy better than legs). Most times, alright everytime up until my most recent injection, my lovely husband with type 1 diabetes and psoriatic arthritis has been near for moral support. Some of the best times have been when he's been giving me a concurrent big squeeze. The most recent time I was post-call and couldn't care, and I barely noticed it (but it was a horrible night on-call and I don't recommend this as a method to improving injectability)

I realise this hasn't been very much about tips as much as it's been a supportive "hey self-injecting gets the best of us" sort of a post, so I'll sum up with some things that have worked for me.

1. if it's a needle and syringe don't stab it in (like I was initially taught), it doesn't matter if it's stuck in hard or gently and gently doesn't hurt as much (although I realise the rheum nurse was trying to encourage the momentum as much as anything else).
2. I still count to three before I do it - gives me something to aim for... and then I count to 10 to make sure the whole of the injection is in before I move the pen away.
3. Honestly, being squeezed or having some sort of a distraction (holding a loved pet) is helpful.
4. I've thought about (though haven't tried) getting a great song that I love on, and getting myself psyched to do it - although if you're mostly nervous and anxious then some music that is calming might be better for you.

Ultimately I suspect that when you start seeing the benefits, you'll have more incentive to do it. Humira is every 14 days, and I start having GI symptoms at day 12, so I'm just happy to get 'er in, and have better control of my symptoms (honestly, improved control by that evening). But in the short term, maybe associating it with a small reward would be helpful?

Hope this helps, but suspect it will be useful to think about what it is that's making you nervous / anxious and work with that (I used to have problems with infusion reactions with Remicade, so what I was most nervous about with Humira is that I would have a reaction on my own, and not be able to get help, easily sorted by ensuring someone else was around me for the injection and the first 30 min afterwards).

Jeanna

hi seb, just a wacky suggestion to throw into the mix but if it were me i would experiment with taking a cold shower first. this increases beta endorphins and noradrenaline and has a significant analgesic (pain relieving) effect. it also activates the sympathetic nervous system (the fight or flight response) which can be a good way to get psyched up for something.

Interesting posts, thanks!

11 years ago, wow I was 7 years old back then and as happy as you could get. Scary to think of it that way. Strutsy; how is your condition now?

thanks for the tips. I have also found that the pain of the injection is quite significant. For me, I have to be completely away from anything and everyone.

It's amazing how much pain you can tolerate with AS and a small temporary injection feels like a major deal.

I guess it just comes down to mind over matter.

Wow, interesting idea. Thanks Jroc

this is wonderful timing. I am just getting ready to start Humira. TB test done, waiting on insurance....

I personally am looking forward to injections...but i am weird. :-) and have noticed lately that any injection or needle even blood tests are hurting less.

And i have recently had a friend describe getting piercings in such an amazing way that I was thinking of getting piercings. I'm gonna hold off and see if there is a similar rush with injections (i told you i am weird) and soooooo looking forward to benefits.

I hope you can overcome the nervousness of injecting yourself. I remember how nervous I would get when I first started. It was very difficult,I would nearly passout at the thought of it. After a couple of months,I felt improvement in my symptoms from the Humira,so I got less nervous and started to welcome the injections because they helped me so much. Personally,I found that the actual syringe was easier than the pens. I make a game out of it,first cleaning the site to be injected thoroughly,then I pinch up the skin and subcutaneous layer. I know the medicine is going to help me feel better and that helps. If you know how to meditate,that really helps. I form the word RELAX in my mind and then spell it out one letter at a time,giving a color to each one....R is red ,E is yellow,L is blue,A is brown,X is green...that sort of thing....and repeat this over and over untill I'm calm......try it.. hope it helps.

I just think about how much better the Humira will make me feel. I do ice the area first to help numb the area a bit. After almost 2 years, I don't think about the pain of the injection much. It did bother me the first few time, but after that, I got used to it.

Takes me about 2 mins. I wipe off the area, grab the pen sit down and then its over. Takes me longer to get the sharpie container down from the top shelf to dispose of it. When I use a normal needle and not the pen I use my legs and not my belly, just find that easier.

Just dont think about it and get it done. Also if you are apprehensive dont do it while on your feet sit down and do it. Im sure in time this will pass for you, good luck.

Ankylosing Spondylitis sucks.