Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group "I just cant do it" my Enbrel injection

I have not tried the pen. I have heard that it is quite painfull and read some things about just using the syringes.. Thats the route I took.. I also prefer it in the stomach, Like jorgensen said, Just grab a fold and insert at a 45 degree angle, let go of skin when needle is in and inject.. but the pharm/doc probably already went over that..

Otherwise close your eyes and have a friend/family member do it!!

I struggled at first too. It is a mind stop thing. I had done a pen with my migraine med's so it wasn't a new thing but I wasn't sure about injecting the Humira. I had the nurse do it in my stomach the first time. She just laid it on the skin without pinching or pushing down and it wasn't even that startling. I did it next and found it easy. I like the stomach better then the leg. My thighs have harder muscle then my stomach and I just found that it went in really smooth. Just make sure it is two inches from your naval. Good luck.

Thanx for all ur replies you all have really good ideas.
I've tried icing the area before but still hurts i dont know if my pain
threshold has gone down coz i've been abit stressed or what but
really struggled with the last two and the pain was horrendous so
i think now i've just blocked the idea i cant even bring myself to let anyone
else do it why i dont know why i'm just confused.
I should have had it thursday and still not done it.

Ok,

Now a little tough love. Your pain threshold must be low. You can do this. If it was your child needing it to live you would stick it in with them kicking and screaming. This drug is your life -line. I guess if it isn't helping I could see giving it up , but if working pull yourself together, take a deep breath and do it. Think of all the people who would love the opportunity to get Biologics, but don't have insurance .

Janet

OK, it's Monday. Have you taken your shot?

Where are you injecting? I do my abdomen because I can find fat there more easily. It hurts like a son-of-a-[*bleep*] in the thigh because it's all muscle. Find a fatty part of your abdomen to do it. Make sure it's been out of the fridge for at least half an hour. And, to add to Janet's tough love, suck it in and tough it out. If this stuff is helping you, don't let fear stop you. Dear god, woman. You've faced so much - find a way to stare this one down!

Warm Hugs,

let the enbrel warm up. It does not hurt nearly as much according to my son Eric.

I used to take it out of the fridge a good half hour before he had the shot.

You are not alone. I love the benefits but find myself having to psych myself up to it. up to and including a final countdown.. I will also try letting it warm up a bit and I ice it too, until the spoot is cold from Ice. I found inner thigh easiest but it hurts only for a few seconds anywhere so find some inspiring music, put it on full blast pump it up and get a ready for this.
I also do it on the couch.. most comfy place for me.

Thanks again for all ur replies.

Its wednesday and i have missed last weeks enbrel i'm due to have it again tomorrow.

My rheumy nurse phoned me yesturday she is going to have a word with my rheumy doctor as he was thinking of changing my meds to Simponi if scans of my hands were positive for inflammation (which they weren't) but she said if he knew i was struggling to inject she wondered if he might change them anyway.
She said Simponi is only once a month and it doesnt contain the ingredient that stings so it hurts less, hopefully this is an option for me.
If my meds dont get changed i realise that i'm just going to have to 'grow a pair' and try my stomach or try and get my partner to do it.

Thanks again for your support.

Hugs! You can do it!!!!!! But kudos to your doc's office for being understanding and looking for a solution for you!!!!

Hi

I inject insulin daily and it almost always, stings, but it is life and death for me if I don't do it.

Janet