starting copaxone

thanks for the advice. I will try it tonight when I give the injection another try. I know I need to keep trying. Im glad to know it will get better.

Karen,

If you haven't already found it here onsite, please read Beginner's Guide to MS: Subcutaneous Injections, 7 Tips for Reduced Pain and Skin Irritation. 

I do hope that it gets better very soon, but I've gotta be honest.  When I haven't been rotating shots like I should, and return to an area which hasn't been used in weeks, the injection will burn.  The tissue seems to become more sensitive again when not exposed to the 'battery-acid' injection.  Another benefit to rotating faithfully.

Thanks, that was really informative! Im sure it will be very helpful.

I wanted to make sure I got this right. You said it was ok to leave 5 or so of the syringes out and ready at room temp.? This wont affect the medicine? Also do you give yourself your shots, if so how do you do the ones on your backside?

It is ok to leave Copaxone at room temperature for 30 days according to TEVA who makes it.  I recommend that you call Shared Solutions and request the small travel containers which hold 5 syringes.  This is what I keep mine in when not in the refrigerator.

For injections on my backside, I definitely use the autoject to help me reach.  I simply reach around as far as is comfortable and inject in the area which most people would call their hips.  Basically wherever you might have extra cushion is useful for injections, for instance I use my saddle bags (outer, upper thighs) too.

Lisa, thanks for getting back to me. It sure helps to talk to someone who has gone through this for advice.

When there is a little bleeding after the injection does that mean I am going to deep? I injected into my thigh at a "6" and had some bleeding. Also the area seems to swell and really hurt for about a half an hour. Does that still happen to you? Im just really hoping this will get better! Sorry to ask so many questions, im just worried that this is going ok. Thanks

Hi Karen,

Bleeding after the injection and/or a little bit of leaking is normal.  So a little bit of blood doesn't mean that you've injected too deep.  Simply use a cotton ball to help seal the injection site afterwards.  The swelling is unfortunately normal as well.  You might want to try applying an icepack afterwards.  I've not done this but other folks say that it seems to help.  BTW, I still get swelling on my thighs and often get a few drops of blood.  Hang in there.

Thanks.Im hanging in there and it seems to get better each time. Thanks to the support ive recieved from this site (it has sure helped me be more at ease.)

I did have a nurse show me how to do the first shot so im not sure what i could be doing wrong. My husbands been doing the injections. So I guess I can get mad at him..just kidding. Im going to keep trying and pray it will get better. I just get frustrated too easy! Thanks!!

Hi Ami. thanks for your reply. I did get on your myspace and looked around a bit. You have alot of interesting things on there and when I have more time I will keep looking. Its great to hear stories and experiences from other MSers. Will you be starting the rebiff soon? I wish you lots of luck with the switch!!! I am so hopeful in hearing how well you did on the copaxone. I know if I stick with it the shots will become easier to bear and I am so happy that I dont experience the flulike side effects like I did on the avonex. Let me know how the rebiff goes. Karen

Thanks for your advice. I tried the ice pack and it did help some. It seems to get better each time I give the shot so I am hopeful. I know you are right about not stopping. I was tempted to but I know that isnt the right thing to do. I am so sorry to hear that you are now disabled. That must be hard to deal with. I know I need to be thankful that my MS was found early and that there are treatment options available for me. I wish you the best.

Karen

I'm glad the ice pack helped. I too was tempted to stop the process of injections altogether. In fact I did for about a week & my symptoms seemed to get worse. So Iwent baqcki to my injections. "There are other options if your neuro. says it's okay." But only if he/she says you are able to. I'll ask my friend what he's on & get backto you on that.

Corrina

Thanks for the advice. The injections have been getting a little easier and less painful. Though I still get welts sometimes I am hanging in there for now. But it sure is nice to know there are other options if I cant handle this anymore. I will call the nurses also and see what advice they have for me too. Thanks so much and I wish you lots of luck with your new meds. Let me know how you do.

Thanks for the advice. The injections have been getting a little easier and less painful. Though I still get welts sometimes I am hanging in there for now. But it sure is nice to know there are other options if I cant handle this anymore. I will call the nurses also and see what advice they have for me too. Thanks so much and I wish you lots of luck with your new meds. Let me know how you do.

Im sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. But glad youve chose a medicine to help the process, even though it is rough to take everyday. Your right the arm hurts pretty bad. They hurt alot in my legs too though and usually I get a welt when I inject there. I used to not mind doing it in my stomach till I did it last night and I had so much pain afterwards. You are right though if you put ice on it right after it really helps! Sometimes I get scared thinking I just dont think I can do this everyday for ever. But I know its the best thing I can do. I wish you all the best. Keep in touch.

Karen