So I started my Copaxone injections two weeks ago. The nurse that came and did my training said I needed to use a 4mm setting because I have no fat at the injection sites.

I was fine doing that except I would get this blister looking bump after the injection which I assumed was the med under the skin.

The in home nurse said that was most likely the case and as long as it appeared to absorb with in a few hours it was fine.

On Saturday I got my first sight reaction to my Friday night shot - red, hot, itching, and swollen. I called Shared Solutions 24 hour nurse hot line to ask if I should seek medical attention.

She said it was a standard site reaction and if it did not go away in 48 hours or look worse it would be fine. She was very concerned when I told her about the blister bump I usually see right after injecting the Copaxone.

She was adamant that I was not injecting deep enough and that I needed to adjust the needle setting until I did not see that blister bump. I told her repeatedly that I do not have fat at the injection sites.

So that night I tried a 6mm setting, still had a blister bump. Sunday night we tried a 8mm setting, sill had a blister bump but it was 1/8 the size - figured that was better we should stick with that.

Last night I did my abdomen with a 8mm and it obviously hit muscle judging by the fact that I felt like I was in the final stages of labor with my abdomen rolling and spasmming like crazy, not to mention the pain.

I called Shared Solutions 24 hour nurse again to verify I did in fact hit muscle.

The nurse who called back was talking to me as if English was my second language. Talking down to me as if I were a child, telling me how the drug had not been tested on intra-musclar injections and the needle is the wrong type for going into a muscle. As if I did that on purpose! Asking me why I was setting it so deep. I was finally able to get a sentence out and explain what the nurse on Saturday had told me. And again I explained that I don't have fat at the injection sites.

I asked her about the blister bump and she just kept saying "We want to minimize those injection sight reactions." The blister bump doesn't bother me and goes away after a few hours. I finally asked her point blank, "With the blister bump, am I getting the therapeutic dose into my body?"

It took three tries before she finally answered "Yes."

Then she gave me a whole run down on if you can pinch 2 inches use 8mm, 1 1/2 use 7mm, 1 inch use 6mm, 1/2 inc use 5mm or 4mm. I told her I can't pinch 1/2 inch on any site but my stomach.

I am going back to 4mm. I don't think the nurse on Saturday took me seriously when I said I had no fat at the injection sites. I recently dropped 20 lbs and am still losing, we're not sure why. I'm 5' 5" and weigh 120 lbs.

Thank you for reading the vent. My stomach is still sore today but completely tolerable.