I did it. I did what the nurse said and my first dose of Copaxone went fine yesterday. I used heat before and ice after and it barely hurt at all. I used my left thigh and only have a little bruise. I think that was because I forgot to put a cotton ball on the site and then stood up. I woke up with a headache today and everything seems brighter but otherwise just tired.

I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. I’m trying to stay positive but once I gave myself that shot I knew I was in this for the long haul. But I’m on my way to feeling better, and I have to keep telling myself that. They told me it might take a good 6 months for the Copaxone to reach full effectiveness but this is the beginning of my wellness. Hopefully in 6 months I’ll be singing that James Brown song………..”I Feel Good”.

Yea, Thumper. I hope this is the start of something good for you..

Good for you. I think of my shots as a bit part of my fight against this stinking disease. Hang in there.

Welcome to the C club Thumper Like Sally said hoping its a positive factor in your MS. Did the nurse mention let the dose warm to room temp? that will help too, and use those swabs to help keep injection sites clean. Congrats

good for you thumper.
you've passed the biggest hurdle, just starting.

you'll get the technique down soon enuf.
it'll become a routine thing.

in the meatime there's lots of folks here on C that can back you up.

I'm proud of myself for doing it. I shook so bad doing it and I was terrified I'd hit something I shouldn't have. She did tell me to warm it up first Frank but I took it yesterday before work and I was rushing. I've decided to give it to myself in the evening when I'm not rushed.

Faith seems to be inherent in dealing with this disease: Faith in oneself to cope, faith in doctors, faith in science, and ultimately faith in something bigger than all of us vulnerable bits of flesh and grey matter.

I walked in that doctor's door voluntarily. I knew what would be told to me. I walked out the same person I always was. I just knew more. I have a new label. Patient. Patient with an incurable disease. But it doesn't change the fact that I am me and have to live this life as I have always had to do. The line had been crossed and time was allowed to once again regain its momentum. Like a choreographed dance I stepped into line with it.

And on I go to #2.