I finally heard from the pharmaceutical company (Acreedo Pharmacy) and they will be delivering my shipment of copaxone on Tuesday. A nurse is coming to my house on Wednesday to teach me how to manually inject. The last time I was on copaxone I remember the first two weeks as being a breeze, and then the site reactions and IPIR's began. I am hoping that the smaller gage needle and manual injections will help. The neuro's have made the recommendation that I use manual injections. I am trying to remain positive. The idea of manually injecting does not bother me too much, but the possibility of having another IPIR does freak me out a bit.

The good news is that my co pay is $24.00 a month. Of course the last time I did not have any co pay.

Barb, Wishing you lots of luck and success with Copaxone, this time..

Hi Barb,

The manual injections were much easier for me and less stressful overall. I did much better when I switched. I hope it works out better for you this time.

Barb I wish you lots of luck this time around.
The manual worked best for me. I never used the auto-injector, and I never had one IPIR ever, in 3 1/2 years. I am not on the drug anymore because it just stopped working for me.

At the cost of the drug, a $24.00 a month co-pay is excellent. Having a nurse restart you is a great idea too. They have smaller needles now.
Lady

Oh Barb! you KNOW I am your biggest cheerleader! I am thrilled that you are giving this another chance.

take a breath. relax. get into your happy place, and THEN do your shot. Dont do it while stressed, and hurried, and upset.

After the injection use that PUSH techinique that we have been speaking about. hold a cotton pad over it and PUSH firmly for 15 to 30 seconds. DONT RUB DONT RUB DONT RUB. Copaxone is a sharp crystal style drug, and the rubbing with fracture the crystals. Just firm pressure will push the drug from the upper layer of fat, to the deeper layers. I still have lumps, but they are 1/10 of what they were.

I know you are scared, worried, and have a head full of memories of bad reactions from interferons to Ty to copaxone. Take the time to shake them out of your brain, and have a positive affirmation. This time is going to be different. This time is going to work. this time is going to be so much more relaxed! Breath! give yourself a treat after. A nice cup of tea, or a walk, or a nice movie, or spoon full of chocolate. Let your body learn that this is a positive time, and full of good things. This way the negative old scared memories will be replaced with yummy, fun, relaxed vibes.

We are here for you!

i hope this works out for you barb.
it's good that the nurse is coming for some added education.
$25 is about what i pay. it's so nominal considering what C really costs.