I think all the injectibles are a little scary and intimidating at first. Then, it does get better. It gets to where it becomes a part of, at least with C, your daily routine.

I'm so sorry about your sister, and how she is to herself and to those who love her.

Remember Amy, you have all of us here on your side.

Just some heading your way. Totally understand what you're feeling, so vent away.

From a needle phobe, the copax injections became routine. Still ran from other needles, lol. but injecting oneself is easier after awhile. It was the wrapping my head around needing the injection that took a while for me.

Hang in there.

I agree! With both of you. Dear Amy I also totally feel ripped of in the grand scheme of life. After a crappy childhood and working like a dog to get my life personal, professional and financial things in order along comes this miserable disease. Although if I'm totally honest I have also been blessed in many ways, shhhh don't tell anyone I admitted that.

As for the meds I look at them as the only postive here. Years ago people with MS had nothing! At least we have something. To me with every shot I give myself, 4 years now, I feel as if I have some power and am fighting the damn MS.

Hugs, good wishes and please keep us posted. Jules

Hey, you're one of us now, you'll make it through, just because.. Whining, once in while also helps...we all do it.

I did the BIG Avonex needle and then the piddly little Copaxone needle.. Copax was a cinch...I hope it goes as easy for you.

Thank you everyone for your support, it is really nice to have words of encouragement from those who truly know how I am feeling. My husband and family are so great to me, but they really just do not understand.

I know that I will be ok, I just need to get started on the treatment so these "weepy" tears of anticipation can take a hike! It is exhausting to feel this way, and I am going to enjoy this beautiful day darn it!

The first one is the hardest. The anxiety, the anticipation, the jitters, and the nerves! oh the nerves! I worried about being the only patient in history to have the dread immediate post injection reaction on the first try. The nurse assured me that she has never seen, nor read about ANY patient having it on the first go. That relieved my worried mind.

I will tell you it has a bite to it in the early days. it gets MUCH better! MUCH!

After the injection is over, doesnt matter if you use the injector or not, take your cotton pad or ball and PUSH directly into the center of where you injected. DONT RUB! copaxone is a sharp crystal style drug and rubbing fractures the crystals. Just push. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. This pushes the drug from the upper layer of fat to the deeper layers where its more easily absorbed, and will help keep those lumps little ones.

Some folks say it itches for a day or two. Hydrocort of benedryl cream really helps. I used Zyrtec or claritin tabs for the first few months and those helped.

Have a treat ready. a popcicle, a good book, a saved or taped TV program. and give yourself a huge pat on the back.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I have my shoes on, and will be waiting for you. Copaxone is pretty trouble free other than some minor things, like a lil itch, or a baby lump at the site.

YOU CAN DO IT! We are cheering for ya.!

Copaxone was the first DMD I tried. Before I did that first shot I was soooo anxious. Felt just like I did as a child when I knew I was going to get a shot at the doctor's office! I worried and fretted over it for days before I did it. Once I did it I felt so silly......this was what I was all worked up about?! I almost thought I'd done it incorrectly at first because there was really nothing to it. It's so small. But I'd done it correctly. I even called the nurse and she got a good chuckle from it! She said "yep, the anticipation is the worst part of it all". She was right!

You'll do just fine. And you'll be proud of yourself. Give yourself a treat 'cause you earned it!

Amy! Some of the events in our lives are hard to look at sometimes. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling, then keep on going anyway. The shots will empower you to do something about your illness. Make MS the victim in your thoughts every time you give yourself a shot...And remember you have a lot of people in your corner!

Amy when I started my Avonex I saw that needle as a sense of empowerment that I had OVER this disease! I am an RN and was afraid. But it does get better. I'm sure if you came on here as you are preparing to give yourself your shot there would be someone here to go through it with you.

MOnday is here! woo! come on back and tell us how proud of yourself you are.


The first one is the hardest. After this one, it gets better and better.