Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Enbrel script arrived...

Yes, the humira autoinjector pen hurts like the dickens too!

And yes I warm the med and yes I ice my skin before. Nurse said both before and after icing so I will try that next.

The needle itself I barely feel. when I ice, I don't feel the needle at all. but the med stings. Still I think the icing helps.

and i will probably always have my husband do it for me. if he's will to inflict pain on me, i'm willing to allow him to do so. maybe the syringe would hurt less and maybe in time we'll go there, but for now. a few seconds of pain for days of pain relief is worth it.

I watch tv while he does it to take my mind off / so i don't get nervous.

I use the pre-filled syringe and wouldn't switch back to the autoinjector for anything (other than unavailability). You can control the pace of the injection. Humira stings like [*bleep*]. But I can go slow...4-6 little stings as opposed to a big 'whack' and a big sting. Hubby is using the pen and first one was fine, then the 2nd one hurt. He's stuck for another 3 months on the pen but may switch to syringe at that time.

Oh, I see you are taking Enbrel. Forget about the part where it stings. Enbrel didn't sting for me. Good luck. You can do this, really. Hope the hypno works out for you. Remember the shot will make you feel better...like Sue22 says. Hugs.

I used the pen and have wondered if that was part of my reaction. I have a Latex allergy and there is a warning on the pen about that. My dr. thought the way it was made I wouldn't have a problem but I definitely had a problem so much that we were afraid to try it again with the syringe.

The first time I ever injected myself or my husband I was nervous but after that I wasn't nervous at all.
Best wishes.

I'm still flipping out about it I couldn't get in to the hypnotherapist until next week but he's confident we can deal with it, said it's the most common phobia he deals with.

I've booked in to another GP to help me out again this week and downloaded some meditations for needle phobias and will take a couple of Mersyndol (contains paracetemol, codeine and doxylamine succinate - an anti-histamine which acts as a mild sedative) before I get it done....

Just thinking about it is causing stress, so trying very hard not to think about it!! I'm stuck with the pen for now, but will discuss the syringe with my rheumy when I see him to reapply for it in 12 weeks - I'm just not sure I can cope actually having to look at where I'm placing the needle

I'm really sorry it's proving so difficult Supnut !!
Are you feeling any benefits from the Enbrel though ? Coz if you are that might help you to put things in perspective ?
That's what I tell myself before the injection :"10 seconds of pain once a week is a lot better than a week of pain once a week !". And then take a deep breath, push the button and exhale whilst counting to 10 and it's over.
Or if you freak out doing it yourself, why don't you consider having someone else do it for you every time ? Like your husband, or a nurse, if it makes it easier for you ??
All the best I hope it gets sorted out !

I agree with marion, if your husband will do it for you, have him do it. I do that and though it still hurts, its much easier to do that way. I don't have to prove (my bravery) to anyone is how I feel.

But that's up to you and your husband of course!

thank you ladies! My hubby is more than happy to inflict pain on me (haha!) but my issue is that he's not always around (has to go away for work or sometimes he just goes away with his mates) so I feel like I NEED to be able to do it for myself just in case... And after my experience at the Dr's surgery last week, I'm actually more anxious about getting a Dr or nurse to help me now... :-/

No benefits yet - I want to put a post up asking "how long until I see improvements?" but I'm guessing that's like asking "how long is a piece of string?" because we're all different... That was only the first injection, so I would assume I'd need a few at least before I see an improvement if it's going to work for me??

I did my meditation/self-hypnosis thing this afternoon - I heard the first five minutes then next thing I remember hearing is "1,2,3,4,5 wake up, that's it, 1,2,3,4,5, wake up"! Hopefully something sunk in!! LOL

I am sorry you are having this hard time. I have never tried self-hypnosis but my husband thinks it is wonderful. I hope it helps you.

I hope you react very quickly to the med. I know Sue responded quickly to the Humira.

Blessings.

I spoke to the nurse coordinator at the Enbrel Support program today and she said hypnosis is brilliant and I'll be using it for everything! haha! Fingers crossed

Sounds like good news! As for self-hypnosis...never tried it. Could I bypass all the mayhem at work by trying it...LOL. Glad it seems to be helping you. Everyone is different, that's true. I started feeling better from Enbrel after the 3rd shot, if I recall (weekly at the beginning). Definitely by the end of the month.