What's Your Injection Routine?
I was wondering if anyone who takes injections has thought up of any kind of routine to make the process seem a bit more normal and less daunting.
At the moment my routine is to take the pen out of the fridge and allow it to cool down a bit while I prepare and eat my Monday night dinner.
After I have finished eating I will put on some relaxing music and wash my hands and give my thigh a wipe.
I will usually wait for a certain part in the song like the start of the chorus to press down, which I find calms the tension I used to feel whilst waiting for the second click that releases the needle.
How do you go about doing your injections?
I also alternate between the thighs and either side of my belly button. I usually psyche myself up, as i hate injections but last weekend I picked up the injection pen and just did it before I was ‘ready’ and it was a much better experience.
- thanks for sharing this. Sometimes we try not to think about it and just do it. This helps. I know I thought about injecting myself way too much and it increased my anxiety. Hope others find good ways to go about this. Rebecca (team member)
I take out my Cosentyx, rub a little lidocaine on my injection area, take my pain med if needed that day, then I put on a 30 minute program that I know has a happy ending. No news or show about how horrible the world can be. I ask google to set a 30 minute timer. After a few laughs it's time to inject. Still burns like heck but I tell myself 30 seconds of burn equals 30 days of help. Plus I only use the pens so I don't have to actually see the needle. I had a severe needle phobia so my first 3 injections I actually needed a valium to do them. I still hate needles but a comedy show is all I need now.
That's actually a great idea to apply numbing cream before hand - I hadn't thought of that at all! Do you have to clean it again before applying?
I really love the idea of rewarding yourself with some warm hearted laughs before and after the injection too. What shows do you usually go for when you do it?
All the best,
James (Community Member)
I received a call Friday from the 1 Rheumatologist we have here. I was approved and have an appointment on February 22nd. Hopefully a cancelation will happen and I'll get in earlier. I'm taking a que from you and compiling questions for her.
That's great news about being approved but fingers crossed you might be able to get it moved a little bit earlier! That's a great idea I hope that you are able to get all the answers you need there too!
Best wishes,
James (Community Member)
Let us know how it goes! Sending vibes for some comfort and relief soon. -Anthony (Team Member)
I do think I can go without. Without pain medication it's unbearable. I take 4 short acting pills a day because that's all a new pain Specialist would give me. Once 11pm hits the pain makes me rock and get up and down so I don't sleep. I am in pain 24/7. The only thing that changes is its severity. I was on a long acting for 20 + years and I was able to live a fairly active life. Slowing down when flare ups would happen so my body wouldn't be aggravated more. I'm hoping the Rheumatologist will be able to help me go in the direction of arthritic meds and see if that will eliminate having to take long acting meds. I figure it's worth investigating.
I'm amazed that you managed to get by for so long without any! Have you managed to book an appointment to see a rheumatologist yet? It's definitely worth investigating and I really hope they can find something to give you the relief you need!
Let me know how you get on and if you have any other questions I'll try my best to help out!
All the best,
James (Community Member)
