Recently, someone on PatientsLikeMe posted a question about Copaxone injection pain. I wanted to share my response:
I’ve been on Copaxone for 3yrs. I have occasional injection pain. I’m very lean (6′5″ & 156lbs), here’s what works for me:
1. Ensure injection is up to room temperature (I like to leave it out all night, in prep for my morning injection).
2. Let Alcohol swabbed area dry completely.
3. Use the Autoject. I set mine to between 4 & 5 setting to get it just under my skin and miss my muscles. Set your Autoject, as appropriate to your Body Mass.
4. Make sure there is no ‘drip’ on the end of the needle. I give my Autoject a few taps to shake off any excess medication.
5. Exhale a deep, relaxing breath before engaging the Autoject (as if firing a rifle). Sometimes the anxiety of anticipation can increase your perception of pain. Breath, relax, shoot.
It took me a good 6 months to get comfortable with daily injections. Good luck.
Sponsored by: Living with Multiple Sclerosis (DVD)
susie d said,
April 25, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
How can I possibly afford copaxone?
Weepy iand overwhelmed in Texas
thriving said,
April 25, 2009 @ 11:51 pm
Good question.
An MS diagnosis is overwhelming and can seem like the end of the world. Luckily, it’s not.
First, hang in there. A wealth of resources are available to support you (see below).
When I was diagnosed I cried for a week and mourned the loss of ‘my perfect life’ for another three years. Have your cries, rage at the heavens, move through the stages of grief, and let it all out.
In the end, I realized life is about living in the moment, appreciating every second. I hope this comes as some comfort to you.
Second, here is a list of resources to help you get help, get medication, get right:
Contact Shared Solutions Financial Assistance:
http://www.copaxone.com/supportServices/insurAssist.aspx
Join a Local MS Society Chapter:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/newly-diagnosed/index.aspx
Join NARCOMS:
http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/CMSC-NARCOMS-Information.html
Read About Multiple Sclerosis:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=multiple+sclerosis&x=0&y=0