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Injection site reaction - a question

Hello all.  Doing my 3rd shot tonight of the tics and leaches medication (Pegintron) and trying not to think too much about it.  

I know injection site reactions are common, so I almost never mention it, but I want to check on something.  I've been injecting in my thigh.  I'm skinny, but I can still grab 2 inches of flesh and get the needle in for what I think is a good shot.   About 4 days LATEr I end up with a reaction - a red, hot, kind of itchy area that's a little larger than a silver dollar.  

Is this normal?  Is there a way to minimize it?  Should I use ICE?  What the hell am I gonna look like after then next 21 of these?  

My first shot are from two weeks ago is almost completely faded -- so it does go away.

Many thanks to all.  

Peng.
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Avatar universal
Hey, that's better than laughing at husbands! Take my word for it. Especially, if they are still on tx.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi bluepeng - so glad to hear you are continuing, and you sound much calmer....  I just did number 8 shot - belive me I am nervous before each one, but I have started to make a very structured approach to it, and the anticipation for me, is worse than actually doing it....  I take tylenol PM an hour before shot, drinks lots of water, light a candle, do the shot, have a snack, and go to bed, last night was shot night and I slept 12 hours!! I seem to feel better if I can get a long sleep in after the shot.  I do wake up several times during the night, but I talk myself into going back to sleep.... My first 2 shots were in each leg, and I got big bruises (about 3 inches in diameter, dark red) which are slowing going away.  The doc checked to see if they were painful or hot, which they aren't, so she said don't worry, and to try the abdomen. I have been injecting in the abdomen ever since, and have had no trouble... go figure!!!!
so hang in there, as another newbie I can really relate to your emotions....  but, we are taking control and fighting this virus, day by day... I know the drugs can be nasty, but every day we complete them is one more day towards our goal of possibly becoming free of this thing...
all the best,
sammy
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Avatar universal
I am a little calmer and I followed a structured approach to last night's shot.  I don't want to hem and haw too much sitting there in bed, that only prolongs it.  The shot is really nothing from a pain perspective, but I have images of horrible things happening nevertheless.  Man, last week's shot is red, slightly swollen, hot and HURTS.  It's annoying.  I noticed something I did last night that may cause this.  I didn't have a gauze or bandaid handy so I used the alcohol pad to apply pressure after the shot.  I don't know, I've wiped areas with isopropyl after doing IV injections and I never had this reaction.  Today's symptoms were quite manageable.   I ached a lot, but so far no fever, no blinding headache, no chills, nausea, etc.   I even felt like I could see through the fog a little.   I did get incredibly gloomy around 5PM.  I watched Born on the 4th of July and I was in a very dark mood after that.  Not so bad now.  

Thanks again,

Blue.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Make sure you are wiping the tip of needle with alcohol pad, and also injection site.. Let both dry before shot..
I am on shot 15, and I get just alittle bruise, or red spot for a few days, but no itching or reaction...
Glad to see you hanging in there. It will get better, and and you are doing the right thing..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I first started injecting on my arm. I did this for about 7 months, and yes, the mark was always there. Later I switched to my buttocks, and still the same mark. After my first shot the mark lasted for weeks. I don't miss them. :)
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Avatar universal
Thank you for the suggestions and experience.
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Avatar universal
I always pulled the needle out slowly and put pressure on the site immediately after, this does help  :)
Also, rotate site.
            Deb
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I always alternated between stomach and thighs,,,In the beginning of my tx,,,I did shots only in stomach and also first few weeks,,,would develop red spots and some even turned black and would fade after a few weeks but eventually those spots didn't show up after first month.  I think its just the reaction you are having to something new in your system..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I injected in my outer thigh for 48 wks.  Same reaction as yours.  I would just use Hydrocortison creme or ointment on it and it helped the inch anyway.  The spot stayed the whole time; fading and coming back.  I only had one friend that actually said anything when she noticed it and said "WHAT IS THAT?".  Of course, I just told her that was where I did my shot every week and thanked her for noticing (ha!ha!).

It does go away after treatment.  Thank your lucky stars you only have 24 wks to do.

Good luck with your continued tx.
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Avatar universal
I injected into my inner thighs with no apparent reaction.  Toward the end of TX I got bored and injected into my abdomen; both times I saw a red silver dollar size reaction. I decided the reaction came because my jeans waistband would hit just at the injection site while nothing touched my inner thighs?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, you can use ice on the inflammation.  Let the shot warm to room temp and inject slowly.  I rotate 4 injection sites, thighs and abdomen.  I find less problems with the abdomen and for some reason I will get more reactions and rashes when I use my left thigh.  Someone else may have other suggestions for you, good luck.
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