needle phobia? this works for me

I get into a sweat when anticipating injections---just figured out in the last month that if "heat up" the injection site w/ bath, shower/ or heating bad, I don't feel the shot!

[alagirl]

I can remember what that was like, although its been years and years ago since I had allergies and started my own injections in high school.  Those lasted into adulthood at different times in my life so I don't even think about it now.  In fact, I would love it if my Riba was injectible.  

Right now I have to pysch myself up to take every dose of my Riba because I get so nauseous.  I have to sit there and visualize all of the steps I'll take.  Getting up, getting a drink and something to eat with it, getting the little dose box I keep the Riba in, getting the Riba out.  Then when I finally get up and do that, I sit there and stare at the Riba forever before I can finally pscyh myself up enough to put it in my mouth and take it.

[sunspot]

Anything that works is great. I’m the opposite of you. I iced my area with an ice pack till I was numb. I started using this method shortly after using Procrit. It felt like a wasp sting using that stuff. I tried to be manly and shrug it off the first couple of times but s@rew that. Where’s my ice?

Alagirl, are you Tyson? I bought a used tractor from some old German guy in Vinemont that was a Tyson grower.

[nygirl7]

After 72 weeks of needles full of Peg and Procrit 2x a week etc. I didn't even notice them anymore.  Before I started I was FREAKING out knowing I couldn't do it...but after a few weeks, just a piece of cake.

[sunspot]

Did the Procrit sting for you or am I the odd one?

[alagirl]

Hi Sunspot.  I'm an independent contractor.  My actual company headquarters is in L.A.  (I said that to one of my doctors one time and he said, "Lower Alabama?" lol umm... no)

Anyway, I contract with small plants to run my products for different distributors and then they sell them to delis and restaurant chains.  

Being independent was really great too.  Until I started treating.  Being sick and on 100% commission is not quite as great...

[beamishboy]

being independent can still be a great thing...if yu gotta let it slide during trx (i did!! ) ..let it slide....take good care of yourself and give this your best shot..indulge,lollygag.hang out ,nap,nap,watch tv,play some tunes and ease on thru to the otherside...i pop pills with milk or even chocolate milk..smooths it down and the fat content improves riba absorption/effectiveness..GOODLUK

[JodyLynn]

My legs look so bad from all the shots....i just cant bring myself to do it anywhere else scared it will hurt to bad.     : (

[hondapatches]

When I first started treatment about 6 years ago, I had a hard time wtih the needle thang...lol
I thought I could just whip that needle right in where ever. Cause my daughter is an insulin dependent diabetic and has been since she was 5, I had to give her all her shots. But its a different story when its yourself. But this time when I started tx I just said to heck with it. I just put the needle in very quickly. I am used to it now. I have to go leg leg low stomach right low stomach left, hight stomach right and high stomach left. I just got tired of being scared I have other things I need to do besides stand in the bathroom for 45 mins. Trying to do my shot. So hang in there and just don't think about it. Well at least try not to.
Live, Love, Laugh
HondaPatches

[merryBe]

hold needle an inch above site, count to three, and boom. close your eyes even. once it's in the rest isn't bad...it's the anticipation.

if it helps, count steps and do them as quick as possible...like one, rip the alcolol swab, 2 swab skin, 3 pull off syringe  cover 4 shove needle on...like that and do all the steps in like under a minute...less time means less time fearing and obsessing....turn it into your own little beat my last time event.

riba-always a health nut, now I eat a chocolate coated icecream bar with riba...HA!!!!! whatever works. try also comfort food that is easier to digest...like oatmeal is easier than bacon and eggs....you can still take fat with it.....but it may be easier on the tummy.

marshmy: the longer you take, the more you are likely to move the needle around, and this is a lot of the stinging. Your body temp in 98, it's more important that you let the meds warm up.
sometimes I let them sit out for 15 mins, if in a hurry, I just put the whole device in the crook of my bent knee while I curl up in a chair. in no time it will be your body temp. this stops most stinging.

also be sure to wait at least 10 seconds after rubbing alcohol because if it hasn't evaporated it will add to sting.

[scratchinghead]

Wow. I'm not alone. Needles freak me out. I found at the dentist if I pinched my stomach really hard it actually hurt more than the needle and kept my attention off of it. Worked for the biopsy when they did the IV sedation needle. Didn't feel a think during the bopsy, not as scared of them anymore.

[chevyelcam79]

I am on shot 22/24 tomorrow and still have anxiety with my shots!!!  Got to BREATH BREATH BREATH!!!!!!  Just do as the above says.....  hold about an inch above site breath and BAM!  Only lasts a second.

I get my fiancee' who is hot blooded anyway to hold needle in his hand to heat up.  I like the knee idea curled up on the couch!  and yes, let alcohol dry, blow on it!

Yep, do it quick!

Shari