First injection of COPAXONE tonight

Well, here we go. Did my first injection tonight. My MS nurse cant make it till Wed., my Copax has been here for 2 days and I need to get started so I can get back to work. We discussed it over the phone and the nurse and I felt like because of my medical background I could handle it. I watched the how to videos on Shared Solutions site and decided to go for it.....

Happy to report all went well. About an hour later, I began to ball like a baby!! The reality of this whole thing hit me like a rock. 10 years of waiting for a dx, then in a 6 week period, a definate dx. I dont know, after I did the injection and was holding a cold pack on the site, I just really had a feeling of being overwhelmed.

Really was not expecting that reaction. You just never know..........

xoxo,
Beth

[Guitar_grrrl]

Congratulations- you're taking care of yourself!  I can totally identify with the bawling with the meds.  The first time I ordered Rebif, I reacted the same way - the reality of my disease was finally apparent.  This was about 2 months after diagnosis, and over 20 years after my symptoms began.

Hang in there, sweetie!

[tingletingle]

You are amazing Beth, well done!

I have to be completely honest and admit that I could not have done what you just did by myself. It is so emotional isn't it because sitting there with a needle in your hand is quite a defining moment. They only give needles to sick people, that was a harsh reality for me.  I balled my eyes out before and after the first injection.

Wow, I am really glad that your 10 year quest to find out what is wrong with you is finally over. Just sad that it had to come to this.

Well, that little needle is your ticket to protecting your future health and you can look forward to 30% less relapses when it kicks in from 3 to 6 months time.

You may notice that some spots are more sensitive than others but I am sure you will fly through the daily routine. For me the stomach is my most painful area for some reason but you probably won't even feel it.

Anyway, you should be really pleased with yourself. I'd give you a gold star if I could.

Blessings
Alex

[Lulu54]

Hey Beth, you are most definitely on that roller coaster we often write about here.  Just when you think the ride has leveled out, there's a sharp drop and you bottom out emotionally.  Then there will be another upward climb and feeling on top of everything.  

Unfortunately just like the real ride, the coaster will keep rolling into the station and taking off again for another round, you just won't be allowed to get off.  Just when you think you have emotionally got this figured out, it will probably blindside you again.

We've kicked this around a bit and I think the concensus seems to be it takes about a year or so to get comfortable living life with this new companion.

Remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself to do whatever you need emotionally while you figure out your new normal.
hugs,
Lulu

PS how great for you to start treatment on your own -

[kelly97]

Congratulations on taking your first Copaxone injection. I hope it will help reduce future relapses & disability for you.  Ten years is a very long time to wait for a diagnosis and treatment. At least now you're on the road to making a difference in your future health.

It will get easier as time goes on.
Hang in there.
-Kelly