FIRST SHOT DONE! Sept.1, 2011

[beeblessed]

My training class today started around 4:30 p.m. (very, very helpful) and I gave myself my first shot around 8:00 p.m.  For a person who is not fond of needles and has never ever done injections, I was SCARED OUT OF MY LITTLE MIND!  But I gotta tell you, honestly, it went sooooo much better than I expected.  Tiny needle that I barely felt.  Could have been because of nerves because I was concentrating on doing everything properly.

Step 1.  Alcohol swab the area, not like the do in the movies, but in a circular motion, avoiding covering the same spot twice.
Step 2. Take cap off the syringe
Step 3.  Place needle on the syringe and twist just a small, quick twist
Step 4.  Hold syringe straight UP, push out the medicine to the amount indicated by the doc
Step 5.  Insert needle into injection site, all the way to the end of the needle
Step 6.  Pull plunger back SLIGHTLY to check for any blood, if none continue, if not, withdraw needle and inject in another spot on the still sterilized site
Step 7.  Push plunger to distribute Interferon
Step 8.  Place alcohol swab on injection and withdraw the needle
Step 9.  On a hard surface, click needle into safety cap thingy and throw into the hazardous waste receptacle.

Oy.  I am sure it will get quicker with practice.  All of that only took about 3 minutes, prep to disposal.

QUESTION.......For anybody else on Victrelis, what did you notice when you started, after the 4 week lead in of RIBA and INT???

[crossroadsec]

Congrats on joining the Friday night dart club. I tool 1/2 at dr order. I had that extra insulin syringe from when I bent a needle - so I pulled 1/2 pit thru the gray rubber stopper n kept it. Just in case my insurance co doesn't come thru next week. Oh the things we learn to do! I didn't feel bad at all. Little itchy first week. Hope you'll do great this weekend. Xo karen

[beeblessed]

Hi again.  Just ran this by my NP.  She said.......if when you pull the plunger back slightly and see a DROP of blood, you should be okay to pull out the needle and try again in the sterilized area........because it's your own blood and because it will most likely reabsorb.  

Secondly, if when you pull back on the syringe and see MORE than a drop up blood (i.e., the tube filling with blood), definitely DO NOT complete the injection, and DO NOT use that needle/syringe again.  Toss it.  The best thing you can do is consult your doctor/nurse on this issue AND, if you ever feel uncomfortable if you see blood.....toss it.  Please ask you doctor/nurse so you will be comfortable with your decisions during injections.  This is a very good point and I appreciate you spotting that.  I am glad I asked for clarity on this, because it is all new to me too.  I also just realized that the video I sent you IS the one you saw :)

[marty59]

I can't amagine throwing away something that expensive. I mean it's not like it's someone else's blood.
I want to do it your way.

[beeblessed]

Hi Marty.  Thank you.  I wondered about that too.  But........anyone else weighing in on this would be helpful.  I must say also, I did not receive my meds from the pharmacy yet, so I have not seen the video either.  I just have the insert that my nurse gave me (along with the training last night), and haven't read it yet.  Here is a video someone else posted previously, on giving yourself a shot.  My training was slightly different and now makes me wonder if I misheard her on this point.  I will ask my BFF/NP and she what she says:

http://www.pegassist.com/pegassist/pegasys-therapy/getting-started-pegasys-therapy.htm

Thanks can-do-man.  Good point.  I will have to figure out what to do about that.  And thanks Belle!

[belle19]

congrats.  you're on your way to fighting off the dragon.  i hope you have mild sx.  good luck and keep me posted.  belle

[marty59]

I have a question about step 6.
On the pegasys web site there is a instructional video. On it the lady says to throw away the shot if when you hit a blood vein when stick the needle in.

What's the proper way?
Save it and find a different spot or toss it?

[can-do-man]

The only problem i see with that is your 8am dose of vic will be 10 hours after your 10pm, for what its worth i took my vic and riba at the same time in the morning. My doctor had no problem with that.

[beeblessed]

Thanks everyone!  My BFF has my papers with my starting numbers, but I think my HGB was only 11, so I'm not real happy about that but pray it will be okay.  Thanks for the tips on the VIC. My nurse agrees with Sandy on the Biotene, so I have to get some.  Was gonna buy Immodium until I read on the label to check with doc if you have liver disease.  Well the nurse said it was okay, so I'm gonna get some.  BUT, my BFF (an NP) said not to use Immodium or even Pepto right away, because if I ate something that made me sick, those would keep the food poison inside of me.  She said to wait 'til after 2 trips to the bathroom, to take it if needed.  Hope that helps others too.  Best to everyone and thank you :)

Oh and....since I will be working, my BFF looked at my schedule and determined that once the VIC is added, the best schedule for me would be: 8 am / 3 pm / 10 pm.  This helps me get accustomed to when to take the RIBA (6:00 am / 6:30 p.m.), so that it will not interfere with the VIC.  Plus, RIBA should be taken before 8 pm to avoid insomnia.

[SunShineGirlie]

good luck with your treatment - I am into week 4 of Incevik, have had real bad sides from the first shot - My recent labs show I am anemic but the Doc said she does not want to add any other drugs at this point. I disagree but I don't get to call the rules.  My hemoglobin is at 10, my quality of life is bad too tired to even shower myself.  I go for my 4 week PCR on Tuesday so I pray that this is all worth it.  I did 48 weeks of peg with riba and relapsed a couple years ago.  I hope you don't suffer the anemia it is awful

Sunny

[sandysf]

Thinking of you!  I agree with can do,  the addition of Vic only added dry mouth, bad taste.  I am one month in with VIc and my HGB is still at 10.2.  But I have experienced fatigue from the beginning of SOC.   The dry mouth was minimized considerably with Biotene (any drug store).  Good luck!

[Vannh9]

So you start the journey!! Thanks for the injection instructions, I am not sure I have seen those before. I hope your sx are minimal and that your first few days you have the endurance you/we will all need. Thinking about you today!!!

Vann