Copoxone Injection and Chronice Nerve Damage, RSD

[SurvivorLB2255]

Copaxone injection and chronic nerve damage
by SurvivorLB2255, 13 hours ago
Tags: nerve damage, eyes
I have RR M.S. for approximately. 20 years and started on Copaxone in 2003, giving myself injections using the Self-Injector. Six weeks ago, I injection into my upper left arm and unfortunately hit the ulnar nerve. Instant PAIN consumed me, beyond words! Since then, it has been an utter nightmare for me. My arm is in constant pain, stabbing, burning and limited range of motion.The symptoms have now  spread to the left side of my face, (neuralgia,) with electric like pain, visible spasms and a constant tic. I am miserable. I feel these symptoms are related and have created a syndrome. My neurologist has previously diagnosed Dystonia in my neck and  says it will take me a month or two to heal or may not. The Ophthalmologist he sent me to has found in my right eye a lesion, scarring on the retina, a cataract and in both eyes Macular Degeneration. My question is has this become a case of RSD Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy? Has this happened to anyone else? Thank you.

[immisceo]

Youch! That doesn't sound like any fun at all!

Welcome to the community! You're not being ignored, you just responded to a more 'vintage' (c. 2010) thread, and sometimes those don't catch a lot of people's eyes when it comes to responding.

We're a friendly bunch, so feel free to start a new thread and introduce yourself! (No pressure! Lord knows I 'lurked' on this forums for years before I got around to it) I certainly hope today's injection goes more smoothly for you!

-Imm

[Ash4535]

Hello...i am new to this group and haven't ever participated in one until now.  Tonight I injected Copaxone in my upper left arm and I had (and am still having) pain like never before.  I will never inject into my arms again.  I've been on Copaxone for 4+ years now, and I've had a lot of painful injections, but this one is horrible.  I cannot move my left arm, and the pain goes from my armpit to my fingertips.  I must have really gotten ahold of that nerve you all are talking about!  

[meg321]

Where in the heck is that nerve, i dont want to hit it ...

Obviously I am no help, I'm sorry you are going thru this....hope some can help you with it..

hugs, meg

[HVAC]

I had a similar experience with hitting the ulnar nerve. It lasted awhile. It has gone away. I had pain shooting into my fingers. I never shot copaxone in my arms again. So far I am okay.

[SurvivorLB2255]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. I am currently taking many perscriptions for various aliments. I take Neurontin (Gaby as I call it) 300mg 3X daily, adding a 4th pill on the days when I have overdone it. Hydrocodone ES 3X daily, I've tried switching to Advil every couple of days but it does not help.

[essdipity]

Welcome, Survivor. I'm glad you found us. 20 yrs. with MS is bad enough, without the new pain you're now experiencing.

I know nothing about RSD. I do know, though, that hitting a nerve when injecting a DMD can cause excruciating pain that can take a long while to resolve. Possibly only in retrospect can a condition like RSD can be diagnosed, if the pain has not diminished. I know you're worried because the pain has spread, and I would be also. What pain med has your doctor prescribed?

I'm sorry to be of no help, and am hoping others will chime in. Meanwhile, please stay with us. This is a good place to be.

ess

[tonyad]

   I am sorry that you are having to deal w/ all the pain that you are going through.
Unfortunately, I have no answers for you on this as I do  not have any knowledge with what you have experienced.

    I just wanted to pop in and let you know that you were being thought about and that I am sure that someone w/ much knowledge will chime in and give you their thought / experience / or opinion.

Take Care,
~Tonya