Starting Copaxone, first time. Any tips?

[sonia1874]

I was diagnosed with MS last week. I received my order of Copaxone last night, and have someone coming to show me how to use it in in a couple days. I know the basics on it and understand how it can cause "dimples" if you don't rotate the injection site daily, along with a couple of possible side effects. HOWEVER, I have not heard much from the "source" (those who actually use it).

Any tips, side effects, or other information that I may not have heard about is greatly appreciated. To be honest, the one thing that is freaking me out is looking at the injection tube things. And why is the auto-inject thingy the size of a gas lighter you use on a charcoal grill? I really have to do this everyday the rest of my life? Am I really going to be able to do this? Wow.

[sonia1874]

Thanks for being so welcoming to me. I really appreciate it. Thanks gals! Having a rough day emotionally, so it's very comforting to find some nice people that understand.

Alex, you hit the nail right on the head. I broke down a bit last week, but kept strong and positive. I pretty much came to the understanding I probably had it so the news was not so shocking. But last night when they brought the stuff over for the shots? It made it real. And I kinda freaked out. But I will be tough, and can be...and really have no other choice but to be. So, carry on I will... :-)

[HVAC]

The thing that makes this scary is the shots make this disease real that is why it is hard to start. It is a new phase in accepting.

You will be fine.

Alex

[Lulu54]

I was on copaxone for three months.  Some of the obvious tips include making sure the syringe is at room temperature, use the ice pack and the heat pad as it feels good, let the alcohol dry before the injection to eliminate the sting.  

Pick a time of day that works for you and stick with it - a lot of people keep theirs in the bathroom and inject when they are getting out of the shower.  

If you search here, you will find a lots of conversations about copaxone and how to reduce the side effects.  You can do this - we're here to answer questions or hold your hand.  

welcome to the club!
L

[JaneK1975]

I've been on Copaxone for just over 6 months. My main advice would be to just believe in yourself. Giving the shots is scary at first, and a pain in the @ss afterwards. I've had welts, bruising, and lumps, but none of it ever deterred me from taking my next shot. Like Paula, after a couple months I switched to manual injections and have found that the reactions got better. There are many that find they have better luck with the autoject, though.

When I first started I was afraid the site reactions would keep me from being able to wear sleeveless tops or a bathing suit without feeling ashamed of my body, but that has not happened at all. The idea of potential "dimples" still scares me, but I rotate sites really well, so I figure I'm doing everything I can. I inspect my sites really well every day so that if a dimple ever starts to occur, I will spot it right away. I'd probably think about switching meds if I got a dimple (vain, but true).

I had my nurse come out to my house a total of three times over the first 4 months I was injecting to review my technique, look at my injections sites, and teach me how to do the manual technique. Shared Solutions was cool about sending her out multiple times and she was super sweet and helpful. I also had my boyfriend sit with us at her first visit and I was glad I did because he asked some really good questions (but that's a pretty individual choice because some boyfriends might feel weird or get in the way of the process). I'll be wishing you the best. You can totally do this.

- Jane

[figuerpa]

My biggest issue was site reactions, got huge welts on certain parts of my body when I did injections, also got some bruising. I switched to manual injection and injected slower and it helped me alot.

Don't be afraid to ask questions when your nurse comes for your first visit. The more questions the better, that way you have your questions answered. Shared Solutions is also great for support with any issues you may come across. They are more than willing to help with all your Copaxone needs.

I wish you the best of luck with your injections! :)