Aa
injection site problems
I was on Avonex for a year but could not tolerate the fluish side effects.
Now I have been on Betaseron for a year and I am having a terrible time with site reactions and fluish symptoms.
The flu symptoms are hit and miss. One time I will have a temp and feel yucky and the next time I have no problem
I was giving my Beta in my stomach but had that serious infection. Even before that I would be so sore I could not wear my jeans.
Now I am giving them in my back side but still have the same soreness problem AND when I give my injections any where on my body the other injection sites start to itch.
So now what? Should I let me doctor know? He said he will not see me if I do not take one of the DMD's.
The problem with that is I like this doctor, he is close to home, and the only one around here that sees MS patients.
Now sure what to do?
LA
Now I have been on Betaseron for a year and I am having a terrible time with site reactions and fluish symptoms.
The flu symptoms are hit and miss. One time I will have a temp and feel yucky and the next time I have no problem
I was giving my Beta in my stomach but had that serious infection. Even before that I would be so sore I could not wear my jeans.
Now I am giving them in my back side but still have the same soreness problem AND when I give my injections any where on my body the other injection sites start to itch.
So now what? Should I let me doctor know? He said he will not see me if I do not take one of the DMD's.
The problem with that is I like this doctor, he is close to home, and the only one around here that sees MS patients.
Now sure what to do?
LA
I don't have anything to add to this. shot site reactions are not something I know about. Sorry
Q
Q
Thank you. You have mentioned some things I have not tried. I have used Claritin but have not paid any attention to how I am feeling when I take it or not.
I used it during the blooming season. I should try it again on shot nights.
I do like tea but have not tried Chamomile tea, I will get some.
I did try ice last night and that helped.
I will keep working on this.
Thanks!!
LA
I used it during the blooming season. I should try it again on shot nights.
I do like tea but have not tried Chamomile tea, I will get some.
I did try ice last night and that helped.
I will keep working on this.
Thanks!!
LA
Unfortunately, too many birthday celebrations can cause our bodies to react differently to drugs. Have you ever used Claritin? It might help. If you like tea, drinking some Chamomile tea could help relax you for the night and I believe it also has anti-histamine properties.
If you have been running a fever related to your infection and/or the Betaseron injections, that increased body heat is probably contributing to the itch. Sometimes cool compresses are the simplest and most effective remedy.
I'm thinking you might also benefit if you are able to rotate your injection sites regularly. Sorry if I'm missing something obvious here. I'm just trying to rack my brain for a potential solution so you can get more benefit and less torture for your DMD efforts. I'd hate to see you lose this treatment option OR the support of your neuro.
Mary
If you have been running a fever related to your infection and/or the Betaseron injections, that increased body heat is probably contributing to the itch. Sometimes cool compresses are the simplest and most effective remedy.
I'm thinking you might also benefit if you are able to rotate your injection sites regularly. Sorry if I'm missing something obvious here. I'm just trying to rack my brain for a potential solution so you can get more benefit and less torture for your DMD efforts. I'd hate to see you lose this treatment option OR the support of your neuro.
Mary
I think my back side looks more like this VV. It is on its way down! ;)
Erin that is quite a routine! I have not called the doc yet. I decided to try a different injection area. I will see how things go over the next few days.
Mary, I would like to try the Benadryl but I am one who it seems to be a stimulant rather than a calming medication. I have the most bizzare and scary dreams when I take that stuff.
It used to work well for me but as I have gotten older it is not so good. My dad can not tolerate it either so many it is in the genes somewhere.
I drank a lot of decaf tea last night and made sure I had a full stomach and something sweet before I took the shot.
Oh yes and my 3 advil. I got up not feeling well this morning and have a temp but it did not knock my off my feet like the last one did.
But I also got to sleep in several hours this morning. So I am not sure which of the things helped.
I know site reactions are the number 1 issue with DMD's.
LA
Erin that is quite a routine! I have not called the doc yet. I decided to try a different injection area. I will see how things go over the next few days.
Mary, I would like to try the Benadryl but I am one who it seems to be a stimulant rather than a calming medication. I have the most bizzare and scary dreams when I take that stuff.
It used to work well for me but as I have gotten older it is not so good. My dad can not tolerate it either so many it is in the genes somewhere.
I drank a lot of decaf tea last night and made sure I had a full stomach and something sweet before I took the shot.
Oh yes and my 3 advil. I got up not feeling well this morning and have a temp but it did not knock my off my feet like the last one did.
But I also got to sleep in several hours this morning. So I am not sure which of the things helped.
I know site reactions are the number 1 issue with DMD's.
LA
LA,
I feel for you! I keep saying that this is my last Avonex injection - I quit.It has been 15 months now and wow that IM needle hurts and the flu symptoms still catch me.
Now what a bummer for you to have switched and still have issues. Not fair!
I do love Shells drawing and I was going to say that I used to inject myself with smaller needles and the HIP not Butt was the best place for me.
Now everything but the kitchen sink I guess - for me it's take 2 tylenol & 2 Aleve while applying ice 5 minutes then SPRAY antihistamine on the site before sticking with the needle and use heating pad after while I lay in bed and tell everyone I have to rest because I just did my shot. I hold the heating pad on to the injection area for 15-20 minutes until the thing shuts itself off and usually that works.
I do hope that you find a routine. I would try a couple things out and then call the doctor if nothing is helping.
Keep us posted
Hugs,
Erin :)
I feel for you! I keep saying that this is my last Avonex injection - I quit.It has been 15 months now and wow that IM needle hurts and the flu symptoms still catch me.
Now what a bummer for you to have switched and still have issues. Not fair!
I do love Shells drawing and I was going to say that I used to inject myself with smaller needles and the HIP not Butt was the best place for me.
Now everything but the kitchen sink I guess - for me it's take 2 tylenol & 2 Aleve while applying ice 5 minutes then SPRAY antihistamine on the site before sticking with the needle and use heating pad after while I lay in bed and tell everyone I have to rest because I just did my shot. I hold the heating pad on to the injection area for 15-20 minutes until the thing shuts itself off and usually that works.
I do hope that you find a routine. I would try a couple things out and then call the doctor if nothing is helping.
Keep us posted
Hugs,
Erin :)
The Shared Solutions nurse who instructed me said the best place for sub-cutaneous hip injections was roughly in the area where your hand would be when you stick it in your back jeans pocket. That works well for me. Just remember, it is a HIP injection site, not buttocks.
I'm wondering if you aren't reacting more to the perservative than to the medicine itself. Have you tried taking an antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydromine). That might help with the itch and to sleep through the fluish symptoms.
I'd definitely let the doc know about how much trouble you are having tolerating these drugs. I know it's a hard trade off sometimes to suffer regularly when there is so often no clear evidence that a DMD is at work.
On the other hand, considering your jean problem when you were injecting your stomach, maybe you are on your way to developing the nice little Brazilian bum everyone is so crazy about these days!
Mary
I'm wondering if you aren't reacting more to the perservative than to the medicine itself. Have you tried taking an antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydromine). That might help with the itch and to sleep through the fluish symptoms.
I'd definitely let the doc know about how much trouble you are having tolerating these drugs. I know it's a hard trade off sometimes to suffer regularly when there is so often no clear evidence that a DMD is at work.
On the other hand, considering your jean problem when you were injecting your stomach, maybe you are on your way to developing the nice little Brazilian bum everyone is so crazy about these days!
Mary
LOL I love your drawing :) The nurse told me if you put your hand along the seam of your pants..(thumb on seam...pointer on seam...... hand towards back ).this is the area you should inject. Is that the area you were talking about too?? I seem to do alright with my injection sites in that area....Ice right after really seems to help me with the stinging and welts too! Linda
Ok now don't laugh at this, haha (but I am, so go ahead - I wish we could draw on here)
If the U's below are the bottom of your fanny cheeks, the injection site is around the area of the x (or just below this x):
x
UU
If the U's below are the bottom of your fanny cheeks, the injection site is around the area of the x (or just below this x):
x
UU
Ok - backside, not good. No wonder you are hurting ma' Dear!
Was my descript of the area above an ok visual? I can try to explain better if not. The pictures provided by the manufactures are just off a bit.
Let me know, please. I don't want you hurting, and totally see why you are now :( Definitely need to make these adjustments.
Also, are you grabbing about an inch or two of skin, inserting needle all the way in, then letting it go and then slowly plunging the med in?
-shell
Was my descript of the area above an ok visual? I can try to explain better if not. The pictures provided by the manufactures are just off a bit.
Let me know, please. I don't want you hurting, and totally see why you are now :( Definitely need to make these adjustments.
Also, are you grabbing about an inch or two of skin, inserting needle all the way in, then letting it go and then slowly plunging the med in?
-shell
Hi Shell,
I have tried the auto injector but that does leave an actual bruise. When I say back side I do mean the back side I sit on! :-)
Since I have stopped using my stomach I can get my jeans back on! That makes me happy.
It would not be so bad if it were not an every other day event. However I am not willing to go back to the IM. That was just too painful. At least the Beta injections are not painful, it is just the after effects that are getting me.
LA
I have tried the auto injector but that does leave an actual bruise. When I say back side I do mean the back side I sit on! :-)
Since I have stopped using my stomach I can get my jeans back on! That makes me happy.
It would not be so bad if it were not an every other day event. However I am not willing to go back to the IM. That was just too painful. At least the Beta injections are not painful, it is just the after effects that are getting me.
LA
Are you using an auto injector?
Straight up is less abrasive for me and then the sting of the med then wears off. I once thought the sting was fromt the alcohol, but a neuro told me that the med is acidic and that's why it stings sometimes. But, this sting should wear off.
When you say backside, (sorry to ask for specifics), exactly where are you doing it? W/these injections it really does matter....
I'll try to explain where I inject on my backside but it's moreso it's those lovehandles.
If you place the palm of your hand directly on your right butt cheek, then slide it up slightly and then over to the right. Thatt's the spot! Those who are super thin, or average still have meat there, and I've found it to be a very good spot. Apply this to the other side as well.
I do not use an autoinjector and have my hubby do those spots. When I have injected there myself I'm usually off to an angle and it's a bit more painful.
ttys,
shell
Straight up is less abrasive for me and then the sting of the med then wears off. I once thought the sting was fromt the alcohol, but a neuro told me that the med is acidic and that's why it stings sometimes. But, this sting should wear off.
When you say backside, (sorry to ask for specifics), exactly where are you doing it? W/these injections it really does matter....
I'll try to explain where I inject on my backside but it's moreso it's those lovehandles.
If you place the palm of your hand directly on your right butt cheek, then slide it up slightly and then over to the right. Thatt's the spot! Those who are super thin, or average still have meat there, and I've found it to be a very good spot. Apply this to the other side as well.
I do not use an autoinjector and have my hubby do those spots. When I have injected there myself I'm usually off to an angle and it's a bit more painful.
ttys,
shell
Thank you Lulu. I have heard about the oral meds too. I am curious about them but think I will wait until I hear what kinds of side effects they may cause. Not sure how much more medications my poor tummy can tolerate.
It would be wonderful if the pills work without any major side effects!
LA
It would be wonderful if the pills work without any major side effects!
LA
Hi Trucking and Linda,
I haven't tried icing with Betaseron but did with Avonex. What I am getting is not so much bruising but more like a bee sting.
Worse yet I was just treated with a month of antibiotics for an injection site the doctor said was probably MRSA.
I do rub the area after I have given the injection. A beta nurse has been out to make sure I am injecting the proper way.
I know many people deal with injection site reactions and it is a difficult issue to resolve. :(
LA
I haven't tried icing with Betaseron but did with Avonex. What I am getting is not so much bruising but more like a bee sting.
Worse yet I was just treated with a month of antibiotics for an injection site the doctor said was probably MRSA.
I do rub the area after I have given the injection. A beta nurse has been out to make sure I am injecting the proper way.
I know many people deal with injection site reactions and it is a difficult issue to resolve. :(
LA
HI,
I have been on copaxone for 90 days and I also have site problems. I am starting to bruise. I use a different spot everyday and am rotating them every day. arms, hips,thighs,stomach. I have found if i take a shower before i give my shot and i do not use ice afterwards the itching does not happen. It still stings for a bit.
Good luck if you find a good solution for bruising please let me know.
Trucking
I have been on copaxone for 90 days and I also have site problems. I am starting to bruise. I use a different spot everyday and am rotating them every day. arms, hips,thighs,stomach. I have found if i take a shower before i give my shot and i do not use ice afterwards the itching does not happen. It still stings for a bit.
Good luck if you find a good solution for bruising please let me know.
Trucking
Hi.. I am on copaxone for about a month now and I have been getting site reactions...some days better than others .. I have found that heat before the injection and ice right after seems to really help.
Im not sure if Betaseron site reactions are the same...but did you try ice and heat??? it does seem to help...also after a a day or so at the injection site sometimes I get a lump that has a bug bite itch.....the nurse told me 24 hours after injection rub the lump to break it up ...and it works...... the lump and the itch go away.....
I hope you find a system that works for you....I would ask your doctor.....
what about calling the nurse from where you get your Betaseron...Im sure she will try to help reduce the site reactions.
I hope you feel better soon... Linda
Im not sure if Betaseron site reactions are the same...but did you try ice and heat??? it does seem to help...also after a a day or so at the injection site sometimes I get a lump that has a bug bite itch.....the nurse told me 24 hours after injection rub the lump to break it up ...and it works...... the lump and the itch go away.....
I hope you find a system that works for you....I would ask your doctor.....
what about calling the nurse from where you get your Betaseron...Im sure she will try to help reduce the site reactions.
I hope you feel better soon... Linda
LA - you definitely need to go see this doctor and discuss the problems you are havin with these injections.
I've heard of neuros around here also taking the stance if the patient doesn't want to take the DMD, there is not much more they can do, and discharge the patient. I'm not sure if I agree with that approach but I guess they feel their time can be better spent.
The orals should be hitting the market in the near future - maybe you would do better on those?
feel better, lulu
I've heard of neuros around here also taking the stance if the patient doesn't want to take the DMD, there is not much more they can do, and discharge the patient. I'm not sure if I agree with that approach but I guess they feel their time can be better spent.
The orals should be hitting the market in the near future - maybe you would do better on those?
feel better, lulu
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