Subject: advice on starting different med

hi all not been on for a while had a realy bad flare up tis week saw my rhummy on thursday he did an ultra sound scan on my knee joints then drew the fluid off both knees and added steriods my hands and fingers were also full of fluid. been on most drugs going and still no results i am starting an anti tmf drug that i inject myself twice a week dnt no which drug it is just woundered if any one cld give me any info on these drugs ie side effects long term problems were i inject myself and how difficult was it on your first time injecting.

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Subject: Re: advice on starting different med

Hi Kylee

I inject etanercept twice a week. Don't like doing into my leg as it seems awkward and it's much easier just to lift up my top to inject into my squishy belly lol. It isn't painful (esp if you do it quickly) and rarely leaves a mark. I some times have a drop of blood if I scratch myself as I take the needle out but they're lovely and sharp so I don't feel the scratch. I very occassionally get a little bruise too but that's if I inject too slowly.

I was advised to inject 1 inch away from by belly button and just to move along each time 'cos if you keep injecting into the same spot the flesh can go all hard.

Was super difficult to self inject to begin with as it's so unnatural but is totally worth it and you do soon get used to it. I have little blips every now and then when I get all sweaty before I do it but I just go for it. Really missing the medication at the moment as I'm 5 months pregnant and can't take it during pregnancy. Roll on October so I can get back on it!... it really is THAT good.

Hope you get on ok.
Lou x

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Subject: Re: advice on starting different med

Hi Kylee

I inject both my methotrexate and anti tnf(humira). It is a bit difficult the first time but you soon get used to it and it doesnt hurt at all I think it is just the concept of injecting yourself - like the others say I just rotate the sites. If you really struggle with doing it yourself - you can always ask the hospital to teach a partner/family member and then they can do it for you. I also found I really struggle with the pen like injections that have a button on the top you press and preferred the standard needles and syringes but I explaikned this and my nurse changed me over to syringes like my methotrexate syringes come in - this was especially a problem when my hands were stiff as I felt more incontrol of the needle and syringe and didnt have to presss the stiff button. Hope that helps

Kirsty

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