Starting Enbrel injections next month and really worried :-(

purplestorm

Hi all

Twisty old me back again :-)

Rheumatoligist has decided to put me onto the injection once a week and basically im rather worried about having to self inject. He hasnt gone into too much detail with me and was wondering if anyone else was on it and how they coped when first starting it.

CRP and ESR levels have gone through the roof again with consultant happly telling me "there the highest levels Ive ever seen" thanks for that!

Been having intravenous steriod flushes got another course starting tomorrow to try and reduce the levels but nothings working :-(


Can anyone put my mnd at rest?



thank you xxx

traluvie

Hi Purplestorm..

Sorry i can't help but i am sure someone will be along soon to offer you some advice..
Thinking of you..(((((X)))))

Poppyg1rl

Hi Purplestorm,
It's only natural to be worried about starting a new treatment, especially so when it involves self injecting :eek: however, Purple I can assure you the Rheumy or Rheumy nurse will go through everything with you, there is also a welcome pack that comes with the injection and a sharps box to dispose of them safely. The injections themselves must be stored in a fridge (in the middle is best) and kept between 2 - 8 degrees.
I've been on enbrel since July, I've had no problems at all. I sstarted with the pen applicator and I think that's what you'll get too, in which case a nurse from the enbrel delivery company called health care at home will come out and show you how to do it, please ask your Rheumy or Rheumy nurse just to confirm that you will get that service, but I'm sure you will.
I inject either my tum or my thigh, I take my enbrel out of the fridge before I inject for about 30 mins to warm up slightly, it doesn't hurt because you're injecting into the subcutaneous fat layer, any problems or questions you can always pm me. I'm glad I'm on enbrel, and i really hope that its very helpful for you. Hugs x

dreamdaisy

I didn't have the pens, I had bottles that I had to mix then draw into a proper syringe. I did this twice a week and after the first one or two you won't really notice. I do my meth weekly (off in a mo, in fact!) and the humira fortnightly - that is in a pen and even after two years it's still a belt and a half (but then it's a big dose anyway). I always use my stomach as the target area (fewer nerves, you see) but if you do prefer your thigh then do it sitting down with your legs stretched out - a bed is ideal. This eases the tension in the leg muscles and makes them 'softer'. Good luck, I am sure you will be fine and, as others have said, you will be instructed, it isn't a case of 'Here it is and off you go.' Be conscientious about your blood tests please, that is very important. DD

salamander

I am moving over to Enbrel shortly and was told by the nurse the pen is much easier than the Cimzia injections I gave myself. They weren't pleasant as it was a very viscous liquid. It didn't hurt though!
I'll be interested to see how you get on with it.

lalla

Good luck -you will be a seasoned self Injector and it gives you some control in the fight against arther Take care Linda

BikerAngel

this info has helped me too as my doc just suggested that at my visit on 26th the rheumy might put me on this injections as the 20mg methotrexate tablets are not containing this latest flare up that has gone on for over month now. I was petrified of needles but after all the blood tests I have overcame my fear but still don't fancy injecting myself but if it comes to it I am sure I will cope and my diabetic friend showed me her epi pen and how she uses it so if she can do it so can I lol.
Good luck and hope the injections work well for you

frogmorton

Hi Purple.

I am so sorry things aren't under control for you :sad:

They will help you l promise they will teach you until you feel ok doing it yourself.

I am a total needle-phobe so l understand how you feel and if it helps will come and be in your pocket. :???:

Love

toni xx