7 Tips for Self Injections

I've been taking Enbrel for about five months now. I wish we had known how wonderfully it would work for me so I could've switched earlier.

I think the biggest thing about Enbrel that most people don't like is that you have to get it through a shot. I know I didn't like this at first, as I read it burnt and stung terribly. However, five months in, I can't see life without it. I now present some of my wisdom.

1. When you are washing your hands before, make sure to run them under warm water for a minute. It's not only hygenic, but cold hands pinching some skin on your stomach or thigh is not comfortable at all.

2. If you use the pen and recieve a lot of pain from it, consider switching to the regular syringe. That way, you can control what force the needle goes in and how quickly the medicine is injected. Believe me, it's not that hard to learn to do correctly.

3. Remember, you don't have to rush. If you feel burning or stinging while injecting the medicine, doing it very slowly helps ease the pain. I do this because sometimes if I go too fast, I feel stinging.

4. You can stand or sit. Don't do what someone else is most comfortable with, do what you're most comfortable with. As long as it's done safely, does it matter?

5. Whilst squeezing out the big bubble is a good idea, don't worry about the little ones: It's just air, they won't cause any pain.

6. If you want, you can numb the injection sight before hand with some ice. I've also heard of numbing gels that you can buy in the store.

7. Don't be afraid. And don't be ashamed if you are nervous about needles. Honestly, it's scary to think of. But please, don't let your fear keep you from trying something that could really help you in the long run.