This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I started copaxone on Thursday. The first shot brought on redness and hives. Friday's shot was extremely painful (well, not the shot itself, the pain starts 30 seconds after). The pain was on par with childbirth, natural childbirth actually, on Sunday (happy Mother's Day!). Each day brought more pain, which takes three hours to totally disappear.

I used the auto injector each time because I am having trouble with my hands and don't think I could do it manually. I tried both hot and cold afterwards, ibuprofen, the massage procedure on this site. I give up.

I want to be on something because I'm absolutely scared to death.

I have four young kids and I homeschool. I seriously do not have the time for "flu like symptoms" but I'm also kind of freaked out by taking something brand new (frankly, I'm not even sure if the oral stuff is an option for me).

I put a call in to the doc on Sunday and haven't yet heard back. Any advice?

It is the doctors job to scare you but drugs are not the answer. There is no magic drug. Your health is dependent on the vitamins and minerals you give your body. Dr. Bergman has a 30 day plan that will give you your health back. Get some fruits and vegetables and give your body the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Stop eating the process foods which have the chemicals in them which harm your body. Why not give it a try. You have nothing to lose and you may get healthy again.

Sorry to hear you are having some much problems getting started on Copaxone. My experience was it was hard at first but it quickly got better for me. I have been on Copaxone now for 8 years and I am doing very well. Hard to believe I have been doing a shot per day for 8 years now. I also do not eat dairy and I take vitamin d. Well good luck, I can only speak from my experiences but I believe it could get easier soon.

Hi Cholderby,
I've never used copaxone, however, it sounds like you might be experiencing what's known as an Immediate Post Injection Reaction (IPIR). You can find many threads about copaxone's IPIR by searching the site.


NHE

Thanks! I began dousing myself with diphenhydramine gel and that brought the pain from an 8 to a 3.

Firstly, being scared to death, is not going to help you with the illness due to the stress it will cause.
Relax.
Secondly, I don't think you are going to "get used to" Copaxone if you are having hives. My husband also had those, and after the 3rd time, he stopped using it. Didn't seem to be helping anyhow! He has the slowly progressive type...not RR, so really, there isn't anything for that.
The best thing you can do is observe a healthy diet or something like the Best Bet Diet or Swank diet. Next take Vit D, and check out the other recommendations for supplements on this site (Jimmylegs or Cheerleader).
If you can still exercise, try to keep your circulation going....
Maybe send your kids to school, so you don't have the extra stress and burden...I understand why you want to, but not all schools are bad.
Good luck.