This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

This is my first visit to this forum, and my first try at reaching out to others with MS. I was just diagnosed on June 22nd, and did my first Rebif injection yesterday. I'm awake at this hour because of pain (but that's normal for me). Just can't tell if this is extra aching because of the injection, as I am having some flu-like symptoms it seems. Just thought I'd introduce myself and say "HI" from western Pennsylvania.

Welcome to the community Sandy! Lots of us are insomniacs here...

So how was your first injection. Had mine on Monday, the 12th so I'm only 2 shots ahead of you in the grand plan.
First one was in the back of my arm - I don't think I like that location! Next 2 were both in the caboose - worked much better - more padding, although I think my wife may have enjoyed giving them to me a little too much. So far no evidence of nay side effects but then at a 20% dose for the first 2 weeks i didn't really expect any. Hope it goes well for you.

Hello and Welcome! I have such mixed feelings when it comes to this. It saddens me to welcome new people to the dx of MS but, makes me happy at the same time b/c it's important that you both know you are not alone in this.

Sandy....the extra aching is likely from the injection unfortunately. Like we do not already have enough of that huh? Try taking an Alleve an hour prior to the inject and it should help with the nasty flu feelings you have.
All those types of things cause insomnia in me so at first I didn't use them but, finally figured I have insomnia anyway so why not try to get some relief from the cruddy feelings after the injection. So now I sit up even MORE wide awake and do not feel as crappy. LOL

Oreo....you are NOT alone in not particulary liking the back of the arm injection!!!! OUCH! I used the arms at first but, after having lost weight I haven't been able to b/c it just hurst to damn much. My bum has become the spot of choice.

Both of you remember to bring the med to room tempt prior to injection okay....I take mine out first thing in the morning, unscrew the plunger at this time as well b/c it will not unscrew as easily once it is warmed up. Will unscrew really easy while it is cold. I just set it to the side and do not inject until later on that evening.

You will have the red blotch appear and it may even itch and bruise a day or so after so this is a normal reaction but, if it gets really nasty looking call your doc.

If either of you just need to talk you are welcome to pm me any time. I check in here regularly.

Be well and welcome.

Hi SandyInPa, This is Bobble43 from Pa.Sounds like the first injection went okay (I won't say fine, since we all know it isn't the fun thing to do!) I am one of those that manually inject. For me, it doesn't sting as much, in fact not at all, if I push that plunger in slowly. It didn't really bother me until I went to the full 44mcg. dose. Some folks are not bothered too much with injection discomfort----it just takes some trial and error to know what is right for you. Some use cold pre and post injections, others find that heat works better. I still premedicate with 1 tylenol+1 advil (started Rebif in March) . Early on, I used 2 Tylenol and 3 Advil. My neuro. recommended that dosing at least the first 4-6 weeks. I've been fortunate so far, to have minimal side effects. If I can adapt to this injection routine at almost 61 years of age, then I have great confidence that you'll do the same. P.S. Almost forgot, hydration is very important, especially if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Best Wishes, Bobble43