What am I doing wrong?! - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Lisa_P · 06-23-2008, 10:33 AM

Ok, I've been on Rebif for about 6 weeks. Every time I rotate back to injecting my thighs, I draw blood-- sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Every other spot is ok (except red spots), but on Friday, it actually hurt so bad I couldn't leave the needle in for 10 seconds, like you're supposed to.

I use the autoject thingie so all I can think is that I'm not getting it straight, that I'm angled or something... And I have to use the autoinjector because when I don't I end up stabbing someplace unintended...

Nenu · 06-23-2008, 10:42 AM

Hey Lisa

I don't use Rebif myself, Copaxone here, but my thighs are always a tough area to inject. When I have seen blood, which is rare, it's been in the thigh area. As to why, I'm not sure myself.

There's a few that also take Rebif on these boards who I'm sure can give you a better idea of why blood is showing up, or perhaps try contacting your nurses at the organization that helps those on Rebif (don't know the name off hand).

MSNik · 06-23-2008, 01:29 PM

Hey chicky...actually Rebif's autoinjecter did the same thing to me...what setting do you have it on? I use it on number 2 for my legs and stomache, and number 3 (the deepest) for the arms and rear area...
If you have this much problem and are drawing blood, you are injecting too deep..it wont really hurt you (medically speaking) but it WILL HURT! I know this to be true, because in the beginning, it hurt me, too.

Most of the time in my thights and stomache, I dont use the autoinjector. I simply use the syringe, I can handle it better and guage the depth I am pushing better..have you tried to do it without the autoinjector? ITs not really hard at all, once you learn how to do it..

I had to call the Rebif nurse back at about the time that you are at (about 6 weeks in) because I couldnt handle the pain I was causing myself (injecting too deep) - I highly recommend calling MSLifelines and asking someone to come out again and show you how to do it without the injector- or ask the nurse at your doctors office, they will usually be happy to show you, too.

hope this helps...your not doing anything wrong, youre just really sensitive in that area and probably pushing too deep...but it will be okay...6 weeks isnt that long to be learning this- Im proud of you for sticking with it and giving it a go! How are you feeling otherwise?
Nikki

Nenu · 06-23-2008, 02:25 PM

MSlifelines... that's it!

Each DMD (disease modifying drug) has an organization of nurses or trained folk that can help with the injections and answer your questions. Hard to keep all the names of each organization straight!