MS Needle Fatigue: That Sudden, ‘I Am Not an Orange’ Feeling

Judy Lynn avatar

by Judy Lynn |

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needle fatigue

You've Got Some Nerves

ā€œI can come over and stab you, if Gramma canā€™t do it,ā€ read the Facebook post from my oldest son.Ā  ā€œAw ā€¦ thanks, kiddo,ā€ I replied.

Some things seem more interesting when taken out of context!Ā  Of course, most of you will realize that my son was offering to give me my weekly injection. Ā I had posted a lament that it was Sunday, ā€œshot dayā€ for me, and I just wasnā€™t feeling it. Needle fatigue.

When first diagnosed with MS, I researched medications and chose an every-other-day, subcutaneous, self-injection. A nurse came to the house and taught my husband and I how to inject oranges.Ā  Not so bad.Ā  Then we learned how to poke that little needle into me. Not so good. I am not an orange.

A serendipitous moment (worthy of its own post) allowed me to power through my initial fear. My husband and I took turns. I knew that if I went more than a few days without giving myself a shot, then I probably wouldnā€™t be able to do it again.Ā  I am fiercely independent and wanted to know that I could do this myself.

A year later I was divorced, and for five years I gave myself subcutaneous injections. It became less difficult with the introduction of the auto-injector ā€” I did not have to see the needle! Just hold the device against my leg and push the button.Ā  Well, to be truthfulĀ ā€” take a deep breath and exhale slowly ā€¦ andĀ ā€¦Ā almost push the button. Roll my shoulders back to release some tension, take another deep breath, exhale slowlyā€¦ and yes, push the button!

After several years of stable MS, my neurologist recommended a switch to the once-a-week intramuscular, to avoid injection site reactions that had become bothersome. Initially I went to my doctorā€™s office every Friday and a nurse gave me my shot. I simply could not fathom putting that much larger needle into myself. An auto-injector was not an option for the intramuscular injection. However, by the end of the first year, my independent streak pushed me to overcome this fear.

Eight years later I still ā€œstabā€ myself every Sunday. It was never easy, but about two years ago, it quite suddenly seemed impossible. It felt as though I had hit a wall, sometimes sitting in the bathroom for a half hour or longer trying to will myself to do it. My neurologist shared that this is common and it has a name: ā€œneedle fatigue.ā€ A web search turned upĀ many usefulĀ articles and posts.

In “Get Control of Needle Fatigue,”Ā Julie Stachowiak writes, ā€œā€¦ once I realized I was tired of it, I was suddenly really, really tired of it.ā€Ā  Thatā€™s it, exactly. We go along poking ourselves with sharp objects, not liking it, crying a little sometimes, taking deep breaths ā€¦ but we do it.Ā  And then suddenly, we donā€™t want to.Ā  Seriously do NOT want to. We are OVER IT!Ā  But MS is not over us ā€¦ and so here are a few more tips to try, in addition to the ones in the linked articles.

Fighting needle fatigue

Distraction:Ā Spend some time right before your injection, completely immersed in something good. While icing, you might read an entertaining magazine or a really good book (no depressing news or textbooks allowed).

Rewards:Ā If you are brave enough to power through your needle fatigue, then by all means you deserve a reward!Ā  Maybe itā€™s more time with that good book and a cup of tea. Ice cream and Peppermint Patties motivate me, especially late at night!

Pinch Hitter:Ā Needle fatigue is a real condition. Donā€™t be afraid to give yourself a break and ask for help. Can someone else do your injections?Ā  The MS nurse came back and taught my mother, sister, and my oldest son how to do my injections. I have never felt so loved ā€¦ so many people willing to stab me!

Journal:Ā Writing down your frustrations and fears may help.Ā  Journaling might complement the suggestion of the other writers to talk to someone, a friend or a professional.

Humor:Ā Laughter or even a quiet chuckle can relieve the tension and stress of needle fatigue. Sometimes, right before a shot, I murmur a line from “The Brave Little Toaster.” The talking appliances (just go with it) have fallen over a waterfall and Vacuum inflates his bag to float but Radio doesnā€™t recognize him, so he stabs him with his antennae and shouts, ā€œDamn thee, thou great whale from the depths of hell, I stabbeth thee!ā€Ā  I think itā€™s a mix of how funny I thought this was for a childrenā€™s movie, and the happy feeling that those memories give me.

Consider a Change:Ā Just a few years ago, this option would not have been here. When I was diagnosed the only disease-modifying treatment options were injectables. Today, there are infusionsĀ and oral medication choices. Do your research and talk to your healthcare provider about trying something different.

Feeling really, really tired of injections may also mean that you are really, really tired of having MS. And thatā€™s OK. Whatever you are feeling is normal and needle fatigue is real. I want to do everything possible to keep exacerbations and progression at bay, so for me, that means continuing my injectable disease-modifying therapy. I have a bag of chocolates in the freezer, three phone numbers on speed dial, and a Marianne Williamson book at the ready! We got this!

 

Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.

Comments

Mark Harrison avatar

Mark Harrison

This post made me smile...I started my DMD therapy with Avonex - Intramuscular. I developed a fear of self-injecting and used to 'try' to do it while watching Match Of The Day (UK Football). I waited until the free-kick was taken or the goalie kicked a dead-ball to make the stab in my leg. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. I used to have to wake the kids up to stab me. I now use Copaxone (sub-cutaneous) - smaller needles and no fear.
Mark

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Tim Bossie avatar

Tim Bossie

Hi Mark. Thank you for your comment. Fear of needles is a major obstacle for many people who take injections for treatment. Many find a way to cope (as in your case), but others miss injections or go without. Great to see what you have been able to cope with the smaller needles. Is the Copaxone working well for you?

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Judy Lynn avatar

Judy Lynn

Ha...my turn to laugh...waking the kids up to stab you! Great idea to distract yourself with the football. I'm glad Copaxone is easier for you!

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Mark Harrison avatar

Mark Harrison

To give you the full DMD story...In between Avonex and Copaxone (8 years on it now) I was put on a trial for Mitoxantrone - intravenous drip treatment. This had dramatic effects. I lost ALL my hair (everywhere) in a matter of days and looked dreadful. On the plus side I felt great!

Shameless plug. For the last 4 years I have been developing a cool trike for those with neurological balance issues. To motivate them to exercise and enjoy the physical and psychosocial health benefits of cycling with friends and family.
www.tripletread.com

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Tim Bossie avatar

Tim Bossie

That looks great Mark! Thank you for sharing that with all of us. :)

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Judy Lynn avatar

Judy Lynn

Very cool!

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Susan Addison avatar

Susan Addison

Great article, acknowledging a real phenomenon. I think by the time one experiences needle fatigue, one is also experiencing MS fatigue. I don't mean lassitude. I mean being tired of all the consequences of MS. I found a silver lining regarding needle fatigue. I have a loss of sensation in many places on my body, including my abdomen. I can poke around with my fingernail and find a spot with little feeling. The shots are virtually painless then, for which I am grateful. Like many MSers, I prefer to give my own shots. It gives you a sense of control, and I used to be very needle phobic. One thing that is never mentioned is pill fatigue. I have MS and multiple co-morbidities resulting in a pill regimen five times per day. Some times, I feel that I just can't do it. I stare at that cup of pills, and just hit a wall. We all do the best we can, and as long as our spirits are strong, we prevail.

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Judy Lynn avatar

Judy Lynn

Way to find that silver lining- I love it! Now that you mention it, I get some pill fatigue too. I take many meds and supplements for symptom management and the thought of adding anything else to the daily routine does not appeal to me.

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Gale avatar

Gale

I love this article because it is so very true. I have been giving myself a needle everyday for 20 years and I am sick and tired of it and the reactions after the injection. Thank you for writing this article

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Judy Lynn avatar

Judy Lynn

You're welcome Gale. I'm sorry that you are struggling with the needle fatigue, but let me take a minute to say- Wow! 20 years! You deserve some serious kudos for continuing to take care of yourself. That inspires me. Have you talked to your provider about other options or do you feel that this is working well to manage your MS?

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Adeline avatar

Adeline

Hi, this post made me cry a bit. Just because I knew exactly how Needle Fatigue felt. The day I had to inject myself was nerve racking. I use Avonex Pen and sometime the pen works fine, but then other day (most of the time) I had issues. I got nervous and I distracted myself with movies. But the longer I waited, the more frustrated I became. I never considered asking for my parents to help me, because I thought when I can't poke myself, how should other be able? My mum and dad were already worried, I didn't want to bother them with this kind of fear. So I kept trying. Every week on that day.. I had my long routine, I took my take, saying you've got time, be relaxed. Now after 7 years of Avonex I'm about to change therapy. It's such a relieve for me, since needle fatigue has sucked out lot's of emotion.

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